Used DA*200mm lens prices falling

Driline · 06-30-2015, 09:03 AM

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I just happen to notice that the last two DA*200 lenses sold by Roberts Camera of Indianapolis Indiana have both sold in the $500 dollar range, both in excellent condition. One was $480 and the other $521.55. Normally sell in the $800 dollar range used. I've purchased from Roberts before and have been very satisfied.

Wondering if the price drop is because of the new D FA 70-200mm soon to go for sale in the Fall.

normhead · 06-30-2015, 09:05 AM

That would be nice, I've already decided I don't want the D-FA, it's just too big, but a nice little 200 for $500, I'd put that on my credit card, even if I didn't have the money.

**UncleVanya** · 06-30-2015, 09:57 AM

It hurts to see that price to those of us who bought not too long ago mine was over $700 used. Oh well. I like it that's what counts.

tvdtvdtvd · 06-30-2015, 10:13 AM

I'd have to agree that the two lenses don't overlap as much as you might think. One, a reasonably compact fast prime, the
other a behemoth Canon-esque cannon.

I imagine the drop in price simply reflects a saturated market and is a sign of a Good Thing. Enough DA* 200mm have been
purchased and are in circulation that used lenses are now abundant and no longer carry an almost new price. If only
A* 200mm Macros were so easily attained.

Stavri · 06-30-2015, 11:13 AM

The Da* 200 f2.8 has always been at the top of my "wanted but don't need it" list, I'm having too much fun with the F 300 f4.5 (similar size, faster AF) to justify the purchase on such an otherwise gem of a lens optically. perhaps it's this is the right time to indulge myself and get one.

**UncleVanya** · 06-30-2015, 12:49 PM

That lens price may have reflected something about that lens. Ebay listings from Roberts on the lens are back in the $800+ range.
Pentax Da 200mm F2 8 SMC Ed If SDM AF Lens 200 2 8 549 | eBay

transam879 · 06-30-2015, 12:55 PM

Originally posted by Stavri

The Da* 200 f2.8 has always been at the top of my "wanted but don't need it" list, I'm having too much fun with the F 300 f4.5 (similar size, faster AF) to justify the purchase on such an otherwise gem of a lens optically. perhaps it's this is the right time to indulge myself and get one.

I have both the DA* 200 and the F* 300 4.5. I love both and both serve a different purpose. Also, my next FL below my 300 is 135 so the 200 fit in nicely. Sometimes the 300 is just too long, I like to use the 200 for walks in the woods when camping with the family, I have some telephoto range and can easily get far enough away to get photos of the family too. I did pick up the 200 for a really good price so it wasn't much of a gamble, plus the f/2.8 does come in handy at times. I recently purchased the DA* 300 for a good price too (maybe the prices are dropping on them as well? People selling to get the 150-450?) to test against my F* 300. I had to after the rave reviews of the 300 (and a decent price), so I will let my experience with both decide which one I put up for sale. The F* 300 is going to be tough to beat, especially for the compactness of it and the attached lens hood that extends out. The 300 looks large in photos, but so did the 200, which I was surprised to see how compact it is (heavy/solid, but compact) compared to looking at photos of it.

Driline · 06-30-2015, 02:10 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

That lens price may have reflected something about that lens. Ebay listings from Roberts on the lens are back in the $800+ range.
Pentax Da 200mm F2 8 SMC Ed If SDM AF Lens 200 2 8 549 | eBay

No I don't think so. Both lenses were excellent. Roberts does have the "Make an offer" available, so maybe they would still take $600? You could try and see

---------- Post added 06-30-15 at 04:12 PM ----------

I would purchase the DA*200 for indoor events. I have the F*300. I don't think anything can touch that lens regarding IQ.

Stavri · 06-30-2015, 02:29 PM

From what I've seen DA* 200 optics are really top notch, probably as good as it gets on a non-macro/non-ltd Pentax offering. There seems to be a trend of people opting for flexible zooms like the new 150-450 over primes. I've personally been so impressed with the performance of the new D-FA 150-450 that I expressed my concern on the new D-Fa* 70-200 as a "star" category lens outperforming it's bigger sibling. With news of delays on the D-FA* 70-200 due to last minute optical revisions it looks like Ricoh has been busy addressing similar concerns. All Ricoh has to do is to match the IQ of the new D-FA* to that of at DA* 200mm, then we'll have another masterpiece on our hands.

**Rondec** · 07-01-2015, 11:08 AM

The DA *200 seems to be a niche product. A lot of people who look at this lens look at the various 70-200 f2.8 lenses out there and end up going with one of them (Tamron is the cheapest, but used Sigmas are pretty reasonable as well).

The DA *200 is sharp wide open and is smaller than those other lenses. The size difference was why bought the DA *200. My wife wanted something that went to 200mm and was f2.8, but we rented a Sigma 70-200 and it was huge. She likes the DA *200 a lot better.

GeneV · 07-02-2015, 04:16 AM

Has anyone made the low offer?

noelpolar · 07-02-2015, 04:19 AM

Is it only me who thinks the whole Pentax market for 2nd hand lenses has been soft since the FF anouncement....15-25% down on last year?

Sandy Hancock · 07-02-2015, 04:29 AM

I'm seriously entertaining the DA*200 over the new zoom, so this is excellent news!

hoopsontoast · 07-02-2015, 08:08 AM

The DA*200 is on my want list (after the FA*85) mainly down to its relatively lightweight/size and construction. And of course, its supposed to be fully FF compatible being based on the FA*200.

Comparison (not my photo)

**UncleVanya** · 07-02-2015, 09:02 AM

Originally posted by hoopsontoast

The DA*200 is on my want list (after the FA*85) mainly down to its relatively lightweight/size and construction. And of course, its supposed to be fully FF compatible being based on the FA*200.

Comparison (not my photo)

It is a nice size. I have owned both the 50-135 and the DA* 200 although my 50-135 is on loan to my dad and the 200 is with me but technically is his. They are similar in size but the hood for the 200 is larger and takes more bag space.

06-30-2015, 09:03 AM	#1
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,705	*Used DA200mm lens prices falling** Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. I just happen to notice that the last two DA*200 lenses sold by Roberts Camera of Indianapolis Indiana have both sold in the $500 dollar range, both in excellent condition. One was $480 and the other $521.55. Normally sell in the $800 dollar range used. I've purchased from Roberts before and have been very satisfied. Wondering if the price drop is because of the new D FA 70-200mm soon to go for sale in the Fall.

06-30-2015, 02:29 PM	#9
Stavri Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: at a Bean & Leaf Photos: Albums Posts: 1,832	From what I've seen DA* 200 optics are really top notch, probably as good as it gets on a non-macro/non-ltd Pentax offering. There seems to be a trend of people opting for flexible zooms like the new 150-450 over primes. I've personally been so impressed with the performance of the new D-FA 150-450 that I expressed my concern on the new D-Fa* 70-200 as a "star" category lens outperforming it's bigger sibling. With news of delays on the D-FA* 70-200 due to last minute optical revisions it looks like Ricoh has been busy addressing similar concerns. All Ricoh has to do is to match the IQ of the new D-FA* to that of at DA* 200mm, then we'll have another masterpiece on our hands. Last edited by Stavri; 06-30-2015 at 02:37 PM.

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06-30-2015, 09:05 AM	#2
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	That would be nice, I've already decided I don't want the D-FA, it's just too big, but a nice little 200 for $500, I'd put that on my credit card, even if I didn't have the money.

06-30-2015, 09:57 AM	#3
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,459	It hurts to see that price to those of us who bought not too long ago mine was over $700 used. Oh well. I like it that's what counts.

06-30-2015, 10:13 AM	#4
tvdtvdtvd Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,665	I'd have to agree that the two lenses don't overlap as much as you might think. One, a reasonably compact fast prime, the other a behemoth Canon-esque cannon. I imagine the drop in price simply reflects a saturated market and is a sign of a Good Thing. Enough DA* 200mm have been purchased and are in circulation that used lenses are now abundant and no longer carry an almost new price. If only A* 200mm Macros were so easily attained.

06-30-2015, 11:13 AM	#5
Stavri Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: at a Bean & Leaf Photos: Albums Posts: 1,832	The Da* 200 f2.8 has always been at the top of my "wanted but don't need it" list, I'm having too much fun with the F 300 f4.5 (similar size, faster AF) to justify the purchase on such an otherwise gem of a lens optically. perhaps it's this is the right time to indulge myself and get one.

06-30-2015, 12:49 PM	#6
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,459	That lens price may have reflected something about that lens. Ebay listings from Roberts on the lens are back in the $800+ range. Pentax Da 200mm F2 8 SMC Ed If SDM AF Lens 200 2 8 549 \| eBay

06-30-2015, 12:55 PM	#7
transam879 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 651	Originally posted by Stavri The Da* 200 f2.8 has always been at the top of my "wanted but don't need it" list, I'm having too much fun with the F 300 f4.5 (similar size, faster AF) to justify the purchase on such an otherwise gem of a lens optically. perhaps it's this is the right time to indulge myself and get one. I have both the DA* 200 and the F* 300 4.5. I love both and both serve a different purpose. Also, my next FL below my 300 is 135 so the 200 fit in nicely. Sometimes the 300 is just too long, I like to use the 200 for walks in the woods when camping with the family, I have some telephoto range and can easily get far enough away to get photos of the family too. I did pick up the 200 for a really good price so it wasn't much of a gamble, plus the f/2.8 does come in handy at times. I recently purchased the DA* 300 for a good price too (maybe the prices are dropping on them as well? People selling to get the 150-450?) to test against my F* 300. I had to after the rave reviews of the 300 (and a decent price), so I will let my experience with both decide which one I put up for sale. The F* 300 is going to be tough to beat, especially for the compactness of it and the attached lens hood that extends out. The 300 looks large in photos, but so did the 200, which I was surprised to see how compact it is (heavy/solid, but compact) compared to looking at photos of it.

06-30-2015, 02:10 PM	#8
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,705 Original Poster	Originally posted by UncleVanya That lens price may have reflected something about that lens. Ebay listings from Roberts on the lens are back in the $800+ range. Pentax Da 200mm F2 8 SMC Ed If SDM AF Lens 200 2 8 549 \| eBay No I don't think so. Both lenses were excellent. Roberts does have the "Make an offer" available, so maybe they would still take $600? You could try and see ---------- Post added 06-30-15 at 04:12 PM ---------- I would purchase the DA200 for indoor events. I have the F300. I don't think anything can touch that lens regarding IQ.

07-01-2015, 11:08 AM	#10
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,663	The DA 200 seems to be a niche product. A lot of people who look at this lens look at the various 70-200 f2.8 lenses out there and end up going with one of them (Tamron is the cheapest, but used Sigmas are pretty reasonable as well). The DA 200 is sharp wide open and is smaller than those other lenses. The size difference was why bought the DA 200. My wife wanted something that went to 200mm and was f2.8, but we rented a Sigma 70-200 and it was huge. She likes the DA 200 a lot better.

07-02-2015, 04:16 AM	#11
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Has anyone made the low offer?

07-02-2015, 04:19 AM	#12
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	Is it only me who thinks the whole Pentax market for 2nd hand lenses has been soft since the FF anouncement....15-25% down on last year?

07-02-2015, 04:29 AM	#13
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	I'm seriously entertaining the DA*200 over the new zoom, so this is excellent news!

07-02-2015, 08:08 AM	#14
hoopsontoast Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Oxfordshire Posts: 861	The DA200 is on my want list (after the FA85) mainly down to its relatively lightweight/size and construction. And of course, its supposed to be fully FF compatible being based on the FA*200. Comparison (not my photo)

07-02-2015, 09:02 AM	#15
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,459	Originally posted by hoopsontoast The DA200 is on my want list (after the FA85) mainly down to its relatively lightweight/size and construction. And of course, its supposed to be fully FF compatible being based on the FA200. Comparison (not my photo) It is a nice size. I have owned both the 50-135 and the DA 200 although my 50-135 is on loan to my dad and the 200 is with me but technically is his. They are similar in size but the hood for the 200 is larger and takes more bag space.