Local Pentax Pricing for K5IIs (and cameras) - We need better

[flame angel]

Every few months we heard of new products launch rumours & they are as always pure speculation from some unreliable sources. However, I do hope that Pentax would work on the current lenses line-up, release 1 or 2 limited zoom lenses in the near future, plus replaced all current SDM lenses with an improved SDM. I’ve been considering for a DA* zoom lens but the dread of SDM failures always put it off. If they can improved on their SDM lenses, it’s well worth to spend every penny for these quality lenses, rather than the whole DA* marred by a single SDM failure.

 

[felixcat8888]

Every few months we heard of new products launch rumours & they are as always pure speculation from some unreliable sources. However, I do hope that Pentax would work on the current lenses line-up, release 1 or 2 limited zoom lenses in the near future, plus replaced all current SDM lenses with an improved SDM. I’ve been considering for a DA* zoom lens but the dread of SDM failures always put it off. If they can improved on their SDM lenses, it’s well worth to spend every penny for these quality lenses, rather than the whole DA* marred by a single SDM failure.

Well, PF has stated that the current DA* lenses from 2012 have new SDM motors which eliminates the SDM failures, so it is save to get new DA* lenses.

If you see from my signature, I have both the lenses that are supposed to have SDM failures

 

[trowa77]

Well, PF has stated that the current DA* lenses from 2012 have new SDM motors which eliminates the SDM failures, so it is save to get new DA* lenses.

Felixcat I agree. Recently got a Da*16-50 that is suppose to be produce after 2012, So far no issue. in all of the SDM lenses da* 16-50 has the highest fail rate. One of the reason is the length covered is commonly used and more ppl buy them. Even a 1% fail rate can translate to hundreds of failure

 

[felixcat8888]

Felixcat I agree. Recently got a Da*16-50 that is suppose to be produce after 2012, So far no issue. in all of the SDM lenses da* 16-50 has the highest fail rate. One of the reason is the length covered is commonly used and more ppl buy them. Even a 1% fail rate can translate to hundreds of failure

Agreed. My own copy was bought in 2008 and it is still working nicely. If you take care of things it will work nicely.

 

[flame angel]

Well, PF has stated that the current DA* lenses from 2012 have new SDM motors which eliminates the SDM failures, so it is save to get new DA* lenses.

If you see from my signature, I have both the lenses that are supposed to have SDM failures

Thanks for this info! As i still feel that Pentax should at least put an indication on the new SDM lenses(such as rename the SDM), since the problem has been resolved. This serves as reassurance on their product quality control & boost the confident level on the consumers. It's just my gut feeling that i might buy an old SDM lens which seats on the shelf for too long. Good news is that I've not seen many SDM failures reported in 2013. So, i might wait a little longer & get a DA* lens in the near future.
OT a bit, what is the IQ, comparing DA*16-50 with Da*50-135? I read that the 50-135 got better IQ, is that so? I'm inclined towards the DA*50-135 to use it as portrait lens but not very comfortable with the tele end. What's your thought? thks

 

[Grey Knight]

Thanks for this info! As i still feel that Pentax should at least put an indication on the new SDM lenses(such as rename the SDM), since the problem has been resolved. This serves as reassurance on their product quality control & boost the confident level on the consumers. It's just my gut feeling that i might buy an old SDM lens which seats on the shelf for too long. Good news is that I've not seen many SDM failures reported in 2013. So, i might wait a little longer & get a DA* lens in the near future.
OT a bit, what is the IQ, comparing DA*16-50 with Da*50-135? I read that the 50-135 got better IQ, is that so? I'm inclined towards the DA*50-135 to use it as portrait lens but not very comfortable with the tele end. What's your thought? thks

I have been using the 50-135 since 2009 . no failure yet. I've also become used to its focal length. especially since for me I prefer to stand some distance behind the thing/person i want to photograph. I like the DOF as well. the distance plus the bokeh makes it nice

 

[Yamakasi]

Thanks for this info! As i still feel that Pentax should at least put an indication on the new SDM lenses(such as rename the SDM), since the problem has been resolved. This serves as reassurance on their product quality control & boost the confident level on the consumers. It's just my gut feeling that i might buy an old SDM lens which seats on the shelf for too long. Good news is that I've not seen many SDM failures reported in 2013. So, i might wait a little longer & get a DA* lens in the near future.
OT a bit, what is the IQ, comparing DA*16-50 with Da*50-135? I read that the 50-135 got better IQ, is that so? I'm inclined towards the DA*50-135 to use it as portrait lens but not very comfortable with the tele end. What's your thought? thks

if you are concerned about the SDM issue then you can always convert it to a non-sdm lens.

I have the DA*50-135 for more than 3 years liao..no sdm problem yet..i was previously thinking about the DA*16-50 as well..but ultimately i feel that the tamron 17-50 is just as good and much cheaper (half the price) so i got the tamron instead..but to me..there are not much lenses that can compare to DA*50-135..its IQ wide open is comparable to prime lens

 

[Zenten]

if you are concerned about the SDM issue then you can always convert it to a non-sdm lens.

I have the DA*50-135 for more than 3 years liao..no sdm problem yet..i was previously thinking about the DA*16-50 as well..but ultimately i feel that the tamron 17-50 is just as good and much cheaper (half the price) so i got the tamron instead..but to me..there are not much lenses that can compare to DA*50-135..its IQ wide open is comparable to prime lens

If anyone is interested, I have a very rare Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 II EX DC HSM Lens for sale ...... tack sharp wide open...... you know how to find me.

 

[flame angel]

Grey Knight & Yamakasi,
looks like you guys are enjoying your DA*50-135 lens very much. Good to hear that there is no SDM failure,
giving me a peace of mind & reassurance. I'm totally aligned with you regarding the DA*50-135 IQ & built,
I've read review of the DA*, the DA*50-135 has been highly regarded in every aspect. This makes me wanted to
go for it! The tamron 17-50 did cross my mind(price is so tempting), pairing it with the 50-135 would cover everything from wide to tele.

 

[felixcat8888]

Grey Knight & Yamakasi,
looks like you guys are enjoying your DA*50-135 lens very much. Good to hear that there is no SDM failure,
giving me a peace of mind & reassurance. I'm totally aligned with you regarding the DA*50-135 IQ & built,
I've read review of the DA*, the DA*50-135 has been highly regarded in every aspect. This makes me wanted to
go for it! The tamron 17-50 did cross my mind(price is so tempting), pairing it with the 50-135 would cover everything from wide to tele.

The Tamron 17-50/2.8 will be complemented by the DA*50-135. I got my DA*50-135/2.8 only last year from another CSer and it is in pristine condition. I got my DA*16-50/2.8 since 2008 together with a K20D and now have moved to the K30. Both my DA*s are treated with tender loving care.

If you can afford it, get both the DA*s if not then TAmron 17-50 and DA*50-135.

 

[flame angel]

The Tamron 17-50/2.8 will be complemented by the DA*50-135. I got my DA*50-135/2.8 only last year from another CSer and it is in pristine condition. I got my DA*16-50/2.8 since 2008 together with a K20D and now have moved to the K30. Both my DA*s are treated with tender loving care.

If you can afford it, get both the DA*s if not then TAmron 17-50 and DA*50-135.

Thank for the input!
As for the Tamron 17-50 f2.8, have you seen any significant difference in IQ comparing it with the DA*15-50?
I can't have both DA* cos I've been jobless for more than 1 month:sweat:. But i still kin on getting the DA*50-135 due to all the good stuff i read about it.

 

[trowa77]

Thank for the input!
As for the Tamron 17-50 f2.8, have you seen any significant difference in IQ comparing it with the DA*15-50?
I can't have both DA* cos I've been jobless for more than 1 month:sweat:. But i still kin on getting the DA*50-135 due to all the good stuff i read about it.

I own both the Tamron 17-50 and da *16-50 together for a brief period. IQ both r good. But I find the da*16-50 is able to produce a separation effect that give the subject a 3D effect when the background is very far. I do find the da*16-50 sharper and quieter not to mention the WR

 

[stuck]

I own both the Tamron 17-50 and da *16-50 together for a brief period. IQ both r good. But I find the da*16-50 is able to produce a separation effect that give the subject a 3D effect when the background is very far. I do find the da*16-50 sharper and quieter not to mention the WR

Not to mention the DA*16-50 is 1mm wider! doesn't sound like much but every mm counts at the wide end.

 

[fengwei]

Since we don't need to worry about spoiled SDM problem anymore (well, literally anyway), it's better to get a DA*16-50 imo. It's wider, it's WR, it got a STAR on it for a few reasons (great built quality w/ excellent optical performance), and most of all, it's a PENTAX.

Another reason to go for the DA*16-50 is that you'd probably still think about upgrading (to a DA*16-50) if you bought the Tamron 17-50, while you'd feel in peace if you bought the DA*16-50 instead, worth every penny if this can make you sleep better

 

[Fable]

Thinking of getting K5IIs for birding. Any recommendation for zoom or prime with FL 300mm above
to go along?

 

[MichaelLee]

Thinking of getting K5IIs for birding. Any recommendation for zoom or prime with FL 300mm above
to go along?

what is your budget ? Sigma 50-150mm (around SGD1800) or DA 560mm F5.6 (around SGD9000)

 

[Fable]

what is your budget ? Sigma 50-150mm (around SGD1800) or DA 560mm F5.6 (around SGD9000)

Not setting budget yet Michael. Gathering information stage.

 

[Iittoo]

Not setting budget yet Michael. Gathering information stage.

try sigma 50-500mm(BIGMA) and the 150-500mm for zoom.. for prime if u want above 300mm.. why not use TC with 300mm prime ? like DA*,FA* and F* 300mm from pentax..if you can afford then get sigma 500mm f4.5

 

[Zenten]

Thinking of getting K5IIs for birding. Any recommendation for zoom or prime with FL 300mm above
to go along?

Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 + teleconverter.

 

[sunnycamera]

Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 + teleconverter.

no pentax mount for that lens.

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/product/120-300mm-f28-dg-os-hsm-s