[kiwi_jono]

Well, he's much younger than the average PF poster, uninhibited about appearing on YouTube, a digital native with an intuitive understanding that his idiosyncrasies and his hallmark style of presentation will help him grow his channel. He probably doesn't even have to adopt a fictional persona but basically relies on being himself, which makes him at least authentic. As for the depth of his technical expertise, that is a totally different matter, although he does seem to be willing to learn. However, he remains one of the few YouTubers who bother to do more-than-in-passing reviews of Pentax gear at all, and I'm grateful for that. And if the Pentax brand is supposed to have a future, we should perhaps be a bit more indulgent of youth's foibles. Maybe I find this a little easier because I work with children and adolescents in my day-to-day job.

Well said! I'm in my 50s but I actually find his videos quite refreshing. I think he actually tries quite hard with the technical details and, while they might not be perfect in details (what is), quality has improved over time for sure. He is open to feedback too - as long as its constructive (which is fair enough). Also tries to be balanced - yes sometimes there might be gaps in operational knowledge on competing brands (like the Fuji & Sony) but then he is using them with the settings out of the box anyway.
In any case I like to support anyone who gives Pentax gear fair coverage.

[Wasp]

Apart from the focus breathing issue the Pentax is a clear winner. I guess that designers of lenses in this class have to balance the issues. Pentax traded focus breathing for conquering CA and sharpness. Sony went a different route.

I like the presentation. The guy should just tone down the popping noises. If you must have them, at least use them for the really important points.

[ecostigny]

Apart from the focus breathing issue the Pentax is a clear winner. I guess that designers of lenses in this class have to balance the issues. Pentax traded focus breathing for conquering CA and sharpness. Sony went a different route.

I like the presentation. The guy should just tone down the popping noises. If you must have them, at least use them for the really important points.

I agree with your take on the video. Focus breathing is less of an issue with stills photography, which is what I do almost exclusively. If you were shifting focus during video recording, then focus breathing would be a much more significant problem. You can design your lens to minimize focus breathing--or just about eliminate it, which is done for expensive cinema lenses--but you might sacrifice performance in other areas. It seems to me that Sony's lens designers had video shooters in mind when deciding what to emphasize in their development process, whereas Pentax's lens designers were looking to satisfy stills shooters.

[clickclick]

I agree with your take on the video. Focus breathing is less of an issue with stills photography, which is what I do almost exclusively. If you were shifting focus during video recording, then focus breathing would be a much more significant problem. You can design your lens to minimize focus breathing--or just about eliminate it, which is done for expensive cinema lenses--but you might sacrifice performance in other areas. It seems to me that Sony's lens designers had video shooters in mind when deciding what to emphasize in their development process, whereas Pentax's lens designers were looking to satisfy stills shooters.

Interesting insight I hadn't thought of before. I have the 60-250, which is known for it, but in real use hasn't been an issue for me.

[SSGGeezer]

Interesting insight I hadn't thought of before. I have the 60-250, which is known for it, but in real use hasn't been an issue for me.

I have multiple lenses that cover the 60-250mm range but I still kind of want one since I used one at a meet up with another forum member. The rendering makes the focus breathing moot.
I have not had the chance to use the new D-FA 70-200 as I have the FA* 80-200 and love the rendering of it too much to try to upgrade. If I had the money I would collect all of the FA* lenses including the multi-thousand dollar models.

[clickclick]

I have multiple lenses that cover the 60-250mm range but I still kind of want one since I used one at a meet up with another forum member. The rendering makes the focus breathing moot.
I have not had the chance to use the new D-FA 70-200 as I have the FA* 80-200 and love the rendering of it too much to try to upgrade. If I had the money I would collect all of the FA* lenses including the multi-thousand dollar models.

Yes on the rendering. If you're not after speed, it's a hard zoom to beat. I did the baffle mod and love it on my K-1 II as well as my K-3 II.

[SSGGeezer]

Yes on the rendering. If you're not after speed, it's a hard zoom to beat. I did the baffle mod and love it on my K-1 II as well as my K-3 II.

I would not trust myself to do the mod so would just accept the vignette if it had not already been done by a previous owner. Just because I have a good set of JIS screwdrivers dooes not mean I should use them on camera gear!
My computers, OK.

[clickclick]

I would not trust myself to do the mod so would just accept the vignette if it had not already been done by a previous owner. Just because I have a good set of JIS screwdrivers dooes not mean I should use them on camera gear!
My computers, OK.

It's easy to do. Really easy. I think you could handle it.

[ecostigny]

It's easy to do. Really easy. I think you could handle it.

Maybe once the warranty on the lens expired...

[clickclick]

Maybe once the warranty on the lens expired...

Yep. I enjoy extreme LBA, and as such have purchased almost all of my Pentax lenses new. My 60-250 is one of three I bought used, and this was part of the reason. I knew I wanted to do the baffle mod, and didn't want to do it to a new lens under warranty, so I bought a damaged 60-250 that ended up having to go back to Japan to get properly fixed. All done now, and great lens, and worth the time it took.