[OrenMc]

I have been looking at this lens for some time and was wondering if anyone has this lens and if so what they think of it.
It looks like it has some good ratings with a 3.6 MTF. I was thinking of using for portrait work because of the range. What do you think?

Thanks all,
Oren

[OrenMc]

I was hoping to get some info on this lens but maybe not. The couple times I seen it on ebay it went for higher than I wanted to pay.
Anyway, I went ahead and ordered it. Will give a short review in the future.

[Pentaxke]

I had this lens when I was still shooting Oly OM...

From what I remember, the lens was very sharp for a zoomlens, but had a lot of distortion at both 35 and 105 setting. Other than that, I was very pleased with the optical performance. A little soft wide open at 105, but for the rest, quite good all things considering (f/2,8 3x zoom.) If you are going to use it for portrait it should fit the job!

It is not very compact nor light weight, but it isn't the heaviest lens neither... And it's quite a rare lens. I didn't encounter one for quite some time.

You could also consider the 28-105 f/2,8, which is also available in adaptall II. From what I've read this one should be even better. I had the opportunity to pick one up some time ago, but let it go. Still feel bad about that...

[OrenMc]

Thanks for the info. I have seen the 28-105 and can still get it new for around $1000. A little much for what I've seen with reviews. I've heard that on to be very soft. Don't know.

Anyway, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I think I got a pretty good deal price wise so I'm not out too much.

[Pentaxke]

Keep us updated. I'm curious to know how it performs on a DSLR...

[OrenMc]

Its set for delivery today. I will let you know how it works.
You don't see these around very often. In the past 6 month I think I have seen 2 listing on ebay and one listing one craigslist here in Seattle.
I found this one at Keh. It suppose to be in EX condition so I am hopeful that all is well.

Going to be great day weather wise. I'm excited that I get to get out with some good light. Something that has been pretty scarce here.

[OrenMc]

Did a little quick shot. It is a little soft at f/2.8 but sharpens up nice stopped down. I was expecting that though. The thing in don't care for though is the bokeh is a little harsh.
I was hoping it would be nice and creamy because I as I stated I was wanting to use it for a portrait lens.
Once again the LBA hit. I just need to put out for the lens I really want.
At least the lens is in excellent ++ condition. A lot better than I had hoped. Looks like it goes back to KEH though.

This is a shot at f/2.8


Not really the subject I wanted but it does show the color this lens produces.

Full size can be seen at my flickr page at the link below.

[Pentaxke]

I have seen better bokeh, but for a zoomlens I don't think this is all that bad...

[OrenMc]

Pentaxke,
What do you think about the sharpness at wide open?
Thanks for the interest.

I think it did real well with the color rendering.

This is a manual focus lens so I am trying to rule out user error.
I made up a 100% crop also and that don't look too bad at 2.8.

[Pentaxke]

If the photo above is at wide open, then I think it's not bad sharpness wise, given the fact it's a 3x zoom and f/2,8. Is this the telephoto setting?

For one, I think you have to take into account that you're dealing with a f/2,8 zoomlens, that will always have compromises. Yes, you can better, the question is, at what expense...

[OrenMc]

Pentaxke
You are right when you mention the fact about the expense. I spent around $250 for this lens and to replace it at that cost for something else, I don't think I could and still have the quality.

My problem is that I am new to d-slr. If I had more experience with manual focus lenses I would probably be fine. It just takes a bit of getting used to making all the adjustments, setting changes when I change focal length and such. Maybe I ought to play with it a few more days and give it a chance.
I don't think I could find a lens like this in better condition.

Thanks again!