200 mm manual focus prime lens

robert · 02-10-2016, 09:31 PM

I shoot mostly landscapes and a few portraits but every once in a while I shoot wildlife. I'm wondering if either the K mount M200s or screwmount 200s would give me better detail than my da 50-200 ed does at 200mm?

manacho2005 · 02-10-2016, 10:49 PM

Try a 55-300. I've heard it's leaps and bounds better than the 50-200.
And there is the newer WR version that would allow you to get those wetter wildlife shots.

**JimD** · 02-10-2016, 11:49 PM

I've got a Da 55-300, a K200 and an M200. There is nothing whatsoever to choose between the M and the K in terms of IQ, focussing ability or speed ( both F4 ). The M is slightly smaller and has a built in lens hood.

The 55-300 gives the extra reach that is a must for wildlife and is significantly better in all departments than the kit lens.

The two older manual 200 lenses give great results but can suffer from CA. I'm not sure which camera you have but nailing manual focus on a dslr is much more difficult than on a older film type such as an MX for which the lenses were made.

The AF on the 55-300 isn't particularly quick but as wildlife isn't likely to stand around posing for you it's going to give you more keepers and from a greater distance.

Paul the Sunman · 02-10-2016, 11:59 PM

The 55-300, either version, is a decent low-priced zoom, and will certainly outperform the 50-200. However, a fast 200 is a very desirable commodity. The DA* 200 f2.8 is expensive, but the results look spectacular. (Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to try it myself.)

From what I've seen of the M 400, which is f4 and therefore presumably unrelated to the modern DA, it has nice character.

**Quartermaster James** · 02-11-2016, 12:08 AM

Take a look here:
SMC Pentax 200mm F4 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database
vs.
SMC Pentax-DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

LennyBloke · 02-11-2016, 02:01 AM

Having recently used the K, M and A 200mm Pentax primes I would say that the M version is the poorest, the K next best and the A is significantly better. I used a DA 50-200 for a while, and although it is compact and flexible I'd still go for the A series lens over it!

Dewman · 02-11-2016, 05:19 AM

It might be worth your time to take a look at the F 70-210mm lens. One heck of a lens for what you say you're going to be shooting. SMC Pentax-F 70-210mm F4-5.6 Reviews - F Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

I recall seeing a pristine copy on the Marketplace a couple of days ago. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/307686-sal...wer-price.html

GeneV · 02-11-2016, 06:01 AM

I also own and have used for years the DA50-200, DA55-300, and the M200. All have done a good job for me and all have their place, but the quest for better IQ did not really yield truly noticeable improvement until I got to primes of the DA* level or their MF predecessors. The M lens is inexpensive, yields slightly better IQ and gives you a stop of speed. The 55-300 reach is a big benefit, and the size of the 50-200 makes it great for travel.

Forget the supposed IQ superiority between those lenses. You will seldom notice the difference if the photo is well focused and exposed. Before I owned the 55-300, the M200 only came out for dark forests. After the 55-300, the other two hardly come out at all. The 55-300 is just too versatile. However for wildlife, especially birds, the high end DA* primes Have now displaced all the choices we are discussing.

yusuf · 02-11-2016, 06:04 AM

If I remember correctly, someone compared DA55-300 with A300, and 55-300 performed great. Not able to find that link though.

GeneV · 02-11-2016, 08:03 AM

Originally posted by yusuf

If I remember correctly, someone compared DA55-300 with A300, and 55-300 performed great. Not able to find that link though.

That would surprise me, unless the comparison is at F/8-11. The difference with the DA*300, sharp at F/4, is pretty noticeable, and I would expect the A* to be similar.

lytrytyr · 02-11-2016, 08:24 AM

Originally posted by robert

I'm wondering if either the K mount M200s or screwmount 200s would give me better detail than my da 50-200 ed does at 200mm?

In comparisons like these, performance differences at different distances are also important,
and choosing the right lens may depend on the intended use.

I have the M 200/4, and find that it is better at long range,
where it is good all the way across the (APS-C) frame,
but a little softer at shorter ranges.

normhead · 02-11-2016, 08:35 AM

Quote:

I shoot mostly landscapes and a few portraits but every once in a while I shoot wildlife. I'm wondering if either the K mount M200s or screwmount 200s would give me better detail than my da 50-200 ed does at 200mm?

Originally posted by Dewman

It might be worth your time to take a look at the F 70-210mm lens. One heck of a lens for what you say you're going to be shooting. SMC Pentax-F 70-210mm F4-5.6 Reviews - F Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

I recall seeing a pristine copy on the Marketplace a couple of days ago. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/307686-sal...wer-price.html

Get an F 70-210 for 100 bucks, save for a DA*, either 60-250, 300 or 200.

In some situations, shooting objects at 10-15 feet I actually prefer the 70-210. Especially in situations where purple fringing isn't likely to be an issue. It still goes with every now and then even though I own a 60-250. It's lighter and smaller and easier to carry. As to whether or not its better than your 55-200 it should be half way between your 55-200 and a DA* according to forum ratings.

Click here for slide show.

**Just1MoreDave** · 02-11-2016, 11:15 AM

Originally posted by normhead

Get an F 70-210 for 100 bucks, save for a DA*, either 60-250, 300 or 200.

The F70-210 is good, but just barely better than a DA 50-200. I compared them and came up even, except the DA has more vignetting wide open at its extremes and the F has 9 aperture blades. The DA is more usable for me because it's slightly smaller, much lighter, WR and has a reversible hood. I think the F has a far superior build and probably one that looks good performs good. Maybe if you have a below-par DA you'd see a real difference in photos.

I think I'd just save up.

normhead · 02-11-2016, 11:24 AM

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

The F70-210 is good, but just barely better than a DA 50-200. I compared them and came up even, except the DA has more vignetting wide open at its extremes and the F has 9 aperture blades. The DA is more usable for me because it's slightly smaller, much lighter, WR and has a reversible hood. I think the F has a far superior build and probably one that looks good performs good. Maybe if you have a below-par DA you'd see a real difference in photos.

I think I'd just save up.

SO did you actually do some comparison images, or is that a general impression based on many photos? Often, what you get is not what's possible but a function of your shooting style and the lens. It may just be that you shoot a lot hand held and the lighter lens makes you less inclined to motion blur, there could be many factors in your choice. I guess my point would be, for a lot of shots a DA*60-250 is just barely better than a 70-210, especially if you shoot a lot of hand held images.

But I'm really interested, in what you were seeing that led to this conclusion. But then I want to see everything, not just this things. The F has 13 elements, making it heavier, but usually more elements means better correction.

r0ckstarr · 02-11-2016, 11:34 AM

I'm a fan of the M200, and would choose that or the 70-210 that Norm mentioned.

02-10-2016, 09:31 PM	#1
robert Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: ohio Posts: 336	200 mm manual focus prime lens I shoot mostly landscapes and a few portraits but every once in a while I shoot wildlife. I'm wondering if either the K mount M200s or screwmount 200s would give me better detail than my da 50-200 ed does at 200mm?

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02-10-2016, 10:49 PM	#2
manacho2005 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Red Oak, TX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 462	Try a 55-300. I've heard it's leaps and bounds better than the 50-200. And there is the newer WR version that would allow you to get those wetter wildlife shots.

02-10-2016, 11:49 PM	#3
JimD Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Newport, South Wales Posts: 187	I've got a Da 55-300, a K200 and an M200. There is nothing whatsoever to choose between the M and the K in terms of IQ, focussing ability or speed ( both F4 ). The M is slightly smaller and has a built in lens hood. The 55-300 gives the extra reach that is a must for wildlife and is significantly better in all departments than the kit lens. The two older manual 200 lenses give great results but can suffer from CA. I'm not sure which camera you have but nailing manual focus on a dslr is much more difficult than on a older film type such as an MX for which the lenses were made. The AF on the 55-300 isn't particularly quick but as wildlife isn't likely to stand around posing for you it's going to give you more keepers and from a greater distance.

02-10-2016, 11:59 PM	#4
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	The 55-300, either version, is a decent low-priced zoom, and will certainly outperform the 50-200. However, a fast 200 is a very desirable commodity. The DA* 200 f2.8 is expensive, but the results look spectacular. (Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to try it myself.) From what I've seen of the M 400, which is f4 and therefore presumably unrelated to the modern DA, it has nice character.

02-11-2016, 12:08 AM	#5
Quartermaster James Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 653	Take a look here: SMC Pentax 200mm F4 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database vs. SMC Pentax-DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

02-11-2016, 02:01 AM	#6
LennyBloke Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Worcestershire, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 677	Having recently used the K, M and A 200mm Pentax primes I would say that the M version is the poorest, the K next best and the A is significantly better. I used a DA 50-200 for a while, and although it is compact and flexible I'd still go for the A series lens over it!

02-11-2016, 05:19 AM	#7
Dewman Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,492	It might be worth your time to take a look at the F 70-210mm lens. One heck of a lens for what you say you're going to be shooting. SMC Pentax-F 70-210mm F4-5.6 Reviews - F Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database I recall seeing a pristine copy on the Marketplace a couple of days ago. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/307686-sal...wer-price.html

02-11-2016, 06:01 AM	#8
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	I also own and have used for years the DA50-200, DA55-300, and the M200. All have done a good job for me and all have their place, but the quest for better IQ did not really yield truly noticeable improvement until I got to primes of the DA* level or their MF predecessors. The M lens is inexpensive, yields slightly better IQ and gives you a stop of speed. The 55-300 reach is a big benefit, and the size of the 50-200 makes it great for travel. Forget the supposed IQ superiority between those lenses. You will seldom notice the difference if the photo is well focused and exposed. Before I owned the 55-300, the M200 only came out for dark forests. After the 55-300, the other two hardly come out at all. The 55-300 is just too versatile. However for wildlife, especially birds, the high end DA* primes Have now displaced all the choices we are discussing.

02-11-2016, 06:04 AM	#9
yusuf Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palo Alto, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,497	If I remember correctly, someone compared DA55-300 with A300, and 55-300 performed great. Not able to find that link though.

02-11-2016, 08:03 AM	#10
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by yusuf If I remember correctly, someone compared DA55-300 with A300, and 55-300 performed great. Not able to find that link though. That would surprise me, unless the comparison is at F/8-11. The difference with the DA300, sharp at F/4, is pretty noticeable, and I would expect the A to be similar.

02-11-2016, 08:24 AM	#11
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by robert I'm wondering if either the K mount M200s or screwmount 200s would give me better detail than my da 50-200 ed does at 200mm? In comparisons like these, performance differences at different distances are also important, and choosing the right lens may depend on the intended use. I have the M 200/4, and find that it is better at long range, where it is good all the way across the (APS-C) frame, but a little softer at shorter ranges.

02-11-2016, 08:35 AM	#12
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Quote: I shoot mostly landscapes and a few portraits but every once in a while I shoot wildlife. I'm wondering if either the K mount M200s or screwmount 200s would give me better detail than my da 50-200 ed does at 200mm? Originally posted by Dewman It might be worth your time to take a look at the F 70-210mm lens. One heck of a lens for what you say you're going to be shooting. SMC Pentax-F 70-210mm F4-5.6 Reviews - F Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database I recall seeing a pristine copy on the Marketplace a couple of days ago. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/307686-sal...wer-price.html Get an F 70-210 for 100 bucks, save for a DA, either 60-250, 300 or 200. In some situations, shooting objects at 10-15 feet I actually prefer the 70-210. Especially in situations where purple fringing isn't likely to be an issue. It still goes with every now and then even though I own a 60-250. It's lighter and smaller and easier to carry. As to whether or not its better than your 55-200 it should be half way between your 55-200 and a DA according to forum ratings. Click here for slide show.

02-11-2016, 11:15 AM	#13
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by normhead Get an F 70-210 for 100 bucks, save for a DA*, either 60-250, 300 or 200. The F70-210 is good, but just barely better than a DA 50-200. I compared them and came up even, except the DA has more vignetting wide open at its extremes and the F has 9 aperture blades. The DA is more usable for me because it's slightly smaller, much lighter, WR and has a reversible hood. I think the F has a far superior build and probably one that looks good performs good. Maybe if you have a below-par DA you'd see a real difference in photos. I think I'd just save up.

02-11-2016, 11:24 AM	#14
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by Just1MoreDave The F70-210 is good, but just barely better than a DA 50-200. I compared them and came up even, except the DA has more vignetting wide open at its extremes and the F has 9 aperture blades. The DA is more usable for me because it's slightly smaller, much lighter, WR and has a reversible hood. I think the F has a far superior build and probably one that looks good performs good. Maybe if you have a below-par DA you'd see a real difference in photos. I think I'd just save up. SO did you actually do some comparison images, or is that a general impression based on many photos? Often, what you get is not what's possible but a function of your shooting style and the lens. It may just be that you shoot a lot hand held and the lighter lens makes you less inclined to motion blur, there could be many factors in your choice. I guess my point would be, for a lot of shots a DA*60-250 is just barely better than a 70-210, especially if you shoot a lot of hand held images. But I'm really interested, in what you were seeing that led to this conclusion. But then I want to see everything, not just this things. The F has 13 elements, making it heavier, but usually more elements means better correction.

02-11-2016, 11:34 AM	#15
r0ckstarr Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,507	I'm a fan of the M200, and would choose that or the 70-210 that Norm mentioned.