[adamyau]

Though I don't take tele photo much, I still do sometimes. So which one of these you would suggest?

[hcc]

How about FA*300m f4.5? It is a very nice prime, very sharp. See the lens database:
Pentax-FA* 300mm F4.5 ED [IF] Reviews - FA Series Primes - Pentax Lens Reviews & Pentax Lens Database

IMHO, the FA*300m f4.5 is a viable alternative to the DA*300mm f4 in that the FA*300mm is smaller and lighter, and no HSM. All these are great advantages for bushwalking and outdoor shooting.

[adamyau]

haha...because my friend is offering me F*300 and FA*200 only..

Actually there are FA31, FA43, FA77, FA*85, FA*200, F28, F50/1.7, F135 and F*300. My friend let me choose any 4 lens from the list. Sure, the price is different. So base on the range and price, first I would like F28 and F50. Then if I choose F*300, I would take F135. But if I take FA*200, I would take FA*85. It is such a hard time to me.

[akanarya]

i didnt use them, according to lens database both are wonderfull lenses, then you wont regret for buying either on term, in terms of IQ.

if i were you, i would think about 300mm. It is hard to achieve a quality 300, but it is easier to get a quality 200mm (eg 70-200) IMHO

[axl]

if you can get them for the same price, go with the F*300. It's fantastic lens, and gives you more reach than 200.

Regards
P

[hcc]

But if I take FA*200, I would take FA*85. It is such a hard time to me.

The FA*85mm is highly, highly regarded. I read that Adam has 3 copies of the lens.

In your position, the decision would be easy: go for the FA*85mm.

[pinholecam]

The FA*85mm is highly, highly regarded. I read that Adam has 3 copies of the lens.

In your position, the decision would be easy: go for the FA*85mm.

Ha..ha... it is indeed a very good lens that I'd take over the FA*200 and F*300.

I have both lenses.
Between the 2, I'd choose the F*300.
Unique, small, built in hood, sharp from wide open. Longer than the FA*200 in reach (but just 1cm longer).
On the K5, its really good, because of the higher ISO performance, needed to keep a higher shutter speed.
On the K7, it was a bit 'harder'. ISO between 800-1600 just was not as clean.


The FA*200 is not that special since it can still be had as the DA*200/2.8

[Abbazz]

I have the F*300, and it's truly a superb lens with a gorgeous white finish (L lens, anyone?). It's compact for its focal length and very well built. Contrary to the FA* and DA* versions, it features a removable tripod mount and a built-in retractable hood. The minimum focus distance is 2 m -- which is good for a 300 mm -- and focusing is internal (overall length doesn't change when the lens is focused closer).

Its optical quality is flawless, right from wide open (see the glowing Photozone review -- the FA* lens is the same optically as the F*): outstanding sharpness, negligible chromatic aberrations (LoCA and LaCA), and low vignetting. The only downside is a bokeh that can be a bit nervous when used wide open, but this is often the case with super sharp lenses.

The lens is so compact that it often finds its way to my travel bag. As it works very well with teleconverters, I can also use it with the Pentax 1.7x Autofocus Adapter, as a compact autofocus 510/8 lens, when the need arises.

Let me add that this lens is quite rare and sells for a fair amount of money when it shows up on eBay...

Cheers!

Abbazz

[Adam]

I'd recommend the 300mm as well. I have both and the 200mm has unfortunately not impressed me as much (it seems prone to CA on digital).

[DSims]

Since I Own, or have owned, every lens on this list (except the FA*200) I'll put in my 2 cents:


**** -> -> Yes, you want the FA*85, and then the F*300 if you can! They are simply the more outstanding lenses, and often harder to get. If you can use these focal lengths at all, just get them! <- <- ****


You could just stop here, but if you have any money left after that, get the FA43 if it's MIJ (especially if it's from an earlier production run). Once you get the FA43 you won't need any of the F50 or FA 50's (I sold my three) because it's better (and those 50's aren't much good below f/2 anyway).

If the FA31 is MIJ it's worthy of consideration instead of the FA43. However, my impression is that MIJ is more important on my FA43 than on my FA31.

Better to get just these two or three lenses and stop there, unless you still have money left over!


In other notes:
- FA77 is out of the picture because you got FA*85. F28 is (IMO) overrated - I kept (a good copy of) the FA28 plus FA31 instead.

- F135 (I have the FA version) is very good, but not as outstanding as the above three lenses. Only reason to get it is it's somewhat rare.



**** OTOH, if you really don't need the F*300, simply get the 3 FA Ltds (better yet, get the FA*85 in place of the FA77 - a trade I recently made). If you haven't had anything like them before, it will become the pivotal decision that changes your photography. After that, you'll only want to have & use them, plus the two DA* zooms (plus any "special" needs you may have, such as a wide angle/Fisheye, a macro, a 50/1.2, or a telephoto).

[Blue]

I don't think he should dismiss the F 28/28 at all. His friend has an excellent selection of glass and that is probably no accident.

It ultimately comes down to money but I would go,

F 28, FA 43 ltd, FA* 85/1.4, F* 300mm but then again

I might even go FA 31 ltd, FA* 85, F 135, F* 300 and pick up a 'normal' later and substitute the F 28 for the 32 if money ran short.

[cmohr]

I'd say go for the FA*200/2.8, then your friend can give me the F*300........


I have both the FA*85/1.4, and the FA*200/2.8, Love both, I think I'll be buried with them. I use a TC's on the 200 to give me a 340 or 400. But if you want range, 300 is the way to go, esp if you are going to be shooting film (FF).

Funny he's only letting you have 4?????? If I had no lenses, I'd probably go something like 31,77,135, 300. But if I were to choose today, I'd go, 31,43,85,200.

[DSims]

I don't think he should dismiss the F 28/28 at all. His friend has an excellent selection of glass and that is probably no accident.

Of course they're all good lenses, but the F28 and the F50/1.7 are the least desirable among them. They're also the cheapest, and that's for good reason.

I presume these lenses are all good copies - especially from a person with a nice collection like this. Assuming he can afford it, I don't see the sense in going for anything on the lower end, because if right now he can acquire the better lenses without having to hunt them down, and without the risk of getting a bad copy from someone he doesn't know, then he has a great opportunity few of us get!

He can always acquire the mid-range glass later on from someone else. But it's better to combine low risk with higher priced items, don't you think?

I think you mostly agree, which is why your final lists look much like mine. Of course he can't go wrong here, but I think he could miss some great opportunities, which I named. He could actually get most of my favorite primes in a single transaction!

[adamyau]

I'd say go for the FA*200/2.8, then your friend can give me the F*300........


I have both the FA*85/1.4, and the FA*200/2.8, Love both, I think I'll be buried with them. I use a TC's on the 200 to give me a 340 or 400. But if you want range, 300 is the way to go, esp if you are going to be shooting film (FF).

Funny he's only letting you have 4?????? If I had no lenses, I'd probably go something like 31,77,135, 300. But if I were to choose today, I'd go, 31,43,85,200.

Bury with them! Why not give it to your next generation..haha

[adamyau]

Thanks all your advise.
Actually I like the A lens. I like the built and color. But I need some auto focus lens for my wife. The color of F lens are closed to the A lens...That's why I chose F28, F50, F135 and F*300. The price is not a big concern to me. Cos' the price of the lens goes up and up. In case I need to sell the lens, I won't lose(I think). But if only base on the range, I think, FA31, FA43, FA*85 and F*300 would be a good choice. Right??