[kchamber4]

I have an opportunity to purchase a Pentax SMC -A 200m F4 still in its original box and probably never been used. They are asking $60 USD for it. I currently have the SMC - A 50mm F2, the DAL - 50 F 1.8, a Vivitar 28mm F2.8 A lens, the DA 18-135, the DAL 18-55 Kit lens, a Sigma AF 70-300, A Manual 28-70 and a manual 70-210, and a 500 Fixed lens. My question is this Prime lens worth spending the $60 as the range is already covered by some of my zooms and the 200mm F4 doesn't have the highest reputation for sharpness until you get to F8 or F11.

Thoughts please.

[MarkJerling]

You're right. It does not get too many good reviews. Still, $60 is pretty cheap. I'd offer $50 and and see if they bite.

[Pixel Hunter]

If you're after a 200mm I would go for a Green star F2.5 or a Takumar 3.5 version, both have good reputations, but of course are heavier with the large objectives! But if it's just buying because you feel it is a bargain, I wouldn't bother.

[kchamber4]

For right now, cost is an issue, or else I wouldn't even look at the lens. So it really comes down to two things. Would this lens offer me something that either my Access 70-210 or my Sigma 70-300 doesn't, or could I resell the lens down the road for more than the $50 or 60 along with a couple other lenses to pay for a better lens. Just buying for $50 and selling for $50 or 60 isn't really gaining anything.

[Pixel Hunter]

Usually your first gut feeling is the right way to go, so if you have that FL covered I would wait and save for something better in the future.

[JensE]

I haven't used mine much on the K-5. It is not at all bad sharpness or contrast-wise, nicely built and lightweight, but using it against trees or such there is nasty fringing in the out-of-focus areas. Given your lenses, for a K-3, I don't think it is worth it.
It does start to look more interesting on the K-1 as the focal length is more useful for 'terrestrial' shots, where it is nicely able to isolate subjects, have to try more.

[rawr]

It's a decent lens - very compact, sharper than most zooms too, I'd wager - and if it is in good condition, as you suggest, IMHO it's a bargain at $50-$60.


Closing - Kyle Lionhart on Flickr
K-3, SMC A 200mm, f4, 1/160, ISO 1600

[monochrome]

Boxed mint, you are looking at at least $200 of value for a collector, so $60 is a steal, whether you use it or not.

As a casual collector I concur. The K200/4 is sharper, more robust build and equally inexpensive, but it renders a bit warmer.

[Pixel Hunter]

I recently purchased an SMC Takumar F 2.5 135mm for £51.95, which is about $64 US, this is as new, so maybe UK prices are less, but generally I always felt US prices were lower? You certainly wouldn't lose out on resale, but probably not gain a lot either.

[Adam]

In that condition I think it's a no-brainer. If you don't like it, I think you could sell it again for more.

[jatrax]

Boxed mint, you are looking at at least $200 of value for a collector, so $60 is a steal, whether you use it or not.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
It is a fine lens, not super but good enough and is a real pleasure to use. But if you don't like it you can easily sell it on for more than you paid so I would not hesitate. You are right, you have that length covered and you need to decide whether you need another lens. But I would snap it up and either resell it or sell the one I already have.

[cali92rs]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
It is a fine lens, not super but good enough and is a real pleasure to use. But if you don't like it you can easily sell it on for more than you paid so I would not hesitate. You are right, you have that length covered and you need to decide whether you need another lens. But I would snap it up and either resell it or sell the one I already have.

As someone that buys and sells WAY too much stuff on here I don't really think that is true.
It is totally a buyers market and it is real tough to get what you paid for nowadays even for desirable, mint lenses.

If the OP wants to buy it and use it, that is fine. But I would not buy a lens with the expectation to get more than what you paid for it.

[jatrax]

As someone that buys and sells WAY too much stuff on here I don't really think that is true. It is totally a buyers market and it is real tough to get what you paid for nowadays even for desirable, mint lenses.

Typically I would agree with you. I used to make a lot of money buying and selling Pentax gear but those days are long gone. However, in this case, assuming mint & box I think it is a safe buy and given the opportunity I would buy at that price. YMMV of course and not having seen the lens it is really hard to say except to take the OP's opinion on condition.

[JensE]

While this is all true, and I agree it's a good price for a like-new lens, kchamber4 obviously asked whether it makes sense to spend this money for a lens to take pictures with - otherwise the other lenses covering this range would be of absolutely no interest.

[monochrome]

Typically I would agree with you. I used to make a lot of money buying and selling Pentax gear but those days are long gone. However, in this case, assuming mint & box I think it is a safe buy and given the opportunity I would buy at that price. YMMV of course and not having seen the lens it is really hard to say except to take the OP's opinion on condition.

I built my first set of user lenses buying and selling on eBay but I haven't made any money trading gear in years. Thankfully buyers don't make lowball offers to me here but sometimes really nice things just sit for months and months.