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mongoose · 03-25-2008, 03:58 AM

I have seen a Pentax 80-200mm f2.8 for sale. Can't find it in the lens reviews, so was wondering if anybody has one in their kit and what the experience has been. Would also appreciate some guidance as to reasonable market price.

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pop4 · 03-25-2008, 04:16 AM

I think this is what you're looking for: Pentax Lens Review Database - 80-200mm F2.8 ED [IF]

As for any experience with the lens, sorry, but can't help you there!

roentarre · 03-25-2008, 04:27 AM

You found the zoom at Michael's second hand section?

The zoom is certainly over-priced (2200 US dollars or so) and I found the lens only sharp til f4 or so. The bokeh can be buttery and creamy. The lens is capable of producing good contrasty images.

Autofocus is slow and power zoom does waste your battery quickly. The lens is extremely heavy and I think sigma 70-200mm f2.8 is capable of producing similar quality shots.

I had been dreaming this zoom for so long til I got the zoom. f2.8 produces reasonably ok images in terms of sharpness. The colour seems a bit lacking in this aperture though. f4 is a better aperture to use.

Pentax Fa* 80-200 f2.8 shots

egordon99 · 03-25-2008, 06:34 AM

$2200! YIKES! For that price, you can buy a Canon 30D and a 70-200mm f/2.8L IS!

mongoose · 03-26-2008, 02:36 AM

Thanks to all for your input.

The lens in question is for sale privately via The Trading Post in Melbourne. Asking price is $A2000 alone, or $A3800 for a package that includes:

K10D with Battery grip
AF540 Flash
Pentax 10-17mm
Sigma 10-20mm
Pentax DA70mm
Pentax 80-200 mm

Either way, thats way too much coin for this Mongoose. Bring on the Tamron 70-200 f2.8!

Maybe a cashed-up Melbournian Pentaxian can take advantage. The link is as follows:

Cameras, Lenses & Accessories For Sale: Pentax K10D. grip. variety of lenses. af540. all mint. on Trading Post Online

roentarre · 03-26-2008, 03:03 AM

Originally posted by egordon99

$2200! YIKES! For that price, you can buy a Canon 30D and a 70-200mm f/2.8L IS!

To me, Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS is definitely too expensive already. Its image quality is not as great as 70-200/2.8L. The cheaper and better zoom is, IMHO, Canon 80-200/2.8 which is only about 500 US dollars and its one of my favorite zooms (I sold it because it had enough cosmetic damage from my repeated use and new found passion with primes )

roentarre · 03-26-2008, 03:05 AM

Originally posted by mongoose

Thanks to all for your input.

The lens in question is for sale privately via The Trading Post in Melbourne. Asking price is $A2000 alone, or $A3800 for a package that includes:

K10D with Battery grip
AF540 Flash
Pentax 10-17mm
Sigma 10-20mm
Pentax DA70mm
Pentax 80-200 mm

Either way, thats way too much coin for this Mongoose. Bring on the Tamron 70-200 f2.8!

Maybe a cashed-up Melbournian Pentaxian can take advantage. The link is as follows:

Cameras, Lenses & Accessories For Sale: Pentax K10D. grip. variety of lenses. af540. all mint. on Trading Post Online

I think Tamron zoom would perform quite well just like sigma counterpart. Wish the seller good luck since the price quoted is the consensus on ebay. In a niche market in melbourne, I doubt that many takers.

egordon99 · 03-26-2008, 07:50 AM

That's why I went with the 70-200mm f/4 IS

Hoping to add either the 135mm f/2.0 or 200mm f/2.8 for when I need more speed.

Originally posted by roentarre

To me, Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS is definitely too expensive already. Its image quality is not as great as 70-200/2.8L. The cheaper and better zoom is, IMHO, Canon 80-200/2.8 which is only about 500 US dollars and its one of my favorite zooms (I sold it because it had enough cosmetic damage from my repeated use and new found passion with primes )

**Ron Boggs** · 03-26-2008, 08:35 AM

In the late '90's Pop Photo did one of their so-called lens tests. The interesting things they reported were better resolution than either the Canon or Nikon pro equivelents (I looked up both those lens tests too, so I could compare) and that the sharpness/resolving power is better at 200 than at 80. A very rare feature in a zoom lens--virtually all others degrade as your zoom in.

Also, compare this lens at f16 or even f22--landscape apertures--to anything on the market. I'm not so sure you'd be able to accept the lower priced alternatives...

Agreed that this is not a lens for hand holding. If you aren't on a tripod, buy something lighter.

selar · 03-26-2008, 10:39 PM

The splosdb rates this lens as !! - the best of the best! I thought that was strange for a zoom. Must be a very special lens indeed. Still I'm not sure if its worth $2000, even if it is now, when the Tamron and Sigma 80-200's come out, the value may fall.

This lens is also a collector's item, so if its mint it may be worth it. The last one I saw went new on ebay for about that price, US$2200.

mongoose · 03-27-2008, 08:06 PM

Just found this on Maxwell Australia's website:

http://www.maxwell.com.au/news/press_releases/tamron_70-200di_mar08.pdf

At last, they are prepared to commit to a timeframe (of sorts).

$A1099 should equate to just under $US1000 at current exchange rates.

At half the price of the Pentax it must be a good thing - especially if it lives up to the performance of the 28-75 f2.8.

selar · 03-27-2008, 09:41 PM

"since it uses barrel parts made of engineering plastic materials"

Are you sure that you really want to compare this with FA* ?

mongoose · 03-27-2008, 11:07 PM

Originally posted by selar

"since it uses barrel parts made of engineering plastic materials"

Are you sure that you really want to compare this with FA* ?

Not as such - wouldn't be comparing apples with apples.

Nevertheless, the Tamron is still appealing at $1100 provided it's build quality and performance are comparable with its little brother. Leaving me $900 better prepared next time the LBA goblins come calling....

123K10D · 03-28-2008, 01:44 AM

Originally posted by mongoose

Just found this on Maxwell Australia's website:

http://www.maxwell.com.au/news/press_releases/tamron_70-200di_mar08.pdf

At last, they are prepared to commit to a timeframe (of sorts).

$A1099 should equate to just under $US1000 at current exchange rates.

At half the price of the Pentax it must be a good thing - especially if it lives up to the performance of the 28-75 f2.8.

It's based on the 28-75 f2.8? It's about damn time. I'd been wondering why they never made this thing before. Better late than never

Easiest purchasing decision ever for me.

ddhytz · 03-28-2008, 02:40 AM

Originally posted by mongoose

Thanks to all for your input.

The lens in question is for sale privately via The Trading Post in Melbourne. Asking price is $A2000 alone,
...

Well, both Canon and Nikon zoom in that range with f2.8 are selling more than A$2,000. Given that Pentax one is quite rare, I don't think the seller is asking too much if the lens is only used a few times as he/she claims, unless one believes this lens is inferior to Canon/Nikon's.

03-26-2008, 02:36 AM	#5
mongoose New Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 17 Original Poster	Thanks to all for your input. The lens in question is for sale privately via The Trading Post in Melbourne. Asking price is $A2000 alone, or $A3800 for a package that includes: K10D with Battery grip AF540 Flash Pentax 10-17mm Sigma 10-20mm Pentax DA70mm Pentax 80-200 mm Either way, thats way too much coin for this Mongoose. Bring on the Tamron 70-200 f2.8! Maybe a cashed-up Melbournian Pentaxian can take advantage. The link is as follows: Cameras, Lenses & Accessories For Sale: Pentax K10D. grip. variety of lenses. af540. all mint. on Trading Post Online

03-26-2008, 03:05 AM	#7
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	Originally posted by mongoose Thanks to all for your input. The lens in question is for sale privately via The Trading Post in Melbourne. Asking price is $A2000 alone, or $A3800 for a package that includes: K10D with Battery grip AF540 Flash Pentax 10-17mm Sigma 10-20mm Pentax DA70mm Pentax 80-200 mm Either way, thats way too much coin for this Mongoose. Bring on the Tamron 70-200 f2.8! Maybe a cashed-up Melbournian Pentaxian can take advantage. The link is as follows: Cameras, Lenses & Accessories For Sale: Pentax K10D. grip. variety of lenses. af540. all mint. on Trading Post Online I think Tamron zoom would perform quite well just like sigma counterpart. Wish the seller good luck since the price quoted is the consensus on ebay. In a niche market in melbourne, I doubt that many takers.

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03-25-2008, 04:16 AM	#2
pop4 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: YMML Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,879	I think this is what you're looking for: Pentax Lens Review Database - 80-200mm F2.8 ED [IF] As for any experience with the lens, sorry, but can't help you there!

03-25-2008, 04:27 AM	#3
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	You found the zoom at Michael's second hand section? The zoom is certainly over-priced (2200 US dollars or so) and I found the lens only sharp til f4 or so. The bokeh can be buttery and creamy. The lens is capable of producing good contrasty images. Autofocus is slow and power zoom does waste your battery quickly. The lens is extremely heavy and I think sigma 70-200mm f2.8 is capable of producing similar quality shots. I had been dreaming this zoom for so long til I got the zoom. f2.8 produces reasonably ok images in terms of sharpness. The colour seems a bit lacking in this aperture though. f4 is a better aperture to use. Pentax Fa* 80-200 f2.8 shots

03-25-2008, 06:34 AM	#4
egordon99 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Outside of Philly Posts: 1,561	$2200! YIKES! For that price, you can buy a Canon 30D and a 70-200mm f/2.8L IS!

03-26-2008, 03:03 AM	#6
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	Originally posted by egordon99 $2200! YIKES! For that price, you can buy a Canon 30D and a 70-200mm f/2.8L IS! To me, Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS is definitely too expensive already. Its image quality is not as great as 70-200/2.8L. The cheaper and better zoom is, IMHO, Canon 80-200/2.8 which is only about 500 US dollars and its one of my favorite zooms (I sold it because it had enough cosmetic damage from my repeated use and new found passion with primes )

03-26-2008, 07:50 AM	#8
egordon99 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Outside of Philly Posts: 1,561	That's why I went with the 70-200mm f/4 IS Hoping to add either the 135mm f/2.0 or 200mm f/2.8 for when I need more speed. Originally posted by roentarre To me, Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS is definitely too expensive already. Its image quality is not as great as 70-200/2.8L. The cheaper and better zoom is, IMHO, Canon 80-200/2.8 which is only about 500 US dollars and its one of my favorite zooms (I sold it because it had enough cosmetic damage from my repeated use and new found passion with primes )

03-26-2008, 08:35 AM	#9
Ron Boggs Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: MT Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,350	In the late '90's Pop Photo did one of their so-called lens tests. The interesting things they reported were better resolution than either the Canon or Nikon pro equivelents (I looked up both those lens tests too, so I could compare) and that the sharpness/resolving power is better at 200 than at 80. A very rare feature in a zoom lens--virtually all others degrade as your zoom in. Also, compare this lens at f16 or even f22--landscape apertures--to anything on the market. I'm not so sure you'd be able to accept the lower priced alternatives... Agreed that this is not a lens for hand holding. If you aren't on a tripod, buy something lighter.

03-26-2008, 10:39 PM	#10
selar Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,042	The splosdb rates this lens as !! - the best of the best! I thought that was strange for a zoom. Must be a very special lens indeed. Still I'm not sure if its worth $2000, even if it is now, when the Tamron and Sigma 80-200's come out, the value may fall. This lens is also a collector's item, so if its mint it may be worth it. The last one I saw went new on ebay for about that price, US$2200.

03-27-2008, 08:06 PM	#11
mongoose New Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 17 Original Poster	Just found this on Maxwell Australia's website: http://www.maxwell.com.au/news/press_releases/tamron_70-200di_mar08.pdf At last, they are prepared to commit to a timeframe (of sorts). $A1099 should equate to just under $US1000 at current exchange rates. At half the price of the Pentax it must be a good thing - especially if it lives up to the performance of the 28-75 f2.8.

03-27-2008, 09:41 PM	#12
selar Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,042	"since it uses barrel parts made of engineering plastic materials" Are you sure that you really want to compare this with FA* ?

03-27-2008, 11:07 PM	#13
mongoose New Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 17 Original Poster	Originally posted by selar "since it uses barrel parts made of engineering plastic materials" Are you sure that you really want to compare this with FA* ? Not as such - wouldn't be comparing apples with apples. Nevertheless, the Tamron is still appealing at $1100 provided it's build quality and performance are comparable with its little brother. Leaving me $900 better prepared next time the LBA goblins come calling....

03-28-2008, 01:44 AM	#14
123K10D Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Toowoomba - Australia Posts: 110	Originally posted by mongoose Just found this on Maxwell Australia's website: http://www.maxwell.com.au/news/press_releases/tamron_70-200di_mar08.pdf At last, they are prepared to commit to a timeframe (of sorts). $A1099 should equate to just under $US1000 at current exchange rates. At half the price of the Pentax it must be a good thing - especially if it lives up to the performance of the 28-75 f2.8. It's based on the 28-75 f2.8? It's about damn time. I'd been wondering why they never made this thing before. Better late than never Easiest purchasing decision ever for me.

03-28-2008, 02:40 AM	#15
ddhytz Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Melbourne Posts: 602	Originally posted by mongoose Thanks to all for your input. The lens in question is for sale privately via The Trading Post in Melbourne. Asking price is $A2000 alone, ... Well, both Canon and Nikon zoom in that range with f2.8 are selling more than A$2,000. Given that Pentax one is quite rare, I don't think the seller is asking too much if the lens is only used a few times as he/she claims, unless one believes this lens is inferior to Canon/Nikon's.