Is this lens a keeper?

BirdDude007 · 05-30-2011, 02:00 PM

Hey I have this Quantaray lens that has been laying around the house and I have been playing with it a little.
I cannot find any info on it in here so I figured I would post it.
There really isn't anything physically wrong with it other than it needs to be cleaned.
The zoom ring has a little play in it but not really noticeable in day to day use, the aperture thing is snappy and clean, and the lens is in general good condition, has anybody have any experience with this lens? and if so is it really worth hanging on to?
Be honest now because I will just toss it in the garbage and it wouldnt bother me at all.
Name: _IGP2360 (Large).jpg
Views: 515
Size: 58.9 KB

Name: _IGP2360 (Large).jpg
Views: 515
Size: 58.9 KB

Attachment 93144

Last edited by BirdDude007; 10-30-2011 at 02:23 PM.

**jatrax** · 05-30-2011, 03:01 PM

Are you sure this is a Pentax mount lens? I can find reference to a Quantaray 28-85 f3.5-4.5 for Nikon and Minolta but nothing for Pentax.

Quantaray generally does not have a high reputation and they do not sell for much used on eBay compared to brand lenses. But the only way to really know is to try it on your camera. If it takes pictures you are happy with then it is a 'good' lens.

BirdDude007 · 05-30-2011, 03:05 PM

Originally posted by jatrax

Are you sure this is a Pentax mount lens? I can find reference to a Quantaray 28-85 f3.5-4.5 for Nikon and Minolta but nothing for Pentax.

Quantaray generally does not have a high reputation and they do not sell for much used on eBay compared to brand lenses. But the only way to really know is to try it on your camera. If it takes pictures you are happy with then it is a 'good' lens.

Yep I have it on my camera right now(K-x) and have taken some shots with it, I was just wondering what folks in here thought about it.

RioRico · 05-30-2011, 03:10 PM

Labeled Quanaray, it might be a cheap Sigma, or it might be from any of many 3rd-party lensmakers. As jatrax said, it ain't worth much. If you like its character (flaws), keep it. Or hang onto it for a couple more years and it might be worth something. I had a Canon FD version that I bought for US$6 and sold 2 years later for US$20. But don't expect much from it. This is what I consider an 'expendable' lens, one whose destruction won't hurt too much.

BirdDude007 · 05-30-2011, 03:22 PM

Originally posted by RioRico

Labeled Quanaray, it might be a cheap Sigma, or it might be from any of many 3rd-party lensmakers. As jatrax said, it ain't worth much. If you like its character (flaws), keep it. Or hang onto it for a couple more years and it might be worth something. I had a Canon FD version that I bought for US$6 and sold 2 years later for US$20. But don't expect much from it. This is what I consider an 'expendable' lens, one whose destruction won't hurt too much.

Ha ha I just love that response, I havent been very impressed with the image quaility although the lens feels nice in the hands.
My Sigma 28~80mm macro f:3.5 take way better quality images than this lens.
I was just pondering this lens and thinking it might just be me that really doesn't like the IQ

Ubuntu_user · 05-30-2011, 03:28 PM

You just *might* be able to *sell* it for the cost of shipping (give it away), but I doubt you'd be able to get anything past that.

BirdDude007 · 05-30-2011, 03:30 PM

I might just pull a McGuyver and take it apart and make something useful out of it lol

AOShep · 05-30-2011, 05:19 PM

If you ever thought of trying your hand at DIY lens repair this might be a good one to experiment with. Or if you ever want to sell a camera body though that lens on so the new owner can use the camera right away. Lots of possibilities before you just toss it.

BirdDude007 · 05-30-2011, 05:43 PM

Originally posted by AOShep

If you ever thought of trying your hand at DIY lens repair this might be a good one to experiment with. Or if you ever want to sell a camera body though that lens on so the new owner can use the camera right away. Lots of possibilities before you just toss it.

Ya I do have a few film bodies I got with my Tamron and Sigma lenses, I just might slap that lens on one of those bodies and put it on Craigslist

ultraviolet · 05-31-2011, 05:26 PM

Originally posted by RioRico

I had a Canon FD version that I bought for US$6 and sold 2 years later for US$20.

Haha, 233% profit, if you had bought 1000 of those FD, some of the DA* & DA ltds could be covered.

RioRico · 05-31-2011, 08:10 PM

Originally posted by ultraviolet

Haha, 233% profit, if you had bought 1000 of those FD, some of the DA* & DA ltds could be covered.

I just checked. I've had 16 FD's that cost an average of ~US$11 each and sold for ~US$31 each, say ~US$340 profit after eBay fees last year. Which DA* & DA ltds can I get for that?

gp1806 · 05-31-2011, 08:39 PM

Originally posted by RioRico

I just checked. I've had 16 FD's that cost an average of ~US$11 each and sold for ~US$31 each, say ~US$340 profit after eBay fees last year. Which DA* & DA ltds can I get for that?

This March, I was in St. Thomas, and the Royal Caribbean jewelry store had the DA 21mm Ltd for $325 USD, new with warranty. I bought one, there was still one left. Book your flight now, maybe its still there.

ultraviolet · 05-31-2011, 09:56 PM

Originally posted by RioRico

16 FD's that cost an average of ~US$11 each and sold for ~US$31 each, say ~US$340

17 FD=1 DA40 (BH price $360)

jstevewhite · 05-31-2011, 10:06 PM

Originally posted by RioRico

I just checked. I've had 16 FD's that cost an average of ~US$11 each and sold for ~US$31 each, say ~US$340 profit after eBay fees last year. Which DA* & DA ltds can I get for that?

Wow, that's not too shabby. Most FD stuff is worth about $6 a truckload, delivered, nowadays.

pxpaulx · 06-01-2011, 04:45 AM

Originally posted by BirdDude007

I might just pull a McGuyver and take it apart and make something useful out of it lol

You could also pull a 'will it blend?', or save it for a day you just want to throw something. That could get messy though.

You could leave it somewhere on a table, and when someone is around accidentally knock it off to get a reaction. That would pay for itself again and again!

05-30-2011, 02:00 PM	#1
BirdDude007 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Las Vegas NV Photos: Albums Posts: 784	Is this lens a keeper? Hey I have this Quantaray lens that has been laying around the house and I have been playing with it a little. I cannot find any info on it in here so I figured I would post it. There really isn't anything physically wrong with it other than it needs to be cleaned. The zoom ring has a little play in it but not really noticeable in day to day use, the aperture thing is snappy and clean, and the lens is in general good condition, has anybody have any experience with this lens? and if so is it really worth hanging on to? Be honest now because I will just toss it in the garbage and it wouldnt bother me at all. Attachment 93144 Last edited by BirdDude007; 10-30-2011 at 02:23 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
The "Keeper" Lens Club -- You'll regret it if you sell it.	vandamro	Lens Clubs	114	04-06-2023 10:37 PM
Is this FA 31mm a keeper?	Edmund	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	25	08-06-2010 09:24 AM
What's your keeper ratio?	jct us101	Pentax DSLR Discussion	48	03-17-2010 01:56 PM
K-Mount 2 Lens "keeper"?	Glarus	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	5	03-10-2010 07:33 PM

05-30-2011, 03:01 PM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Are you sure this is a Pentax mount lens? I can find reference to a Quantaray 28-85 f3.5-4.5 for Nikon and Minolta but nothing for Pentax. Quantaray generally does not have a high reputation and they do not sell for much used on eBay compared to brand lenses. But the only way to really know is to try it on your camera. If it takes pictures you are happy with then it is a 'good' lens.

05-30-2011, 03:05 PM	#3
BirdDude007 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Las Vegas NV Photos: Albums Posts: 784 Original Poster	Originally posted by jatrax Are you sure this is a Pentax mount lens? I can find reference to a Quantaray 28-85 f3.5-4.5 for Nikon and Minolta but nothing for Pentax. Quantaray generally does not have a high reputation and they do not sell for much used on eBay compared to brand lenses. But the only way to really know is to try it on your camera. If it takes pictures you are happy with then it is a 'good' lens. Yep I have it on my camera right now(K-x) and have taken some shots with it, I was just wondering what folks in here thought about it.

05-30-2011, 03:10 PM	#4
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Labeled Quanaray, it might be a cheap Sigma, or it might be from any of many 3rd-party lensmakers. As jatrax said, it ain't worth much. If you like its character (flaws), keep it. Or hang onto it for a couple more years and it might be worth something. I had a Canon FD version that I bought for US$6 and sold 2 years later for US$20. But don't expect much from it. This is what I consider an 'expendable' lens, one whose destruction won't hurt too much.

05-30-2011, 03:22 PM	#5
BirdDude007 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Las Vegas NV Photos: Albums Posts: 784 Original Poster	Originally posted by RioRico Labeled Quanaray, it might be a cheap Sigma, or it might be from any of many 3rd-party lensmakers. As jatrax said, it ain't worth much. If you like its character (flaws), keep it. Or hang onto it for a couple more years and it might be worth something. I had a Canon FD version that I bought for US$6 and sold 2 years later for US$20. But don't expect much from it. This is what I consider an 'expendable' lens, one whose destruction won't hurt too much. Ha ha I just love that response, I havent been very impressed with the image quaility although the lens feels nice in the hands. My Sigma 28~80mm macro f:3.5 take way better quality images than this lens. I was just pondering this lens and thinking it might just be me that really doesn't like the IQ

05-30-2011, 03:28 PM	#6
Ubuntu_user Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,545	You just might be able to sell it for the cost of shipping (give it away), but I doubt you'd be able to get anything past that.

05-30-2011, 03:30 PM	#7
BirdDude007 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Las Vegas NV Photos: Albums Posts: 784 Original Poster	I might just pull a McGuyver and take it apart and make something useful out of it lol

05-30-2011, 05:19 PM	#8
AOShep Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eastern PA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 293	If you ever thought of trying your hand at DIY lens repair this might be a good one to experiment with. Or if you ever want to sell a camera body though that lens on so the new owner can use the camera right away. Lots of possibilities before you just toss it.

05-30-2011, 05:43 PM	#9
BirdDude007 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Las Vegas NV Photos: Albums Posts: 784 Original Poster	Originally posted by AOShep If you ever thought of trying your hand at DIY lens repair this might be a good one to experiment with. Or if you ever want to sell a camera body though that lens on so the new owner can use the camera right away. Lots of possibilities before you just toss it. Ya I do have a few film bodies I got with my Tamron and Sigma lenses, I just might slap that lens on one of those bodies and put it on Craigslist

05-31-2011, 05:26 PM	#10
ultraviolet Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 687	Originally posted by RioRico I had a Canon FD version that I bought for US$6 and sold 2 years later for US$20. Haha, 233% profit, if you had bought 1000 of those FD, some of the DA* & DA ltds could be covered.

05-31-2011, 08:10 PM	#11
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by ultraviolet Haha, 233% profit, if you had bought 1000 of those FD, some of the DA* & DA ltds could be covered. I just checked. I've had 16 FD's that cost an average of ~US$11 each and sold for ~US$31 each, say ~US$340 profit after eBay fees last year. Which DA* & DA ltds can I get for that?

05-31-2011, 08:39 PM	#12
gp1806 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Chicago suburbs Photos: Albums Posts: 848	Originally posted by RioRico I just checked. I've had 16 FD's that cost an average of ~US$11 each and sold for ~US$31 each, say ~US$340 profit after eBay fees last year. Which DA* & DA ltds can I get for that? This March, I was in St. Thomas, and the Royal Caribbean jewelry store had the DA 21mm Ltd for $325 USD, new with warranty. I bought one, there was still one left. Book your flight now, maybe its still there.

05-31-2011, 09:56 PM	#13
ultraviolet Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 687	Originally posted by RioRico 16 FD's that cost an average of ~US$11 each and sold for ~US$31 each, say ~US$340 17 FD=1 DA40 (BH price $360)

05-31-2011, 10:06 PM	#14
jstevewhite Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Midwest Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,407	Originally posted by RioRico I just checked. I've had 16 FD's that cost an average of ~US$11 each and sold for ~US$31 each, say ~US$340 profit after eBay fees last year. Which DA* & DA ltds can I get for that? Wow, that's not too shabby. Most FD stuff is worth about $6 a truckload, delivered, nowadays.

06-01-2011, 04:45 AM	#15
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	Originally posted by BirdDude007 I might just pull a McGuyver and take it apart and make something useful out of it lol You could also pull a 'will it blend?', or save it for a day you just want to throw something. That could get messy though. You could leave it somewhere on a table, and when someone is around accidentally knock it off to get a reaction. That would pay for itself again and again!