DA* 16-50 - cold feet

I recently bought a 16-50 from SRS. I was well aware of the patchy reputation of the lens but thought it was worth a chance.

I've used it a few times and the results are by and large dissapointing. There's nothing seriously wrong, but shots at various settings often appear slightly out of focus, and there's a general lack of contrast.

Basically, if I had the choice again I would buy something else. Where would I stand if I took the lens back and tried to exchange it? I'd rather not have another copy after this experience.

If it was a less expensive lens I'd probably let it go, but this is one I had wanted to get a lot of use from.

Why don't you ask SRS and see what they say?

They've probably read your post by now anyway

Welcome to the forum

Yes I might aswell. I was curious about anyone elses exeperiences with something like this. That said, I've only read good about SRS.

This forum must be sick of 16-50 angst!

The lens I bought before last (DA 55-300) is fantastic and so is my other Pentax kit.

I was also apprehensive about the 16-50 but bought one from SRS anyway, so far mine seems to be functioning perfectly.

Have you tried doing a focus test? This is the one I used, you can download the test sheet and instruction for free

http://focustestchart.com/chart.html

Also, have you tried snapping an identical scene with the 16-50 and the kit lens and comparing shots?

Thanks for this. I gave that chart a go, then I tried this one -

http://www.zimbio.com/Digital+Cameras/articles/839/AF+adjustment+test+chart+help+Pentax+K20D

and found it was front focussing a bit. I've adjusted it with the custom setting.

I'll try some like for like shots with it against the 18-55.

Oooo! I'll have to give that one a go, thanks.

The zimbio test chart has too much "crap" on it. You can't know where the sensor is focusing if it is not lined up properly with the viewfinder indicator, so you can't adjust the focus properly. If you are so inclined, you could look at "Yvon Bourque blog" for very well made charts for focus adjustments. His charts are also endorsed by Ned Bunnell (president of Pentax USA).

Strange, that Zimbio test chart says "Copyright 2008 Yvon Bourque"...

Dan