DA* 16-50mm II

lurchlarson · 01-03-2010, 09:50 PM

Just curious, how often does Pentax release updated versions of current lenses? I know they did for the 18-55. I'm currently saving for the 16-50 (I still have a ways to go) and I would hate to buy it and then have an updated version released.

asdf · 01-03-2010, 10:10 PM

Originally posted by lurchlarson

Just curious, how often does Pentax release updated versions of current lenses? I know they did for the 18-55. I'm currently saving for the 16-50 (I still have a ways to go) and I would hate to buy it and then have an updated version released.

IMHO, they should license the Tamron 17-50 design and repackage it as Pentax 17-50...with an SDM motor that doesn't corrode while it's in storage.

EDIT: It turns out I should have said "Tamron 17-50 minus the extremely ugly bokeh."

**Ash** · 01-03-2010, 11:17 PM

That's one enticing title you posted.

One can only speculate but I wouldn't hold your breath on a version II.
If you're keen on the 16-50 and don't mind the SDM performance as is, just get it when you can and enjoy it without looking back.

Adam · 01-04-2010, 08:11 AM

They've only re-released kit lenses AFAIK. I wouldn't expect to see something like that done with major lenses.

Adam
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lurchlarson · 01-04-2010, 08:24 AM

Originally posted by Ash

That's one enticing title you posted.

I apologize for getting anyone's hopes up.

I was just checking to see if anyone had heard anything.

emr · 01-04-2010, 08:27 AM

Originally posted by Adam

They've only re-released kit lenses AFAIK. I wouldn't expect to see something like that done with major lenses.

DFA 100 mm WR?

Supernaut · 01-04-2010, 08:39 AM

Updating the higher end crop lenses are unlikely imo. If a FF is in a remote pipeline at least.

Marc Sabatella · 01-04-2010, 08:45 AM

The 18-55 is the only lens they have re-released with updated optical design since the digital age. Aside from that, there have only been various body design changes to the kit zooms (the WR versions and the "L" versions), and of course the new WR version of the 100 macro. But since the 16-50 is already sealed, there would be no reaosn to release a WR version.

RMabo · 01-04-2010, 09:04 AM

The reason for updating the 18-55 into Mk II status, was to make the lens better compatible with plus 10Mp sensors. The first version of the 18-55 struggles with sensors above 10Mp because it has too low resolution. The new MkII has higher resolution and so works better with high resolution sensors.

The DA Star 16-50 already is a high-resolution lens so no need to update it really.

Minor updates has happened for it during production, but only small adjustments to make it more reliable and consistent. No big things.

awo425 · 01-04-2010, 12:37 PM

Originally posted by lurchlarson

Just curious, how often does Pentax release updated versions of current lenses? I know they did for the 18-55. I'm currently saving for the 16-50 (I still have a ways to go) and I would hate to buy it and then have an updated version released.

I've been waiting on SMC FA 80-200 F2.8 II for 15 years, the truth is: Pentax is too cool to update it's lenses...

Light_Horseman · 01-04-2010, 02:28 PM

No star lens has ever been updated within the same lens series! Don't expect anything else in this case.

kenyee · 01-04-2010, 02:51 PM

Originally posted by awo425

I've been waiting on SMC FA 80-200 F2.8 II for 15 years, the truth is: Pentax is too cool to update it's lenses...

They think the DA*50-135 is the update to the FA*80-200...LOL. The bokeh is totally different when cropped at a specific focal length...

MSM · 01-04-2010, 02:55 PM

Nice thread. I was wondering the same thing with the DA*50-135. Oh well. I was hoping they could refine the SDM and re-release it.

esman7 · 01-04-2010, 04:38 PM

Still seems like a small change for a big update. I sure as hell hope they don't update the 16-50mm because my post-purchase dissonance will kick rather quickly.

NeverSatisfied · 01-04-2010, 06:36 PM

Originally posted by lurchlarson

Just curious, how often does Pentax release updated versions of current lenses? I know they did for the 18-55. I'm currently saving for the 16-50 (I still have a ways to go) and I would hate to buy it and then have an updated version released.

Originally posted by esman7

Still seems like a small change for a big update. I sure as hell hope they don't update the 16-50mm because my post-purchase dissonance will kick rather quickly.

Kind of like the way I felt when, one month after I bought the D-FA 100/2.8, they announced the new WR version!

But the new model is a fair bit more expensive, and correct me if I'm wrong but no mention that the optical formula has changed. (Has it?) So I guess I can live with it. The current DA*16-50 is quite a good and useful lens, I like mine a lot! Even if a new model were released, the one I have will still take great pictures if I do my part.

01-03-2010, 09:50 PM	#1
lurchlarson Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Oregon, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 681	*DA 16-50mm II** Just curious, how often does Pentax release updated versions of current lenses? I know they did for the 18-55. I'm currently saving for the 16-50 (I still have a ways to go) and I would hate to buy it and then have an updated version released.

01-03-2010, 10:10 PM	#2
asdf Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 1,252	Originally posted by lurchlarson Just curious, how often does Pentax release updated versions of current lenses? I know they did for the 18-55. I'm currently saving for the 16-50 (I still have a ways to go) and I would hate to buy it and then have an updated version released. IMHO, they should license the Tamron 17-50 design and repackage it as Pentax 17-50...with an SDM motor that doesn't corrode while it's in storage. EDIT: It turns out I should have said "Tamron 17-50 minus the extremely ugly bokeh." Last edited by asdf; 02-07-2010 at 04:38 AM.

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01-03-2010, 11:17 PM	#3
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	That's one enticing title you posted. One can only speculate but I wouldn't hold your breath on a version II. If you're keen on the 16-50 and don't mind the SDM performance as is, just get it when you can and enjoy it without looking back.

01-04-2010, 08:11 AM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	They've only re-released kit lenses AFAIK. I wouldn't expect to see something like that done with major lenses. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

01-04-2010, 08:24 AM	#5
lurchlarson Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Oregon, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 681 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ash That's one enticing title you posted. I apologize for getting anyone's hopes up. I was just checking to see if anyone had heard anything.

01-04-2010, 08:27 AM	#6
emr Guest	Originally posted by Adam They've only re-released kit lenses AFAIK. I wouldn't expect to see something like that done with major lenses. DFA 100 mm WR?

01-04-2010, 08:39 AM	#7
Supernaut Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: West Coast , Sweden Posts: 467	Updating the higher end crop lenses are unlikely imo. If a FF is in a remote pipeline at least.

01-04-2010, 08:45 AM	#8
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	The 18-55 is the only lens they have re-released with updated optical design since the digital age. Aside from that, there have only been various body design changes to the kit zooms (the WR versions and the "L" versions), and of course the new WR version of the 100 macro. But since the 16-50 is already sealed, there would be no reaosn to release a WR version.

01-04-2010, 09:04 AM	#9
RMabo Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sweden Posts: 845	The reason for updating the 18-55 into Mk II status, was to make the lens better compatible with plus 10Mp sensors. The first version of the 18-55 struggles with sensors above 10Mp because it has too low resolution. The new MkII has higher resolution and so works better with high resolution sensors. The DA Star 16-50 already is a high-resolution lens so no need to update it really. Minor updates has happened for it during production, but only small adjustments to make it more reliable and consistent. No big things.

01-04-2010, 12:37 PM	#10
awo425 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NYC, USA Posts: 481	Originally posted by lurchlarson Just curious, how often does Pentax release updated versions of current lenses? I know they did for the 18-55. I'm currently saving for the 16-50 (I still have a ways to go) and I would hate to buy it and then have an updated version released. I've been waiting on SMC FA 80-200 F2.8 II for 15 years, the truth is: Pentax is too cool to update it's lenses...

01-04-2010, 02:28 PM	#11
Light_Horseman Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Coffs Harbour, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 297	No star lens has ever been updated within the same lens series! Don't expect anything else in this case.

01-04-2010, 02:51 PM	#12
kenyee Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston, PRofMA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,026	Originally posted by awo425 I've been waiting on SMC FA 80-200 F2.8 II for 15 years, the truth is: Pentax is too cool to update it's lenses... They think the DA50-135 is the update to the FA80-200...LOL. The bokeh is totally different when cropped at a specific focal length...

01-04-2010, 02:55 PM	#13
MSM Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alabama Photos: Gallery Posts: 994	Nice thread. I was wondering the same thing with the DA*50-135. Oh well. I was hoping they could refine the SDM and re-release it.

01-04-2010, 04:38 PM	#14
esman7 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 322	Still seems like a small change for a big update. I sure as hell hope they don't update the 16-50mm because my post-purchase dissonance will kick rather quickly.

01-04-2010, 06:36 PM	#15
NeverSatisfied Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: S.E. Michigan Photos: Albums Posts: 688	Originally posted by lurchlarson Just curious, how often does Pentax release updated versions of current lenses? I know they did for the 18-55. I'm currently saving for the 16-50 (I still have a ways to go) and I would hate to buy it and then have an updated version released. Originally posted by esman7 Still seems like a small change for a big update. I sure as hell hope they don't update the 16-50mm because my post-purchase dissonance will kick rather quickly. Kind of like the way I felt when, one month after I bought the D-FA 100/2.8, they announced the new WR version! But the new model is a fair bit more expensive, and correct me if I'm wrong but no mention that the optical formula has changed. (Has it?) So I guess I can live with it. The current DA*16-50 is quite a good and useful lens, I like mine a lot! Even if a new model were released, the one I have will still take great pictures if I do my part.