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

*newarts* · 07-04-2009, 02:58 PM

I've got a Soligor 200:2.8 manual focus that's not bad & didn't cost much (less than $100USD).
no sharpening, wide open, contrast adjusted, 100%:

Deblurred 2pixels (Focus Magic)

Takumar 200 at f4 for comparison:

I want a sigma 70-200 2.8 AF but it looks like that'll cost me $700USD or more. It's the best I've seen wide open; the Tamron 70-200:2.8 maybe better stopped down, and costs about $100 less.

One of many Daves in Iowa

EDIT: There's a Tokina 80-200 2.8 at Keh.com for $165. It now has a Nikon AI-S mount but that's easy to change to a manual focus & manual aperture K type mount*. It is a well reputed lens: http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00NCb5

* it may fit the pentax without alteration, but for a secure mount, just unscrew the Nikon flange plate and, using the same screws, replace it with a flange-type m42-K adapter.

Hmm, maybe I need this lens? Hmmm... (Marc, how much do you value AF for concert/indoor sports work?)

07-04-2009, 02:58 PM	#7
newarts Site Supporter Location: Ames, Iowa, USA Gallery Photos: 0 Posts: 657	I've got a Soligor 200:2.8 manual focus that's not bad & didn't cost much (less than $100USD). no sharpening, wide open, contrast adjusted, 100%: Deblurred 2pixels (Focus Magic) Takumar 200 at f4 for comparison: I want a sigma 70-200 2.8 AF but it looks like that'll cost me $700USD or more. It's the best I've seen wide open; the Tamron 70-200:2.8 maybe better stopped down, and costs about $100 less. One of many Daves in Iowa EDIT: There's a Tokina 80-200 2.8 at Keh.com for $165. It now has a Nikon AI-S mount but that's easy to change to a manual focus & manual aperture K type mount. It is a well reputed lens: http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00NCb5 it may fit the pentax without alteration, but for a secure mount, just unscrew the Nikon flange plate and, using the same screws, replace it with a flange-type m42-K adapter. Hmm, maybe I need this lens? Hmmm... (Marc, how much do you value AF for concert/indoor sports work?) Last edited by newarts; 07-04-2009 at 04:40 PM.