Lens you have and Love when few others do

bdery · 10-24-2019, 11:03 AM

Originally posted by luftfluss

A lens I like a bunch but has a (deservedly) less-than-stellar reputation is the DA 17-70/4. Obviously it has a sordid history and even good copies have flaws, but if you are fortunate enough to get a good one it is a fine lens and surprisingly - I'm usually a primes shooter - enjoyable to use.

I quite enjoyed my time with that lens. At the time, it competed with the Sigma 17-70 which offered close focusing, a faster wide angle, and a lower price. There was nothing wrong per se with the Pentax version.

**luftfluss** · 10-24-2019, 11:23 AM

Originally posted by bdery

I quite enjoyed my time with that lens. At the time, it competed with the Sigma 17-70 which offered close focusing, a faster wide angle, and a lower price. There was nothing wrong per se with the Pentax version.

I've owned 3 used copies

The first 2 had significant decentering issues and absolutely ghastly fare when the sun was in/near the frame. The one I currently own is very good optically, flare -while there - isn't as bad as on the previous copies, occasionally the AF gets weird near 70mm and @ 17mm when shooting at infinity. Fortunately I have yet to experience any SDM issues.

I think sometimes the positive aspects of the lens - sharp, nice color & contrast, cut-out in the hood for filters - get a bit lost when the subject of standard zooms comes up, and of course now it's overshadowed by its younger sibling 16-85.

Basically, I just feel good shooting with it.

Thagomizer · 10-24-2019, 12:55 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by luftfluss

Basically, I just feel good shooting with it.

That's all that really matters.

bdery · 10-25-2019, 04:59 AM

Originally posted by luftfluss

of course now it's overshadowed by its younger sibling 16-85.

Yes, in every regard the 16-85 is a superior lens. WR alone makes it worthwhile.

Originally posted by luftfluss

Basically, I just feel good shooting with it.

Agreed, it's all that matters.

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10-24-2019, 11:03 AM	#46
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,360	Originally posted by luftfluss A lens I like a bunch but has a (deservedly) less-than-stellar reputation is the DA 17-70/4. Obviously it has a sordid history and even good copies have flaws, but if you are fortunate enough to get a good one it is a fine lens and surprisingly - I'm usually a primes shooter - enjoyable to use. I quite enjoyed my time with that lens. At the time, it competed with the Sigma 17-70 which offered close focusing, a faster wide angle, and a lower price. There was nothing wrong per se with the Pentax version.

10-24-2019, 11:23 AM	#47
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,626	Originally posted by bdery I quite enjoyed my time with that lens. At the time, it competed with the Sigma 17-70 which offered close focusing, a faster wide angle, and a lower price. There was nothing wrong per se with the Pentax version. I've owned 3 used copies The first 2 had significant decentering issues and absolutely ghastly fare when the sun was in/near the frame. The one I currently own is very good optically, flare -while there - isn't as bad as on the previous copies, occasionally the AF gets weird near 70mm and @ 17mm when shooting at infinity. Fortunately I have yet to experience any SDM issues. I think sometimes the positive aspects of the lens - sharp, nice color & contrast, cut-out in the hood for filters - get a bit lost when the subject of standard zooms comes up, and of course now it's overshadowed by its younger sibling 16-85. Basically, I just feel good shooting with it.

10-24-2019, 12:55 PM - 2 Likes	#48
Thagomizer Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: London Ontario Posts: 2,068	Originally posted by luftfluss Basically, I just feel good shooting with it. That's all that really matters.

10-25-2019, 04:59 AM	#49
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,360	Originally posted by luftfluss of course now it's overshadowed by its younger sibling 16-85. Yes, in every regard the 16-85 is a superior lens. WR alone makes it worthwhile. Originally posted by luftfluss Basically, I just feel good shooting with it. Agreed, it's all that matters.