Pentax FA 28-200mm 3.8-5.6 IF AL?

skydragoness · 01-28-2007, 10:34 AM

I saw this lens on pbase and was wondering if anyone has heard of it or own one? Or has sample photos to share of it?

I have the kit lens for my K10D and I don't like it, I probably won't be keeping it, and I like zoom's a lot. I tend to shoot in the 28 and beyond range anyway.

I shoot motorsports and it seems the f-stops on this lens are 'faster' than some other 200mm zooms out there have.

Is this lens any good? Any other recommendations? Or should I just stick w/ the DA 50-200mm? (although not as fast?)

Oh. It would seem there is also a Tamron equivalent too:
Tamron 28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 LD AF Super II Macro for Pentax AF |BuyDig.com ( I would never buy from this place btw)

Adam · 01-28-2007, 11:12 AM

A wide-angle and an extreme-telephoto lens in one just can't be good, and I'd recommend you stay with the DA 50-200 (it isn't slower than this FA).

And if you want an all-around lens that's better than the kit, I'd recommend the FA 28-105, F4-5.6, power zoom. This one delivers clear images at all focal lengths, and you can even make use of the power zoom on the K10D!

If you like tele shots and want a fast aperture, though, you really should look into primes. Zooms don't get any faster than F4-5.6 in the 200mm area unless you're willing to pay an astronomical sum.

kjask · 01-28-2007, 11:32 AM

I had this lens and I was quite satisfied with it on my SLR camera MZ-50. But I was very disappointed with it's bad sharpness, colours and contrasts on my *istDS. Only some photos were good... I sold it few weeks ago.
Kit lenses (18-55 and 50-200) are much better on DSLR, or you should check Tamron 18-200 if you want only one lens... I didn't test it but it seems to be good lens for allaround shooting.

You can check my small test here (you can find exif in photos):
Pentax FA 28-200 AL

For last four photos I used Sigma 24/2.8!

skydragoness · 01-28-2007, 10:08 PM

Wow. Ok. Thanks. I'll stick with the DA then. I already have a really nice Hoya filter waiting for it anyway. :P

I'll save my pennies for a good prime later. thanks for the advice guys.

Oh Mo, are there any prime zoom's or plain ol' primes that would best on the K10 and would have AF or is it MF for most of them? Scouring thru ebay is so confusing...

01-28-2007, 10:34 AM	#1
skydragoness Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Delaware, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 163	Pentax FA 28-200mm 3.8-5.6 IF AL? I saw this lens on pbase and was wondering if anyone has heard of it or own one? Or has sample photos to share of it? I have the kit lens for my K10D and I don't like it, I probably won't be keeping it, and I like zoom's a lot. I tend to shoot in the 28 and beyond range anyway. I shoot motorsports and it seems the f-stops on this lens are 'faster' than some other 200mm zooms out there have. Is this lens any good? Any other recommendations? Or should I just stick w/ the DA 50-200mm? (although not as fast?) Oh. It would seem there is also a Tamron equivalent too: Tamron 28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 LD AF Super II Macro for Pentax AF \|BuyDig.com ( I would never buy from this place btw)

01-28-2007, 11:12 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	A wide-angle and an extreme-telephoto lens in one just can't be good, and I'd recommend you stay with the DA 50-200 (it isn't slower than this FA). And if you want an all-around lens that's better than the kit, I'd recommend the FA 28-105, F4-5.6, power zoom. This one delivers clear images at all focal lengths, and you can even make use of the power zoom on the K10D! If you like tele shots and want a fast aperture, though, you really should look into primes. Zooms don't get any faster than F4-5.6 in the 200mm area unless you're willing to pay an astronomical sum. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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01-28-2007, 11:32 AM	#3
kjask Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Slovenia Photos: Gallery Posts: 324	I had this lens and I was quite satisfied with it on my SLR camera MZ-50. But I was very disappointed with it's bad sharpness, colours and contrasts on my *istDS. Only some photos were good... I sold it few weeks ago. Kit lenses (18-55 and 50-200) are much better on DSLR, or you should check Tamron 18-200 if you want only one lens... I didn't test it but it seems to be good lens for allaround shooting. You can check my small test here (you can find exif in photos): Pentax FA 28-200 AL For last four photos I used Sigma 24/2.8!

01-28-2007, 10:08 PM	#4
skydragoness Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Delaware, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 163 Original Poster	Wow. Ok. Thanks. I'll stick with the DA then. I already have a really nice Hoya filter waiting for it anyway. :P I'll save my pennies for a good prime later. thanks for the advice guys. Oh Mo, are there any prime zoom's or plain ol' primes that would best on the K10 and would have AF or is it MF for most of them? Scouring thru ebay is so confusing...