Lens opinion

[Choet]

I am thinking of buying a Pentax DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 lens as am wanting a faster and slightly wider zoom than my current kit lens the 18-55mm f3.5/5.6. My camera is a Pentax K20D, which as well as my kit lens, I have a 50mm f1.4 which I absolutely love.

When ever I have to do indoor low light, wide angle shoots I just don't find the kit lens to be adequate enough. It is fine for outdoor situations, but not indoor. I noticed in a past entry someone commented that DA* 16-50mm initially had some teething problems. I just wanted to know if anyone owned this lens and what they thought of it. I also wanted to know of any alternatives that there would be to this lens.

[Mr Guy]

Don't have it personally, but you can read some reviews here: http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensrevi...uct=294&cat=43

It doesn't seem to get the responses I'd expect from a DA* lens, not sure why that is though.

Is it the wide angle bit that attracts you to that lens? The popular lower cost replacement lenses aren't going to be exactly the same quality, but they tend to offer more reach. Sigma and Tamron both make a solid performing 24-70ish f/2.8 which wouldn't give you as much in the wide side, but offers some reach your prime won't have.

http://www.pentaxforums.com/userrevi...uct=317&cat=74
http://www.pentaxforums.com/userrevi...uct=343&cat=76

Both will be significantly cheaper, but not have the build quality or weather proofing of a DA*

[Choet]

thx for that I had a look at those forums that you suggested - very helpful. Which then led me on to look at the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 lens for the Pentax. While it definitely doesn't have the build quality or the weatherproof capabilities, it seemed to review very well. As I am still fairly new to photography this may be a more affordable option for me.

[navcom]

The Tammy 17-50mm has received great reviews. I don't currently own one but I've heard nothing but good about it. I do own a Tammy 28-75mm f/2.8, which is my "walk-around" lens. It does very nicely indoors but obviously not as well as the 50 f/1.4. It also doesn't have the wide-angle you are looking for.