Photo: Robert S. Donovan (CC BY 2.0)
smc DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM
- 16-50mm
- f/2.8
- Zoom
- 565 g
- Min focus 0.3 m
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Quick answer
A constant f/2.8 standard zoom for Pentax APS-C bodies, with SDM focusing. It weighs about 565 g and takes 77mm filters.
Pros
- Constant f/2.8
- SDM autofocus
- Weather-resistant build
- 77mm filters
Cons
- APS-C only
- SDM motors in some units have failed with age
- No lens stabilization
Verdict
A classic Pentax professional crop zoom.
About this lens
This 16-50mm f/2.8 fast standard zoom lens from Pentax fits Pentax K mount cameras, with extra-low dispersion glass. A premium weather-resistant "Star" series lens for Pentax K-mount cameras.
Pentax smc DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM specifications
- Brand
- Pentax
- Mount
- Pentax K
- Focal length
- 16-50mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/2.8
- Lens type
- Zoom
- Format coverage
- aps-c
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.3 m
- Filter thread
- 77 mm
- Weight
- 565 g
- Length
- 99 mm
- Diameter
- 84 mm
Specification source: wikidata.org
What can you shoot with the Pentax smc DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM?
- Events on APS-C
- Portraits
- General professional use
Its bright maximum aperture handles indoor and evening light reasonably well.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APS-C | 1.5x | 24–75mm | 27–73.7° | 32.2–84.1° |
Frequently asked questions
Is the SDM motor on the Pentax DA* 16-50mm reliable?
SDM failures have been reported on some units of this lens, so test autofocus carefully when buying one used.
What filter size does it use?
The front thread measures 77mm, which is the size to look for when choosing a polarizer, UV or ND filter.
How close can it focus?
Minimum focus is 0.3 m. That is close enough to place a foreground subject against a wide background.
Alternatives for Pentax K from other brands
All Pentax K lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
More Pentax lenses for Pentax K
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