The HD-Pentax DA 16-50mm F2.8ED PLM AW has been developed for the new generation of the Star series. Compared to the smc Pentax-DA 16-50mm F2.8ED AL[IF]SDM, the standard zoom lens of the first generation introduced in July 2007, this lens offers significantly improved imaging performance. For the necessary power in autofocus operation, it features a PLM (Pulse Motor) for the first time in a lens with such a large aperture, ensuring fast and quiet autofocus performance. To enhance usability during manual focusing, it has been specially tuned so that photographers can enjoy the photography process according to their own preferences. The new generation of Star series lenses has been designed with future camera bodies and their increasing demands in mind. As part of this, the new HD-Pentax DA 16-50mm F2.8ED PLM AW has achieved a significant increase in resolving power, successfully minimizing various optical aberrations to produce clear images with a natural bokeh effect. At the same time, the high-quality multi-layer HD coating provides greater light transmission and contrast-rich images with less stray light than before. The optical design has been revised to reduce the weight of the focusing lens group, enabling the use of a PLM motor, which has significantly improved focusing speed. The highly valued weather resistance is achieved through nine sealing rings and front lens protection with SP coating.
The HD-Pentax DA 16-50mm F2.8ED PLM AW has been developed for the new generation of the Star series. Compared to the smc Pentax-DA 16-50mm F2.8ED AL[IF]SDM, the standard zoom lens of the first generation introduced in July 2007, this lens offers significantly improved imaging performance. For the necessary power in autofocus operation, it features a PLM (Pulse Motor) for the first time in a lens with such a large aperture, ensuring fast and quiet autofocus performance. To enhance usability during manual focusing, it has been specially tuned so that photographers can enjoy the photography process according to their own preferences. The new generation of Star series lenses has been designed with future camera bodies and their increasing demands in mind. As part of this, the new HD-Pentax DA 16-50mm F2.8ED PLM AW has achieved a significant increase in resolving power, successfully minimizing various optical aberrations to produce clear images with a natural bokeh effect. At the same time, the high-quality multi-layer HD coating provides greater light transmission and contrast-rich images with less stray light than before. The optical design has been revised to reduce the weight of the focusing lens group, enabling the use of a PLM motor, which has significantly improved focusing speed. The highly valued weather resistance is achieved through nine sealing rings and front lens protection with SP coating.
The HD-Pentax DA 16-50mm F2.8ED PLM AW has been developed for the new generation of the Star series. Compared to the smc Pentax-DA 16-50mm F2.8ED AL[IF]SDM, the standard zoom lens of the first generation introduced in July 2007, this lens offers significantly improved imaging performance. For the necessary power in autofocus operation, it features a PLM (Pulse Motor) for the first time in a lens with such a large aperture, ensuring fast and quiet autofocus performance. To enhance usability during manual focusing, it has been specially tuned so that photographers can enjoy the photography process according to their own preferences. The new generation of Star series lenses has been designed with future camera bodies and their increasing demands in mind. As part of this, the new HD-Pentax DA 16-50mm F2.8ED PLM AW has achieved a significant increase in resolving power, successfully minimizing various optical aberrations to produce clear images with a natural bokeh effect. At the same time, the high-quality multi-layer HD coating provides greater light transmission and contrast-rich images with less stray light than before. The optical design has been revised to reduce the weight of the focusing lens group, enabling the use of a PLM motor, which has significantly improved focusing speed. The highly valued weather resistance is achieved through nine sealing rings and front lens protection with SP coating.
The HD-Pentax DA 16-50mm F2.8ED PLM AW has been developed for the new generation of the Star series. Compared to the smc Pentax-DA 16-50mm F2.8ED AL[IF]SDM, the standard zoom lens of the first generation introduced in July 2007, this lens offers significantly improved imaging performance. For the necessary power in autofocus operation, it features a PLM (Pulse Motor) for the first time in a lens with such a large aperture, ensuring fast and quiet autofocus performance. To enhance usability during manual focusing, it has been specially tuned so that photographers can enjoy the photography process according to their own preferences. The new generation of Star series lenses has been designed with future camera bodies and their increasing demands in mind. As part of this, the new HD-Pentax DA 16-50mm F2.8ED PLM AW has achieved a significant increase in resolving power, successfully minimizing various optical aberrations to produce clear images with a natural bokeh effect. At the same time, the high-quality multi-layer HD coating provides greater light transmission and contrast-rich images with less stray light than before. The optical design has been revised to reduce the weight of the focusing lens group, enabling the use of a PLM motor, which has significantly improved focusing speed. The highly valued weather resistance is achieved through nine sealing rings and front lens protection with SP coating.
Last updated at 06/09/2026 19:21:36
Pentax HD 16-50mm F2.8ED PLM AW Large-Aperture Standard Zoom Lens [High-Speed AF] [High-Performance HD Coating] [Dust-Proof/Weather-Resistant
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Pentax Hd Da 16-50mm F/2.8ed Plm Aw (aps-c / K Mount) 117
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Pentax Hd Da 16-50mm F/2.8 Ed Plm Aw 236
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Hd Pentax-da Star 16-50mm F/2.8 Ed Plm Aw Lens Aps-c K Mount From
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Hd Pentax-da Star 16-50mm F/2.8 Ed Plm Aw Lens Aps-c K Mount From
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Hd Pentax-da Star 16-50mm F/2.8 Ed Plm Aw Aps-c Zoom Lens From Japan
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Hd Pentax-da Star 16-50mm F/2.8 Ed Plm Aw Aps-c Zoom Lens From Japan
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Pentax Hd Pentax-da 16-50mm F2.8 Ed Plm Aw Star Zoom Lens K-mount
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[near Mint] Hd Pentax-da 16-50mm F2.8ed Plm Aw Standard Zoom Lens
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Hd Pentax Da16-50mmf2.8ed Plm Aw Zoom Lens For Aps-c Size K Mount
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originally posted on adorama.com
Very crisp and quick focus that is nearly silent. Excellent feel and build quality. I really wish I would have bought this sooner.
originally posted on ebay.com
Excellent image quality. Fast quiet auto focus. The downside is its large size and weight; hard to avoid with these specs and performance.
originally posted on wexphotographic.com
Event photography. Not so good in low light fast moving conditions but otherwise fast and snappy in good outdoor conditions extending the usability of my ever green Pentax KP with very few missed shots. Build quality is exceptional. Slightly over balanced without battery grip fitted but offers that nice weighted feel when shooting hand held for short periods. Gets a bit heavy on longer shoots though
| Minimum Focus Distance | 11.8" |
| Maximum Aperture | F2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | F22 |
| Lens construction | 16 elements in 10 groups |
| Mount | KAF4 |
Pentax HD 16-50mm F2.8ED PLM AW Large-Aperture Standard Zoom Lens [High-Speed AF] [High-Performance HD Coating] [Dust-Proof/Weather-Resistant
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Pentax Hd Da 16-50mm F/2.8ed Plm Aw (aps-c / K Mount) 117
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Pentax Hd Da 16-50mm F/2.8 Ed Plm Aw 236
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Hd Pentax-da Star 16-50mm F/2.8 Ed Plm Aw Lens Aps-c K Mount From
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Hd Pentax-da Star 16-50mm F/2.8 Ed Plm Aw Lens Aps-c K Mount From
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Very crisp and quick focus that is nearly silent. Excellent feel and build quality. I really wish I would have bought this sooner.
Excellent image quality. Fast quiet auto focus. The downside is its large size and weight; hard to avoid with these specs and performance.
Event photography. Not so good in low light fast moving conditions but otherwise fast and snappy in good outdoor conditions extending the usability of my ever green Pentax KP with very few missed shots. Build quality is exceptional. Slightly over balanced without battery grip fitted but offers that nice weighted feel when shooting hand held for short periods. Gets a bit heavy on longer shoots though
For a brand new lens of this size and weight, I expected tack sharp images at most focal lengths….instead I got “mostly pretty sharp” images at most focal lengths. Not sure if this was due to copy variation, but overall image quality is definitely better on my Fuji 16-55 f/2.8 (which at this point is an old lens, though of similar size and weight).Otherwise it’s everything you expect in a modern professional zoom lens: quick AF, almost-zero aberrations, and fantastic build quality.
Just got this and am knocked out by the quality of the images, at all focal lengths.......sharp, crisp with almost no distortion.....Is this a low weight plastic affair?....No.....This is a full size constant aperture with the best materials. That adds weight and size. If you know this and want super images....this is a great choice........BTW...as far as the zoom only going to 50MM...you add a lot of weight and size to go beyond that...the laws of physics have not been repealed....and we can all just crop a 50mm image to get most of what we want.......(Finally, stay away from F22...this is good advice for all zooms)...
I have had both versions of the 16-50 DA*. When the new PLM version came out I had to try it.I had used the previous SDM version for years and had multiple lenses where the auto focus eventually failed after about 4-6 months of use (even after repair). The SDM auto focus, when working, was also slow and not very accurate. Only about 60-70% of images were in good focus.I have used my new PLM version for about 9 months now with no issues. The new motor is much faster, and the auto focus is much more accurate. I have it paired with the K-3 III and am very happy with the image quality. Hopefully it will stand the test of time as it is one of my most used lenses.
I thought really long and hard before purchasing this lens. I have a pretty full line up of fill frame Pentax * pro quality lenses for my K1MarkII. When I decided to purchase the new K-3 Mark III I fully intended to just stick with those lenses. They are all outstanding glass and I didn't really think I needed another lens.After reading about how this lens is made with new technology to optimize the capability of the K-3 Mark III, I decided it would be worth testing out the hype. On top of that, I intend to carry this combo backpacking and because I was using FF lenses on the smaller sensor, I didn't have a good wide angle lens any longer unless I wanted to use the FF camera.To say I am impressed is an understatement. I enjoy macro photography and in my testing ... MoreI thought really long and hard before purchasing this lens. I have a pretty full line up of fill frame Pentax * pro quality lenses for my K1MarkII. When I decided to purchase the new K-3 Mark III I fully intended to just stick with those lenses. They are all outstanding glass and I didn't really think I needed another lens.After reading about how this lens is made with new technology to optimize the capability of the K-3 Mark III, I decided it would be worth testing out the hype. On top of that, I intend to carry this combo backpacking and because I was using FF lenses on the smaller sensor, I didn't have a good wide angle lens any longer unless I wanted to use the FF camera.To say I am impressed is an understatement. I enjoy macro photography and in my testing I found I could get very close to my subjects and still have accurate focus. Even with small insects you can end up with a really neat photo, especially if you happen to use a flash to freeze motion. When it comes to wide angle, I was extremely impressed with the edge-to-edge rendering. Not only does this lens reproduce what your eye sees with impressive accuracy, it provides quick and accurate focusing and crystal clear image lines.The build quality is excellent. The lens is heavy and I admit I am not looking forward to carrying it for 100+ miles, but to me the image quality supersedes the weight. I was looking hard at going to a Sony A1 mirrorless body and lenses and, after looking at the weights and quality, I realized what I had was pretty much the same and purchasing this lens to complete my kit was a lot less expensive in the long run. I have dropped another of my Pentax lenses (built much like this one) and even with a cracked housing and bent extension tube the lens functioned. When hiking, that is the kind of lens you need on your camera. It is bound to hit a rock or drop somewhere along the way and want it to still work when all is said and done. I feel this lens will do just that.The function is smooth and accurate. I don't find the focus or zoom to wander even in manual settings. It is tight and quiet. The lens communicates flawlessly with the camera and this pairing is my absolute favorite. It has become my go-to for pretty much everything, I just use my feet if I need to be closer to a subject. Because it is so accurate and capable at close ranges, I don't even feel I need the heavy long zoom lenses unless I am shooting wildlife over distances. In the attached photos there is an unedited wide angle shot and a heavily cropped, only sharpened, handheld insect shot without flash. The insect shot is what most impressed me, I have never gotten another lens not designed to be a macro to be this accurate, especially without a flash. Just really, really impressed.
I have had this lens for about a month and still learning its capabilities. It produces photos with great IQ and the color rendition is phenomenal (as is with most Pentax glass). Focus is fast and accurate. Practically speaking, I've used it for sports and most recently portraits. I'm really looking forward to more outings and sessions as I learn adjust to the capabilities this lens provides. I'll let the portrait images attached speak for the lens.
I read many reviews before buying this lens, and there are so few negative comments made about it. Most aspects of this lens are indeed perfect.It’s rugged, built like a tank and will undoubtedly last many years. When you handle it, you know you’re using a premium product.Also, I don’t mind the size & weight: it makes me feel like I’m doing something.Autofocus is snappy fast, super quiet, and accurate on the K3-III—the best I’ve experienced with a DSLR. And far superior to any of the Pentax Limiteds I’ve tried.With no exaggeration, the central sharpness is exemplary—on par with lenses I’ve paid twice this much for. (I’m thinking of the Canon 24-70 RF L.)The corners are a bit soft through f/8. For apertures larger than or equal to f/5.6, this is completely ... MoreI read many reviews before buying this lens, and there are so few negative comments made about it. Most aspects of this lens are indeed perfect.It’s rugged, built like a tank and will undoubtedly last many years. When you handle it, you know you’re using a premium product.Also, I don’t mind the size & weight: it makes me feel like I’m doing something.Autofocus is snappy fast, super quiet, and accurate on the K3-III—the best I’ve experienced with a DSLR. And far superior to any of the Pentax Limiteds I’ve tried.With no exaggeration, the central sharpness is exemplary—on par with lenses I’ve paid twice this much for. (I’m thinking of the Canon 24-70 RF L.)The corners are a bit soft through f/8. For apertures larger than or equal to f/5.6, this is completely okay with me. Soft corners at these apertures adds a character that I mostly appreciate. By f/11, there is substantial improvement--enough to render it sufficient for landscapes after a bump or two to the sharpening slider in Lightroom. But I expect a bit better at this price point. For comparison, the Pentax 20-40mm Limited lens is actually sharper in the corners at all common configurations but is not quite as sharp at the center for any configuration.Ultimately, this lens is perfect for most of my needs. I suspect it will remain on my camera more than any other.
This is one of the best Pentax lens made and worth the price.This lens is so quiet that at first I thought something was wrong, it was so quiet. And it is very accurate with my K3 Mk3. I have not tried it yet with my KP. The focal range is great for only having to carry two lenses, this one and either the 50-135 or 55-300 PLM.I use it mostly for landscapes and portraits, and some low-light photos.There are two negatives about the lens, it is expensive and a little heavy and large.
| Minimum Focus Distance | 11.8" |
| Maximum Aperture | F2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | F22 |
| Lens construction | 16 elements in 10 groups |
| Mount | KAF4 |
