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midnightvisions · 10-09-2019, 01:37 AM

Hey,

I've got a K1 ii and looking at options for a new lens, the Pentax 70-200 f2.8
HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW Reviews - D FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

While it has some high numbers in the lens reviews, the Cameraville review is not good at all.

You Tube

So my question is did Cameraville get a dud lens, or has it been improved since that video was made?

Second the Pentax lens roadmap has a new 70-200 f4, which was suppose to be released in Spring, but was not.
Updated Pentax K-Mount lens roadmap (January 2019) - Pentax Rumors

Are there any further updates on this lens or its features? Would like to see a comparison between the two.

Thanks

**aslyfox** · 10-09-2019, 01:56 AM

all I can say is that I really like my D FA * 70-200mm F2.8

here are some threads you may want to look at:

the in depth review for the D FA * 70-200mm F2.8

HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

________________________

sample photos here:

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

DFA Zoom Club - PentaxForums.com

_____________________________

one option you could try is to contact a company which rents lenses and see if you could rent from one even though you live in Canada and try out the lens before buying it:

Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent - Page 2 - PentaxForums.com

______________________________________________________________________

as far as the rumored lens:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/16-pentax-news-rumors/379571-new-zoom-70...ml#post4521374

**Rondec** · 10-09-2019, 02:43 AM - **1 Like**

The DFA *70-200 isn't going to be updated any time soon. It was just released. It is fast focusing, quite sharp from wide open, has minimal fringing and good colors and contrast. The biggest negative, which is repeated a lot, is its size. It really is a bit bigger than most of the other 70-200's on the market.

That said, if you need a weather sealed, fast (silent) focusing lens in the 70-200 range for a Pentax camera, there aren't too many other options out there right now. I'm pretty pleased with mine, although I don't always drag it along on outings due to the size.

Paul the Sunman · 10-09-2019, 03:49 AM

It's an absolutely brilliant lens, a true parcel of primes. It's big and heavy though; the f/4 version may suit many better. I won't be giving it up though.

Here are some shots I took with it:

DFA* 70-200 | Flickr

Kozlok · 10-09-2019, 04:26 AM

A used Tamron or Sigma are the other logical choices. Both also great, and much less weight and money. Not WR at all though.

**othar** · 10-09-2019, 04:54 AM

Originally posted by midnightvisions

So my question is did Cameraville get a dud lens, or has it been improved since that video was made?

I don't speak from experience but it's possible they had a bad copy.
The lens was just released, it hasn't seen any improvements or updates therefore.

pschlute · 10-09-2019, 05:02 AM

Originally posted by midnightvisions

the Cameraville review is not good at all.

I had a DA60-250 f4 for years and really liked the quality of the pictures although it was slow focussing. The 70-200 f2.8 is a better lens on all counts. IQ is better IMO, faster AF, and faster max aperture.

I didn't watch the video to the end....did he try to AF/FA the lens with the camera ? That is a must for any review of a lens's ability to accurately focus.

amstel78 · 10-09-2019, 06:02 AM

My 70-200 from Pentax is sharp. Only downside is the weight. I did have a Tamron in the past that had pretty good IQ but wanted something with a little weather resistance.

**aslyfox** · 10-09-2019, 06:10 AM

Originally posted by othar

. . . The lens was just released, it hasn't seen any improvements or updates therefore.

the lens has been out a few years now

Production Years
2016 to present (in production)

HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW Reviews - D FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

not sure how it could be improved, weight and size is due to its function as a constant aperture zoom with WR as I understand it

Diam x Length 91.5 x 203 mm (3.6 x 8 in.)

Weight 1755 g (61.9 oz.)
w/ Hood: +80g
w/ Tripod Foot: +191g

Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/hd-pentax-d-fa-70-200mm-f28-ed-dc-a...#ixzz61rVoP9a7

comparison with other 70-200mm F2.8 can be found here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/hd-pentax-d-fa-star-70-200mm-f28/vs-oth...00-lenses.html

**othar** · 10-09-2019, 10:19 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by aslyfox

the lens has been out a few years now

Production Years
2016 to present (in production)

HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW Reviews - D FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

not sure how it could be improved, weight and size is due to its function as a constant aperture zoom with WR as I understand it

"Just" might have been the wrong word, the point beeing 3 years is still recent product life cycle wise for a Pentax lens.

**Mikesul** · 10-10-2019, 08:03 AM

Cameraville has issued a second review where he reveals that he later found out that the lens was faulty. I do not think he retested but all the other reviews I have seen agree with posters here that it is an excellent, quick focusing, sharp lens. The only downside for me has been the size and weight.

**ffking** · 10-10-2019, 08:17 AM - **3 Likes**

Yeah - Cameraville definitely got a dud lens from lens rentals IIRC- I (and others) had some conversation with him at the time (via comments) and he acknowledged it . The lens is beautiful - very sharp and with a classic Pentax rendering.

This is on the K-1 a couple of years ago - hand held

pschlute · 10-10-2019, 10:16 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Mikesul

Cameraville has issued a second review where he reveals that he later found out that the lens was faulty

good reason to never look at that idiots videos again.

**Mikesul** · 10-10-2019, 10:20 AM - **2 Likes**

Well he corrected it and, frankly, he is almost all we have for Pentax along with Kobie. His manner is difficult to watch but some of his videos have been just fine. Everybody I know makes mistakes occasionally. Not everybody admits it publicly.

midnightvisions · 10-11-2019, 04:42 PM

Mikesul, thanks for the updates. Since there are not many left who review Pentax equipment, I'm hesitant to put any of the reviews down because there isn't anything else to correct for it.

What's hard to beat is Pentax is keeping the price of the 70-200 f2.8 below the second hand ebay prices, which is unheard by most manufacturers, but Pentax seems determined to make new sales, which is good for me. : )

New Question; For My K1 ii, Can anybody tell me what the differences are between the SDM motor speed / noise In the 15-30 and 24-70 lenses vs the DC in the 70-200? I prefer the SDM and PLM motors for their quietness and speed over the grinding of gears in other focus systems.

10-09-2019, 01:56 AM	#2
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	all I can say is that I really like my D FA * 70-200mm F2.8 here are some threads you may want to look at: the in depth review for the D FA * 70-200mm F2.8 HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews ________________________ sample photos here: Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW . . . CLUB! - PentaxForums.com DFA Zoom Club - PentaxForums.com _____________________________ one option you could try is to contact a company which rents lenses and see if you could rent from one even though you live in Canada and try out the lens before buying it: Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent - Page 2 - PentaxForums.com ______________________________________________________________________ as far as the rumored lens: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/16-pentax-news-rumors/379571-new-zoom-70...ml#post4521374 Last edited by aslyfox; 10-09-2019 at 02:17 AM.

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10-09-2019, 02:43 AM - 1 Like	#3
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,666	The DFA *70-200 isn't going to be updated any time soon. It was just released. It is fast focusing, quite sharp from wide open, has minimal fringing and good colors and contrast. The biggest negative, which is repeated a lot, is its size. It really is a bit bigger than most of the other 70-200's on the market. That said, if you need a weather sealed, fast (silent) focusing lens in the 70-200 range for a Pentax camera, there aren't too many other options out there right now. I'm pretty pleased with mine, although I don't always drag it along on outings due to the size.

10-09-2019, 03:49 AM	#4
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,847	It's an absolutely brilliant lens, a true parcel of primes. It's big and heavy though; the f/4 version may suit many better. I won't be giving it up though. Here are some shots I took with it: DFA* 70-200 \| Flickr

10-09-2019, 04:26 AM	#5
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	A used Tamron or Sigma are the other logical choices. Both also great, and much less weight and money. Not WR at all though.

10-09-2019, 04:54 AM	#6
othar Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Linz Photos: Albums Posts: 3,098	Originally posted by midnightvisions So my question is did Cameraville get a dud lens, or has it been improved since that video was made? I don't speak from experience but it's possible they had a bad copy. The lens was just released, it hasn't seen any improvements or updates therefore.

10-09-2019, 05:02 AM	#7
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,219	Originally posted by midnightvisions the Cameraville review is not good at all. I had a DA60-250 f4 for years and really liked the quality of the pictures although it was slow focussing. The 70-200 f2.8 is a better lens on all counts. IQ is better IMO, faster AF, and faster max aperture. I didn't watch the video to the end....did he try to AF/FA the lens with the camera ? That is a must for any review of a lens's ability to accurately focus.

10-09-2019, 06:02 AM	#8
amstel78 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: NEPA, NYC, and wherever work sends me... Photos: Albums Posts: 247	My 70-200 from Pentax is sharp. Only downside is the weight. I did have a Tamron in the past that had pretty good IQ but wanted something with a little weather resistance.

10-09-2019, 06:10 AM	#9
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	Originally posted by othar . . . The lens was just released, it hasn't seen any improvements or updates therefore. the lens has been out a few years now Production Years 2016 to present (in production) HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW Reviews - D FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database not sure how it could be improved, weight and size is due to its function as a constant aperture zoom with WR as I understand it Diam x Length 91.5 x 203 mm (3.6 x 8 in.) Weight 1755 g (61.9 oz.) w/ Hood: +80g w/ Tripod Foot: +191g Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/hd-pentax-d-fa-70-200mm-f28-ed-dc-a...#ixzz61rVoP9a7 comparison with other 70-200mm F2.8 can be found here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/hd-pentax-d-fa-star-70-200mm-f28/vs-oth...00-lenses.html

10-09-2019, 10:19 AM - 1 Like	#10
othar Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Linz Photos: Albums Posts: 3,098	Originally posted by aslyfox the lens has been out a few years now Production Years 2016 to present (in production) HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW Reviews - D FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database not sure how it could be improved, weight and size is due to its function as a constant aperture zoom with WR as I understand it "Just" might have been the wrong word, the point beeing 3 years is still recent product life cycle wise for a Pentax lens.

10-10-2019, 08:03 AM	#11
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	Cameraville has issued a second review where he reveals that he later found out that the lens was faulty. I do not think he retested but all the other reviews I have seen agree with posters here that it is an excellent, quick focusing, sharp lens. The only downside for me has been the size and weight.

10-10-2019, 08:17 AM - 3 Likes	#12
ffking Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Old South Wales Posts: 6,039	Yeah - Cameraville definitely got a dud lens from lens rentals IIRC- I (and others) had some conversation with him at the time (via comments) and he acknowledged it . The lens is beautiful - very sharp and with a classic Pentax rendering. This is on the K-1 a couple of years ago - hand held

10-10-2019, 10:16 AM - 1 Like	#13
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,219	Originally posted by Mikesul Cameraville has issued a second review where he reveals that he later found out that the lens was faulty good reason to never look at that idiots videos again.

10-10-2019, 10:20 AM - 2 Likes	#14
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	Well he corrected it and, frankly, he is almost all we have for Pentax along with Kobie. His manner is difficult to watch but some of his videos have been just fine. Everybody I know makes mistakes occasionally. Not everybody admits it publicly.

10-11-2019, 04:42 PM	#15
midnightvisions Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Posts: 49 Original Poster	Mikesul, thanks for the updates. Since there are not many left who review Pentax equipment, I'm hesitant to put any of the reviews down because there isn't anything else to correct for it. What's hard to beat is Pentax is keeping the price of the 70-200 f2.8 below the second hand ebay prices, which is unheard by most manufacturers, but Pentax seems determined to make new sales, which is good for me. : ) New Question; For My K1 ii, Can anybody tell me what the differences are between the SDM motor speed / noise In the 15-30 and 24-70 lenses vs the DC in the 70-200? I prefer the SDM and PLM motors for their quietness and speed over the grinding of gears in other focus systems.

looking for feedback on 70-200mm f2.8 lens

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