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05-03-2009, 05:04 AM   #1
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Should my next lens be the F 135/2.8 or DA200/2.8

The lenses I own are listed in my signature section below. I am not looking for a macro now, so given that, what would be my ideal choice for my next purchase. It has to have excellent IQ in par with my other lenses.

The SMC Pentax-F 135mm f2.8 OR Pentax DA* 200mm f2.8.

I am leaning more towards the F-135 for it's size and price. But, will the IQ match my other lenses ?

Opinion, especially from owners of one or both lenses.

Thank you.

P.S: To the Smart Alec who would say that I shouldn't listen to others on what lens I need to get, my answer is, the only thing that I wouldn't listen to is to what question I should ask or not ask...


Last edited by pcarfan; 05-03-2009 at 05:12 AM.
05-03-2009, 05:27 AM   #2
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Image quality is great with both. In terms of focal length, there's quite abit between them, I don't know why you're choosing from between these two. The 200mm is highly praised in all the reviews I've read about it, plus it has the HSM.
05-03-2009, 05:41 AM   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by Cosmo Quote
Image quality is great with both. In terms of focal length, there's quite abit between them, I don't know why you're choosing from between these two. The 200mm is highly praised in all the reviews I've read about it, plus it has the HSM.
Yeah the focal lengths are vastly different. It is some what weird to consider totally different focal lengths.

This is my thought process...

I had my sigma 10-20, Tamron 18-250 and then the sigma 100-300. I sold the 18-250 to replace them with quality primes. I've got the DA21, FA43, FA77. I need some lenses to cover the longer end, so I have them for my next trip. I can pull out the 100-300, but I am looking for lenses that is less conspicuous. Now I got the ok from my wife to get another lens.

To get the DA 200, I would have to sell the Volna-9 (The FA 77 with ext tube gets close to what the Volna can do), and sell the Vivitar 85/1.4 (not in my bottom list as it is currently with the manufacturer to be replaced). I heard the 135 AF is very noisy, will this be a problem in an auditorium ?

Secondary thoughts include trying out my 'A' ext. tubes with these as well, wonder whether anyone has tried this, and what their results were.

The question probably should be more like whether the Pentax-F 135mm compete in IQ to my other lenses and the DA 200?, as that is the biggest missing piece in my decision making.

P.S: At the end, I very much doubt that I will spend close to 1k for one lens....the sigma 100-300 is so fabulicious that I did it after some loooong thoughts, and at the time I got it, they were very difficult to find as the Pentax mount was out of production, and when one came for sale at Willoughby's I grabbed it. I don't think I can do that again for the DA 200....unless the F-135 is shit and DA 200 is the only choice, which I think is not the case here....

Last edited by pcarfan; 05-03-2009 at 05:56 AM.
05-03-2009, 06:55 AM   #4
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I've bought the F 135mm f2.8, as the seller was willing and they don't come for sale often. Hope it's got good IQ.

Anyone, who owns this lens please post some images taken with this lens

05-03-2009, 07:33 AM   #5
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Here's 65 shots taken with F135/2.8 by me Flickr: pasipasi's stuff tagged with smcpf135mmf28if
05-03-2009, 08:03 AM   #6
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pasipasi

Thank you...I remember seeing that dog shot when I did a flickr search...you shoot a lot with very high iso.
05-03-2009, 08:43 AM   #7
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The winter is very dark in Finland, thus a lot of high iso shots. Summer is near though

05-03-2009, 12:19 PM   #8
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The 135 is great!

If money is at all an issue, get the F 135. It's built to last and the IQ is great. Very sharp, from wide open, great bokeh.

f4.5:


f4.5:


f9.5:


f3.5:


f2.8:
05-03-2009, 03:05 PM   #9
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Jensm,

I hope there is not much quality difference between these lenses, as the rendering in your images are superb and I wish I am getting a lens capable of this - frankly it looks closer to the rendering of the limited primes....wow!, I am EXCITED....
05-04-2009, 01:17 AM   #10
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I know - I was very surprised when I got the lens. The only downside is a slight bit of CA in harsh conditions, but only as much as any other pre-digital lens.
05-04-2009, 05:45 AM   #11
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Got the FA 135mm f/2.8... the lens that convinced me to sell away my DA* 50-135mm.
Razor quick focusing, smaller size and that punchy colour rendition makes it a winner in my book...



05-04-2009, 05:57 AM   #12
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On the other hand... the DA* 200mm f/2.8 is also a terrific lens. A lens that doesn't get the attention it deserves sandwiched between the DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 and DA* 300mm f/4.
It makes for an excellent walkaround, outdoor portrait and concert lens. Focusing is much faster than the 300mm and it is so sharp that little or no PP is needed.

So your Pentax life is not complete unless you have both the 135mm and 200mm focal lengths in your bag...





05-04-2009, 06:28 AM   #13
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I have the F135, and I do love that lens. The only thing that prevents me from using it occasionally is the PF due to not designed for digital. The only happens wide open and isn't a big deal. I also have the 50-135 DA*, and I would argue the output from it is much cleaner (basically zero PF/CA) at large apertures. But it it more than twice the size and weight, and focuses like molasses. The F135 is a winner in my book, and if I really had to choose, I'd probably keep it over the DA* (unless I was an event photog or something).

I'll get some pictures up later if I remember.

-Jim
05-05-2009, 04:28 AM   #14
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@ Dennisl Lim..thank you for the images...I may get the DA* 200 if the prices come down and the SDM issue gets rectified with the K-7.

@ Jim, thank you. Would love to see any pictures with the F 135.
05-05-2009, 08:28 AM   #15
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[QUOTE=creampuff;581891]

So your Pentax life is not complete unless you have both the 135mm and 200mm focal lengths in your bag...

While I don't own the 2 particular lenses you mentioned, I do have a 135 and a 200 mm primes in older manual lenses and I agree. There is so much difference in those focal lengths that trying to compare them as an either or doesn't make much sense. Get both.
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