Comments on the SMC Pentax-FA 28-105mm F4-5.6 [IF]?

[praxxis]

Originally Posted by madbikerbob

I bought the Tamron version of this lens a few weeks ago second hand for £74.00, I am very impresssed with its performance so far it is very sharp and does not seem to suffer from any CA as yet and a really great portrait lens to boot, money well spent I think. The only issue so far is its a tad slow but at that price its a compromize.

care to share some of your sample shots of this lens?

[pacerr]

I acquired this lens with a used K200D two months ago. Haven't really used it yet but a few quick snap shots at 28 & 105mm / f11 seem OK.

It's certainly a Tamron product including the lens cap with a Pentax label. Plastic with metal mount similiar to the mid-range Tamrons in build. Light and solid enough to be a reasonable walk-about pair with the Pentax 18-55 with similar feel and expectations. Not quite the Tamron 28-200 for instance but for $100-130 I wouldn't feel disappointed in this as a medium kit lens. No special close focus feature.

Things I like about it are:
- the aperture ring on what's otherwise an FA lens.
- AF's OK
- works fine with a P3n and a ZX-7 as a FF lens
- a reasonable kit lens in that focal length
- an effective Tamron style lens hood

Try the Tamron reviews of that lens for perspective.

Pacerr