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12-21-2020, 06:07 PM   #1
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Advice on 200mm manual

Hi all,

I'm looking for an affordable tele at the range around 180-200mm. From the various m42 discussions, I've gathered that the Meyer 200mm f4 are a decent choice, with nice bokeh due to 15 blades. Additionally, Sonnar 180mm f2.8 are often recommended against their 200mm version (although most I've seen are their pentacon six versions, not sure how they go with pentax k).

However, I haven't found many comparisonds that include the Pentax versions, e.g., the pentax 200mm f4, or the f2.5 version. How do these fare against the m42 alternatives? Are the price differences worth it?

Maybe there are other similar lens worth looking at?

Sorry If I've missed a thread where this is already discussed, would appreciate any ideas.

12-21-2020, 06:24 PM - 1 Like   #2
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I've found the Takumar 200 f3.5 to be a fine lens with lovely bokeh (18 blades helps) and some folks feel that a preset lens has a "little something extra" with how the image is rendered.
12-21-2020, 06:31 PM - 1 Like   #3
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SMC A 200mm f4 - nice bokeh, great Pentax colors, 'A' aperture ring setting - what's not to like?
12-21-2020, 06:33 PM - 2 Likes   #4
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I've had my M 200 f/4 for several years now. At first, using it on a K-x, I was rather uncomfortable with it, and found it hard to focus. But, the more I've used it, the more I've grown to love it, and the images it produces. It now lives on my K-50, and is a favorite walk-around lens. I suppose it has a long learning curve, but once you master it, it is a very rewarding lens. And they're really cheap for what they can deliver.




12-21-2020, 06:56 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by luftfluss Quote
I've found the Takumar 200 f3.5 to be a fine lens with lovely bokeh (18 blades helps) and some folks feel that a preset lens has a "little something extra" with how the image is rendered.
Takumar looks very interesting. Besides bokeh, are there significant differences in sharpness against the M or A 200mm f4? In other words, is the 9.6 sharpness in the forums exaggerated a bit?
12-21-2020, 07:00 PM - 2 Likes   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by luftfluss Quote
I've found the Takumar 200 f3.5 to be a fine lens with lovely bokeh (18 blades helps) and some folks feel that a preset lens has a "little something extra" with how the image is rendered.
I second this advice...give this one some thought

---------- Post added 12-21-20 at 19:01 ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by pepperberry farm Quote
SMC A 200mm f4 - nice bokeh, great Pentax colors, 'A' aperture ring setting - what's not to like?
Hmmmm...this advice also !

---------- Post added 12-21-20 at 19:04 ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by lytrytyr Quote
I've had my M 200 f/4 for several years now.....Once you master it, it is a very rewarding lens. And they're really cheap for what they can deliver.
Another excellent suggestion !
As you can see there is Sooooo many lens choices , Its gonna give you a headache choosing one !..
12-21-2020, 07:08 PM - 1 Like   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by snm Quote
Takumar looks very interesting. Besides bokeh, are there significant differences in sharpness against the M or A 200mm f4? In other words, is the 9.6 sharpness in the forums exaggerated a bit?
The 9.6 rating is correct. It is a noticeably sharp lens with gorgeous bokeh. The Takumar 200 f4 is less sharp whilst the m series is similar in sharpness to the Tak f4 but has more CA.

---------- Post added 12-21-20 at 07:13 PM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by snm Quote
Hi all,

I'm looking for an affordable tele at the range around 180-200mm. From the various m42 discussions, I've gathered that the Meyer 200mm f4 are a decent choice, with nice bokeh due to 15 blades. Additionally, Sonnar 180mm f2.8 are often recommended against their 200mm version (although most I've seen are their pentacon six versions, not sure how they go with pentax k).

However, I haven't found many comparisonds that include the Pentax versions, e.g., the pentax 200mm f4, or the f2.5 version. How do these fare against the m42 alternatives? Are the price differences worth it?

Maybe there are other similar lens worth looking at?

Sorry If I've missed a thread where this is already discussed, would appreciate any ideas.
I would say the Tak 3.5 is marginally sharper than the Pentacon but the Pent is alot cheaper on average and probably better value. Although there is something special about the Takumar 200mm f3 5.
The Tak 200 f4 is a good buy and a solid performer


Last edited by BROO; 12-21-2020 at 07:15 PM.
12-21-2020, 08:10 PM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by BROO Quote

I would say the Tak 3.5 is marginally sharper than the Pentacon but the Pent is alot cheaper on average and probably better value. Although there is something special about the Takumar 200mm f3 5.
The Tak 200 f4 is a good buy and a solid performer
Thank you all for the comments. Takumar looks intriguing, although Meyer/Pentacon does seem a bit cheaper, maybe due to their larger supply..?

QuoteOriginally posted by Ronald Oakes Quote

Its gonna give you a headache choosing one !..
That's for sure!
12-21-2020, 09:09 PM - 1 Like   #9
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When my dad sold Pentax in the early 80s the 200 f2.5 was considered a little less sharp than the older lenses. I have only shot it in the far distant past and can’t provide confirmation or refutation of the reputation.
12-21-2020, 10:41 PM   #10
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I have the SMC A 200mm f4. It works wonderfully on the K-1. It is also very compact and light with a built-in lens hood. I vote strongly for it.
12-21-2020, 10:50 PM - 1 Like   #11
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Here is a sample with the SMC A 200mm f4
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12-21-2020, 11:54 PM - 1 Like   #12
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I have the SMC Pentax 200mm f/2.5 and the SMC Pentax M 200mm f/4. The former is a heavy beast that needs to be tamed but it can yield very good results. Ity also rtends to be pricey. The latter is a lightweight sweetheart that will give very good results. These are quite reasonably priced. In short, get the M. AFAIK the later A is optically identical, with auto exposure as a bonus.
12-22-2020, 03:23 AM - 2 Likes   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by Wasp Quote
I have the SMC Pentax 200mm f/2.5 and the SMC Pentax M 200mm f/4. The former is a heavy beast that needs to be tamed but it can yield very good results. Ity also rtends to be pricey. The latter is a lightweight sweetheart that will give very good results. These are quite reasonably priced. In short, get the M. AFAIK the later A is optically identical, with auto exposure as a bonus.
The M/A 200/4.0 indeed gives nice and sharp results as long as you avoid situations where the strong green/purple coloration of out-of-focus contrast edges gets disturbing, i.e. avoid the with clouds behind the dark bird in the branches. I love the compactness and lightweight but sturdy build - good when you bring something 'just in case'. It nowadays sees little use because I rarely shoot film and the DA55-300PLM comes along instead.
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PENTAX K-1  Photo 

Last edited by JensE; 12-22-2020 at 03:48 AM. Reason: addied a picture
12-22-2020, 05:58 AM   #14
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I would also advice the A 200/4 which I own and use. you can also slap a teleconverter at the end for further reach and still it wont be in the way. On the K-1 it looks ridiculously good, and performs greatly.
12-22-2020, 07:03 AM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by JensE Quote
The M/A 200/4.0 indeed gives nice and sharp results as long as you avoid situations where the strong green/purple coloration of out-of-focus contrast edges gets disturbing, i.e. avoid the with clouds behind the dark bird in the branches. I love the compactness and lightweight but sturdy build - good when you bring something 'just in case'. It nowadays sees little use because I rarely shoot film and the DA55-300PLM comes along instead.
Do you find 55-300 of similar sharpness around 200 as with your M/A 200/4? Non-PLM versions sometimes show up for similar prices, maybe that's also worth considering. I always had the impression that primes were always sharper than many cheaper zooms, but it's not easy to benchmark.
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