All round (old) FA medium zoom lens

JAZZer · 07-03-2008, 04:38 PM

I am in sort of dilemma for getting some good (-old) FA medium zoom for all round...
..I saw few of them in second hand shop and on e-bay, so dilemma is:

FA 28-70/4, FA 24-90/3,5-4,5, FA 28-105/3,2-4,5 or ????

Witch one is better... sharper... with more contrast and better bokkeh ?

Thanks for any help and suggestion!

jslifoaw · 07-03-2008, 04:40 PM

I've had each at some point. The only one I still have is the 24-90, and i'm never going to get rid of it.

kmccanta · 07-03-2008, 05:11 PM

the FA28-70/4 is a nice compact constant f4 with a non-rotating front element so its nice for manual metering and using circular polarizers. It was considered the "good" kit lens for a while. But I think "good" is like the current 18-55 is good.

However, this model also has a design or manufacturing flaw. It is not uncommon to develop a separated lens element. It will look "fogged". The only quote for repair that I received on mine was around $100... and by the way look at this new Tamron 28-200 ...

-k

jslifoaw · 07-03-2008, 08:07 PM

The 28-70 has a rotating front element. The other two are IF.

I am almost certain the 28-70 and 28-105 I had were bad copies so they might both actually be OK in a best case.

The 28-105 and 24-90 seem to be really saturated which may or may not be a good thing. I like all of the FA lenses more than the DAs in part for this reason.

Lowell Goudge · 07-03-2008, 09:29 PM

You might want to consider looking for lenses with a KAF2 mount from the power zoom era.

I have a 28-80 F3.5-4.5 and 28-105F4-5.6

They are a little slow but quite sharp.

Power zoom was a gimick, and I rarely used it even on my PZ-1, but the lenses are light as well and usually inexpensive.

Note they have rotating front elements.

JAZZer · 07-04-2008, 12:52 AM

Originally Posted by jslifoaw

I've had each at some point. The only one I still have is the 24-90, and i'm never going to get rid of it.

Is that lens best build from all three?
(it's seems to me like the one with most massive construction quality)

JAZZer · 07-04-2008, 12:59 AM

Originally Posted by Lowell Goudge

You might want to consider looking for lenses with a KAF2 mount from the power zoom era....

This power zoom lenses cost more in second hand / e-bay and I read & hear that are not on some very good reputation (not better quality).

pschlute · 07-04-2008, 02:46 AM

The 24-90 is a great lens optically. Some complain the build quality is a poor, but it performs an excellent job.

I used it almost exclusively on my Z1, and it gets regular outings on my K10.

jslifoaw · 07-04-2008, 07:55 AM

I haven't tried the PZ lenses but the 28-105/4-5.6 is said to be good.

Of the original three you mentioned, they're all not built great, but they're acceptable. If anything, my 28-105/3.2-4.5 was slightly tighter than the 24-90

Lowell Goudge · 07-04-2008, 08:40 AM

Originally Posted by JAZZer

This power zoom lenses cost more in second hand / e-bay and I read & hear that are not on some very good reputation (not better quality).

I think the quality issue is a misnomer, the PZ lenses are prone to damage at the power zoom function switch, but that does not actually impact manual zoom function or lens function at all, and besides, aside from powering the zoom function which can replace manual zooming with motorized zoom, none of the new Pentax DSLRs support any of the zoom during exposure, image size tracking, and predictive zoom/focus, or other power zoom functions such as preset focal legths.

They also have a somewhat "cheap" feel to them, refarding some "looseness" or play of the front group of elements, but optically these are good lenses

JAZZer · 07-04-2008, 03:50 PM

I am interested are those FA lenses (FA 28-70/4, FA 24-90/3,5-4,5, FA 28-105/3,2-4,5) equal quality (sharpness) like kit DA18-55 /50-200.. or better.. like DA16-45/4 (...or even more better) ?

(Is possible some comparation with DA zoom lenses for sharpness/quolity illustration)

JAZZer · 07-08-2008, 02:55 AM

Any helpful info ???

pschlute · 07-08-2008, 03:29 AM

Here is a lens test of the 24-90 Lens Test: Pentax 24-90mm f/3.5-4.5 - - PopPhotoDecember 2001

I dont have experience of the other FA lenses you mention.

Here is a picture of mine with the 24-90

leeak · 07-08-2008, 12:32 PM

Check this link. It compares DA16-45/4, FA24-90, FA35/2, FA50/2.8. I am very impressed at how the DA16-45 perform against some of the very fine lenses.

Pentax 1645 BXU

JAZZer · 07-09-2008, 04:10 AM

pschlute & leeak thanks for links!!!