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01-16-2008, 10:29 PM   #1
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DA* 200/2.8 tested by Chasseurs d'Images

I just received my copy of issue 300 (18 Dec 2007 - 18 Feb 2008) of Chasseurs d'Images from France today in the mail.

There are tests of three DA* lenses, the 16-50/2.8, 50-135/2.8 and 200/2.8. The 16-50 and 50-135 were rated 4 stars (out of five maximum) and all the flaws we have discovered and discussed here were what kept the two zooms to just 4 stars: CAs and distortion in particular.

The DA* 200/2.8, however, received the top 5 star rating. The very loose translations and extracts of the high points follow:

Vignetting: Negligible.
Chromatic Aberration: Present, but weak, detectable at 0.12mm (< 0.008 in) on a 30x45 cm (12x18 inch) print.
Distortion: Absolutely negligible. Bravo!
Resolution: This lens offers top level results, that only ask for tighter autofocusing by the camera body. As is, this lens will satisfy the most demanding users.

They also note that the SDM in the 200 is an annular or ring motor. I suspect that this means that only the K100D Super and K10D can use the lens in AF mode.

Predicted release: January 15th.

01-16-2008, 10:34 PM   #2
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QuoteOriginally posted by Canada_Rockies Quote


Predicted release: January 15th.
This is the only thing I am very interested in.


That prime is something I have waited for a long long time. It has to be a winner. It is all worthwhile!
01-16-2008, 10:38 PM   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by roentarre Quote
This is the only thing I am very interested in.


That prime is something I have waited for a long long time. It has to be a winner. It is all worthwhile!
My LBA now has a specific focus. The DA* 200/2.8. The tests indicate that the lens is awesome quality, well worth the *. Now to find out how much my Visa is going to be ...
01-17-2008, 01:27 AM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by Canada_Rockies Quote
They also note that the SDM in the 200 is an annular or ring motor. I suspect that this means that only the K100D Super and K10D can use the lens in AF mode.
That would be interesting! A ring motor?
The 16-50 and the 50-135 don't have ring motors.

Who's willing to disassemble his copy?

I'm really looking forward to that one.

01-17-2008, 05:35 AM   #5
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Undoubtedly, this lens will be an extra quality lens produced by Pentax.
But, ... one thing makes it disappointing for me, as this lens won't be a full frame one.
So, I will prefer the solution from Tamron
TAMRON AF70-200MM F/2.8 DI LD (IF) MACRO, which will be much cheaper and a versatile lens and guess what!... FULL FRAME.
01-17-2008, 06:24 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by teogin Quote
one thing makes it disappointing for me, as this lens won't be a full frame one.
The DA200 will be fullframe 100%!
The lens data are identical to the FA200 (except for weight due to the motor), so there is no reason to doubt.

Unfortunately the DA200 has no aperture ring anymore, which makes it difficult or impossible to use on older cameras.
01-17-2008, 08:06 AM   #7
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So I guess I might be able to "enjoy the richness of f/2.8"... from Pentax. Interesting.

In the magazine, are the photos of the lens the same ones as the photos on the internet? Did they list the length and the weight and the filter size?

01-17-2008, 08:30 AM   #8
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Specs DA* 200:

L = 134 mm
d = 83 mm
Filter: 77 mm
g = 909 g
L/G = 9/8
01-17-2008, 09:09 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by blende8 Quote
The DA200 will be fullframe 100%!

Unfortunately the DA200 has no aperture ring anymore, which makes it difficult or impossible to use on older cameras.
It should work with limited functions on say a PZ camera.

My 70-210 VR has no ap ring and works on my F90X, but limited features.

Dave
01-17-2008, 09:36 AM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by blende8 Quote
Specs DA* 200:

L = 134 mm
d = 83 mm
Filter: 77 mm
g = 909 g
L/G = 9/8
Wow. Very surprisingly compact.
01-17-2008, 12:02 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by blende8 Quote
The DA200 will be fullframe 100%!
The lens data are identical to the FA200 (except for weight due to the motor), so there is no reason to doubt.

Unfortunately the DA200 has no aperture ring anymore, which makes it difficult or impossible to use on older cameras.
According to Chasseurs d'Images it is for APS-C only.

"Ce 200 mm ultralumineux est le premier a etre specifiquement concu pour les capteurs APS-C. Il ne se monte donc pas sur un boitier 24x36 argentique mais offre en contrepartie des performances optimisees."

Rough translation:
"This high speed 200mm is the first to be specifically conceived for APS-C sensors. It does not mount, therefore, on a 24x36 film body but offers in counterpoint optimised performance."

Last edited by Canada_Rockies; 01-17-2008 at 12:08 PM.
01-17-2008, 02:46 PM   #12
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Yes! This is great cause I wanted 200mm and 300mm quality primes.
01-19-2008, 04:42 PM   #13
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1.If it was Full Frame it had to be called DFA 200
2.Ap ring is very important for me because the lens can be used by older analog bodies.
So, Tamron 70-200/f2.8 will be my only choice.
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