DA* or FA*

parigby · 02-05-2013, 04:28 AM

Which would you buy, and why :

FA* 80 -200, or

DA* 60-250

From my view point, the extra reach of the DA* is not a factor.

regards ........ philip

Franky2step · 02-05-2013, 04:54 AM

But does the extra wide make difference(60 vs 80)

parigby · 02-05-2013, 04:56 AM

Originally posted by Franky2step

But does the extra wide make difference(60 vs 80)

Not to me personally, in that l already have the FA* 28 - 70mm, and l can live with the loss of the 10mm.

Medium FormatPro · 02-05-2013, 05:36 AM

I would normally not suggest a lens without knowing two items...

1. Which camera bodies that the lens is for (and let me add this question in there as well), and also if one would have plans of expanding their Pentax camera body set-up anytime in the near future?

2. Also what ype of pics they take presently.

For me the answer would be the FA; although it does take longer to focus.

Saxplayer1004 · 02-05-2013, 05:49 AM - **1 Like**

DA*-WR and silent focus. 67mm filters. Over an inch shorter, although the massive hood will likely make it longer. Much lighter, almost 2/3's the weight of the FA*

FA*-F2.8. 77mm filters. Internal zoom!

Depends on what you're looking for. I'd probably go with the FA* because of the faster speed and internal zoom makes using it on a tripod much easier for balance. The f2.8 also comes in handy for shooting some sports if you're doing a lot of that. The DA* does have WR though and SDM which are normally a big factor in a lens purchase for me. If you're going outside and hand holding, I'd go DA*, if you're using it on a tripod or need the 2.8, then go with the FA*.

bdery · 02-05-2013, 06:06 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Saxplayer1004

the massive hood will likely make it longer

It's really not that massive

To answer the original question, I assume that prices are comparable? Because that can be an issue for sure.

It boils down to size/WR/range/weigth/SDM/AF speed/warranty vs max aperture. The latter can be a deal breaker or not, depending on your needs.

Saxplayer1004 · 02-05-2013, 06:25 AM

It's pretty big.... Combine that with the extended length and the 60-250 is a longer lens. Shorter and lighter in the bag though

**Moe49** · 02-05-2013, 07:52 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by parigby

Which would you buy, and why :
FA* 80-200, or DA* 60-250

I was faced with this exact same question a couple of years ago. DA* and FA* lenses both deliver the 'goods', so my choice hinged on camera format.

I picked the FA* lenses because of my growing collection of FF Pentax film cameras. I sold my DA* lenses and replaced them with FA* lens near equivalents.

If I was an APSc only shooter, I would have picked the DA*60-250, and kept the other DA* lenses I had as well.

parigby · 02-05-2013, 11:34 AM

Originally posted by Moe49

I was faced with this exact same question a couple of years ago. DA* and FA* lenses both deliver the 'goods', so my choice hinged on camera format.

I picked the FA* lenses because of my growing collection of FF Pentax film cameras. I sold my DA* lenses and replaced them with FA* lens near equivalents.

If I was an APSc only shooter, I would have picked the DA*60-250, and kept the other DA* lenses I had as well.

This is my problem. At the moment l have the K5 and have watched the development of this body. I am hopeful that in due course Pentax will produce a FF body, and as a consequence l am attracted towards the FA* lenses as opposed to the DA* variety. The problem is, l cannot be certain that in the relatively near future, say two years or so, Pentax will go down this line.

If they don't,by the way, l think they are being commercial simpletons. I see all this talk about " but will the Professionals switch across to Pentax ". But with respect the Pros do not buy the majority of camera bodies, it's people like you and me who do. In my camera club, l have lost count of the number of adequate (no kore than that technically ) Cannikon photographers who have gone out and bought FF bodies, or who are franticly saving their pennies / cents, to make the switch sooner rather than later.

FF is today's new megapixel race as far as most non professionals are concerned. It is the "must have" upgrade, and at the moment Pentax have not even taken off their tracksuits to even enter the race, never mind being in the starting blocks.

As l have said earlier l have the FA* 28-70mm and therefore appreciate what the FA* brings to my photography. I am also aware of the weight variances :

FA* 80 - 200 : 1.52
DA* 60 - 250 : 1.1
Sigma - 70 -200 : 1.43

I also have at the back of my mind, that if anything goes wrong with the FA*, there is unlikely to be an easy option fix.

Don't you just hate decisions.

**crewl1** · 02-05-2013, 11:54 AM

What is your intended application?

parigby · 02-06-2013, 02:55 AM

Originally posted by crewl1

What is your intended application?

What l am trying to do is fill a gap in my K5 lens range, with a little bit of overlap at the top end. My Pentax kit at present is :

Sigma 10 - 20mm
FA* 28-70mm

Sigma 135-400

bdery · 02-06-2013, 05:47 AM

Originally posted by parigby

I am also aware of the weight variances :

That can be a significant issue depending on your style and type of shooting. That's one of the reason that drew me to the 60-250 instead of the Sigma.

I have read reports that the 60-250 works on FF bodies, but have no way to test it myself.

02-05-2013, 04:28 AM	#1
parigby New Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 9	DA* or FA* Which would you buy, and why : FA* 80 -200, or DA* 60-250 From my view point, the extra reach of the DA* is not a factor. regards ........ philip

02-05-2013, 07:52 AM - 1 Like	#8
Moe49 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz Mtns. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 874	Originally posted by parigby Which would you buy, and why : FA* 80-200, or DA* 60-250 I was faced with this exact same question a couple of years ago. DA* and FA* lenses both deliver the 'goods', so my choice hinged on camera format. I picked the FA* lenses because of my growing collection of FF Pentax film cameras. I sold my DA* lenses and replaced them with FA* lens near equivalents. If I was an APSc only shooter, I would have picked the DA60-250, and kept the other DA lenses I had as well. Last edited by Moe49; 02-05-2013 at 09:38 AM.

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02-05-2013, 04:54 AM	#2
Franky2step Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Niagara Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 793	But does the extra wide make difference(60 vs 80)

02-05-2013, 04:56 AM	#3
parigby New Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 9 Original Poster	Originally posted by Franky2step But does the extra wide make difference(60 vs 80) Not to me personally, in that l already have the FA* 28 - 70mm, and l can live with the loss of the 10mm.

02-05-2013, 05:36 AM	#4
Medium FormatPro Banned Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Charleston & Pittsburgh Photos: Albums Posts: 1,668	I would normally not suggest a lens without knowing two items... 1. Which camera bodies that the lens is for (and let me add this question in there as well), and also if one would have plans of expanding their Pentax camera body set-up anytime in the near future? 2. Also what ype of pics they take presently. For me the answer would be the FA; although it does take longer to focus.

02-05-2013, 05:49 AM - 1 Like	#5
Saxplayer1004 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Greenville SC Posts: 179	DA-WR and silent focus. 67mm filters. Over an inch shorter, although the massive hood will likely make it longer. Much lighter, almost 2/3's the weight of the FA FA-F2.8. 77mm filters. Internal zoom! Depends on what you're looking for. I'd probably go with the FA because of the faster speed and internal zoom makes using it on a tripod much easier for balance. The f2.8 also comes in handy for shooting some sports if you're doing a lot of that. The DA* does have WR though and SDM which are normally a big factor in a lens purchase for me. If you're going outside and hand holding, I'd go DA, if you're using it on a tripod or need the 2.8, then go with the FA.

02-05-2013, 06:06 AM - 1 Like	#6
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by Saxplayer1004 the massive hood will likely make it longer It's really not that massive To answer the original question, I assume that prices are comparable? Because that can be an issue for sure. It boils down to size/WR/range/weigth/SDM/AF speed/warranty vs max aperture. The latter can be a deal breaker or not, depending on your needs.

02-05-2013, 06:25 AM	#7
Saxplayer1004 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Greenville SC Posts: 179	It's pretty big.... Combine that with the extended length and the 60-250 is a longer lens. Shorter and lighter in the bag though

02-05-2013, 11:34 AM	#9
parigby New Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 9 Original Poster	Originally posted by Moe49 I was faced with this exact same question a couple of years ago. DA* and FA* lenses both deliver the 'goods', so my choice hinged on camera format. I picked the FA* lenses because of my growing collection of FF Pentax film cameras. I sold my DA* lenses and replaced them with FA* lens near equivalents. If I was an APSc only shooter, I would have picked the DA60-250, and kept the other DA lenses I had as well. This is my problem. At the moment l have the K5 and have watched the development of this body. I am hopeful that in due course Pentax will produce a FF body, and as a consequence l am attracted towards the FA* lenses as opposed to the DA* variety. The problem is, l cannot be certain that in the relatively near future, say two years or so, Pentax will go down this line. If they don't,by the way, l think they are being commercial simpletons. I see all this talk about " but will the Professionals switch across to Pentax ". But with respect the Pros do not buy the majority of camera bodies, it's people like you and me who do. In my camera club, l have lost count of the number of adequate (no kore than that technically ) Cannikon photographers who have gone out and bought FF bodies, or who are franticly saving their pennies / cents, to make the switch sooner rather than later. FF is today's new megapixel race as far as most non professionals are concerned. It is the "must have" upgrade, and at the moment Pentax have not even taken off their tracksuits to even enter the race, never mind being in the starting blocks. As l have said earlier l have the FA* 28-70mm and therefore appreciate what the FA* brings to my photography. I am also aware of the weight variances : FA* 80 - 200 : 1.52 DA* 60 - 250 : 1.1 Sigma - 70 -200 : 1.43 I also have at the back of my mind, that if anything goes wrong with the FA*, there is unlikely to be an easy option fix. Don't you just hate decisions.

02-05-2013, 11:54 AM	#10
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	What is your intended application?

02-06-2013, 02:55 AM	#11
parigby New Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 9 Original Poster	Originally posted by crewl1 What is your intended application? What l am trying to do is fill a gap in my K5 lens range, with a little bit of overlap at the top end. My Pentax kit at present is : Sigma 10 - 20mm FA* 28-70mm Sigma 135-400

02-06-2013, 05:47 AM	#12
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by parigby I am also aware of the weight variances : That can be a significant issue depending on your style and type of shooting. That's one of the reason that drew me to the 60-250 instead of the Sigma. I have read reports that the 60-250 works on FF bodies, but have no way to test it myself.