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I'm gonna do a mega multiquote, i was particularly interested as you could see from my
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/24710-not-thrifty-fifties.html posting
Originally posted by Buddha Jones Adorama has two of these in the used lot for $350
Originally posted by jsherman999 Actually, I just ordered a used M 200mm f4 from them that was rated as "VG", which is a step below "E", and it's in exceptional shape - a very small mark on the lens hood, some extremely small smudges on the barrel, but that's it - shiny and new otherwise. I would have rated it an "E", I had to really look for the imperfections, and I'm pretty picky. Based on that one order I'd order again with confidence in their ratings, but I could have been just lucky also..
Originally posted by walter Thanks Buddha!!!
I tried to order one. It looks like they don't do real time
inventory since it's still listed. I guess I'll have to wait till
tomorrow to see if I actually got it.
thanks for the tip buddha. i saw your post basically right after and I had the order all lined up on the A model. but i hesitated because i) no idea about the actual quality (a bit of reassurance from jsherman999 but i saw too many old posts from Nikon users saying they didn't get good products) ii) not sure if i wanted this lens or the Nokton 58mm iii) hard to drop $400 (then the tax for me in Canada) in an instant iv) if a lens is available new, i'd prefer to get it new
i hope you enjoy the lens walter and put up some photos.
Originally posted by roentarre I was just joking there.
There is quite a difference to my naked eyes for the images produced by A 50 f1.2 and Fa 50 f1.4 respectively.
Just that a lot of people do not appreciate the difference and hence we will leave it as it is.
I am sure that you would love that depth of field at f1.2
When I was 15 yr old, I would basicly snare at the idea of f1.2 and manual focusing (everything has to be sharp sharp and sharp; manual focusing is too prehistoric etc)
Even at f1.4, A 50 f1.2 is more consistent with image quality having better contrast and overall IQ (of course, only I belive that myself)
thanks for getting back to me on the Fast Fifties Roentarre (A50 1.2 and Nokton), it's a tough decision and i don't think i'm sleeping well trying to decide! your photos from both lenses are great so that's not helping :P
Originally posted by aegisphan Of course I know you were joking. That big smiley face is a big hint.
To be honest, when I said no significant difference, this is because the "mere" 2/3 a stop gain. But i could be wrong. You have to try it to appreciate it: the thinner DOF, the measily stop gain (but can stop you right at the border of the next higher ISO), and superior IQ (I based this on carpent's test and several other 50/1.2 users). I guess that warrants the premium.
the extra 2/3 of a stop should also make the viewfinder even brighter and make it easier to focus, at least on deeper DOF, should it not?