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**Wheatridger** · 08-20-2016, 07:21 PM

I understand why some would look down their noses at these lenses, with their modest specs. Isn't a pro 2.8 zoom the standard? Yes, ever since the days of ISO 200 film. I would never have trusted a 4-5.6 zoom to get me to the end of the day, but I couldn't suddenly decide to make it an ISO 12,800 film instead. Now I can, and the camera's giving me several stops of stabilization, too. I probably need f4 just to nail the focus on a 36mp sensor. And if I really need the speed, f2.8 isn't enough. Even cheap primes can do better.

The F lenses look clunky and dated, too. Who decided, "Let's make then gray, instead of black. Pre-faded!"? But there's one F feature that boosts their utility and future compatibility- an aperture ring. If your other camera is mirrorless (mine is), a cheap adaptor gives you access to these lenses.

**jatrax** · 08-20-2016, 08:03 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Wheatridger

The F lenses look clunky and dated

I prefer cool and retro, actually.

**Wheatridger** · 08-20-2016, 08:54 PM

Well, taken altogether it's a fine lookin' family portrait. Though I wonder about that darker one, the oval-eyed stepchild...

**jatrax** · 08-20-2016, 09:09 PM

There are a number of those that I had no interest in collecting. That one is the 17-28 FE which I do use. The classic F series were introduced in 1987. The 'oval eye' styling was introduced in 1994 and later with the 17-28, 35-80, 80-200 and 100-300 models. Sort of a transition to the FA series I guess which started rolling out in 1996 with the 20-35 and 28-70 f/4 and a further evolution to the later 'silver' FA lenses.

We usually think of these lens series as discrete sets but they are actually a gradual progression with considerable overlap in styling at least.

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08-20-2016, 07:21 PM	#16
Wheatridger Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Colorado Front Range Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 644 Original Poster	I understand why some would look down their noses at these lenses, with their modest specs. Isn't a pro 2.8 zoom the standard? Yes, ever since the days of ISO 200 film. I would never have trusted a 4-5.6 zoom to get me to the end of the day, but I couldn't suddenly decide to make it an ISO 12,800 film instead. Now I can, and the camera's giving me several stops of stabilization, too. I probably need f4 just to nail the focus on a 36mp sensor. And if I really need the speed, f2.8 isn't enough. Even cheap primes can do better. The F lenses look clunky and dated, too. Who decided, "Let's make then gray, instead of black. Pre-faded!"? But there's one F feature that boosts their utility and future compatibility- an aperture ring. If your other camera is mirrorless (mine is), a cheap adaptor gives you access to these lenses.

08-20-2016, 08:03 PM - 1 Like	#17
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,992	Originally posted by Wheatridger The F lenses look clunky and dated I prefer cool and retro, actually.

08-20-2016, 08:54 PM	#18
Wheatridger Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Colorado Front Range Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 644 Original Poster	Well, taken altogether it's a fine lookin' family portrait. Though I wonder about that darker one, the oval-eyed stepchild...

08-20-2016, 09:09 PM	#19
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,992	There are a number of those that I had no interest in collecting. That one is the 17-28 FE which I do use. The classic F series were introduced in 1987. The 'oval eye' styling was introduced in 1994 and later with the 17-28, 35-80, 80-200 and 100-300 models. Sort of a transition to the FA series I guess which started rolling out in 1996 with the 20-35 and 28-70 f/4 and a further evolution to the later 'silver' FA lenses. We usually think of these lens series as discrete sets but they are actually a gradual progression with considerable overlap in styling at least.

How about the Pentax-F 24-50/4 on full frame?

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