[SSGGeezer]

As to repair, I recommend KEH for out of warranty work. They fixed the SDM on my DA* 50-135 three years ago for $195. Communication was good and work was done quickly. I also, about the same time, had my 21 Limited fixed (the front element came loose, as sometimes happens with this lens). Again very satisfactory work.

Nice to hear that they did right by you. Did they tell you what they did to repair it? New motor or a CLA and it works again? They have been good when I have made purchases from them but I have not had to find a repair shop so far.

[Wheatfield]

The ones I have, or have had are all very, very good lenses. I don't have many, but the ones I do have were carefully chosen to be the best I could afford in focal lengths I use a lot.
I have the FA*24/2, A*85/1.4, FA*200/4 Macro (I'm taking it to the grave. I will be cremated with it in my cold dead hands), The F*300/4.5, and the A*600/5.6. In each case, I can't find a single flaw with them. I'm happy with my 24mm, though I am aware others aren't.

[SSGGeezer]

I sold my FA*300 4.5 and have since been hunting for either another or an FA* 400 at a good price. Instead I have found an FA* 85 that is well priced and it is tempting me. It doth vex me sorely with its desirability. (apologies to Khan Noonian Singh.)

[aslyfox]

I sold my FA*300 4.5 and have since been hunting for either another or an FA* 400 at a good price. Instead I have found an FA* 85 that is well priced and it is tempting me. It doth vex me sorely with its desirability. (apologies to Khan Noonian Singh.)

you better apologize sincerely

you don't want a pi--ed off Khan coming after you

[monochrome]

My copy of the FA*300/4.5 is an exceptionally sharp lens, fast focusing, rendering sublime colors. My FA*200/2.8 is a fine lens, as well, but not so head and shoulders above the norm. I received both from members here and think of myself as a temporary steward of them. They’re that good.

[bkpix]

Nice to hear that they did right by you. Did they tell you what they did to repair it? New motor or a CLA and it works again? They have been good when I have made purchases from them but I have not had to find a repair shop so far.

They replaced the motor, as I recall.

[Cambo]

...and yes they are THAT good.

FA* 24, 28-70, 80-200, 85, F*300...

and currently DA* 60-250.

They are all magnificent optics. The Limiteds are right up there with them, aside from the non-standardd ('pro'?) apertures.

Contrast, colour accuracy, saturation, flare control, contrast, sharpness from wide open on up. And a few have ****>>>MAGIC PIXIE DUST<<<****

IMHO, the 24, 28-80, and the 85 all did. The 300 was close.

Get one - you'll see. I doubt if you'll be disappointed. And mine not only kept their value, they actually went up CONSIDERABLY from when I bought them.

Cheers,
Cameron

I recently asked about the reputation of the Pentax " Limited " series - the limiteds do they live up to the reputation and why

Read more at: the limiteds do they live up to the reputation and why - Page 10 - PentaxForums.com

now I am curious about the reputation of the Pentax * series

SMC Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM

SMC Pentax-DA* 200mm F2.8 ED [IF] SDM

SMC Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM

SMC Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM

SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF] SDM

SMC Pentax-DA* 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM

HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW

HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW

SMC Pentax-FA* 24mm F2 AL [IF]

SMC Pentax-FA* 85mm F1.4 [IF]

SMC Pentax-FA* 200mm F2.8 ED [IF]

SMC Pentax-FA* 200mm F4 Macro ED [IF]

SMC Pentax-FA* 300mm F2.8 ED [IF]

SMC Pentax-FA* 300mm F4.5 ED [IF]

SMC Pentax-FA* 400mm F5.6 ED [IF]

SMC Pentax-FA* 600mm F4 ED [IF]

SMC Pentax-FA* 28-70mm F2.8 AL

SMC Pentax-FA* 80-200mm F2.8 ED [IF]

SMC Pentax-FA* 250-600mm F5.6 ED [IF]

SMC Pentax-F* 300mm F4.5 ED [IF]

SMC Pentax-F* 600mm F4 ED [IF]

SMC Pentax-F* 250-600mm F5.6 ED [IF]

SMC Pentax A* 85mm F1.4

SMC Pentax-A* 135mm F1.8

SMC Pentax A* 200mm F2.8 ED

SMC Pentax-A* 200mm F4 Macro ED

SMC Pentax-A* 300mm F2.8 ED [IF]

SMC Pentax-A* 300mm F4

SMC Pentax-A* 400mm F2.8 ED [IF]

SMC Pentax-A* 600mm F5.6 ED [IF]

SMC Pentax-A* 1200mm F8 ED [IF]

SMC Pentax-M* 300mm F4

according to what I have read:

" * A star symbol denotes a lens being part of Pentax's top of the line (sometimes called "professional") lenses. They are usually larger lenses with fast apertures, all-weather protection and superior optical performances. "


Read more at: HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW Review - Specifications | PentaxForums.com Reviews



is the difference between a * lens and a non * lens real, puffery or what

is it optical or physical construction or what

are there non * lens that share the factors that make the * lens so " special " and if so, which ones??

thanks for helping me ( and others ) gain knowledge about Pentax lenses

[Moe49]

I've owned quite a few....
...and yes they are THAT good.
FA* 24, 28-70, 80-200, 85, F*300...
and currently DA* 60-250.
They are all magnificent optics. The Limiteds are right up there with them, aside from the non-standardd ('pro'?) apertures.
Contrast, colour accuracy, saturation, flare control, contrast, sharpness from wide open on up. And a few have ****>>>MAGIC PIXIE DUST<<<****
IMHO, the 24, 28-80, and the 85 all did. The 300 was close.
Get one - you'll see. I doubt if you'll be disappointed. And mine not only kept their value, they actually went up CONSIDERABLY from when I bought them.
Cheers,
Cameron

+ 1

The pictures posted by Cambo, here and there all over The Pentax Forums, eventually convinced me that the "Star" lenses are the lenses I needed, too.
I now own FA*24, *28-70, *85, *80-200, *200, *400mm lenses and the F*300mm. I do not regret the purchase of any of these.

When mounted on my K2, MZ-S or K-1 cameras, these lenses really deliver the goods for me.

[Cambo]

I...I...I LOVE YOU TOO, MAN!!!

Sniff sniff....WAHHHHHHH!!!!



You're so sweet. Thank you, man.

Cheers,
Cameron

[kaipa]

I love star lenses. They have their magic and will outlive many cameras.

Currently have six: FA* 24, FA* 85, FA* 200/2.8, A* 200/4 Macro, F* 300/4.5 and A* 600/5.6. All superb lenses that are pleasure to use.
Owned in the past and sold another six: A* 85/1.4 (still regret), FA* 28-70 (too bulky to me), DA*/A* 200/2.8 (FA* is better), FA* 300/4.5 (F* is better) and F* 400/5.6 (could not get it to work well for me).

[aslyfox]

You folks are troublemakers

Because of your influence,

I just pulled the trigger on an "experienced " DA * 300mm being sold by a member in the marketplace

That makes 1 limited ( 21mm) and 2 * lenses DA *300mm and the D FA * 70-200mm

[onlineflyer]

I own two star lenses, the A* 300mm and DA* 300mm, plus the DA 20-40mm Limited. Each provides exceptional rendering and build quality. What's missing from the discussion is the what other Pentax lenses provider similar qualities but are not labeled as such. Two such lenses are the K 30/2.8 and the M 35-70/2.8-3.5. I'm sure there are others but I just don't have experience with them. I guess that's a discussion for another thread.

[Douglas_of_Sweden]

I've got the A*85/1.4, A*135/1.8, FA*24/2, FA*28-70/2.8, FA*80-200/2.8, FA*85/1.4, FA*300/4.5, DA*16-50/2.8, DA*50-135/2.8.
Optically they are all worth the *. The 135/1.8 would be worth two *. I've never had any SDM problems, but the 2nd lens element got lose on the DA*50-135, after bumping around in my back pack, so I had to open it up and repair it. Hapy ending. My A*'s and FA*'s have however taken more beating than that with no problems. So combined with the problems others had with the SDMs I think it is fair to say that the DA*'s build quality suffered from some bad compromises, probably forced onto Pentax by Hoya. The later DA*'s appears to do better, and I expect the new DFA*'s to be back at A*/FA* quality level. If not Pentax(Ricoh) shoot themselves in the foot.

[aslyfox]

I own two star lenses, the A* 300mm and DA* 300mm, plus the DA 20-40mm Limited. Each provides exceptional rendering and build quality. What's missing from the discussion is the what other Pentax lenses provider similar qualities but are not labeled as such. Two such lenses are the K 30/2.8 and the M 35-70/2.8-3.5. I'm sure there are others but I just don't have experience with them. I guess that's a discussion for another thread.

why don't you start that thread?

[pepperberry farm]

I absolutely love my FA*300/4.5.... it's a monster...