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01-04-2017, 01:59 AM   #1
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DA200 2.8 - good for portraits (on a K1)?

I do already own a Pentax F135 2.8 which I really like. And I have a Tamron 70-200mm 2.8 for my K-1, too. Now I'm thinking of buying the DA200 2.8. However, there are some question marks left...

Does it perform well on a K-1?
Would you say it can replace a F135 2.8 (or maybe better: Tamron 70-200mm 2.8) for mainly portraits?

When I travel I take my Tamron 70-200mm with me, even though it's quite large/heavy. Maybe I can reduce weight by buying the DA200 2.8? On the other hand, I'm not as flexibel anymore which is very important to me when traveling. So maybe it'll be rather a good companion if it comes to taking portraits of my dog or of human beings as well

Is there anyone who uses the DA200 on a K-1 and who is willing to share some thoughts on it?


Last edited by zeitlos; 01-30-2017 at 02:01 PM.
01-04-2017, 02:46 AM   #2
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Its not the fastest AF, but DA* 200 works like a charm on K-1. I use it less now after i got the new 70-200, but still like to use it now and then. For portraits, its a good one!
01-04-2017, 02:49 AM   #3
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It can do portraits, but I always pick up the 77 for that task
01-04-2017, 02:57 AM   #4
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If you go to the Sample Photo Search, there are 21 photographs so far with the combination you want. Good luck.

Attached Images
 
01-04-2017, 07:33 AM   #5
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you need to consider that this would be outdoor portraits only or very close up head shots, because you need to consider the working distance

remember

image size = subject size x focal length / distance

if you consider a head and shoulders shot to be lets imagine 360 mm (simple for math) and vertical format of the K1 is 36 mm, with a 200 mm lens this means a working distance of 2 meters, likely a little more,
01-04-2017, 07:56 AM   #6
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I've only used it in my k-50 and k-3. The distance involved there is longer due to the smaller field of view but otherwise it is a nice choice.

If you are losing mobility however I might suggest the da* 50-135 in crop mode as an alternate solution. Or even as mentioned the FA 77 in FF or crop mode.

My dad moved from a k-3 with 50-135 to m43 GX-7 and the Panasonic 35-100 f2.8 and 42.5 f1.7 for his portraits due to loss of mobility and ease of carrying.
01-04-2017, 08:45 AM   #7
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Thank you all a lot for your feedback! As a good offer just came along I spontaneously bought i! Since I already owned the DA50-135mm (my best lens I'd say) I know that your suggestions concerning this lens are fully comprehensible!

I also own the FA77, so I'm well equipped for this focal length. Probably I'll be mainly using the DA200 2.8 if it comes to portraying my lovely dogs Maybe a good focal length for this purpose.

Hope, it'll deliver good results! I read some comments concerning its lacking focusing speed. Well, for moving dogs a quick auto focus would come in handy, however, it's not my biggest concern. What matters most to me is bokeh and colors. And of course whether I can handle the focal length for the subjects I want to portray.

Thanks a lot for your advice! I highly appreciate it.

01-04-2017, 09:42 AM - 1 Like   #8
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DA*200/2,8 SDM is excelent on K-1, sharp from f2,8, 3D rendering, creamy bokeh, but it is to long for comunication with the models (on Nikon D750 I like Nikkor 135/2DC), I'm waiting for D-FA HD 135/1,8 PLM WR :-D


f2,8












f4



f8, Pixel-shift !


---------- Post added 01-04-17 at 05:45 PM ----------

on each my photo do double click for higher resolution
01-04-2017, 09:54 AM - 1 Like   #9
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I don't have the K-1 but here's some stuff from the K-3 and the DA* 200 that may help you get ready for the new lens:













All from the past month.

As for AF speed - quick shift will help. Birds - I prefocus and hope or take lots of shots.
01-04-2017, 09:56 AM - 2 Likes   #10
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DA*200/2,8 SDM vs Tamron 70-200/2,8 on my K-1

1:1



DA*200/2,8 SDM vs FA77/1,8 Limited on my K-1

1:1



PS: I have K-1 with Sigma 24-70/2,8 IF EX DG HSM, Limiteds 31/43/77, FA50/1,4, manual M135/3,5 and DA*200/2,8

---------- Post added 01-04-17 at 06:46 PM ----------

I tested AF-C with DA*200/2,8 SDM and K-1 in better light


all photos on f2,8 without postprocesing (in camera profile Bright, sharpenning FS +1)





01-04-2017, 02:39 PM   #11
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@lennyl: wow, fantastic shots!!! Hm, raises the pressure on the photographer . Whatsoever, seems to be a really nice glas!

@UncleVanya: Also stunning shots, seems to be a performer, "even" when used on APS-C!

I think it's a good alternative to the 70-200 when you got enough space to move around and don't want to carry a lens as big/heavy as the Tamron 70-200mm.
01-04-2017, 03:31 PM - 1 Like   #12
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zeitlos: thank you. anyway, DA*200 is for me too long for portaits. I like more FA77/1,8 Limited for the 3/4 body portraits.


K-1 + FA77/1,8 Limited (from f1,8 to f2,2)











Tamron 70-200/2,8 is good zoom and cheap, but DA*200 is opticaly better for me and lighter, you can not use zoom ofcourse.
01-05-2017, 01:18 PM   #13
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Thank you lennyl: Your portraits are stunning, no matter which lens you use. I also love my FA77 even though I can't produce results just half as good as yours!

If you or someone else still got some examples shot with the DA*200, all pictures are highly appreciated

My copy has been dispatched today.
01-05-2017, 01:57 PM - 1 Like   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by zeitlos Quote
If you or someone else still got some examples shot with the DA*200, all pictures are highly appreciated
Is it Ok if I share examples with a K-3? This is a great lens for indoor shots too.



01-05-2017, 02:31 PM   #15
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Sure! Lovely shots! Highly appreciated

I'm counting the days! Waiting for UPS to knock at my door
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