[everydaylife]

I have been thinking of buying a lens in this range this A* lens is available. Can anyone give some advice regarding the A*200 f2.8 image quality compared to the modern equivalent pentax lenses. Any example images would be great.

One thing that concerns me about buying old lenses is the availability of parts for repair. Should I be?

Also because it will be used on an apsc camera does it become the equivalent of a 300mm lens and therefore I would be buying it in place of a da*300mm

Thanks

[lytrytyr]

Also because it will be used on an apsc camera does it become the equivalent of a 300mm lens and therefore I would be buying it in place of a da*300mm

No, the actual focal length doesn't change when you mount a lens on an APS-C camera.

So the field of view of the A*200/2.8 on APS-C would be the same as what you'd get with the DA*200/2.8.

[paulusje]

SMC Pentax A* 200mm F2.8 ED Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

[everydaylife]

No, the actual focal length doesn't change when you mount a lens on an APS-C camera.

So the field of view of the A*200/2.8 on APS-C would be the same as what you'd get with the DA*200/2.8.

Thanks. So the it is only relative when comparing digital to film. Mmm. The DA* costs over 30% more but it is lighter, has AF, is made for digital and repairs wouldn't be a worry. Although SDM ........

Thanks again

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Last edited by everydaylife; 10-25-2012 at 10:45 PM.

[everydaylife]

Thanks. I have looked at that thread but even though they good reports I was hoping to find more images.



Thanks again

[azerak]

just curious, what makes you choose this lens over DA* 200mm 2.8?

[everydaylife]

just curious, what makes you choose this lens over DA* 200mm 2.8?

I haven't chosen. As I said earlier this lens is over 30% cheaper than the DA and that is primarily why I am considering it. Last Friday I had seen a 60-250 DA*f4 at a special offer of $1100 and after spending the weekend researching I decided I wouild get it. Checked their website Sunday and the special offer price was gone and now it is $1500.

Lenses I am thinking about include the da*300/200 the Tamron 70-200 f2.8 and there are also a few FA*80-200 lenses around in Tokyo.

[Douglas_of_Sweden]

Excellent lens! You should pair it with the A 2x-S rear converter and if you can get hold of it the A 1.4x-S. It is really difficult to see any quality loss with the A rearconverters on the A*135 and I bet you would do as well with the A*200.

[everydaylife]

Excellent lens! You should pair it with the A 2x-S rear converter and if you can get hold of it the A 1.4x-S. It is really difficult to see any quality loss with the A rearconverters on the A*135 and I bet you would do as well with the A*200.

I was losing interest but now you have rekindled it with your comment. So tell me where can I get these converters and what's the cost. I have never used one so I assume the 2x would make it a 400 and the 1.4 would make it a 280.

[TaoMaas]

I don't know what lenses you have now, but be aware that all of the lenses you're considering are relatively large and heavy. I have the 200mm f2.8...it's a great lens...but it sometimes gets left home because of it's bulk. I could say the same for my Tokina 80-200 f2.8, too. I wish I had one of the modern Pentax telephotos so I could tell you how they compare in image quality, but I don't. However, I can tell you how I choose which lens to use. Maybe that'll help in your decision, depending upon your shooting style. If I'm shooting landscapes, where I'm liable to be doing quite a bit of walking and where I expect to mostly be using wide-angle lenses, but want to carry something longer "just in case", I tend to pack my 200mm f4. If I'm shooting something where I expect to be doing mostly hand-held shots and need the reach as well as the extra speed, I pack the 200mm f2.8. If I'm shooting somewhere that I need the reach of a telephoto, but I'm able to use a monopod or tripod, I bring my 80-200 f2.8. Hope that helps somewhat. It's never easy when you're planning on investing this much cash in a lens. Good luck.

[everydaylife]

It's never easy when you're planning on investing this much cash in a lens. Good luck.

That's right. It is a lot of money to spend on a lens that my not get much use and weight is an issue but not a deal breaker. I often have to crop images so I that's why the DA* 60-250 was of interest.

[Douglas_of_Sweden]

I was losing interest but now you have rekindled it with your comment. So tell me where can I get these converters and what's the cost. I have never used one so I assume the 2x would make it a 400 and the 1.4 would make it a 280.

Don't know how it is now, but four years ago I was still able to buy one new. The Swedish camera-shop had to order it from Pentax in Japan, but it worked. Second hand would probably be less expensive.

[8540tomg]

The 200mm isn't for everyone. There was a thread a while back which concerned itslef with the lack of love displayed for this focal length. Some suggested it was a "tweener" - too long for portraits and not long enough for birding. Personally, I the 200mm. I have the K 200/2.5 which is about the same size and weight as the lens you are considering. I use it all the time for sports like football and portraits as well. I don't find the weight to be an issue at all but each to their own.

Tom G

[Douglas_of_Sweden]

Well, I know newspaper photographers who used 300mm a lot in the film days, so that makes sense that the 200mm suits sports on todays APS-C's. But if I would get a fast manual 200mm today, it would be for use on film, and perhaps as a compact way to carry a 280mm and a 400mm with converters.

[bilybianca]

I have the A* 200mm and love it. I use it mainly for concert photography, it allows me to get close-ups from a distance. I also like it for portraits. Like Douglas says, it also works very well with the Rear Converter A 2x-S (I don't have the 1.4 variety, but there is no reason to believe it isn't just as good or better).
I have no problems handholding it, and it is very easy to focus manually.

All of these were taken with my *istDS







except this one, taken with my K20D



Kjell