50-135 2.8 vs 70-200 2.8 Which would you recommend?

Lev · 12-30-2017, 10:07 AM - **1 Like**

I was also in trouble deciding between 50-135 and 70-200 and finally ordered 50-135 yesterday for my K3. Will see but something telling me that I shouldn't be dissapointed.

DawnHoweth · 12-30-2017, 10:49 AM - **1 Like**

HI!! I hope you have better luck than I did. The lens is VERY soft at 2.8. I ended up returning it and getting the 70-200 which I'm over the moon happy with.

gm4life · 12-30-2017, 12:56 PM

Originally posted by Lev

I was also in trouble deciding between 50-135 and 70-200 and finally ordered 50-135 yesterday for my K3. Will see but something telling me that I shouldn't be dissapointed.

Good luck with it!

---------- Post added 12-30-17 at 01:57 PM ----------

Originally posted by DawnHoweth

HI!! I hope you have better luck than I did. The lens is VERY soft at 2.8. I ended up returning it and getting the 70-200 which I'm over the moon happy with.

Me too. On crop the 70-200 F2.8 * from Pentax is one hell of a lens. Love mine.

Lev · 12-30-2017, 02:24 PM

Originally posted by gm4life

Good luck with it!

---------- Post added 12-30-17 at 01:57 PM ----------

Me too. On crop the 70-200 F2.8 * from Pentax is one hell of a lens. Love mine.

I'm sure 70-200 is a fantastic lens, but coupled with K3 or similar it becomes super tele. I wonder how it is to shoot portraits with this combo

**aslyfox** · 12-30-2017, 02:31 PM

personally I like the combination of my D FA * 70-200mm 2.8 and K 3 and K 3 II a lot

Originally posted by Lev

I'm sure 70-200 is a fantastic lens, but coupled with K3 or similar it becomes super tele. I wonder how it is to shoot portraits with this combo

well

you could take the time to review this thread

Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW . . . CLUB! - Page 12 - PentaxForums.com

and see what members of the forums have been able to do with the lens

Originally posted by DawnHoweth

. . . I ended up returning it and getting the 70-200 which I'm over the moon happy with.

please consider posting some of your photos using the lens in that thread when you get a chance

gm4life · 12-30-2017, 02:46 PM

Originally posted by Lev

I'm sure 70-200 is a fantastic lens, but coupled with K3 or similar it becomes super tele. I wonder how it is to shoot portraits with this combo

It does a good job. It basically becomes a 100-300 a fairly nice range for portraits to telephoto. Aside of being speedy and heavy it is astonishingly great piece of glass.

Lev · 12-31-2017, 03:37 AM

Originally posted by gm4life

It does a good job. It basically becomes a 100-300 a fairly nice range for portraits to telephoto. Aside of being speedy and heavy it is astonishingly great piece of glass.

yes, if size and weight is not a big deal, 100mm is good. I've shot portraits with my 100mm macro which becomes actually somewhere at 135mm and even that is good, it gave me just beautiful results

gm4life · 12-31-2017, 05:26 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Lev

yes, if size and weight is not a big deal, 100mm is good. I've shot portraits with my 100mm macro which becomes actually somewhere at 135mm and even that is good, it gave me just beautiful results

Nope you are right the 100 Macro on a crop becomes a approx. 150mm lens - which is still excellent for portraits only a tad longer than the classic 135mm from the film days.

HarisF1 · 01-02-2018, 06:46 AM

Originally posted by DawnHoweth

HI!! I hope you have better luck than I did. The lens is VERY soft at 2.8. I ended up returning it and getting the 70-200 which I'm over the moon happy with.

Depends on your copy really, I've never had an issue with sharpness wide open on any of my 6 copies

Lev · 01-27-2018, 10:56 AM

My brand new 50-135 is on the way back to B&H

Loose focus ring, backfocusing on wide angles, and at the end of the week testing it - started to notice squeaking noise while focusing. I can not believe so many things can appear just in a week of testing in a shiny new $1000 STAR lens!

What are you guys thinking? Is it worth to try another? What is your overall thoughts about this lens?

Now I'm thinking, while it's in transit, to exchange it to 70-200, but it's so huge and heavy...

gm4life · 01-27-2018, 04:30 PM

Originally posted by Lev

My brand new 50-135 is on the way back to B&H

Loose focus ring, backfocusing on wide angles, and at the end of the week testing it - started to notice squeaking noise while focusing. I can not believe so many things can appear just in a week of testing in a shiny new $1000 STAR lens!

What are you guys thinking? Is it worth to try another? What is your overall thoughts about this lens?

Now I'm thinking, while it's in transit, to exchange it to 70-200, but it's so huge and heavy...

B and H will take care of you with the 50-135. I sent one 70-200 back before I got one that was just right. I highly recommend the 70-200 if the size, weight and price don’t bother you. I had to do some micro focus adjustments on my K3 II but was pretty good out of the box on the KP. It takes great photos!

**mikesbike** · 01-27-2018, 05:48 PM

Yeah, I guess a QC issue can happen when buying any lens, even good ones. I am apparently one of the lucky ones with my DA* 50-135mm, which I've enjoyed for years with only great results. But if you need more tele with less at the short end, and don't mind the extra weight, the DFA 70-200mm is the way to go. They overlap, but the FL range is quite different in terms of which is better for what use.

Lev · 01-28-2018, 05:34 AM

Originally posted by gm4life

I had to do some micro focus adjustments on my K3 II but was pretty good out of the box on the KP. It takes great photos!

Are you talking about 50-135 or 70-200 regarding micro adjustments? I've done some, but every time the depth of field is either in front or in back of subject. I think something is loose inside SDM mechanism along with loose focus ring it has.

---------- Post added 01-28-18 at 05:37 AM ----------

Originally posted by mikesbike

Yeah, I guess a QC issue can happen when buying any lens, even good ones. I am apparently one of the lucky ones with my DA* 50-135mm, which I've enjoyed for years with only great results. But if you need more tele with less at the short end, and don't mind the extra weight, the DFA 70-200mm is the way to go. They overlap, but the FL range is quite different in terms of which is better for what use.

Yes, glass itself is just fantastic! I just too much afraid I'll get another bad copy but I have to decide. 70-200 is much heavier and pricy, besides it's too narrow at wide angle for crop.

**aslyfox** · 01-28-2018, 05:48 AM

Originally posted by Lev

Are you talking about 50-135 or 70-200 regarding micro adjustments? I've done some, but every time the depth of field is either in front or in back of subject. I think something is loose inside SDM mechanism along with loose focus ring it has.

---------- Post added 01-28-18 at 05:37 AM ----------

Yes, glass itself is just fantastic! I just too much afraid I'll get another bad copy but I have to decide. 70-200 is much heavier and pricy, besides it's too narrow at wide angle for crop.

" too narrow at the top end for crop "

I'm confused, what do you mean by that?

Lev · 01-28-2018, 06:01 AM

Originally posted by Aslyfox

I'm confused, what do you mean by that?

I'm sorry, I mean too narrow at the wide angle for crop sensor

12-30-2017, 02:31 PM	#20
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	personally I like the combination of my D FA * 70-200mm 2.8 and K 3 and K 3 II a lot Originally posted by Lev I'm sure 70-200 is a fantastic lens, but coupled with K3 or similar it becomes super tele. I wonder how it is to shoot portraits with this combo well you could take the time to review this thread Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW . . . CLUB! - Page 12 - PentaxForums.com and see what members of the forums have been able to do with the lens Originally posted by DawnHoweth . . . I ended up returning it and getting the 70-200 which I'm over the moon happy with. please consider posting some of your photos using the lens in that thread when you get a chance Last edited by aslyfox; 12-30-2017 at 02:36 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: DA* 200, DA*50-135, M 135 3.5, DA-L 50-200, Kiron 2x TC	EstimatedEyes	Sold Items	7	05-31-2016 08:32 AM
Which budget AF SLR would you recommend?	todd	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	42	06-26-2014 09:47 AM
what would you get 18-135,50-135 or 50-200 WR	pearsaab	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	13	06-22-2012 05:50 AM
Which Sigma sports lens would you recommend?	dinneenp	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	2	07-07-2011 11:24 AM
Which lens would you recommend?	ramshot	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	6	11-16-2007 05:55 PM

12-30-2017, 10:07 AM - 1 Like	#16
Lev Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia Posts: 1,197	I was also in trouble deciding between 50-135 and 70-200 and finally ordered 50-135 yesterday for my K3. Will see but something telling me that I shouldn't be dissapointed.

12-30-2017, 10:49 AM - 1 Like	#17
DawnHoweth Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 49 Original Poster	HI!! I hope you have better luck than I did. The lens is VERY soft at 2.8. I ended up returning it and getting the 70-200 which I'm over the moon happy with.

12-30-2017, 12:56 PM	#18
gm4life Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 602	Originally posted by Lev I was also in trouble deciding between 50-135 and 70-200 and finally ordered 50-135 yesterday for my K3. Will see but something telling me that I shouldn't be dissapointed. Good luck with it! ---------- Post added 12-30-17 at 01:57 PM ---------- Originally posted by DawnHoweth HI!! I hope you have better luck than I did. The lens is VERY soft at 2.8. I ended up returning it and getting the 70-200 which I'm over the moon happy with. Me too. On crop the 70-200 F2.8 * from Pentax is one hell of a lens. Love mine.

12-30-2017, 02:24 PM	#19
Lev Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia Posts: 1,197	Originally posted by gm4life Good luck with it! ---------- Post added 12-30-17 at 01:57 PM ---------- Me too. On crop the 70-200 F2.8 * from Pentax is one hell of a lens. Love mine. I'm sure 70-200 is a fantastic lens, but coupled with K3 or similar it becomes super tele. I wonder how it is to shoot portraits with this combo

12-30-2017, 02:46 PM	#21
gm4life Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 602	Originally posted by Lev I'm sure 70-200 is a fantastic lens, but coupled with K3 or similar it becomes super tele. I wonder how it is to shoot portraits with this combo It does a good job. It basically becomes a 100-300 a fairly nice range for portraits to telephoto. Aside of being speedy and heavy it is astonishingly great piece of glass.

12-31-2017, 03:37 AM	#22
Lev Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia Posts: 1,197	Originally posted by gm4life It does a good job. It basically becomes a 100-300 a fairly nice range for portraits to telephoto. Aside of being speedy and heavy it is astonishingly great piece of glass. yes, if size and weight is not a big deal, 100mm is good. I've shot portraits with my 100mm macro which becomes actually somewhere at 135mm and even that is good, it gave me just beautiful results

12-31-2017, 05:26 PM - 1 Like	#23
gm4life Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 602	Originally posted by Lev yes, if size and weight is not a big deal, 100mm is good. I've shot portraits with my 100mm macro which becomes actually somewhere at 135mm and even that is good, it gave me just beautiful results Nope you are right the 100 Macro on a crop becomes a approx. 150mm lens - which is still excellent for portraits only a tad longer than the classic 135mm from the film days.

01-02-2018, 06:46 AM	#24
HarisF1 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 543	Originally posted by DawnHoweth HI!! I hope you have better luck than I did. The lens is VERY soft at 2.8. I ended up returning it and getting the 70-200 which I'm over the moon happy with. Depends on your copy really, I've never had an issue with sharpness wide open on any of my 6 copies

01-27-2018, 10:56 AM	#25
Lev Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia Posts: 1,197	My brand new 50-135 is on the way back to B&H Loose focus ring, backfocusing on wide angles, and at the end of the week testing it - started to notice squeaking noise while focusing. I can not believe so many things can appear just in a week of testing in a shiny new $1000 STAR lens! What are you guys thinking? Is it worth to try another? What is your overall thoughts about this lens? Now I'm thinking, while it's in transit, to exchange it to 70-200, but it's so huge and heavy...

01-27-2018, 04:30 PM	#26
gm4life Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 602	Originally posted by Lev My brand new 50-135 is on the way back to B&H Loose focus ring, backfocusing on wide angles, and at the end of the week testing it - started to notice squeaking noise while focusing. I can not believe so many things can appear just in a week of testing in a shiny new $1000 STAR lens! What are you guys thinking? Is it worth to try another? What is your overall thoughts about this lens? Now I'm thinking, while it's in transit, to exchange it to 70-200, but it's so huge and heavy... B and H will take care of you with the 50-135. I sent one 70-200 back before I got one that was just right. I highly recommend the 70-200 if the size, weight and price don’t bother you. I had to do some micro focus adjustments on my K3 II but was pretty good out of the box on the KP. It takes great photos!

01-27-2018, 05:48 PM	#27
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,550	Yeah, I guess a QC issue can happen when buying any lens, even good ones. I am apparently one of the lucky ones with my DA* 50-135mm, which I've enjoyed for years with only great results. But if you need more tele with less at the short end, and don't mind the extra weight, the DFA 70-200mm is the way to go. They overlap, but the FL range is quite different in terms of which is better for what use.

01-28-2018, 05:34 AM	#28
Lev Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia Posts: 1,197	Originally posted by gm4life I had to do some micro focus adjustments on my K3 II but was pretty good out of the box on the KP. It takes great photos! Are you talking about 50-135 or 70-200 regarding micro adjustments? I've done some, but every time the depth of field is either in front or in back of subject. I think something is loose inside SDM mechanism along with loose focus ring it has. ---------- Post added 01-28-18 at 05:37 AM ---------- Originally posted by mikesbike Yeah, I guess a QC issue can happen when buying any lens, even good ones. I am apparently one of the lucky ones with my DA* 50-135mm, which I've enjoyed for years with only great results. But if you need more tele with less at the short end, and don't mind the extra weight, the DFA 70-200mm is the way to go. They overlap, but the FL range is quite different in terms of which is better for what use. Yes, glass itself is just fantastic! I just too much afraid I'll get another bad copy but I have to decide. 70-200 is much heavier and pricy, besides it's too narrow at wide angle for crop.

01-28-2018, 05:48 AM	#29
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by Lev Are you talking about 50-135 or 70-200 regarding micro adjustments? I've done some, but every time the depth of field is either in front or in back of subject. I think something is loose inside SDM mechanism along with loose focus ring it has. ---------- Post added 01-28-18 at 05:37 AM ---------- Yes, glass itself is just fantastic! I just too much afraid I'll get another bad copy but I have to decide. 70-200 is much heavier and pricy, besides it's too narrow at wide angle for crop. " too narrow at the top end for crop " I'm confused, what do you mean by that?

01-28-2018, 06:01 AM	#30
Lev Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia Posts: 1,197	Originally posted by Aslyfox I'm confused, what do you mean by that? I'm sorry, I mean too narrow at the wide angle for crop sensor