Are these lenses any good?

BirdDude007 · 05-07-2011, 07:36 PM

I found a pair of lenses one is a SMC Pentax -FA J "75-300" and the other is a SMC PENTAX- FA "28--80" and they both come on a Pentax ZX-30 film body.
I can get it all for $75
I am just interested in the first lens mainly
Tell me what you all think.

jellyfish26 · 05-07-2011, 07:49 PM

SMC Pentax-FA J 75-300mm F4.5-5.8 AL Reviews - Pentax Lens Reviews & Pentax Lens Database

m42man · 05-07-2011, 10:40 PM

I have an FAJ 75-300, which I bought new very cheaply (I think it was about £80). Now, this lens doesn't have a brilliant reputation, and I think this is because it's one of those which suffers badly from QC issues. However, my particular copy is reasonably sharp throughout the zoom range, so I think I've been lucky. Certainly the colours and contrast are very good - much better than any of my vintage lenses (except perhaps for my CZJ 135/3.5).

I think I'd want to find out more about both lenses on offer before purchase - otherwise you just can't tell if you're going to get a good copy or a dud. As I say though, if you do get a decent copy, I think you'll be pleased. Do note that the FAJ is a BIG lens, but quite light (i.e. plasticky).

PS. You may want to look at alternatives such as the DA(L) 50-200 and 55-300, both of which are superior lenses in the longer focal lengths (and the 55-300 in particular seems to be strong at all FLs). HOWEVER, the rule about getting a good copy still applies!

Nick Siebers · 05-08-2011, 01:49 PM

I paid about $100 for my "excellent" condition FA-J 75-300, and for me it was well worth it. I don't use the length very often, but when I need it it is there. At 75mm I find its output to be quite good, and while 300 is hit or miss I do like it. I use it mostly for occasional bird pics and (little) kids' sports. Even if the condition wasn't as good, I would say go for it. You could sell the camera and 28-80 for a few bucks, lowering your cost.

**ramseybuckeye** · 05-08-2011, 04:39 PM

Ask to see sample images. Either way it's a pretty good deal. You can probably sell them separately for a little more.

05-07-2011, 07:36 PM	#1
BirdDude007 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Las Vegas NV Photos: Albums Posts: 784	Are these lenses any good? I found a pair of lenses one is a SMC Pentax -FA J "75-300" and the other is a SMC PENTAX- FA "28--80" and they both come on a Pentax ZX-30 film body. I can get it all for $75 I am just interested in the first lens mainly Tell me what you all think.

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05-07-2011, 07:49 PM	#2
jellyfish26 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 87	SMC Pentax-FA J 75-300mm F4.5-5.8 AL Reviews - Pentax Lens Reviews & Pentax Lens Database

05-07-2011, 10:40 PM	#3
m42man Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Southern England Posts: 623	I have an FAJ 75-300, which I bought new very cheaply (I think it was about £80). Now, this lens doesn't have a brilliant reputation, and I think this is because it's one of those which suffers badly from QC issues. However, my particular copy is reasonably sharp throughout the zoom range, so I think I've been lucky. Certainly the colours and contrast are very good - much better than any of my vintage lenses (except perhaps for my CZJ 135/3.5). I think I'd want to find out more about both lenses on offer before purchase - otherwise you just can't tell if you're going to get a good copy or a dud. As I say though, if you do get a decent copy, I think you'll be pleased. Do note that the FAJ is a BIG lens, but quite light (i.e. plasticky). PS. You may want to look at alternatives such as the DA(L) 50-200 and 55-300, both of which are superior lenses in the longer focal lengths (and the 55-300 in particular seems to be strong at all FLs). HOWEVER, the rule about getting a good copy still applies!

05-08-2011, 01:49 PM	#4
Nick Siebers Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Madison, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,165	I paid about $100 for my "excellent" condition FA-J 75-300, and for me it was well worth it. I don't use the length very often, but when I need it it is there. At 75mm I find its output to be quite good, and while 300 is hit or miss I do like it. I use it mostly for occasional bird pics and (little) kids' sports. Even if the condition wasn't as good, I would say go for it. You could sell the camera and 28-80 for a few bucks, lowering your cost.

05-08-2011, 04:39 PM	#5
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,292	Ask to see sample images. Either way it's a pretty good deal. You can probably sell them separately for a little more.