Pentax SMC DA* Series 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL IF SDM Wide Angle Zoom Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras

I've been using the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8, and upgraded to the Pentax because of the SDM, the wider wide angle, and the Weather Resistance, and I don't regret it. The Sigma isn't a bad lens, considering it costs ~60% as much, but this lens is far superior.

Initially, I thought it was broken - when I pressed the shutter button I didn't hear *anything*. Then I realized that it had focused, and was amazed. It's much faster focusing than my other short zooms, nearly silent, and very precise. Contrast is great, bokeh is very nice. It also focuses closer than I expected - down to around four or six inches. Not a Macro, but definitely useable for lots of close-ups.

The images I've gotten from it in the days I have had it are extremely sharp and contrasty. The Sigma I have tended to underexpose by about half a stop; this one seems dead on.

This thing is huge, too. It's probably 30% bigger than the Sigma, and much heavier. Prepare to spend money if you want to put filters on this baby. Make sure you have a good strong back before strapping this thing on your camera, too!

Pentax continues to amaze me with the quality they produce at such low prices. If you're one of the people that just snorted when I said "Low prices", I suggest you go check the price on the Nikkor or Canon equivalent of this lens (L series in Canon lenses). Then report back.

Stellar! If you're buying a new camera, don't buy the "throw away" lens that comes with the camera for a hundred bucks (you get what you pay for), save the money and apply it towards this lens. If you have the camera body already and are looking for a top notch lens, this is it. The 16mm-50mm f2.8 is great for shooting indoors and outdoors. It is excellent in low light situations, especially where you don't want to use a flash. One of the best lenses I've seen in a long time. Well worth the price at full price through Pentax, Amazon has been giving this lens away, so even better.

For Pentax K20D users:
(Older model owners: upgrade already, you're missing all the fun, what are you waiting for? ;-)

I reviewed tons of sites before purchasing this lens. Here the lowdown after some extensive K20D (real world studio with people, not charts) testing:

-"Famous urban Internet legend" QA issues: Are done and over with. Blast from the (2008) past. All current lenses in stock do not have any issues anymore (in case you heard).

-Sharpness/Focus: Much, much better then lower grade zooms, especially if you stop down an f-stop or two (which you really should anyhow). It really shows all the (detailed) glory of your sensor. Do not settle for a third party lens (Sigma, Tamron, etc.) if you can have the real thing.

-AF: Way more accurate then kit/consumer lenses. Dead-on 95% of the time (versus non * lenses: More like 50%-70%). And in case you're comparing: Yes, it's better then the 17-70mm Pentax.

-A real bargain compared to Nikon/Canon glass: you would have to pay over a grand for the same quality.

-Bottom line: the best zoom glass you can get other then the (new digital) * primes. Even there, I think you would have a hard time to see a difference.

And yes, I do this for a living (shooting, not reviewing, that is).
I'm just flabbergasted how professional Pentax has become: The Nikon D300 with any glass shoots like a Coolpix in comparison (yes, I own an entire Nikon outfit).

The Pentax DA* 16-50mm is a lens that I have wanted for sometimes, but have avoided getting because of numerous comments about Quality Control issues in its manufacture. Finally, I could resist no longer and purchased the lens.

It is a solidly built lens. While it is nearly the same weight as its big brother, the DA* 50-135, it handles a lot better due to being much shorter. The zoom action is very smooth and the auto focus is quite rapid.

From a photo stand point, the lens seems quite sharp. At 16 mm and f2.8, it is less sharp at the edges, but still has good center sharpness. Others have commented about vignetting at 16 mm and wide open as well, but I have not noticed any issues with my copy.

The most amazing thing about this lens is the contrast and color rendition. I feel as though this lens is able to render scenes in ways that make them 'pop,' even when there isn't anything particularly special about the scene. If you don't need f2.8, then probably go for the 16-45 f4.0; otherwise I highly recommend this lens.

Super Sharp, Super fast focus. It takes a little getting used to the super quiet focus mechanism though. A must for wedding photographers.