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

lastdodobird · 01-30-2008, 12:59 AM

Here is the lens I'm talking about:

SMC Pentax-FA 28-105mm F4-5.6 [IF]

There aren't any reviews on this lens in the database, and there's relatively nothing much about it on the internet... so I took a chance and tried if maybe there were a number of photographers here who have something to say about this lens?

If I'm buying it second-hand, what would you think would be a good price to get it for? What about brand new?

Thanks!

lastdodobird · 01-30-2008, 08:03 AM

none? anyone?

It's being offered for around $100, second-hand. Thanks!

Gooshin · 01-30-2008, 08:06 AM

if it fits your focal range go ahead and take it, i had a similar piece only it had the powerzoom thing on it, it was my first lens, and my first lens to hit the floor and break

i dont really miss it....

Lowell Goudge · 01-30-2008, 09:00 AM

Originally Posted by Gooshin

if it fits your focal range go ahead and take it, i had a similar piece only it had the powerzoom thing on it, it was my first lens, and my first lens to hit the floor and break

i dont really miss it....

Note the power zoom lens was completely different optically, and was not internally focused.

I have both the 28-80 and 28-105 power zooms. optically good, but the front group, which both turns for focus and extends for zoom never really felt solid, there was a lot of side to side play in the group. Used them quite a bit until I got my tamron 28-75 f2.8

FotoPete · 01-30-2008, 09:08 AM

Its only of those tamrom zooms that got rebadged. It shouldn't be too bad. Tamron's made pretty good lenses in the past.

Its just that this lens won't be providing all that interesting a focal length @ the equivalent view of a 42mm-158mm lens.

lastdodobird · 01-30-2008, 04:35 PM

@FotoPete: What do you mean "this lens won't be providing all that interesting a focal length"? What would you say would be an interesting focal length?

So basically, this lens i'm asking about is okay. At the most, it's good but nothing exceptional?

For $100, a used (in good condition) piece would be a good buy?

713alan · 01-31-2008, 06:04 PM

I have a similar Pentax lens (J series 28-105). This is a great focal length range.
1) Christmas, inside a normal size house: wide enough to show several kids openning presents, long enough to zoom in on a face.
2) From a car: wide enough for road side scenes and landscape.

You will like this lens.

Duh_Vinci · 01-31-2008, 06:42 PM

Yes, I think $100 for a used in good condition as a good price. That lens in the photo in the database is the actual picture of my lens (was mine), I sold it few months ago... I sold it for $180 shipped on ebay (probably because it was all black, never seen one all black, only silver model), lens was flawless...

It was nice walkaround lens, sharp from moderate to good light, very contrasty, fast AF (fastest of any AF lenses from Pentax I've tried - small turning radius)... I tried to post review, the section database did not open up the place to type in the text??? Some lens creep (typical to Tamron built lenses). Manual focus ring was very useful imo.

Hope this helps...

Regards,
D

knyghtfall · 02-07-2008, 08:34 AM

Just curious, I own the other version of this lens: the FA 28-105/3.2 - 4.5. How is this one different from the 4 - 5.6, optically? is the 3.2-4.5 also a rebadged Tamron as well, or its an altogether different lens from the above?

*creampuff* · 02-07-2008, 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by FotoPete

Its only of those tamrom zooms that got rebadged. It shouldn't be too bad. Tamron's made pretty good lenses in the past.

Where do you get the information that the lens is a re-badged Tamron?
To my understanding only the Pentax FA 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 superzoom was attributed to be a Tamron design, though this was never publicly acknowledged by Pentax.

lastdodobird, for this focal length, there were 2 different lenses from Pentax, the faster f3.2 version and the more common f/4 version. The former gets the better reviews while the f/4 version is an average performer. Please note that there were several iterations of the f/4 version.

Duh_Vinci · 02-07-2008, 09:24 PM

Originally Posted by creampuff

Where do you get the information that the lens is a re-badged Tamron?
To my understanding only the Pentax FA 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 superzoom was attributed to be a Tamron design, though this was never publicly acknowledged by Pentax...

I can assure you, it was, the only difference between "Tamron" badged lenses, Pentax added their own zoom grip, typical to most of their current zoom lenses. Otherwise, 100% Tamron down to the pinch-style front cover (full specs of tamron here: http://www.tamron.com/assets/pdfs/179D.pdf and my old Pentax lens http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensrevi...05mm_F4-56.jpg, and the hood to Tamron since it is not in the manual picture http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/l...ges/169282.jpg)

Regards,
D

Asahiflex · 02-08-2008, 01:18 AM

I do not know the FA 28-105 [IF], but the older SMC Pentax-F 35-105mm should at least be as good. The only downside is that it is somewhat rare and that it is lacking on the wide end, and it is a little heavy too (lots of metal). To me, it is plenty sharp. I already like it a lot!

There is no apparent PF or CA that I can see. Some test photos (not altered in any way, just resized):

1. Macro

2. Macro II

3. 35mm setting (2s)

4. Bokeh test

**joele** · 02-08-2008, 02:28 AM

Originally Posted by knyghtfall

Just curious, I own the other version of this lens: the FA 28-105/3.2 - 4.5. How is this one different from the 4 - 5.6, optically? is the 3.2-4.5 also a rebadged Tamron as well, or its an altogether different lens from the above?

There are 3 versions..

4-5.6 powerzoom, 3.2-4.5 and the tamron rebadge 4-5.6..

I have owned the 3.2-4.5 and the powerzoom.. Both are made by pentax (not rebadge) and both are pretty good for what they are.. The powerzoom was slightly better at the wide end and the 3.2-4.5 quite a bit better at the long end.. Also the 3.2-4.5 is much lighter..

The tamron rebadge is still OK but apparently behind the other two..

*tranq78* · 02-08-2008, 07:37 AM

I own the F35-105 but I admit I almost never use it. Maybe I should exercise it a bit more!

madbikerbob · 02-10-2008, 03:33 PM

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.