Niels Kemp - Pentax 16-50mm f2.8 First Impressions

zapp · 07-17-2021, 11:49 PM

It’s announced and official. Now there need to be a deal including K3iii.
1500€ incl tax, or $1400.

**robbiec** · 07-18-2021, 02:07 AM

Pentax don't make it easy. This is THE lens if you have a K-3iii. In fact I wouldn't be the slightest bit surprised if the K-3iii & DA* 16-50 PLM outperform the K-1 & DFA24-70 SDM in some scenarios. I promised to be good this year LBA wise... I can start again in September

**manishved** · 07-18-2021, 06:02 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by i_trax

OMG - lets get a proper translation please....

**TwoUptons** · 07-18-2021, 08:49 AM

Originally posted by ehrwien

I'm seeing prices under 700€ (MSRP: $749) for the old one at release, and 1499€ now for the new one. That's quite a bit more than just corrected for inflation. 942 vs 1499.

But it's a completely new design and I hope to see some improvements in image quality (some of which are visible in Niels' video already) along with the fast PLM focussing.

I don’t recall a launch price for the original one anywhere near $749. Though there was a big price hike across the Pentax lens lineup that corresponded with the Hoya takeover, IIRC.

When I bought mine in 2011, I got it partially because the $740 I paid for it was a great deal compared to the then-common prices.

But there’s a long history of a high initial price that stays high as a MSRP but drops significantly over time.

In recent years the drops haven’t been as rapid or as substantial… the 70-210 f4 comes to mind…

-Eric

Mistral75 · 07-18-2021, 09:41 AM

Originally posted by TwoUptons

I don’t recall a launch price for the original one anywhere near $749. Though there was a big price hike across the Pentax lens lineup that corresponded with the Hoya takeover, IIRC.

(...)

The launch price for the original was €849. MSRP went down to €799 after a few months, before rising and rising (currently: €1,099). In June 2007 I was able to buy it for €699 from a Parisian store.

MMVIII · 07-18-2021, 12:19 PM

Originally posted by Mistral75

The launch price for the original was €849. MSRP went down to €799 after a few months, before rising and rising (currently: €1,099). In June 2007 I was able to buy it for €699 from a Parisian store.

Right, this shows the historical development well. We should not forget that the old lens was released in a time of constant growth of the market and for sure with much higher expected units to sell.

If you take 849,-€ and add 30% for inflation and 30% for lower predicted sales numbers you are getting the price they call for it at release.

I think more important than the release price is the fact that it actually is available. Having a great, sharp, well built and fast standard zoom is essential. Eventually I can wait for deals if I don't need it immediately, but it can be distributed to testers to show what aK-3III is actually capable of.

capcronin · 07-18-2021, 12:25 PM

Looking forward to checking out this new lens.

**i_trax** · 07-22-2021, 04:39 PM

you can preorder it now at B&H

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1653084-REG/pentax_hd_da_16_50mm_f2_8...981&

nothing in Australia ......

Paul the Sunman · 07-22-2021, 05:02 PM

Just to place it in context as far as size and weight are concerned, it is 11mm longer than the DA* 50 (117 to 106), 4mm wider (84 to 80), but 198 g lighter (712 to 910). This helps me at least get a sense of how it would feel on the camera.

**RobA_Oz** · 07-22-2021, 05:21 PM

My SDM 16-50 has pretty much been on my K-3iii for most of the time I’ve had it. Given the size, mass and price of the PLM version, it’s not likely to be ousted in the foreseeable future. I can live with the original’s deficiencies*, but I wish the best to those who don’t want to.

* – I’ve changed the AF drive to in-body, and I rarely shoot wide open, which the K-3iii allows very nicely.

**i_trax** · 07-22-2021, 10:29 PM

Amazon ~ AU$ 2261
B&H ~ AU$ 2150

nothing yet from AU suppliers

idontstairs · 07-23-2021, 12:04 AM

Will there be a silver edition?

**GlassJunkie** · 07-23-2021, 09:25 AM

Originally posted by Kunzite

Nice. Single... whatever's that called? tube?
The SDM had two extending "tubes"; this design looks more rigid (and indeed, they're talking in the Development Story about increasing rigidity...)

This is the most critical improvement next to PLM. I used up 3 of these on global shoots, all for motor failure. If the 16-50 PLM is as good as the 11-18, there will not be competitive lenses near them...

robjmitchell · 07-23-2021, 05:42 PM

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

Just to place it in context as far as size and weight are concerned, it is 11mm longer than the DA* 50 (117 to 106), 4mm wider (84 to 80), but 198 g lighter (712 to 910). This helps me at least get a sense of how it would feel on the camera.

It's about 20g heavier than the 50-135/2.8 so getting up there.
However it solves all four of the original 16-50s problems
No sudden death motor
Good Corners
Good CA control
No terrible lens flare.
Theoretically I could now sell my 21ltd and 16-50/2.8, and get this lens purchase past the wife, except I also want a K3III!

Zygonyx · 07-24-2021, 12:44 AM

Originally posted by idontstairs

Will there be a silver edition?

Nope, i suppose it would have been from the start given the K-3III silver has been for sale from the start as well ...

07-22-2021, 10:29 PM	#56
i_trax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,621	Orders from Australia Amazon ~ AU$ 2261 B&H ~ AU$ 2150 nothing yet from AU suppliers

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07-17-2021, 11:49 PM	#46
zapp Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,388	It’s announced and official. Now there need to be a deal including K3iii. 1500€ incl tax, or $1400.

07-18-2021, 02:07 AM	#47
robbiec Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cork Photos: Albums Posts: 1,882	Pentax don't make it easy. This is THE lens if you have a K-3iii. In fact I wouldn't be the slightest bit surprised if the K-3iii & DA* 16-50 PLM outperform the K-1 & DFA24-70 SDM in some scenarios. I promised to be good this year LBA wise... I can start again in September

07-18-2021, 06:02 AM - 1 Like	#48
manishved Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: N. Calif Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,652	Originally posted by i_trax OMG - lets get a proper translation please....

07-18-2021, 08:49 AM	#49
TwoUptons Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,224	Originally posted by ehrwien I'm seeing prices under 700€ (MSRP: $749) for the old one at release, and 1499€ now for the new one. That's quite a bit more than just corrected for inflation. 942 vs 1499. But it's a completely new design and I hope to see some improvements in image quality (some of which are visible in Niels' video already) along with the fast PLM focussing. I don’t recall a launch price for the original one anywhere near $749. Though there was a big price hike across the Pentax lens lineup that corresponded with the Hoya takeover, IIRC. When I bought mine in 2011, I got it partially because the $740 I paid for it was a great deal compared to the then-common prices. But there’s a long history of a high initial price that stays high as a MSRP but drops significantly over time. In recent years the drops haven’t been as rapid or as substantial… the 70-210 f4 comes to mind… -Eric

07-18-2021, 09:41 AM	#50
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 7,527	Originally posted by TwoUptons I don’t recall a launch price for the original one anywhere near $749. Though there was a big price hike across the Pentax lens lineup that corresponded with the Hoya takeover, IIRC. (...) The launch price for the original was €849. MSRP went down to €799 after a few months, before rising and rising (currently: €1,099). In June 2007 I was able to buy it for €699 from a Parisian store.

07-18-2021, 12:19 PM	#51
MMVIII Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: EU Posts: 1,121	Originally posted by Mistral75 The launch price for the original was €849. MSRP went down to €799 after a few months, before rising and rising (currently: €1,099). In June 2007 I was able to buy it for €699 from a Parisian store. Right, this shows the historical development well. We should not forget that the old lens was released in a time of constant growth of the market and for sure with much higher expected units to sell. If you take 849,-€ and add 30% for inflation and 30% for lower predicted sales numbers you are getting the price they call for it at release. I think more important than the release price is the fact that it actually is available. Having a great, sharp, well built and fast standard zoom is essential. Eventually I can wait for deals if I don't need it immediately, but it can be distributed to testers to show what aK-3III is actually capable of.

07-18-2021, 12:25 PM	#52
capcronin New Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Edmonton Photos: Gallery Posts: 20	Looking forward to checking out this new lens.

07-22-2021, 04:39 PM	#53
i_trax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,621	you can preorder it now at B&H https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1653084-REG/pentax_hd_da_16_50mm_f2_8...981& nothing in Australia ......

07-22-2021, 05:02 PM	#54
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,846	Just to place it in context as far as size and weight are concerned, it is 11mm longer than the DA* 50 (117 to 106), 4mm wider (84 to 80), but 198 g lighter (712 to 910). This helps me at least get a sense of how it would feel on the camera.

07-22-2021, 05:21 PM	#55
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,209	My SDM 16-50 has pretty much been on my K-3iii for most of the time I’ve had it. Given the size, mass and price of the PLM version, it’s not likely to be ousted in the foreseeable future. I can live with the original’s deficiencies, but I wish the best to those who don’t want to. – I’ve changed the AF drive to in-body, and I rarely shoot wide open, which the K-3iii allows very nicely.

07-23-2021, 12:04 AM	#57
idontstairs Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Jeffersontown Kentucky Posts: 143	Will there be a silver edition?

07-23-2021, 09:25 AM	#58
GlassJunkie Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: St Petersburg Photos: Albums Posts: 402	Originally posted by Kunzite Nice. Single... whatever's that called? tube? The SDM had two extending "tubes"; this design looks more rigid (and indeed, they're talking in the Development Story about increasing rigidity...) This is the most critical improvement next to PLM. I used up 3 of these on global shoots, all for motor failure. If the 16-50 PLM is as good as the 11-18, there will not be competitive lenses near them...

07-23-2021, 05:42 PM	#59
robjmitchell Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne Aus Posts: 1,776	Originally posted by Paul the Sunman Just to place it in context as far as size and weight are concerned, it is 11mm longer than the DA* 50 (117 to 106), 4mm wider (84 to 80), but 198 g lighter (712 to 910). This helps me at least get a sense of how it would feel on the camera. It's about 20g heavier than the 50-135/2.8 so getting up there. However it solves all four of the original 16-50s problems No sudden death motor Good Corners Good CA control No terrible lens flare. Theoretically I could now sell my 21ltd and 16-50/2.8, and get this lens purchase past the wife, except I also want a K3III!

07-24-2021, 12:44 AM	#60
Zygonyx Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ile de France Posts: 4,033	Originally posted by idontstairs Will there be a silver edition? Nope, i suppose it would have been from the start given the K-3III silver has been for sale from the start as well ...