[Mark Steele]

Hi,

I'm putting together a cheap film SLR outfit to teach my better half how to use an SLR and see if she likes it before splashing out on a digital model for her. I already have the camera and a couple of lenses but I'd like recommendations for a K or KA telephoto zoom that covers something like 70-200 or 80-200 and is cheap. Decent image quality would be appreciated. An AF model going out to 300 would also be useful for my K-500.

Thanks,
Mark

[pepperberry farm]

SMC A 70-210mm f4 is a killer lens and should not be too expensive...

[UncleVanya]

So just to be clear not an autofocus film lens?

If I have that correct I'd suggest two options. The M 75-150 and the A 70-210.

For the k-500 the 55-300 is hard to beat. There are 80-320 and 100-300 options in the FA series but they fall short on purple fringing and contrast.

[Mark Steele]

SMC A 70-210mm f4 is a killer lens and should not be too expensive...

Thanks, I'll keep an eye out for one that suits my cheapskate budget...

[pepperberry farm]

I'd agree on the DA or DA L 55-300mm for the K500 - possibly the best consumer 300mm zoom out there?

[Skodadriver]

Hi,

I'm putting together a cheap film SLR outfit to teach my better half how to use an SLR and see if she likes it before splashing out on a digital model for her. I already have the camera and a couple of lenses but I'd like recommendations for a K or KA telephoto zoom that covers something like 70-200 or 80-200 and is cheap. Decent image quality would be appreciated. An AF model going out to 300 would also be useful for my K-500.

Thanks,
Mark

A member of the forum (marcusBMG) is kindly collecting and publishing data on some zooms (adding others as time goes by) with your range requirements here; Test classic 70-210mm vintage lenses: vivitar series 1, tamron SP
Tamron and Vivitar manual zooms, some of which can be found cheap. I don't know how cheap you want to go but good deals around $10 - $20 for a "consumer" manual Tamron adaptall lens can be found. The lenses use a removable adapter and the PK-A adapter is probably your best bet but unless you are lucky this may cost more than the lens.
The Tamron 46A model 70-210mm f3.8-4 is also a pretty sharp lens, no too heavy and has recently been reviewed in the lens reviews.


For AF to 300mm, I have and would recommend both the Tamron 70-300mm DI LD and the Sigma 70-300mm DL macro. Both are cheap consumer lenses but can provide goodish images up to 200mm and not quite to goodish images at 300mm. They have the additional option of close focussing (via a switch) that provides the "macro", just nowhere near 1:1. They are a lot lighter than the 19AH and 23A manual Tamron zooms .


Sticking with Pentax, the F 70-210mm F4-5.6 for AF and the A 70-210mm F4 manual seem pretty good too.

[aslyfox]

My tamron 1: 4 - 5.6 70 -300 mm macro zoom ld (1:2) is auto focus but also can be focused manually if needed

It offers 1:2 macro at 300 mm, it uses focal length between 180 - 300 mm in macro mode

I believe it was originally a "film" lens. I like it a lot.

here is an example of it using "macro" setting

K 3 + Tamron AF 70-300mm F4-5.6 LD Macro 1:2

[not photographed against blue background, unsure why it appears that way]

Attached Images

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Last edited by aslyfox; 10-22-2016 at 08:42 AM. Reason: added photo and text

[normhead]

I got my SMC Pentax F-70-210 for around $65.









Pentax_F-70-210 Slideshow by Norm_Head | Photobucket

I owned a Sigma 70-300, that type of lens really isn't in the same league. The F 70-210 I believe has 16 elements in 12 groups, so very well corrected for a film era lens. To me, it's just a gem. There are times I take it instead of my DA*60-250. It's much smaller and lighter for hiking, and when you need it, results are acceptable. The one caveat being, it's not much good with a TC, but I can't even mount a TC on my 70-300.

[aslyfox]

I'll buy it from you for $60 (price reduction due to wear and tear you have put on it)

great photos

[normhead]

I'll buy it from you for $60 (price reduction due to wear and tear you have put on it)

great photos

It's really Tess'. I could sell it to you, but she'd hunt you down.

[aslyfox]

It's really Tess'. I could sell it to you, but she'd hunt you down.

deal, I'll have Homeland Security stop her at the border

[marcusBMG]

The Kiron Zoomlock 70-210mm is the surprise package of my tests - probably the most consistent performer. I acquired mine for a tenner - they don't seem to be pursued particularly when they crop up for sale - so best price/performance.

[mgvh]

I just posted a comparison of a Tokina SZX 80-200, Vivitar Series 1 (v2) 70-210, Vivitar 75-205, Takumar-F 70-210, along with the Pentax DAL 55-300 HERE. The DAL is really useful. For cheap, though, if you can find the Tokina or either of the Vivitars, you will get good results.

[normhead]

I just posted a comparison of a Tokina SZX 80-200, Vivitar Series 1 (v2) 70-210, Vivitar 75-205, Takumar-F 70-210, along with the Pentax DAL 55-300 HERE. The DAL is really useful. For cheap, though, if you can find the Tokina or either of the Vivitars, you will get good results.

Was your F 70-210 dropped?

[Skodadriver]

I just posted a comparison of a Tokina SZX 80-200, Vivitar Series 1 (v2) 70-210, Vivitar 75-205, Takumar-F 70-210, along with the Pentax DAL 55-300 HERE. The DAL is really useful. For cheap, though, if you can find the Tokina or either of the Vivitars, you will get good results.

Yes the Tokina is a great little lens, my copy sometimes needs a little boost to the contrast but seems to avoid fringing, is sharp and quite a small package.


Another lens I think should get an honourable mention is the Pentax-F 80-200mm F4.7-5.6. A bit slow but seems to be a credible performer.
Mine came with a working MZ-30 and the 28-80mm kit lens for £20. (My 3rd attempt to get a MZ camera that wasn't mirror locked). One day I will try the fix on one.


Whatever you get, you might, like me, wonder if you should just have gone for a Pentax 55-300mm straight away.