The smc PENTAX-DA 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL[IF]SDM wide angle zoom lens delivers the highest level of optical quality and includes SDM technology for fast, accurate, quiet focus. Bringing together advanced optical technologies, including aspherical elements, special optical-glass elements and original lens coatings, these new interchangeable lenses are superior to any existing lens series in terms of contrast, clarity and edge-to-edge sharpness.
Designed for exclusive use with Pentax digital SLR cameras, the Pentax DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 wide-angle zoom lens is a terrific choice for landscapes, portraiture, and just about any other application. The lens features a tightly sealed, weather-resistant and dust-resistant construction to enhance durability in rainy or dusty conditions. The lens's three aspherical elements and two special optical glass elements, meanwhile, help compensate for chromatic and spherical aberration, producing images with superior contrast, clarity, and edge-to-edge sharpness. And thanks to the lens's Pentax-original Quick-Shift Focus System, you can easily and instantly switch from autofocus to manual focus.

Specifications

• Focal length: 16-50mm
• Maximum aperture: f/2.8
• Minimum aperture: f/22
• Lens construction: 15 elements in 12 groups
• Angle of view: 83 to 31.5 degrees (when used with Pentax digital SLR camera body)
• Number of diaphragm blades: 9
• Metering system: TTL open-aperture metering
• Minimum focusing distance: 0.3 meters
• Maximum magnification: 0.21x
• Filter size: 77mm
• Corresponding AF mounts: Pentax KAF2
• Dimensions: 3.3 inches in diameter and 3.9 inches long
• Weight: 19.9 ounces (without hood)
• Warranty: 1 year

Technical Details

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 "Wish the AF was faster for the price" 2010-06-04
By lurchlarson (oregon)
This is a great lens. I bought it for $750. The images a great. The lens is a bit heavy. The AF is near silent but not really any faster than the kit 18-55mm. I love the 2.8 fixed aperture. Great replacement for the kit lens. Check the ShutterSight Photography Review on YouTube for more detailed information.


 "Nice while it worked" 2010-05-28
By Cesar Perez (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic)
As with many others my SDM died. The lens will no longer auto-focus, only works on manual. I guess I'll send it in for repair or buy something else. It did take beautiful pictures while it worked though so I'll give it 2 stars.


 "Dead" 2010-05-17
By Jules Mazarin (Richardson, TX)
I bought this camera in June of 2009 from Amazon. At first I was very impressed with it; it's a great focal range and the fact that it's f2.8 throughout that focal range is wonderful. However, I was never quite satisfied with the pictures I got from this lens, even during optimal conditions (bright sunlight, outdoors)--they always seemed a tad out of focus. I have never before paid this much money for a lens, and I guess I expected excellent results. I guess I figured it must somehow be my fault; it didn't occur to me that the lens might be at fault.

During the last 6 months, I have seldom used this lens. However, I intended to take pictures of my daughter's graduation reception yesterday, and I thought this lens would be a good choice. However, I found that the lens is now totally dead--it will not autofocus at all--it is, at best, now a manual focus lens. Repeatedly, the camera (Pentax K200D) would refuse to shoot with this lens mounted. Sometimes the camera would shoot, sometimes not. Luckily I had the kit lens that came with the camera in the bag, and that worked just fine.

Considering the numerous complaints I've seen while researching this problem today, I'd say that anyone who doesn't have a bunch of money to flush should look elsewhere for a lens.


 "A SUPERB LENS" 2010-02-16
By H. Y. Nguyen (Los Angeles, CA)
This review is for both 16-50mm and 50-135mm DA*lenses. I have both of them and they are fantastic! I couldn't recommend them highly enough. If you only have enough money to get one for now, I would suggest getting the 50-135mm first. This lens is so sharp you couldn't believe it. Yes they are expensive, but they are worth the money. When I got them, they are $100-$150 cheaper than they are now. I just don't know why the prices have gone up, but I guess that goes for Nikon and Canon as well. Regardless, Pentax lenses are a lot cheaper than Nikon and Canon.

I'm not one of those lucky people who got their lenses right the first time. It was quite a bit of work, but at the end, everything is okay and I am really happy. I did have to send in my two lenses to Pentax for service due to front and back focus issues. With the 16-50mm front focus, and 50-135mm back focus. To make the story short, it took Pentax about 6 weeks to adjust the lenses and send them back to me. Now they are perfect and they are my two favorite lenses where ever I go, well the 50mm too!

Hope this helps and good luck to you!

Your neighbor,



 "DA* 16-50/2.8" 2010-02-05
By David T. Getsfrid (Washington State, USA)
Absolutely beautiful lens. Both the product visually, and the images that it creates. The barrel distortion on the wide end is as much as can be expected at 16mm, and is plenty acceptable depending on what you're shooting. The color rendition and contrast really have to be seen to be believed. A professional level lens really will bring your photography up a couple notches.

I wish you had the choice of using the SDM OR the screw drive for autofocus, but on the k20d you are limited to the SDM. It is absolutely silent, but is about the same speed, if not slower, as the screw drive on other lenses. And honestly, I prefer the screw drive, especially at the wide end, to be able to hear and know it's focusing, and when it's stopped.

Autofocus issues aside, I would gladly pay [...] bucks for this lens, even if it were manual focus. The optics are just THAT good.

I do 90% of my work outdoors, and the weather sealing is a huge bonus. Being able to pull out battery powered flashes and do full lighting set ups even in pouring down rain is amazing.

I cannot recommend this lens highly enough.


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