SMC Pentax-FA* 200mm F2.8 ED [IF] - any experiences on recent cameras?

talgarik · 12-27-2020, 01:32 PM

Hello!
I have decided that I deserve a 200mm prime and the lens in the title of this thread seems very interesting, but looking at the lens review section of the website - or searching the forum - I have not found feedback about its behavior/performance on modern cameras (I own a KP) - is someone using it - or has used it - paired with the newest Pentax sensors?
Thanks!

**boriscleto** · 12-27-2020, 01:44 PM

It's basically the same lens as the DA* but with screw drive instead of SDM, and not AW.

angerdan · 12-27-2020, 03:58 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by talgarik

looking at the lens review section of the website - or searching the forum - I have not found feedback about its behavior/performance on modern cameras (I own a KP)
is someone using it - or has used it - paired with the newest Pentax sensors?

Since DA* 200 and FA* 200 are optically identical, the DA* 200 threads are relevant too.

Several threads about the FA*/DA* 200 on current cameras:
Pentax DA 200mm 2.8 - is it real APS-C lens or a real full frame lens ?
200 mm lens for a K-1
Is an FA* 200 f/2,8 worth it?
DA* 200 on FF
Request: DA* 200 owner who can shoot K-1 test shots
DA 200 f/2.8 Vs FA 200 f/2.8
DA 200mm F2.8 vs DFA 70-200 F2.8 for full frame
Pentax DA 200mm f/2.8 ED - PentaxForums.com
DA* 200mm F2.8 vs DFA* 70-200mm F2.8 for use with K-1
Comparison request: 70-200mm D FA* and 200mm DA*
Want long lens, Pentax FA 200mm f2.8 or somthing else?
D FA 70-200 vs DA *200, 200mm @ 2.8

**UncleVanya** · 12-27-2020, 06:05 PM

Other than the fact that the smc version of coatings is older and it is screwdrive only it is very similar to the DA* as I understand it.

SSGGeezer · 12-27-2020, 07:40 PM - **1 Like**

If you can find an FA* 80-200 it is amazing at 200mm if heavier. Although the Power Zoom won't work on the KP but will if you end up with a K-1.

**UncleVanya** · 12-27-2020, 08:08 PM

Originally posted by SSGGeezer

If you can find an FA* 80-200 it is amazing at 200mm if heavier. Although the Power Zoom won't work on the KP but will if you end up with a K-1.

Completely agree. At 200mm it outperforms the DA* 200 on aberrations on my k-3 which was a surprise - both are equally sharp however.

**Lowell Goudge** · 12-28-2020, 08:02 AM

Did you check the image archive

Pentax FA*200/2.8 [IF] - PentaxForums.com

talgarik · 12-29-2020, 12:47 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by boriscleto

It's basically the same lens as the DA* but with screw drive instead of SDM, and not AW.

so one can expect a similar poor performance when it comes to chromatic aberrations?

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

Did you check the image archive

Pentax FA*200/2.8 [IF] - PentaxForums.com

yes I have, but I was looking for images taken with the latest generation of cameras

Originally posted by SSGGeezer

If you can find an FA* 80-200 it is amazing at 200mm if heavier. Although the Power Zoom won't work on the KP but will if you end up with a K-1.

highly interesting lens, thank you, alas its weight does not make it a practical alternative to the kind of lens I am looking for right now.

Sandy Hancock · 12-29-2020, 02:02 AM - **1 Like**

I used the DA*200 daily for a month in August. It is outstanding on the K-1. Look at an album HERE if you like.

I would imagine a good copy of the FA*200 would do just as well.

Compared to the FA*80-200 or DFA*70-200, it is tiny. If size matters, and you want 200/2.8, then go for it.

**mikesbike** · 12-29-2020, 05:21 PM

I have the KP and use the DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 and the DA* 200mm f/2.8 instead of a 70-200mm zoom lens. Half the weight or less when handling or carrying on-camera, and more zoom range as well, being able to get down to 50mm. Matches better with my Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 lens.

I find the DA* 50-135mm is adequate for most of my fast tele zoom needs (similar to a 70-200mm on a FF body), then if I need a fast telephoto beyond that, I'll go to my DA* 200mm. In both cases I'll be handling a more modest-size/weight ensemble.

stevebrot · 12-29-2020, 05:40 PM

Originally posted by talgarik

yes I have, but I was looking for images taken with the latest generation of cameras

Out of curiosity, what difference are you looking for on the KP (~~the model with the most recent sensor design~~ Edit: carried over from the K3/K-3II*) vs the K-1/K-1II (2015 technology) or K-70 (also 2015 technology)?

Steve

* The K-3 was still current product when the KP debuted.

talgarik · 12-30-2020, 02:19 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Out of curiosity, what difference are you looking for on the KP (the model with the most recent sensor design) vs the K-1/K-1II (2015 technology) or K-70 (2013 technology)?

Steve

maybe my phrasing could have been clearer: since all the examples and reviews I have found here are with 16MP cameras, I wanted some feedback - and see examples - from users who have used this lens with K1, K70 and KP.
Before the KP I owned a K3 and I have noticed that my pre-digital lenses now that I use them with the KP are more likely to fail me in extreme light conditions: hard lights, backlit scenes, light reflecting surfaces - so I have become extremely cautious when it comes to add pre-digital lenses to my arsenal, my assumption being that this change in behavior is due to the 24MP sensor.

Originally posted by mikesbike

I have the KP and use the DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 and the DA* 200mm f/2.8 instead of a 70-200mm zoom lens. Half the weight or less when handling or carrying on-camera, and more zoom range as well, being able to get down to 50mm. Matches better with my Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 lens.

I find the DA* 50-135mm is adequate for most of my fast tele zoom needs (similar to a 70-200mm on a FF body), then if I need a fast telephoto beyond that, I'll go to my DA* 200mm. In both cases I'll be handling a more modest-size/weight ensemble.

though I prefer primes, it looks like an interesting solution

**UncleVanya** · 12-30-2020, 07:00 AM

Any review of the DA* 200 is likely to mention purple fringing, the optical design is common to the FA* also so if that’sa concern I’d expect it is also present on the FA*.

Like others I love my DA* 50-135, but if you need 200 you might find it too short. You can add the 1.4 tc to it to get close, or use a DA* 60-250 f4.

normhead · 12-30-2020, 07:30 AM - **1 Like**

The 200 mm thread.
"The 200mm... the seemly unloved these days focal length club" - PentaxForums.com

The DA*200 s a great, relatively light weight walk around lens. Reports of purple fringing and CA are over stated. It does purple fringe at times, so does every other lens I own.

**UncleVanya** · 12-30-2020, 07:42 AM

Originally posted by normhead

The 200 mm thread.
"The 200mm... the seemly unloved these days focal length club" - PentaxForums.com

The DA*200 s a great, relatively light weight walk around lens. Reports of purple fringing and CA are over stated. It does purple fringe at times, so does every other lens I own.

Comparatively it is more prone than the DA60-250, but lighter and faster optically. I’m not knocking the lens, but if that’s a concern of the op I’m just pointing out that any da* 200 review that mentions that is likely to be similar the the results from the fa* and give insight into what to likely expect.

The da* fringing isn’t a nightmare wide open, I notice in high contrast areas only and stopping down makes it even less of an issue.

12-27-2020, 01:32 PM	#1
talgarik Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Italy Posts: 72	*SMC Pentax-FA 200mm F2.8 ED [IF] - any experiences on recent cameras?** Hello! I have decided that I deserve a 200mm prime and the lens in the title of this thread seems very interesting, but looking at the lens review section of the website - or searching the forum - I have not found feedback about its behavior/performance on modern cameras (I own a KP) - is someone using it - or has used it - paired with the newest Pentax sensors? Thanks!

12-27-2020, 03:58 PM - 1 Like	#3
angerdan Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,639	Originally posted by talgarik looking at the lens review section of the website - or searching the forum - I have not found feedback about its behavior/performance on modern cameras (I own a KP) is someone using it - or has used it - paired with the newest Pentax sensors? Since DA* 200 and FA* 200 are optically identical, the DA* 200 threads are relevant too. Several threads about the FA/DA 200 on current cameras: Pentax DA 200mm 2.8 - is it real APS-C lens or a real full frame lens ? 200 mm lens for a K-1 Is an FA* 200 f/2,8 worth it? DA* 200 on FF Request: DA* 200 owner who can shoot K-1 test shots DA 200 f/2.8 Vs FA 200 f/2.8 DA 200mm F2.8 vs DFA 70-200 F2.8 for full frame Pentax DA 200mm f/2.8 ED - PentaxForums.com DA* 200mm F2.8 vs DFA* 70-200mm F2.8 for use with K-1 Comparison request: 70-200mm D FA* and 200mm DA* Want long lens, Pentax FA 200mm f2.8 or somthing else? D FA 70-200 vs DA 200, 200mm @ 2.8 Last edited by angerdan; 12-28-2020 at 02:18 AM.*

12-29-2020, 05:40 PM	#11
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by talgarik yes I have, but I was looking for images taken with the latest generation of cameras Out of curiosity, what difference are you looking for on the KP (~~the model with the most recent sensor design~~ Edit: carried over from the K3/K-3II) vs the K-1/K-1II (2015 technology) or K-70 (also 2015 technology)? Steve The K-3 was still current product when the KP debuted. Last edited by stevebrot; 12-30-2020 at 11:53 AM. Reason: Got KP and K-70 sensors mixed up

12-30-2020, 07:42 AM	#15
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,400	Originally posted by normhead The 200 mm thread. "The 200mm... the seemly unloved these days focal length club" - PentaxForums.com The DA200 s a great, relatively light weight walk around lens. Reports of purple fringing and CA are over stated. It does purple fringe at times, so does every other lens I own. Comparatively it is more prone than the DA60-250, but lighter and faster optically. I’m not knocking the lens, but if that’s a concern of the op I’m just pointing out that any da 200 review that mentions that is likely to be similar the the results from the fa* and give insight into what to likely expect. The da* fringing isn’t a nightmare wide open, I notice in high contrast areas only and stopping down makes it even less of an issue. Last edited by UncleVanya; 12-30-2020 at 08:07 AM.

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12-27-2020, 01:44 PM	#2
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	It's basically the same lens as the DA* but with screw drive instead of SDM, and not AW.

12-27-2020, 06:05 PM	#4
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,400	Other than the fact that the smc version of coatings is older and it is screwdrive only it is very similar to the DA* as I understand it.

12-27-2020, 07:40 PM - 1 Like	#5
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	If you can find an FA* 80-200 it is amazing at 200mm if heavier. Although the Power Zoom won't work on the KP but will if you end up with a K-1.

12-27-2020, 08:08 PM	#6
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,400	Originally posted by SSGGeezer If you can find an FA* 80-200 it is amazing at 200mm if heavier. Although the Power Zoom won't work on the KP but will if you end up with a K-1. Completely agree. At 200mm it outperforms the DA* 200 on aberrations on my k-3 which was a surprise - both are equally sharp however.

12-28-2020, 08:02 AM	#7
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Did you check the image archive Pentax FA*200/2.8 [IF] - PentaxForums.com

12-29-2020, 12:47 AM - 1 Like	#8
talgarik Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Italy Posts: 72 Original Poster	Originally posted by boriscleto It's basically the same lens as the DA* but with screw drive instead of SDM, and not AW. so one can expect a similar poor performance when it comes to chromatic aberrations? Originally posted by Lowell Goudge Did you check the image archive Pentax FA200/2.8 [IF] - PentaxForums.com yes I have, but I was looking for images taken with the latest generation of cameras Originally posted by SSGGeezer If you can find an FA 80-200 it is amazing at 200mm if heavier. Although the Power Zoom won't work on the KP but will if you end up with a K-1. highly interesting lens, thank you, alas its weight does not make it a practical alternative to the kind of lens I am looking for right now.

12-29-2020, 02:02 AM - 1 Like	#9
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	I used the DA200 daily for a month in August. It is outstanding on the K-1. Look at an album HERE if you like. I would imagine a good copy of the FA200 would do just as well. Compared to the FA80-200 or DFA70-200, it is tiny. If size matters, and you want 200/2.8, then go for it.

12-29-2020, 05:21 PM	#10
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,549	I have the KP and use the DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 and the DA* 200mm f/2.8 instead of a 70-200mm zoom lens. Half the weight or less when handling or carrying on-camera, and more zoom range as well, being able to get down to 50mm. Matches better with my Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 lens. I find the DA* 50-135mm is adequate for most of my fast tele zoom needs (similar to a 70-200mm on a FF body), then if I need a fast telephoto beyond that, I'll go to my DA* 200mm. In both cases I'll be handling a more modest-size/weight ensemble.

12-30-2020, 02:19 AM	#12
talgarik Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Italy Posts: 72 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot Out of curiosity, what difference are you looking for on the KP (the model with the most recent sensor design) vs the K-1/K-1II (2015 technology) or K-70 (2013 technology)? Steve maybe my phrasing could have been clearer: since all the examples and reviews I have found here are with 16MP cameras, I wanted some feedback - and see examples - from users who have used this lens with K1, K70 and KP. Before the KP I owned a K3 and I have noticed that my pre-digital lenses now that I use them with the KP are more likely to fail me in extreme light conditions: hard lights, backlit scenes, light reflecting surfaces - so I have become extremely cautious when it comes to add pre-digital lenses to my arsenal, my assumption being that this change in behavior is due to the 24MP sensor. Originally posted by mikesbike I have the KP and use the DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 and the DA* 200mm f/2.8 instead of a 70-200mm zoom lens. Half the weight or less when handling or carrying on-camera, and more zoom range as well, being able to get down to 50mm. Matches better with my Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 lens. I find the DA* 50-135mm is adequate for most of my fast tele zoom needs (similar to a 70-200mm on a FF body), then if I need a fast telephoto beyond that, I'll go to my DA* 200mm. In both cases I'll be handling a more modest-size/weight ensemble. though I prefer primes, it looks like an interesting solution

12-30-2020, 07:00 AM	#13
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,400	Any review of the DA* 200 is likely to mention purple fringing, the optical design is common to the FA* also so if that’sa concern I’d expect it is also present on the FA. Like others I love my DA 50-135, but if you need 200 you might find it too short. You can add the 1.4 tc to it to get close, or use a DA* 60-250 f4.

12-30-2020, 07:30 AM - 1 Like	#14
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	The 200 mm thread. "The 200mm... the seemly unloved these days focal length club" - PentaxForums.com The DA*200 s a great, relatively light weight walk around lens. Reports of purple fringing and CA are over stated. It does purple fringe at times, so does every other lens I own.