DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison

Unboxing and Overview

The Pentax DA* 16-50mm f/2.8ED AL [IF] SDM comes packed in a typical Pentax DA* series box, which is to say glossy black with red and gold accents. The thin cardboard of the box is reinforced with thick corrugated cardboard inside, sheltering the lens from any potential harm. Inside, you'll find the paperwork—including a manual, warranty card, and warranty info booklet—sitting atop the nylon S100-140 lens pouch. Inside is the lens itself, along with the PH-RBJ bayonet hood. All pieces are wrapped in plastic baggies, with silica gel to deter fungal growth.

Meanwhile, the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS comes in a thicker but smaller matte box with a bog standard Sigma design—all black with red and white lettering. Inside, the lens manual and warranty papers are laid across the rectangular zip-up nylon case, which features a rubberized styrofoam cutout for the rear lens cap that makes it easy to secure the lens. Inside the case are the lens and lens hood, each wrapped in a plastic baggie (no silica, though).

Finally, the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR LD Aspherical (IF) is packaged in a bright and glossy blue-and-white box that encloses some reinforcing cardboard. The manual and warranty papers sit atop the inner box, which opens to reveal the lens and lens hood, each wrapped in its own baggie with a silica gel packet. Unlike the Pentax and Sigma models, and befitting its bargain price, the Tamron does not come with a pouch. Whether this is an issue depends entirely on the buyer and their preferences, but luckily third-party pouches are both plentiful and cheap.