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06-23-2011, 09:32 AM   #1
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DA* 200 vs FA* 200 vs A* 200

Good morning to you all.
I wanted to know some things about these three lenses

1) DA * covers the FF?
2) DA * and FA *, have the same optical construction?
3) if you will have the same performance? wrong?
4) no one has ever tested in a comparative test?
5) I would like to know which has better between the IQ, CA and PF.
6) difference in color reproduction?


thanks to all


Last edited by bollicina31; 06-23-2011 at 09:49 AM.
06-23-2011, 09:39 AM   #2
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QuoteOriginally posted by bollicina31 Quote
Good morning to you all.
I wanted to know some things about these three lenses

1) DA * covers the FF?
Yes.


QuoteQuote:
2) DA * and FA *, have the same optical construction?
Pretty much. My guess the difference is in the coatings and the glass itself.

QuoteQuote:
3) if you will have the same performance? wrong?
Pretty much.

QuoteQuote:
6) difference in color reproduction?
From what I read there is a slight difference (because of the coatings, etc.). I couldn't find the comparison shots though.
06-23-2011, 09:53 AM   #3
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FWIW I've always thought that the CA from the FA* was worse than from the other two lenses, but it might just be a hunch. I also don't like its hood bayonet..

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06-23-2011, 09:59 AM   #4
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DA* slightly better to me

Have you read the Photozone review on the DA* 200, especially in the Verdict section? They are pretty much saying the 200/2,8 design have not been changed for the last 20 some years, and I concur. The main reason that I changed into the DA* is I cannot manual focus easily anymore. Otherwise I found there is very little difference between DA* (slightly better) & A* in IQ, CA & PF. Oh, yes, my DA*200/2.8 often FF.

Pentax SMC DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict

06-23-2011, 10:36 AM   #5
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AF is the best with the DA* (haven't tried the FA* 200mm but on my copy of the DA* 200mm AF is lightening quick).

Last edited by Ubuntu_user; 06-23-2011 at 01:43 PM. Reason: clarity
06-23-2011, 01:22 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by Ubuntu_user Quote
AF is the best with the DA*.
I can confirm that the AF of my A* is pretty worthless. :ugh:

The DA* 200/2.8 is one of the only *'s that I don't own, so I can't be specific on this lens. But on the other hand: all my FA*'s focus waaaaaay faster than of all my (SDM) Da* on my K-7. Focus accuracy is related to the AF-sensor in the body, not the (prime) lens.

Just to say, that the previous post 'surprised' me...
06-23-2011, 01:42 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by frederik9111 Quote
I can confirm that the AF of my A* is pretty worthless. :ugh:

The DA* 200/2.8 is one of the only *'s that I don't own, so I can't be specific on this lens. But on the other hand: all my FA*'s focus waaaaaay faster than of all my (SDM) Da* on my K-7. Focus accuracy is related to the AF-sensor in the body, not the (prime) lens.

Just to say, that the previous post 'surprised' me...
Well, the DA* 200mm from my experience is no where near the other DA*'s AF (I own the 16-50mm and 55mm), it's wayyy faster. In fact, it's faster than my Sigma's HSM.
It's true though that I haven't tried the FA* 200mm, so my statement could be faulty. I'll revise it.

06-23-2011, 02:17 PM   #8
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The DA*200/2.8 and FA*200/2.8 are optically identical.

Both the 16-50/2.8 and (especially) 55/1.4 have a fairly long spam (the have to turn more degrees to go from minimal to infinity).

The focus speed of the 200mm lens (FA* and thus DA*) therefore could seems faster than your other DA*'s because of the very shot focus spam of the 200mm (look at the distance scales of all your DA*'s).
06-23-2011, 02:21 PM   #9
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Don't forget there is K200/2.5 as well that is probably better than those 3.
06-23-2011, 02:35 PM   #10
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The K200/2.5 is a great users lens and nicely compatible with the F1.7 AF adapter!
But some heavy CA wide open on heavy contrast (gone at F4).
Rendering on FA* is a bit more vivid.

Some shots here and here (in Dutch I'm afraid).
06-23-2011, 04:07 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by frederik9111 Quote
The DA*200/2.8 and FA*200/2.8 are optically identical.

Both the 16-50/2.8 and (especially) 55/1.4 have a fairly long spam (the have to turn more degrees to go from minimal to infinity).

The focus speed of the 200mm lens (FA* and thus DA*) therefore could seems faster than your other DA*'s because of the very shot focus spam of the 200mm (look at the distance scales of all your DA*'s).
That's actually not right. My DA* 16-50mm has a much, much shorter focus throw than my DA* 200. I'd also say the DA* 200 is just about as long, or as long as the DA* 55.
06-23-2011, 04:56 PM   #12
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I love my FA*200/2.8 never had an issue from the "silver ghost". If I was out buying today, I would probably go the DA*200/2.8 the weather sealing would be a big plus, its not just aboot water, its also aboot dust.

Just remember that it also depends on what FF film body you are going to use as well. DA - no aperature collar, so no worky on old 135 bodies.
06-23-2011, 06:55 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by kaipa Quote
Don't forget there is K200/2.5 as well that is probably better than those 3.
Actually, I would say the A* 200/2.8 is the best of the 4 optically but agree the K 200/2.5 is a nice lens.
06-23-2011, 11:22 PM   #14
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I've had and used A*/FA*/DA*200, and I like the FA*200 the best because of its look and feel (I'm a silver freak ). Optically I can't see much difference between the DA* and FA*, but some might prefer SDM and a WR barrel, or even a black lens. Between these two, it's all just personal preferences, can't say which one is better imo.

As to the A*200, it's a great performer. But it has two drawbacks which really made me think the other two are better choices: manual focus and 1.8m mininum focus distance (DA*/FA*200 can focus down to 1.2m).
06-24-2011, 01:51 AM   #15
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K200/2.5 and A* 200/2.8 share the same optical formula 6-6 (exactly the same formula is used also in K 135/2.5), but A* have ED glass elements. I read opinions that this is one of the best optical formulas Pentax ever designed. So technically A* should be the best, but K is about the same and f2.5 vs f2.8.

I own K 135/2.5 and it is stellar lens wide open. Waiting for K 200/2.5 to arrive soon, and I'll compare it to my DA* 200.
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