The D-FA 70-200 is Fantastic; but is it Monstrous?

braver · 05-12-2016, 02:17 PM

So as some of you know, I'm a Pentax and Fuji guy, and I love my gear compact. But, with the K-1 extravaganza, I couldn't resist getting 24-70. Then I love wide angle and just had to get the 15-30. At 1kg, it was already on the verge of too big, but I'm able to justify it with the only true UWA zoom and barely there with size. Finally, having 2 out of 3, I just had to try the grand prize, the 70-200. I've got it today, and by the weight of the box I knew right away it's going to be heavy. And it was. It comes in its own little case with little feet and a handle. It is fantastically built but it is very, very heavy, at 1.8kg.

I've seen those folks walking around with the long Canon white tubes, dangling off their necks and almost reaching the ground, like an excited donkey. (This is what they say about the Fuji 55-200 that retracts downwards uncontrollably. That Fuji is minuscule compared to the 70-200). The 70-200 is internal zoom and overall beautiful. Still I'm wondering how much use it will have given the weight.

How do you guys use those lead pipe kind of things? Carry it alone? Use in a studio? Do you just get trained and adapt to that weight?

A+

Adam · 05-12-2016, 02:32 PM - **1 Like**

Good thing you haven't tried the 150-450mm

I'd say it's worth carrying around if what you're shooting justifies it. After seeing the image quality I'm definitely going to keep my copy, though it probably won't go everywhere that I do.

braver · 05-12-2016, 02:47 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Good thing you haven't tried the 150-450mm

Yeah for that range I got the new Fuji 100-400mm, which is basically as big as the 70-200. So I'd rather take my X-Pro2 in case I need that range. I'm certainly not going over that weight, which I can still carry in a proper single bag (has to be a tall one).

A+

biz-engineer · 05-12-2016, 02:47 PM

imo , the pentax k1 system enter the segment of pro use where user know why they carry large equipment. that' s why some pentaxians won't see the point to go ff except if at the size of sony a7 or get a fuji system. For most casual photo mirrorless fuji like is just fine , smaller and cheaper.

How to carry big lens system? not from the camera body anymore but using the lens tripod collar instead.

**MJSfoto1956** · 05-12-2016, 02:52 PM - **1 Like**

The lens I want is a modern DFA* 24-90mm, slightly wider but faster than the 28-105mm kit, and w/ 67mm filter size so that it would pair perfectly with the DA* 60-250mm on my K-3ii. Hey, I can dream, right?

Michael

**BigMackCam** · 05-12-2016, 02:53 PM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

that' s why some pentaxians won't see the point to go ff except if at the size of sony a7 or get a fuji system.

This has been discussed before, but the size of the A7 + 70-200 f/2.8 isn't much different to the K-1 + 70-200. Most of the size is in the lens, in this instance (the A7 is lighter, of course)... The Fuji system, I can't comment on...

Adam · 05-12-2016, 03:41 PM

Originally posted by MJSfoto1956

The lens I want is a modern DFA* 24-90mm, slightly wider but faster than the 28-105mm kit, and w/ 67mm filter size so that it would pair perfectly with the DA* 60-250mm on my K-3ii. Hey, I can dream, right?

Michael

I don't think this is an unrealistic dream at all. Maybe Sigma will decide to make their 24-105mm available for Pentax!

Not sure if a 67mm is feasible these days, though.

Adam
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**BigMackCam** · 05-12-2016, 03:50 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Adam

Maybe Sigma will decide to make their 24-105mm available for Pentax!

Let's hope they design it within K-mount specs!

virusn3t · 05-12-2016, 03:53 PM

Im 1.8mts tall, and 93kgs weight (about 205lbs) i go the the Gym daily and i start KravMaga (1.5 months) 4kgs of camera equipment in the hand dont scare me, and a messenger bag with 7kgs dont seem like too much for me.

**BigMackCam** · 05-12-2016, 03:59 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by virusn3t

Im 1.8mts tall, and 93kgs weight (about 205lbs) i go the the Gym daily and i start KravMaga (1.5 months) 4kgs of camera equipment in the hand dont scare me, and a messenger bag with 7kgs dont seem like too much for me.

I went to the gym a couple of years back. Interesting. Quite a few photo opportunities, but... I dunno... seemed like an expensive deal just for that...

JimmyDranox · 05-12-2016, 04:22 PM

You will get used to it, if you will use it many times. First time is scary, but after a month of using at least twice a week, will be a breeze. Much more disturbing will be changing the lenses. Anyway, a fast tele has his own rewards. More with a 36 Mp camera.

tomO2013 · 05-12-2016, 05:03 PM

The new DFA* 70-200 is optically superb and does not suffer the same focus breathing as the Nikkor 70-200 making it a more versatile lens.
It is larger and heavier, but I put that down to the optics which are probably the best I've used in a 70-200. If optical quality is your number one priority, it makes sense. If you want a small travel lens, heck I'd get an Olympus EM5ii and panasonic 35-100. There is no free lunch

**MJSfoto1956** · 05-12-2016, 05:20 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Not sure if a 67mm is feasible these days, though.

Why not? the DA* 60-250mm is 67mm. The original Pentax 24-90mm was 67mm. The F & FA 300mm f/4.5 were both 67mm. The Nikon 24-85mm (version 1 & 2) was 67mm. The current Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 is 67mm as are the Nikkor 28mm f/1.8 and NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G. In other words, 67mm is much more popular than many people are led to believe. And this is precisely because 67mm saves a huge amount in both size and weight (and cost) vs. 77mm.

If Pentax wants to be known for "small" this is the easiest way to distinguish yourself in a world awash with Ginormous "me too" zoom lenses.

Michael

noelpolar · 05-12-2016, 05:47 PM - **3 Likes**

As a DFA 150-450 shooter, I reckon the 70-200 is a girlie lens.....

Winder · 05-12-2016, 06:26 PM

Originally posted by braver

How do you guys use those lead pipe kind of things? Carry it alone? Use in a studio? Do you just get trained and adapt to that weight?

I bought a sling pack for it. I have been on a couple short 2-3 mile walks with the lens and it really isn't as bad as you think. Get a good sling pack with quick access and you will be fine for long walks. I have not worked an event with it yet.

Optically the lens is very, very good.

05-12-2016, 02:17 PM	#1
braver Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hanover, NH Posts: 157	The D-FA 70-200 is Fantastic; but is it Monstrous? So as some of you know, I'm a Pentax and Fuji guy, and I love my gear compact. But, with the K-1 extravaganza, I couldn't resist getting 24-70. Then I love wide angle and just had to get the 15-30. At 1kg, it was already on the verge of too big, but I'm able to justify it with the only true UWA zoom and barely there with size. Finally, having 2 out of 3, I just had to try the grand prize, the 70-200. I've got it today, and by the weight of the box I knew right away it's going to be heavy. And it was. It comes in its own little case with little feet and a handle. It is fantastically built but it is very, very heavy, at 1.8kg. I've seen those folks walking around with the long Canon white tubes, dangling off their necks and almost reaching the ground, like an excited donkey. (This is what they say about the Fuji 55-200 that retracts downwards uncontrollably. That Fuji is minuscule compared to the 70-200). The 70-200 is internal zoom and overall beautiful. Still I'm wondering how much use it will have given the weight. How do you guys use those lead pipe kind of things? Carry it alone? Use in a studio? Do you just get trained and adapt to that weight? A+

05-12-2016, 02:32 PM - 1 Like	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,593	Good thing you haven't tried the 150-450mm I'd say it's worth carrying around if what you're shooting justifies it. After seeing the image quality I'm definitely going to keep my copy, though it probably won't go everywhere that I do. 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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05-12-2016, 02:47 PM	#3
braver Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hanover, NH Posts: 157 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam Good thing you haven't tried the 150-450mm Yeah for that range I got the new Fuji 100-400mm, which is basically as big as the 70-200. So I'd rather take my X-Pro2 in case I need that range. I'm certainly not going over that weight, which I can still carry in a proper single bag (has to be a tall one). A+

05-12-2016, 02:47 PM	#4
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,225	imo , the pentax k1 system enter the segment of pro use where user know why they carry large equipment. that' s why some pentaxians won't see the point to go ff except if at the size of sony a7 or get a fuji system. For most casual photo mirrorless fuji like is just fine , smaller and cheaper. How to carry big lens system? not from the camera body anymore but using the lens tripod collar instead.

05-12-2016, 02:52 PM - 1 Like	#5
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305	The lens I want is a modern DFA* 24-90mm, slightly wider but faster than the 28-105mm kit, and w/ 67mm filter size so that it would pair perfectly with the DA* 60-250mm on my K-3ii. Hey, I can dream, right? Michael

05-12-2016, 02:53 PM	#6
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,645	Originally posted by biz-engineer that' s why some pentaxians won't see the point to go ff except if at the size of sony a7 or get a fuji system. This has been discussed before, but the size of the A7 + 70-200 f/2.8 isn't much different to the K-1 + 70-200. Most of the size is in the lens, in this instance (the A7 is lighter, of course)... The Fuji system, I can't comment on...

05-12-2016, 03:41 PM	#7
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,593	Originally posted by MJSfoto1956 The lens I want is a modern DFA* 24-90mm, slightly wider but faster than the 28-105mm kit, and w/ 67mm filter size so that it would pair perfectly with the DA* 60-250mm on my K-3ii. Hey, I can dream, right? Michael I don't think this is an unrealistic dream at all. Maybe Sigma will decide to make their 24-105mm available for Pentax! Not sure if a 67mm is feasible these days, though. 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:

05-12-2016, 03:50 PM - 1 Like	#8
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,645	Originally posted by Adam Maybe Sigma will decide to make their 24-105mm available for Pentax! Let's hope they design it within K-mount specs!

05-12-2016, 03:53 PM	#9
virusn3t Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 676	Im 1.8mts tall, and 93kgs weight (about 205lbs) i go the the Gym daily and i start KravMaga (1.5 months) 4kgs of camera equipment in the hand dont scare me, and a messenger bag with 7kgs dont seem like too much for me.

05-12-2016, 03:59 PM - 1 Like	#10
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,645	Originally posted by virusn3t Im 1.8mts tall, and 93kgs weight (about 205lbs) i go the the Gym daily and i start KravMaga (1.5 months) 4kgs of camera equipment in the hand dont scare me, and a messenger bag with 7kgs dont seem like too much for me. I went to the gym a couple of years back. Interesting. Quite a few photo opportunities, but... I dunno... seemed like an expensive deal just for that...

05-12-2016, 04:22 PM	#11
JimmyDranox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Ploiesti, Romania Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,632	You will get used to it, if you will use it many times. First time is scary, but after a month of using at least twice a week, will be a breeze. Much more disturbing will be changing the lenses. Anyway, a fast tele has his own rewards. More with a 36 Mp camera.

05-12-2016, 05:03 PM	#12
tomO2013 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 155	The new DFA* 70-200 is optically superb and does not suffer the same focus breathing as the Nikkor 70-200 making it a more versatile lens. It is larger and heavier, but I put that down to the optics which are probably the best I've used in a 70-200. If optical quality is your number one priority, it makes sense. If you want a small travel lens, heck I'd get an Olympus EM5ii and panasonic 35-100. There is no free lunch

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05-12-2016, 05:20 PM	#13
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305	Originally posted by Adam Not sure if a 67mm is feasible these days, though. Why not? the DA* 60-250mm is 67mm. The original Pentax 24-90mm was 67mm. The F & FA 300mm f/4.5 were both 67mm. The Nikon 24-85mm (version 1 & 2) was 67mm. The current Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 is 67mm as are the Nikkor 28mm f/1.8 and NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G. In other words, 67mm is much more popular than many people are led to believe. And this is precisely because 67mm saves a huge amount in both size and weight (and cost) vs. 77mm. If Pentax wants to be known for "small" this is the easiest way to distinguish yourself in a world awash with Ginormous "me too" zoom lenses. Michael

05-12-2016, 05:47 PM - 3 Likes	#14
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	As a DFA 150-450 shooter, I reckon the 70-200 is a girlie lens.....

05-12-2016, 06:26 PM	#15
Winder Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 6,617	Originally posted by braver How do you guys use those lead pipe kind of things? Carry it alone? Use in a studio? Do you just get trained and adapt to that weight? I bought a sling pack for it. I have been on a couple short 2-3 mile walks with the lens and it really isn't as bad as you think. Get a good sling pack with quick access and you will be fine for long walks. I have not worked an event with it yet. Optically the lens is very, very good.