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.

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.

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

The build quality of the Pentax lens is very high thanks to quality materials and weather-sealing. The broad, rubberized zoom and focus control rings operate very smooth. Thanks to an internal focusing system (IF) the front element does not rotate so using a polarizer is no problem.

This is an excellent lens. The image quality from this lens is superb and it is comparible in sharpness to my 31mm f1.8 FA lens.

I was hesitant to order this lens due to quite a bit of chatter on the internet regarding focusing issues with this lens. Mine is a little soft on the outer edges at 16-20mm if you really pixel peep.Other than that it is an amazingly sharp lens with great color reproduction.

near silent focusing; outstanding IQ

There have been some quality control issues with this lens

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

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

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