SMCT 200 f4 Vs F80-200mm f4.7-5.6

pakinjapan · 12-14-2015, 11:35 PM

Quick question people, I found these 2 lenses in japan,

SMCT 200 f4
F80-200mm F4.7-5.6

They are about the same price.

Which one should I get?
I don’t take much telephoto at all, and I am looking for a cheap telephoto lens to get myself going in this area. To be honest, I am more interesting in SMCT 200 because of the review on this forum. But again, I do not have much experience on anything longer then 100mm on crop at all. for a new baby in this area like me, Could having zoom as a starting point a better idea?

And I guess SMCT200 can be re-sale easier?

thanks!

**Alex645** · 12-15-2015, 02:13 AM - **1 Like**

This is for your K5?

The 200mm SMCT f/4 is a Takumar M42 screw mount and although it's probably sharper than the zoom, it is heavier and manual focus only. No mold/fungus/haze?

The SMC-F 80-200mm f/4.7-5.6 has the auto focus advantage, lighter and more versatile, but at 200mm you're losing a whole stop.

For me, I find I shoot a majority of my telephoto zooms at the end of their range. The advantage of the zoom, however, is to spot your shots at 80mm, and then be able to zoom into 200mm. Why not get a used SMC Pentax DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED WR? Lots of photographers who get this as a part of the two kit lens sell this when they upgrade to the 55-300mm (which would be my top choice in terms of value).

Asking about the ease of re-sale for a lens you're thinking of buying is worrisome, unless you're into the market to flip lenses.

**luftfluss** · 12-15-2015, 11:23 AM - **1 Like**

The Tak 200/4 is really good. Sharpness and bokeh is noticeably superior to the 50-200 and 55-300. But there is some CA, you have to watch the angle of light, and it's relatively large and heavy.

But, IMO, comparing a prime with a zoom and MF vs AF is too apples-to-oranges to make a valid comparison.

pakinjapan · 01-11-2016, 06:21 AM

Thanks both of you. I ended up get FA 80-320mm b/c both lens were gone by the time I get to the store.

12-14-2015, 11:35 PM	#1
pakinjapan Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,041	SMCT 200 f4 Vs F80-200mm f4.7-5.6 Quick question people, I found these 2 lenses in japan, SMCT 200 f4 F80-200mm F4.7-5.6 They are about the same price. Which one should I get? I don’t take much telephoto at all, and I am looking for a cheap telephoto lens to get myself going in this area. To be honest, I am more interesting in SMCT 200 because of the review on this forum. But again, I do not have much experience on anything longer then 100mm on crop at all. for a new baby in this area like me, Could having zoom as a starting point a better idea? And I guess SMCT200 can be re-sale easier? thanks!

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12-15-2015, 02:13 AM - 1 Like	#2
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,526	This is for your K5? The 200mm SMCT f/4 is a Takumar M42 screw mount and although it's probably sharper than the zoom, it is heavier and manual focus only. No mold/fungus/haze? The SMC-F 80-200mm f/4.7-5.6 has the auto focus advantage, lighter and more versatile, but at 200mm you're losing a whole stop. For me, I find I shoot a majority of my telephoto zooms at the end of their range. The advantage of the zoom, however, is to spot your shots at 80mm, and then be able to zoom into 200mm. Why not get a used SMC Pentax DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED WR? Lots of photographers who get this as a part of the two kit lens sell this when they upgrade to the 55-300mm (which would be my top choice in terms of value). Asking about the ease of re-sale for a lens you're thinking of buying is worrisome, unless you're into the market to flip lenses.

12-15-2015, 11:23 AM - 1 Like	#3
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,619	The Tak 200/4 is really good. Sharpness and bokeh is noticeably superior to the 50-200 and 55-300. But there is some CA, you have to watch the angle of light, and it's relatively large and heavy. But, IMO, comparing a prime with a zoom and MF vs AF is too apples-to-oranges to make a valid comparison.

01-11-2016, 06:21 AM	#4
pakinjapan Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,041 Original Poster	Thanks both of you. I ended up get FA 80-320mm b/c both lens were gone by the time I get to the store.