The Pentax SMC DA Star 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM ($1,499.95 direct) is a lens that is designed to replace the standard 18-55mm kit lens that is bundled with Pentax D-SLR cameras .

Sharp from f/4 onwards.

Expensive; Considerable distortion at 16mm.

Review of the Pentax DA 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL IF SDM lens

Nice balance and robust feel

Slightly stiff and jerky zoom action

This pro-caliber, standard-range, bright digital zoom ($1030, street) is the second Pentax to use sonic-wave autofocusing for very smooth and quiet AF. It works with newer Pentax bodies that accept the KAF2 mount. On older bodies such as the K100, it defers to the noisier, body-housed AF motor.

When it asks if I'd recommend the lens, I need to say exactly what I mean by clicking 'Yes'. I mean YES YES YES - the reason I have to recommend it so strongly is because of the reservations I had, and the ones I'm sure you may have.

Perfect range; beautiful build; handling; quiet AF

Price - but worth it

Lens was perfect. Not a mark on it. Performed faultlessly, until 30 days after I got it, then focusing motor quit altogether. Now I wonder how much repairs will cost. Hope that "great price" I paid plus repairs is still less than the cost of a new lens.

I've waited a long time to get this lens and that wait was due to the worries of the SDM issues. However, it was assignments at my job that now prompts me to buy. Rather than getting new, I decided to try my luck at used.

If you could only afford one high quality lens per year, this one would be the one I buy. Images are sharp and clear, the motor is very quite, and very forgiving,and supper fast. it's a great wide angle lens.

Pictrue quality is as good if not better then len's costing $4,000.00 and higher

None

Bought this lens when I bought my Pentax K-7 and I love it . Its very sharp throughout the zoom range but I am most fond of the wild angle quality. Nice as a landscape lens. I have used it in all weather conditions and it performs great. Check out the photos taken with it.

Great image sharpness

None

Optics are fantastic and no complaints there. The problem is the AF. It only works when it wants. I am on my third lens and same problem every time. Well, the first one the AF never worked, second was great and then a week later died.

I have had this lens for more than a year now and my experience is unfortunately quite mixed. I used it mainly for landscapes, with additonal filtering (Hoya Pro 1 D polarizer and Cokin P system).

- Weather sealed; - Sharpness; - Color accuracy

- Questionable durability/solidness (definitely in my case; - Poor flare resistance; - High level of chromatic aberration; - Needs the largest (and most expensive) square filters (vignetting is visible even with a wide-angle adapter for Cokin P system; - High price