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SDM in 16-50mm

mivoligo
Posted 21/03/2020 - 15:11 Link
Just got the DA* 16-50mm used lens. As it is my very first lens with SDM, I wonder how do I know if the motor is going to die any time soon? Is there any test I could do to check it?
Mike-P
Posted 21/03/2020 - 15:34 - Helpful Comment Link
There is no real test I don't think.

Some say the SDM is dying when the lens takes it's time starting up but both my 50-135mm and 16-50mm have been like that for years ... when you first mount them nothing happens but after a bit of a wait they spring (not sure that's the right word for the old SDM focus speed tbh) into life and work fine until the next time.

Apparently you can stop the SDM dying by using the lens a few times a month but mine have gone 6 months plus and still (eventually) work.
mivoligo
Posted 21/03/2020 - 19:29 Link
I've done few pictures but I feel the AF is overall somewhat slow and sometimes I can hear a "squeaky" noise. Not sure if it's like that in SDM lenses generally or is it because of the wear.
Mike-P
Posted 21/03/2020 - 21:20 Link
SDM AF is very slow anyway but especially on the 16-50mm, 50-135mm and 55mm. My 50-135mm has been squeaky since I purchased it years ago.

To be honest unless you got the lens for a very good price (SDM repair is around £150-£200) I would probably send it back as you sound unhappy with it and if so it will always be on your mind. If you decide to keep it and the SDM does fail then it would probably be more cost effective to convert it to screw drive.
mivoligo
Posted 21/03/2020 - 21:47 Link
Thanks. I'm not unhappy (yet) 😉 I need to go outside and do some more shooting. I hope the image quality will compensate for the slow AF.
Daronl
Posted 22/03/2020 - 05:03 - Helpful Comment Link
Contact Pramath
02082328111 - 02085606856

Asahi Photo Technical  
AKA:
BRENTFORD RADIO CONTROLLED MODELS
6 Albany Parade, High Street, Brentford
TW8 0JW

Did 5 DA* SDMs for me with latest motors

Prompt turnaround and very economical compared to others.

Lenses were transformed; much faster and totally reliable. Standing the test if time and heavy use.
Daronl
Edited by Daronl: 22/03/2020 - 05:06

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