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bikehead90 · 12-16-2018, 12:50 PM

I recently found an FA 80-320mm F4.5-5.6 at an antique shop, and the guy wants $40 for it. Optically, the lens is in impeccable shape (except for the Canon lens cap

). Here's my question: I already have the DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8, so would it be worth it to get the FA? I shoot with a crop-sensor, so I know the crop-factor is increased with the FA, and I don't really do a lot of photography that requires a zoom. Would the FA be a big enough upgrade from the DA L to justify the $40?

Paul the Sunman · 12-16-2018, 01:02 PM

It gets mixed reviews on the PF lens database. I have not used it myself. It is certainly an attractive option for FF, but I doubt I would swap the 55-300 for it on APS-C. However, for $40, there's not much to lose. Buy it and try it for a few weeks, and sell it if you're not convinced.

**Pentax Syntax** · 12-16-2018, 01:31 PM

I have both lenses. My 80-320 saw some use on my film cameras back in the day. The 55-300 is better on the crop sensors ( less color fringing etc). On the K-1, the 80-320 gets some use as a walk around zoom but is not stellar. If you already have the 55-300 and don’t shoot full frame (film or digital) I would save your money.

blacklite · 12-16-2018, 01:40 PM

Originally posted by bikehead90

I recently found an FA 80-320mm F4.5-5.6 at an antique shop, and the guy wants $40 for it. Optically, the lens is in impeccable shape (except for the Canon lens cap

). Here's my question: I already have the DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8, so would it be worth it to get the FA? I shoot with a crop-sensor, so I know the crop-factor is increased with the FA, and I don't really do a lot of photography that requires a zoom. Would the FA be a big enough upgrade from the DA L to justify the $40?

There is no change to the crop factor with the FA. Both will give exactly the same field of view when set to the same focal length.

bikehead90 · 12-16-2018, 07:44 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Pentax Syntax

I have both lenses. My 80-320 saw some use on my film cameras back in the day. The 55-300 is better on the crop sensors ( less color fringing etc). On the K-1, the 80-320 gets some use as a walk around zoom but is not stellar. If you already have the 55-300 and don’t shoot full frame (film or digital) I would save your money.

And that was the response I was kind of hoping for/expecting. My thought is when I upgrade to a new lens system, it's going to be the 645. Thanks, mate, you just saved me $40

**clackers** · 12-16-2018, 08:01 PM

Originally posted by bikehead90

My thought is when I upgrade to a new lens system, it's going to be the 645.

Ooh, nice!

12-16-2018, 12:50 PM	#1
bikehead90 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Photos: Gallery Posts: 193	Compare contrast two zooms I recently found an FA 80-320mm F4.5-5.6 at an antique shop, and the guy wants $40 for it. Optically, the lens is in impeccable shape (except for the Canon lens cap ). Here's my question: I already have the DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8, so would it be worth it to get the FA? I shoot with a crop-sensor, so I know the crop-factor is increased with the FA, and I don't really do a lot of photography that requires a zoom. Would the FA be a big enough upgrade from the DA L to justify the $40?

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12-16-2018, 01:02 PM	#2
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,847	It gets mixed reviews on the PF lens database. I have not used it myself. It is certainly an attractive option for FF, but I doubt I would swap the 55-300 for it on APS-C. However, for $40, there's not much to lose. Buy it and try it for a few weeks, and sell it if you're not convinced.

12-16-2018, 01:31 PM	#3
Pentax Syntax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 595	I have both lenses. My 80-320 saw some use on my film cameras back in the day. The 55-300 is better on the crop sensors ( less color fringing etc). On the K-1, the 80-320 gets some use as a walk around zoom but is not stellar. If you already have the 55-300 and don’t shoot full frame (film or digital) I would save your money.

12-16-2018, 01:40 PM	#4
blacklite Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Brisbane Posts: 25	Originally posted by bikehead90 I recently found an FA 80-320mm F4.5-5.6 at an antique shop, and the guy wants $40 for it. Optically, the lens is in impeccable shape (except for the Canon lens cap ). Here's my question: I already have the DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8, so would it be worth it to get the FA? I shoot with a crop-sensor, so I know the crop-factor is increased with the FA, and I don't really do a lot of photography that requires a zoom. Would the FA be a big enough upgrade from the DA L to justify the $40? There is no change to the crop factor with the FA. Both will give exactly the same field of view when set to the same focal length.

12-16-2018, 07:44 PM - 1 Like	#5
bikehead90 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Photos: Gallery Posts: 193 Original Poster	Originally posted by Pentax Syntax I have both lenses. My 80-320 saw some use on my film cameras back in the day. The 55-300 is better on the crop sensors ( less color fringing etc). On the K-1, the 80-320 gets some use as a walk around zoom but is not stellar. If you already have the 55-300 and don’t shoot full frame (film or digital) I would save your money. And that was the response I was kind of hoping for/expecting. My thought is when I upgrade to a new lens system, it's going to be the 645. Thanks, mate, you just saved me $40

12-16-2018, 08:01 PM	#6
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by bikehead90 My thought is when I upgrade to a new lens system, it's going to be the 645. Ooh, nice!

Compare contrast two zooms

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