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06-22-2017, 03:50 AM - 1 Like   #16
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QuoteOriginally posted by mikeSF Quote
FA31is a very solid performer all around.
It most definitely is. And is widely available. Amazing lens. I think it deserves to be a FA*.

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:08 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by eminker Quote
Here's my "Quick List" but I also threw in 3 F Series lenses that are truly wonderful. Keep in mind, the Three Amigos (31, 43, 77mm) are truly special and built really well.
Don't limit yourself to just the FA series. F and A series lenses also have some wonderful keepers you may want to consider. With the exception of the SMC Pentax-F 135mm F2.8,
I've owned and/or used these lenses happily.



SMC Pentax-FA 31mm F1.8 AL Limited
SMC Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited
SMC Pentax-FA 77mm F1.8 Limited
SMC Pentax-FA 20mm F2.8
SMC Pentax-FA 20-35mm F4 AL
SMC Pentax-FA 24-90mm F3.5-4.5


SMC Pentax-F 28mm F2.8
SMC Pentax-F 50mm F1.7
SMC Pentax-F 135mm F2.8
Yes I do agree that F and A lenses are amazing. Specially the SMC Pentax A 50mm f1.2 and SMC Pentax F* 300mm f4.5 ED if. You forgot to add SMC Pentax FA 85mm f2.8 soft. Yes the Pentax F 135mm f2.8 is excellent but it's heavy compared to the FA 135mm f2.8. Both are excellent. Those small zooms looks kind of weird.

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:12 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by ofer4 Quote
I'd include the 50 2.8 macro. I wouldn't use it for portraits, but for its intended purpose, it's breathtaking.
So is Pentax A 5 50mm f1.2, SMC Pentax FA 85mm f2.8 soft, SMC Pentax FA 100mm f2.8, and SMC Pentax FA 135mm f2.8.

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:14 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by Adam Quote
The FA 35mm F2 is also pretty good, and still available new.
Yes it's amazing, but not as good as FA 24mm f2.

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:18 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by UMC Quote
Well, ask 3 engineers and you'll get 5 opinions...

There are plenty of disputes on the internet, wheter K-series or M-series is better. In my opinion Pentax peaked sometime around the "A"-series, although I do prefer AF lenses. Anyway, the 90ies and there FA lenses I regard as the dark age of plastic in the Pentax lineup. Having said that, I would back up and extend the previously posted list:

SMC Pentax-FA 31mm F1.8 AL Limited
SMC Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited
SMC Pentax-FA 77mm F1.8 Limited
SMC Pentax-FA 20mm F2.8
SMC Pentax-FA 20-35mm F4 AL
SMC Pentax-FA 24-90mm F3.5-4.5

I would definitely add the 2 macros
SMC Pentax FA 50mm 2.8
SMC Pentax FA 100mm 2.8

and probably the
SMC Pentax FA 35mm F2

My 10th (actually my personal 1st) would undoubtedly be
SMC Pentax FA 50 F1.4

However, if it really comes to my personal opinion, the FA*s had to be included and then my list would be (in descending order of importance):
FA* 80-200 F2.8
FA* 28-70 F 2.8
FA* 24 2.0
FA 50 F1.4
FA* 85 F1.4
FA 100 2.8
FA 80-320 F4.5-5.6
What are your thoughts on A 50mm f1.2 And F* 300mm f4.5 ED?

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:22 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by Kozlok Quote
I would vote for the FA43 8 times and then the 77 twice. But I'm on APSc and 77 is too long for me most of the time.
Well I'm going to use them on APS-C, but I think their true potential will out on a FF. These are some extraordinary lenses, even though most reviews only point out old Carl Zeiss, Canon and Nikon lenses as some the best. Rarely do you see people mentioning on them on a regular basis on other forums.

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:32 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by Des Quote
Why exclude the star lenses from this contest, but admit the Limiteds?
Well most of the FA* lenses don't come cheap, a lot less people are likely to buy used lenses in mint condition for 1000$+. Would you stock pile these lenses if you're on a budget? Or would you rather get some FA lenses? More people are likely to have FA lenses than FA*. And anyways, all the FA* lenses are amazing, so there is no point in making a list.

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:33 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by kiwi_jono Quote
+1
I think it deserves a place on the list based off its performance to cost ratio alone. Its such a great lens on the K-1 (like it much better than when I had it on the K-5).
It does, is an amazing lens!

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:37 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by chuck_c Quote
I can only attest to the ones that I own and have shot.

FA 31
FA 77
FA 50 f2.8 Macro
FA 43
FA 50 f1.4

I would also add to that list ,the F 28 f2.8, which some would argue is at least as good as, if not better than, the FA version. And as others before have stated, I could not not mention the FA*'s.
You should take a look at look at the A* 50mm f1.2

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:40 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by Des Quote
Several people have mentioned the FA 50 f2.8 macro. I got one for about $US100, which I think was a great bargain. For sharpness it rivals the DFA 100.

But, to mention one of the elephants in the room: it's ugliest lens I have ever seen.

And compared to the DFA 100, the MF ring is not great to use.

That's not to mention the usual limitations of the FA series: no WR, no QS, noisy AF, lacks the latest coatings. Those things can be overlooked in the star or Ltd lenses (because they are so special - I just love my 43 and 77 and FA*300 f4.5), but speaking for myself, an ordinary FA lens would need to bring something unique (an aperture, focal length, rendering etc), or be quite cheap, to make it attractive for use on an APS-C body compared to its DA or DFA counterpart. (I say nothing about use on a film camera or the K-1.)
Agreed! I definitely want all these lenses on the list, and some lenses of my own choice.

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:43 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by hoopsontoast Quote
I've had the following on the MZ-5N/MZ-S or the K-01/K-3II.

FA*24 f2 - Great on crop as a fast ~35mm, excellent sharpness in the center wide open, only 'good' stopped down all over. Poor lens hood design and easily scratched.

FA20-35 f4 - Excellent wide zoom, very compact and light. Sharp pretty much at all apertures and zoom range although quite a lot of aberrations wide open @20mm.

FA43 f1.9 - Excellent, my favorite lens.

FA50 f1.7 - Great small and fast prime, only sold as I used the FA43 f1.9 Limited more.

FA135 f2.8 - Very compact for a fast short telephoto prime, somewhat nervous bokeh in some situation but very sharp from wide open. Again some aberrations wide open but easy to fix in PP.

All 4 had quite fast AF, the FA20-35 and FA50 especially but all a little noisy as you would expect from screw-drive.
Those are some really useful information. Would be great help when using these lenses.

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:46 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by D1N0 Quote
All FA primes are good performers most FA zooms are mediocre performers but a few are passable.
The F 35-70 is a nice performer for a low price But 52,5 to 105 equivalent on aps-c so really nice for portraiture but it also does landscape well, just not in a really wide view. In general you are better of with the kit lens and the DA 50-200 or 55-300 than a FA zoom.
I would have to disagree with on that, the FA* 80-200mm f2.8 is a really special lens. It's kind of a legend.

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:50 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by Sandy Hancock Quote
I have (or have had) the 20, (20-35), 31, 43, (50/1.4), 77
I also have the *24 and *85

They are/were all brilliant once you get to know them. You really can't go wrong.
Agreed!

06-22-2017, 05:05 AM - 1 Like   #17
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QuoteOriginally posted by SunnyG. Quote
I would have to disagree with on that, the FA* 80-200mm f2.8 is a really special lens. It's kind of a legend

I didn't include FA* zooms. They are all good.
06-22-2017, 05:29 AM   #18
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QuoteOriginally posted by D1N0 Quote
I didn't include FA* zooms. They are all good.
Well the FA zooms are all plastic. Though I have read that the FA 100-300mm is better than sigma 70-300mm APO. DON'T have Abby experience with these lenses
06-22-2017, 05:43 AM   #19
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I just have one, the FA100 f2.8 macro. My "beer can" lens is really nice and has some controls the newer versions lack.

06-22-2017, 05:47 AM - 1 Like   #20
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QuoteOriginally posted by SunnyG. Quote
I have read that the FA 100-300mm is better than sigma 70-300mm APO

One version of it. it is a plastic fantastic as it has plastic mount. SMC Pentax-FA 100-300mm F4.7-5.8 Reviews - FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database It is probably about equal in IQ to the DA 55-300 F4-5.8 which probably has a bit better contrast due to more modern coatings and more wide angle obviously. The newer PLM version of the 55-300 outperforms both.
06-22-2017, 07:29 AM   #21
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"Yes I do agree that F and A lenses are amazing. Specially the SMC Pentax A 50mm f1.2 and SMC Pentax F* 300mm f4.5 ED if. You forgot to add SMC Pentax FA 85mm f2.8 soft. Yes the Pentax F 135mm f2.8 is excellent but it's heavy compared to the FA 135mm f2.8. Both are excellent. Those small zooms looks kind of weird."

FA 20-35mm F4 is a Pentax Classic and highly regarded. If you can find one its going for US $500. or more. Also easy to travel with unless you want to go Prime FA FA20, FA24, FA28, FA31, FA35 or spend much more on the new Pentax 15-30mm or second hand Tokina 20-35mm/Sigma 15-30mm

Tokina AF (235) 3.5-4.5/20-35mm version I & II. - PentaxForums.com


Pentax-FA 24-90mm F3.5-4.5 is a good but not perfect alternative zoom when you want to travel light. Pricing is very good and IQ is pretty decent. A nice choice is you cant afford the new Pentax 24-70mm F2.8 or second hand Pentax-FA* 28-70mm F2.8 (large/heavy but legendary performer)
06-22-2017, 11:58 AM   #22
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QuoteOriginally posted by eminker Quote
"Yes I do agree that F and A lenses are amazing. Specially the SMC Pentax A 50mm f1.2 and SMC Pentax F* 300mm f4.5 ED if. You forgot to add SMC Pentax FA 85mm f2.8 soft. Yes the Pentax F 135mm f2.8 is excellent but it's heavy compared to the FA 135mm f2.8. Both are excellent. Those small zooms looks kind of weird."

FA 20-35mm F4 is a Pentax Classic and highly regarded. If you can find one its going for US $500. or more. Also easy to travel with unless you want to go Prime FA FA20, FA24, FA28, FA31, FA35 or spend much more on the new Pentax 15-30mm or second hand Tokina 20-35mm/Sigma 15-30mm

Tokina AF (235) 3.5-4.5/20-35mm version I & II. - PentaxForums.com


Pentax-FA 24-90mm F3.5-4.5 is a good but not perfect alternative zoom when you want to travel light. Pricing is very good and IQ is pretty decent. A nice choice is you cant afford the new Pentax 24-70mm F2.8 or second hand Pentax-FA* 28-70mm F2.8 (large/heavy but legendary performer)
Hmm I will need to research more about that one! I will see if it is available on ebay!

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 12:00 PM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by D1N0 Quote
One version of it. it is a plastic fantastic as it has plastic mount. SMC Pentax-FA 100-300mm F4.7-5.8 Reviews - FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database It is probably about equal in IQ to the DA 55-300 F4-5.8 which probably has a bit better contrast due to more modern coatings and more wide angle obviously. The newer PLM version of the 55-300 outperforms both.
I thought the 55-300mm is plasticky, and no one wants it, since it's a kit lens.

06-22-2017, 12:12 PM - 1 Like   #23
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QuoteOriginally posted by SunnyG. Quote

I thought the 55-300mm is plasticky, and no one wants it, since it's a kit lens.
There are multiple versions of the 55-300. You may be thinking of the 55-200 - which is still weatherproof, so not bad for kit quality.

The 55-300 DAL version has plastic mount, the others are metal and the newest ones are WR and have motorized focus, putting them firmly in mid-range for longer zooms.

I don't have the newest one, but a WR version which is really nice as long as the shot isn't too far, I suspect there may be an issue with infinity focus on my lens and should send it in. Summer might be an ideal time for that, in preparation for autumn bird migration.
06-22-2017, 12:45 PM   #24
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QuoteOriginally posted by TER-OR Quote
There are multiple versions of the 55-300. You may be thinking of the 55-200 - which is still weatherproof, so not bad for kit quality.

The 55-300 DAL version has plastic mount, the others are metal and the newest ones are WR and have motorized focus, putting them firmly in mid-range for longer zooms.

I don't have the newest one, but a WR version which is really nice as long as the shot isn't too far, I suspect there may be an issue with infinity focus on my lens and should send it in. Summer might be an ideal time for that, in preparation for autumn bird migration.
WR lenses worth the money. Wish all the FA, F and A lenses were weather resistant too. Too bad Pentax discontinued them. They should bring them back with WR and HD coating.
06-22-2017, 01:31 PM   #25
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QuoteOriginally posted by SunnyG. Quote
You should take a look at look at the A* 50mm f1.2
Although the A 50mm f1.2 was not officially designated a * lens, it could have been. I do have this lens and it is awesome.
06-22-2017, 01:48 PM   #26
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QuoteOriginally posted by chuck_c Quote
Although the A 50mm f1.2 was not officially designated a * lens, it could have been. I do have this lens and it is awesome.
I wonder how well it renders the color. Do you use it often?
06-22-2017, 06:54 PM - 1 Like   #27
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You could put the F50/1.7 in place of the FA50/1.4 if a sharp, flat-field lens is your preference. I have both . . . .
06-23-2017, 02:45 AM - 1 Like   #28
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QuoteOriginally posted by SunnyG. Quote
It most definitely is. And is widely available. Amazing lens. I think it deserves to be a FA*.

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:08 AM ----------



Yes I do agree that F and A lenses are amazing. Specially the SMC Pentax A 50mm f1.2 and SMC Pentax F* 300mm f4.5 ED if. You forgot to add SMC Pentax FA 85mm f2.8 soft. Yes the Pentax F 135mm f2.8 is excellent but it's heavy compared to the FA 135mm f2.8. Both are excellent. Those small zooms looks kind of weird.

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:12 AM ----------



So is Pentax A 5 50mm f1.2, SMC Pentax FA 85mm f2.8 soft, SMC Pentax FA 100mm f2.8, and SMC Pentax FA 135mm f2.8.

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:14 AM ----------



Yes it's amazing, but not as good as FA 24mm f2.

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:18 AM ----------



What are your thoughts on A 50mm f1.2 And F* 300mm f4.5 ED?

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:22 AM ----------



Well I'm going to use them on APS-C, but I think their true potential will out on a FF. These are some extraordinary lenses, even though most reviews only point out old Carl Zeiss, Canon and Nikon lenses as some the best. Rarely do you see people mentioning on them on a regular basis on other forums.

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:32 AM ----------



Well most of the FA* lenses don't come cheap, a lot less people are likely to buy used lenses in mint condition for 1000$+. Would you stock pile these lenses if you're on a budget? Or would you rather get some FA lenses? More people are likely to have FA lenses than FA*. And anyways, all the FA* lenses are amazing, so there is no point in making a list.

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:33 AM ----------



It does, is an amazing lens!

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:37 AM ----------



You should take a look at look at the A* 50mm f1.2

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:40 AM ----------



Agreed! I definitely want all these lenses on the list, and some lenses of my own choice.

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:43 AM ----------



Those are some really useful information. Would be great help when using these lenses.

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:46 AM ----------



I would have to disagree with on that, the FA* 80-200mm f2.8 is a really special lens. It's kind of a legend.

---------- Post added 06-22-17 at 04:50 AM ----------



Agreed!
But the new 70-200mm completely crushes the 80-200mm wide-open, and at every aperture setting in the corners. Wouldn't recommend that one given the relatively low price of the DFA*.

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06-23-2017, 05:57 AM   #29
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QuoteOriginally posted by Adam Quote
But the new 70-200mm completely crushes the 80-200mm wide-open, and at every aperture setting in the corners. Wouldn't recommend that one given the relatively low price of the DFA*.
Definitely agree based on performance and price point.
06-23-2017, 08:10 AM - 1 Like   #30
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QuoteOriginally posted by Adam Quote
But the new 70-200mm completely crushes the 80-200mm wide-open, and at every aperture setting in the corners. Wouldn't recommend that one given the relatively low price of the DFA*.

OP needn't worry about that as he can afford neither
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