DA* 16-50mm - $749

DA* 16-50mm - $749 · 12:41 PM

B&H has dropped the price of the DA* 16-50mm even lower for May. Available for just $749:

Pentax SMCP-DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED SDM Lens 21650 B&H Photo Video

seventysixersfan · 05-01-2015, 02:42 PM

Very nice price but I can only hope/assume that these lenses that are being sold brand-new come with their SDM motors fixed?

**lmd91343** · 05-01-2015, 11:27 PM

The one I bought from B&H in January had a 2011/2012 serial number. The SDM motor problem was supposedly fixed in mid 2012.

That said, there is no "official" notification of a fix, serial numbers are not all sequential like the old Leicas, and less that a third of those lenses failed(my guess). My 50-135 that I bought shortly after its release is still ok. We don't know the real failure rate of these lenses or the Nikon and Canon equivalents.

Out of an abundance of caution, I have just converted my SDM functioning 16-50 to screw drive for my long overseas trip. I'll convert it back when I return.

My take, based on only a small amount of data (the postings on a couple of forums, the serial number list here) is that is a game of chance.

**Rondec** · 05-02-2015, 02:38 AM

That's a nice price for my most used lens...

brelip · 05-02-2015, 08:54 AM

I opted or Sigma 17-50/2.8 for $300 and had never looked back. The risk of SDM failure and resale value scare me. They need to make a DC version of this lens!

goldenarrow · 05-02-2015, 09:17 AM

Originally posted by brelip

I opted or Sigma 17-50/2.8 for $300 and had never looked back. The risk of SDM failure and resale value scare me. They need to make a DC version of this lens!

Scary indeed. B&H customer reviews as of 2014 still say SDM is failing multiple times in some cases.

seventysixersfan · 06-01-2015, 12:57 PM

one month later, the price is back up to $1,296.95. Whew! and to think the Woot-offered reconditioned 16-50 was selling for only $399. These are some crazy price swings.

Adam · 06-01-2015, 01:27 PM

Yup, looks like the deal ended. The low prices can't last forever!

**woodywesty** · 06-01-2015, 06:20 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Yup, looks like the deal ended. The low prices can't last forever!

Yup, Pentax lens sales are back in the toilet till Fall!

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05-02-2015, 09:17 AM	#6
goldenarrow Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Chicago Suburbs. Photos: Gallery Posts: 501	customer reviews Originally posted by brelip I opted or Sigma 17-50/2.8 for $300 and had never looked back. The risk of SDM failure and resale value scare me. They need to make a DC version of this lens! Scary indeed. B&H customer reviews as of 2014 still say SDM is failing multiple times in some cases.

06-01-2015, 01:27 PM	#8
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608 Original Poster	Yup, looks like the deal ended. The low prices can't last forever! 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:

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05-01-2015, 02:42 PM	#2
seventysixersfan Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	Very nice price but I can only hope/assume that these lenses that are being sold brand-new come with their SDM motors fixed?

05-01-2015, 11:27 PM	#3
lmd91343 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,027	The one I bought from B&H in January had a 2011/2012 serial number. The SDM motor problem was supposedly fixed in mid 2012. That said, there is no "official" notification of a fix, serial numbers are not all sequential like the old Leicas, and less that a third of those lenses failed(my guess). My 50-135 that I bought shortly after its release is still ok. We don't know the real failure rate of these lenses or the Nikon and Canon equivalents. Out of an abundance of caution, I have just converted my SDM functioning 16-50 to screw drive for my long overseas trip. I'll convert it back when I return. My take, based on only a small amount of data (the postings on a couple of forums, the serial number list here) is that is a game of chance.

05-02-2015, 02:38 AM	#4
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,663	That's a nice price for my most used lens...

05-02-2015, 08:54 AM	#5
brelip Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Dallas, TX Photos: Albums Posts: 71	I opted or Sigma 17-50/2.8 for $300 and had never looked back. The risk of SDM failure and resale value scare me. They need to make a DC version of this lens!

06-01-2015, 12:57 PM	#7
seventysixersfan Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	one month later, the price is back up to $1,296.95. Whew! and to think the Woot-offered reconditioned 16-50 was selling for only $399. These are some crazy price swings.

06-01-2015, 06:20 PM	#9
woodywesty Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Northern Wisconsin Posts: 725	Originally posted by Adam Yup, looks like the deal ended. The low prices can't last forever! Yup, Pentax lens sales are back in the toilet till Fall!