16-50 or 17-70

I decided its time to invest in some quality glass, my problem is deciding between the 16-50 f2.8 and the 17-70 f4. With only around £75 seperating the two the obvious choice seems to be the 16-50, sacrificing the extra focal length for increased speed and one hopes a far better quality lens, especially as it also has a fancy bit of gold around the barrel

The indecision arises because I am also tempted to buy a K20D the kit price falls dramatically with the 17-70 when compared to the same discount for the 16-50 package, a differance of over £170

All suggestions (or donations) welcome

16-50

without a doubt

Nathan is never wrong.

G

Except that he used not to be able to spell "millimetres".



G

Edited to bring comment up to date.

You know what the problems is?

I studied in america for too long... not only I use the meter instead of the metre, but I also acquired the great skill of 'not being able to spell' so popular in america...

Like other aspects of their junk culture, they have exported this one all over the world.

G

Not to mention the made up words too! Winningist is my current favourite!

but have you tried the 17-70?

Yes ericp,

Its an amazing lens, but its not as good as the DA*. And for the price difference, there would be no doubt in my mind!

Again, longer zoom means more reach, but not more quality, IMO.

Also, once you go beyond 50mm, you really want to be careful what you shoot with, and any prime or DA* lens will give you very very good results.

What if you bought the 16-50, and then the 70ltd or the 77ltd? wouldn't that be a treat?
I learnt at my expenses that its much better to wait and get the best, rather than compromise on money and quality.

Hope this helps,

Nathan

I couldn't agree more

Well it seems the inclination is towards the 16-50 but it'll be a couple of months before I change (Xmas is always a good excuse for new toys :wink and the prices may easily drop a bit more.

I did consider simply upgrading the quality of my glass but after playing with a GX20 I realise how useful the liveview feature would be, I suppose I could always sell off some of my older glass to help with funds, my istD will probably be given to a family member and I'll keep the K10D as my second body.

I have been very happy with my 16-50. Now that I have a replacement with a working SDM all is good. Weather sealing is a bonus but, I played with the 17-70 at SRS and it was nice.

The gold bit makes all the difference in low light conditions