PentaxForums.com - View Single Post - Need recommendation on good value 200mm+ lens

Ben_Edict · 07-03-2009, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by PentHassyKon

Hi there-

I'm in full LBA mode
Need some help with identifying lenses that are 200mm or greater.
I don't intend to use it for birding but for capturing indoor concerts, and possibly outdoor night concerts.

I currently have a Pentax A 70-210, which is constant f4. However, based on the results I've gotten I'm wishing for a longer reach or faster (larger min aperture, 2.8 or less). Wish my Cosina 55 1.2 had a longer reach.

I was eyeing the Pentax 55-300mm as I've seen good reports of it on here but I'm concerned that it's f5.8 @ 300mm might not be enough for indoor or nighttime outdoor shots.

Using the price of the Pentax 55-300mm (~ $350) as a guideline, I'm looking for what my options are.

I've seen the Pentax K 300mm f4 - how does this compare to the 55-300?
I may also be able to get a Pentax k 400mm f5.6 but I'm concerned about the f5.6 limiting me with low light.
I've also seen the Pentax 200mm f2.5, however I'm not sure I can afford it and I might wish for more reach
The Pentax DA 200mm 2.8 is definitely out of my reach, being ~$800

Any other lenses out there that you folks could recommend that I could look into? Oh, BTW, this will be paired with a k200d, and I've also got a Pentax LX

If your price limit is a hard one, you can rule out the Pentax 200/2.5, 400/5.6 lenses from the start. Indeed you can rule out any lens with a max, aperture faster than f/4. The older Pentax K 300/4 would be a good choice for concerts. I don't think the CAs would be prominent under the tungsten lighting and AF is not a big issue, as you probably stand at a fixed location for shooting. It has more than one full f-stop advantage over the 55-300 and you've covered the 70-210mm range already with good glass.

Ben

07-03-2009, 02:33 PM	#2
Ben_Edict Pentaxian Location: Germany Gallery Photos: 0 Posts: 1,504	Originally Posted by PentHassyKon Hi there- I'm in full LBA mode Need some help with identifying lenses that are 200mm or greater. I don't intend to use it for birding but for capturing indoor concerts, and possibly outdoor night concerts. I currently have a Pentax A 70-210, which is constant f4. However, based on the results I've gotten I'm wishing for a longer reach or faster (larger min aperture, 2.8 or less). Wish my Cosina 55 1.2 had a longer reach. I was eyeing the Pentax 55-300mm as I've seen good reports of it on here but I'm concerned that it's f5.8 @ 300mm might not be enough for indoor or nighttime outdoor shots. Using the price of the Pentax 55-300mm (~ $350) as a guideline, I'm looking for what my options are. I've seen the Pentax K 300mm f4 - how does this compare to the 55-300? I may also be able to get a Pentax k 400mm f5.6 but I'm concerned about the f5.6 limiting me with low light. I've also seen the Pentax 200mm f2.5, however I'm not sure I can afford it and I might wish for more reach The Pentax DA 200mm 2.8 is definitely out of my reach, being ~$800 Any other lenses out there that you folks could recommend that I could look into? Oh, BTW, this will be paired with a k200d, and I've also got a Pentax LX If your price limit is a hard one, you can rule out the Pentax 200/2.5, 400/5.6 lenses from the start. Indeed you can rule out any lens with a max, aperture faster than f/4. The older Pentax K 300/4 would be a good choice for concerts. I don't think the CAs would be prominent under the tungsten lighting and AF is not a big issue, as you probably stand at a fixed location for shooting. It has more than one full f-stop advantage over the 55-300 and you've covered the 70-210mm range already with good glass. Ben