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

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.

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

The 18-55mm kit lens shipped as standard with most Pentax DSLRs is not one of the world's greatest lenses. The zoom range is modest and the optical performance is a little below average, with soft-edge definition and a fair amount of chromatic aberration.

A fast and quite compact lens, at least compared to the excellent but clumsy Pentax FA* 2.8/28-70mmAL, I used up to now. Although the first reviews in photo magazines were somehow mixed, I finally gave it try and I don't regret it..

This is the lens I keep on my camera at all times because it is versitle and has a wide range of uses from low light to bright sunlight. I have taken over 3,000 images with this lens and to date have not had any problems.

It is just a work horse. Great seals that keep the elements out and super optics. What else is there?

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Fast / accurate auto-focus; Rugged; Strong Construction

This lens is OK. It does a nice job, but end up doing a little manipulation to the photo in my AcdSee using the sharpening. Use for outdoor team photos and it works ok.

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Lightweight; Strong Construction

Blurry Focus; Slow Focus

The gold ring around the front of its barrel tells you that this is a serious lens. Its f/2.8 maximum aperture is maintained right across the zoom range and although this results in a rather large lens it is very well balanced and therefore comfortable to hold and use.

Nice balance and robust feel

Slightly stiff and jerky zoom action

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