No Love for the DA*200mm?

jsherman999 · 06-18-2009, 02:09 PM

Originally posted by K McCall

I have the DA* 200, and I have no complaints except the weight. I realize that in the grand scheme of things, it isn't a heavy lens, but compared to my other lenses, it's the heaviest.

But I find myself in plenty of situations where I wish I HAD brought it out with me. The times I do take it out, it performs admirably.

I don't take a lot of portraits in general, but I've enjoyed the few times I've used it for my self-portrait project:

#326 of 365: Never Going Back Again on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I generally stick more to nature subjects, and I find it performs well there as well:

Keitha, is it? Welcome to the forum, and nice job.

.

bwield · 06-18-2009, 02:10 PM

Originally posted by K McCall

I have the DA* 200, and I have no complaints except the weight. I realize that in the grand scheme of things, it isn't a heavy lens, but compared to my other lenses, it's the heaviest.

But I find myself in plenty of situations where I wish I HAD brought it out with me. The times I do take it out, it performs admirably.

I don't take a lot of portraits in general, but I've enjoyed the few times I've used it for my self-portrait project:

#326 of 365: Never Going Back Again on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I generally stick more to nature subjects, and I find it performs well there as well:

Rainy Day Red Leaves #5 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Froggy Froggy Frog Frog on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I find it sharp and contrasty even wide-open:

Underwater on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Thanks!
And welcome to the forum!
Big fan of your work and I am always sure to check out your posts at the "other" forum.
Look forward to seeing your work here too

**smigol** · 06-18-2009, 03:29 PM

Does anyone have examples of images at infinity for this lens? I'm curious if the performance would make it a modern swap for my 200 f2.5.

redpigeons · 06-18-2009, 03:37 PM

Originally posted by K McCall

I have the DA* 200, and I have no complaints except the weight. I realize that in the grand scheme of things, it isn't a heavy lens, but compared to my other lenses, it's the heaviest.

But I find myself in plenty of situations where I wish I HAD brought it out with me. The times I do take it out, it performs admirably.

I don't take a lot of portraits in general, but I've enjoyed the few times I've used it for my self-portrait project:

#326 of 365: Never Going Back Again on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I generally stick more to nature subjects, and I find it performs well there as well:

Rainy Day Red Leaves #5 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Froggy Froggy Frog Frog on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I find it sharp and contrasty even wide-open:

Underwater on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Keitha... good to see you here finally!!

your 200mm pics are amazing!!

Adrian Owerko · 06-18-2009, 03:45 PM

Very sharp fun glass the DA*200mm

K10D with DA*200mm @ f2.8

K McCall · 06-18-2009, 03:54 PM

So this is where you found me! Thanks so much for the warm welcome! I hope I can contribute something here

K McCall · 06-18-2009, 03:55 PM

Thanks so much! I've been more of a lurker here, but I'm trying to change that

K McCall · 06-18-2009, 03:56 PM

Thank you! I really need to take this lens out more, though. Maybe tomorrow....

danielchtong · 06-18-2009, 04:00 PM

Originally posted by bwield

Seems to be the forgotten DA*.
Only 3 reviews in the lens review section and barely ever a mention on the forum.
Is it because its a awkward focal length on a DSLR?
To expensive?
From all accounts it seems to be a good performer, however even in PPG it is under-represented in comparison with the other DA*'s.

You may be aware the the DA*200mm is relatively new. You should also look at FA*200mm which has the same optical formula as the DA version.

Its wide open performance comparable to the best of other prime. Its sharpness is undisputed

Wide open at F2.8

Almost wide open at F3.2

Quote:

I am looking at getting it and than later the DA*300mm, however though I can find lots of reviews / thoughts on the 300mm the 200mm seems almost forgotten.

Any proud DA*200mm owners out there?
Maybe we can showcase the forgotten DA*200mm

This is a big statement : why bother with DA*300mm if you have DA*200mm?
One of the biggest deal of DA200mm is that itis the best lens for you to skip 300mm entirely. Get the SDM 1.4 or 1.5 TC and it will match to a considerable degree the optical performance of the F4 DA*300mm. Make sure you get the right TC though.

I hardly do that as I do have A300mmF4 - an earlier purchase. But for someone who has none of both, get the DA200mm is the best setup. Save you a bundle.

Originally posted by smigol

Does anyone have examples of images at infinity for this lens? I'm curious if the performance would make it a modern swap for my 200 f2.5.

I hardly shoot that in infinity. This is the infinity at F5.6. Absolutely creamy

I use the lens almost as a semi macro with its very close min focus distance. This image is uncropped

Daniel

Andi Lo · 06-18-2009, 04:45 PM

For those who has it... is DA* 200 FF compatible? And it would be nice if you can add this information in the "da lenses on full frame" thread

danielchtong · 06-18-2009, 05:17 PM

Originally posted by Andi Lo

For those who has it... is DA* 200 FF compatible? And it would be nice if you can add this information in the "da lenses on full frame" thread

It is confirmed as it has exactly the FA* optics

Sorry it is in Chinese and I am sure there are numerous comparison with the FA* version

[PENTAX DA?200F2.8???]DA?200F2.8?FA?200F2.8????? - Pentax Fans Club

Daniel

Buddha Jones · 06-18-2009, 05:58 PM

Optically identical, c'mon Pentax, where is the rest of the FA* line-up in DA* clothing at? And while you are at it, can I have BIG GOLD PENTAX LETTERING on my lens hood!

redpigeons · 06-18-2009, 06:13 PM

Originally posted by Buddha Jones

Optically identical, c'mon Pentax, where is the rest of the FA* line-up in DA* clothing at? And while you are at it, can I have BIG GOLD PENTAX LETTERING on my lens hood!

YES! what he said!!
are they not reading this forum ?

danielchtong · 06-18-2009, 06:15 PM

Originally posted by Buddha Jones

Optically identical, c'mon Pentax, where is the rest of the FA* line-up in DA* clothing at? And while you are at it, can I have BIG GOLD PENTAX LETTERING on my lens hood!

I would love Pentax to reissue FA135mm. Of course with weather seal and SDM.

I have been eyeing the FA*200mm for years and years in ebay and about to pull the trigger at around $1500. Then it dropped to $1200. All of a sudden DA*200mm came out exactly the same except Pentax threw in weather seal and SDM. It was just a no brainer at $1100. I probably got the 2nd or the 3 rd one in N Am judging from posting in various Pentax forums.

Daniel

SylBer · 06-18-2009, 06:51 PM

I hesitated a long time before buying my DA*200. At first, I wanted a DA*300. However, since I wanted to use this lens for indoor sports in gymnasiums and pools, I figured 300mm would be a little long and f/4 a little slow (I have a K10D and it's not as good as the K20D in high ISO). Finally got the DA*200 and never regreted it. IQ is fantastic and it focuses quickly, much faster than my DA*50-135 in fact. Recetly, I bought a 1.7X adapter. I am amazed by the IQ of this combo. Almost as good as my DA*200 alone. I also saw pictures of the DA*300 + 1.7X adapter on this forum and on the other forum (DPR) and the results are also very good. Thus, I'm keeping my DA*200 for sure, but that leaves me with a question. Should I now buy the DA*300 for birding with the 1.7X adapter or should I wait for Pentax's next supertelephoto lens to come out? Another tough dilema. Anybody know what this lens should be? A 400mm f/5.6 maybe?

06-18-2009, 02:10 PM	#17
bwield Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 444 Original Poster	Thanks Originally posted by K McCall I have the DA* 200, and I have no complaints except the weight. I realize that in the grand scheme of things, it isn't a heavy lens, but compared to my other lenses, it's the heaviest. But I find myself in plenty of situations where I wish I HAD brought it out with me. The times I do take it out, it performs admirably. I don't take a lot of portraits in general, but I've enjoyed the few times I've used it for my self-portrait project: #326 of 365: Never Going Back Again on Flickr - Photo Sharing! I generally stick more to nature subjects, and I find it performs well there as well: Rainy Day Red Leaves #5 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! Froggy Froggy Frog Frog on Flickr - Photo Sharing! I find it sharp and contrasty even wide-open: Underwater on Flickr - Photo Sharing! Thanks! And welcome to the forum! Big fan of your work and I am always sure to check out your posts at the "other" forum. Look forward to seeing your work here too

06-18-2009, 03:56 PM	#23
K McCall Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 808	Thanks! Thank you! I really need to take this lens out more, though. Maybe tomorrow....

06-18-2009, 04:00 PM	#24
danielchtong Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 885	Originally posted by bwield Seems to be the forgotten DA. Only 3 reviews in the lens review section and barely ever a mention on the forum. Is it because its a awkward focal length on a DSLR? To expensive? From all accounts it seems to be a good performer, however even in PPG it is under-represented in comparison with the other DA's. You may be aware the the DA200mm is relatively new. You should also look at FA200mm which has the same optical formula as the DA version. Its wide open performance comparable to the best of other prime. Its sharpness is undisputed Wide open at F2.8 Almost wide open at F3.2 Almost wide open at F3.2 Quote: I am looking at getting it and than later the DA300mm, however though I can find lots of reviews / thoughts on the 300mm the 200mm seems almost forgotten. Any proud DA200mm owners out there? Maybe we can showcase the forgotten DA200mm This is a big statement : why bother with DA300mm if you have DA200mm?* One of the biggest deal of DA200mm is that itis the best lens for you to skip 300mm entirely. *Get the SDM 1.4 or 1.5 TC and it will match to a considerable degree the optical performance of the F4 DA300mm*. Make sure you get the right TC though. I hardly do that as I do have A300mmF4 - an earlier purchase. But for someone who has none of both, get the DA200mm is the best setup. Save you a bundle. Originally posted by smigol Does anyone have examples of images at infinity for this lens? I'm curious if the performance would make it a modern swap for my 200 f2.5. I hardly shoot that in infinity. This is the infinity at F5.6. Absolutely creamy I use the lens almost as a semi macro with its very close min focus distance. This image is uncropped Daniel Last edited by danielchtong; 06-18-2009 at 04:18 PM.*

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06-18-2009, 02:09 PM	#16
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	Originally posted by K McCall I have the DA* 200, and I have no complaints except the weight. I realize that in the grand scheme of things, it isn't a heavy lens, but compared to my other lenses, it's the heaviest. But I find myself in plenty of situations where I wish I HAD brought it out with me. The times I do take it out, it performs admirably. I don't take a lot of portraits in general, but I've enjoyed the few times I've used it for my self-portrait project: #326 of 365: Never Going Back Again on Flickr - Photo Sharing! I generally stick more to nature subjects, and I find it performs well there as well: Keitha, is it? Welcome to the forum, and nice job. .

06-18-2009, 03:29 PM	#18
smigol Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Menlo Park, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 422	Does anyone have examples of images at infinity for this lens? I'm curious if the performance would make it a modern swap for my 200 f2.5.

06-18-2009, 03:37 PM	#19
redpigeons Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NYC Posts: 943	Originally posted by K McCall I have the DA* 200, and I have no complaints except the weight. I realize that in the grand scheme of things, it isn't a heavy lens, but compared to my other lenses, it's the heaviest. But I find myself in plenty of situations where I wish I HAD brought it out with me. The times I do take it out, it performs admirably. I don't take a lot of portraits in general, but I've enjoyed the few times I've used it for my self-portrait project: #326 of 365: Never Going Back Again on Flickr - Photo Sharing! I generally stick more to nature subjects, and I find it performs well there as well: Rainy Day Red Leaves #5 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! Froggy Froggy Frog Frog on Flickr - Photo Sharing! I find it sharp and contrasty even wide-open: Underwater on Flickr - Photo Sharing! Keitha... good to see you here finally!! your 200mm pics are amazing!!

06-18-2009, 03:45 PM	#20
Adrian Owerko Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: South Australia Posts: 435	Very sharp fun glass the DA200mm K10D with DA200mm @ f2.8

06-18-2009, 03:54 PM	#21
K McCall Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 808	So this is where you found me! Thanks so much for the warm welcome! I hope I can contribute something here

06-18-2009, 03:55 PM	#22
K McCall Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 808	Thanks so much! I've been more of a lurker here, but I'm trying to change that

06-18-2009, 04:45 PM	#25
Andi Lo Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 2,924	For those who has it... is DA* 200 FF compatible? And it would be nice if you can add this information in the "da lenses on full frame" thread

06-18-2009, 05:17 PM	#26
danielchtong Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 885	Originally posted by Andi Lo For those who has it... is DA* 200 FF compatible? And it would be nice if you can add this information in the "da lenses on full frame" thread It is confirmed as it has exactly the FA* optics Sorry it is in Chinese and I am sure there are numerous comparison with the FA* version [PENTAX DA?200F2.8???]DA?200F2.8?FA?200F2.8????? - Pentax Fans Club Daniel

06-18-2009, 05:58 PM	#27
Buddha Jones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Charlotte, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,587	Optically identical, c'mon Pentax, where is the rest of the FA* line-up in DA* clothing at? And while you are at it, can I have BIG GOLD PENTAX LETTERING on my lens hood!

06-18-2009, 06:13 PM	#28
redpigeons Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NYC Posts: 943	Originally posted by Buddha Jones Optically identical, c'mon Pentax, where is the rest of the FA* line-up in DA* clothing at? And while you are at it, can I have BIG GOLD PENTAX LETTERING on my lens hood! YES! what he said!! are they not reading this forum ?

06-18-2009, 06:15 PM	#29
danielchtong Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 885	Originally posted by Buddha Jones Optically identical, c'mon Pentax, where is the rest of the FA* line-up in DA* clothing at? And while you are at it, can I have BIG GOLD PENTAX LETTERING on my lens hood! I would love Pentax to reissue FA135mm. Of course with weather seal and SDM. I have been eyeing the FA200mm for years and years in ebay and about to pull the trigger at around $1500. Then it dropped to $1200. All of a sudden DA200mm came out exactly the same except Pentax threw in weather seal and SDM. It was just a no brainer at $1100. I probably got the 2nd or the 3 rd one in N Am judging from posting in various Pentax forums. Daniel

06-18-2009, 06:51 PM	#30
SylBer Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Quebec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 210	I hesitated a long time before buying my DA200. At first, I wanted a DA300. However, since I wanted to use this lens for indoor sports in gymnasiums and pools, I figured 300mm would be a little long and f/4 a little slow (I have a K10D and it's not as good as the K20D in high ISO). Finally got the DA200 and never regreted it. IQ is fantastic and it focuses quickly, much faster than my DA50-135 in fact. Recetly, I bought a 1.7X adapter. I am amazed by the IQ of this combo. Almost as good as my DA200 alone. I also saw pictures of the DA300 + 1.7X adapter on this forum and on the other forum (DPR) and the results are also very good. Thus, I'm keeping my DA200 for sure, but that leaves me with a question. Should I now buy the DA300 for birding with the 1.7X adapter or should I wait for Pentax's next supertelephoto lens to come out? Another tough dilema. Anybody know what this lens should be? A 400mm f/5.6 maybe?