Pentax 16-50

Warnesm777 · 10-07-2014, 01:00 PM

I just received my lens from Adorama. I purchased this lens knowing the extreme reviews pro and con. My question is about the zoom ring. It seems to stick a little as it pushes the barrel out. I've read where this is common but I called Pentax. The rep didn't seem to know anything about this problem. He told me to return it to Adorama. Anybody else know what I should do? I've never spent this kind of money on a lens and I just want to do what's best.

**lithedreamer** · 10-07-2014, 01:15 PM - **1 Like**

If you have any doubts about the lens and you bought from a retailer like Adorama, feel free to get replacements as many times as you need, particularly with a lens like the 16-50. What sticks about the lens? My 16-50 has some air resistance as I zoom out, and I think that's normal.

**jatrax** · 10-07-2014, 01:32 PM - **1 Like**

There is a small hesitation as the second barrel starts to extend. it should be noticeable but not 'sticky'. That is quite subjective of course so it is hard to tell if yours is a problem or just normal. But there is definitely a point at which you notice the extension is not 100% smooth.

**jrpower10** · 10-07-2014, 01:58 PM - **1 Like**

Mine can take a little more effort to get started but then moves smoothly. I always assumed that was the price of getting a weathersealed lens that extends when zooming (tight tolerances and seals).

**Eagle94VT** · 10-07-2014, 02:00 PM - **1 Like**

I agree. My 16-50 has one section during extension (near the middle) that has more resistance than at the wide or zoom end.

Warnesm777 · 10-07-2014, 04:18 PM

Thanks for the replies. I think it may be normal after reading these suggestions. I haven't really took enough pics but I am not seeing realy sharp photos either like i hoped I would.

**jatrax** · 10-07-2014, 08:16 PM

Originally posted by Warnesm777

I haven't really took enough pics but I am not seeing realy sharp photos either like i hoped I would.

The lens is capable of very sharp images. If you are not getting that you might want to test for back/front focus. But run some tests on a tripod in good light first, use ideal conditions to show the lens at it's best. If you cannot get things as sharp as you expect try the AF fine tune and if that does not work send it back for another try.

At reasonable apertures (f/4 - f/11) and in the middle of the range (20mm - 40mm), the images should be indistinguishable from a similar prime at any reasonable output.

eugene1979 · 10-08-2014, 12:32 AM

Originally posted by Warnesm777

I haven't really took enough pics but I am not seeing realy sharp photos either like i hoped I would.

Possible problems:

1. Front focus or backfocus
2. Too long shutter speed.

I agree with jatrax, the lens is pretty capable of making sharp photos.

I made a little review of my copy of the lens (it is based on my photos from the trip to Sri Lanka this September) so you could compare: A subjective look at smc Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM @ Pentax K-5 IIs - ??? ?? ???????????? ?????????? - AFLenses.ru

**ebooks4pentax** · 10-11-2014, 04:18 PM

I never had any problems with the DA*16-50. I must be lucky. I do like this lens and it is very sharp. You might want to test the front/back focusing. Therwe are several places on the internet that offer test charts.

10-07-2014, 01:00 PM	#1
Warnesm777 Forum Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Houston Posts: 52	Pentax 16-50 I just received my lens from Adorama. I purchased this lens knowing the extreme reviews pro and con. My question is about the zoom ring. It seems to stick a little as it pushes the barrel out. I've read where this is common but I called Pentax. The rep didn't seem to know anything about this problem. He told me to return it to Adorama. Anybody else know what I should do? I've never spent this kind of money on a lens and I just want to do what's best.

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10-07-2014, 01:15 PM - 1 Like	#2
lithedreamer Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,799	If you have any doubts about the lens and you bought from a retailer like Adorama, feel free to get replacements as many times as you need, particularly with a lens like the 16-50. What sticks about the lens? My 16-50 has some air resistance as I zoom out, and I think that's normal.

10-07-2014, 01:32 PM - 1 Like	#3
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	There is a small hesitation as the second barrel starts to extend. it should be noticeable but not 'sticky'. That is quite subjective of course so it is hard to tell if yours is a problem or just normal. But there is definitely a point at which you notice the extension is not 100% smooth.

10-07-2014, 01:58 PM - 1 Like	#4
jrpower10 Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Richland, Washington, USA Posts: 935	Mine can take a little more effort to get started but then moves smoothly. I always assumed that was the price of getting a weathersealed lens that extends when zooming (tight tolerances and seals).

10-07-2014, 02:00 PM - 1 Like	#5
Eagle94VT Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 291	I agree. My 16-50 has one section during extension (near the middle) that has more resistance than at the wide or zoom end.

10-07-2014, 04:18 PM	#6
Warnesm777 Forum Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Houston Posts: 52 Original Poster	Thanks for the replies. I think it may be normal after reading these suggestions. I haven't really took enough pics but I am not seeing realy sharp photos either like i hoped I would.

10-07-2014, 08:16 PM	#7
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by Warnesm777 I haven't really took enough pics but I am not seeing realy sharp photos either like i hoped I would. The lens is capable of very sharp images. If you are not getting that you might want to test for back/front focus. But run some tests on a tripod in good light first, use ideal conditions to show the lens at it's best. If you cannot get things as sharp as you expect try the AF fine tune and if that does not work send it back for another try. At reasonable apertures (f/4 - f/11) and in the middle of the range (20mm - 40mm), the images should be indistinguishable from a similar prime at any reasonable output.

10-08-2014, 12:32 AM	#8
eugene1979 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 85	Originally posted by Warnesm777 I haven't really took enough pics but I am not seeing realy sharp photos either like i hoped I would. Possible problems: 1. Front focus or backfocus 2. Too long shutter speed. I agree with jatrax, the lens is pretty capable of making sharp photos. I made a little review of my copy of the lens (it is based on my photos from the trip to Sri Lanka this September) so you could compare: A subjective look at smc Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM @ Pentax K-5 IIs - ??? ?? ???????????? ?????????? - AFLenses.ru

10-11-2014, 04:18 PM	#9
ebooks4pentax Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: California, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 464	I never had any problems with the DA*16-50. I must be lucky. I do like this lens and it is very sharp. You might want to test the front/back focusing. Therwe are several places on the internet that offer test charts.

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