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08-27-2009, 09:56 AM   #1
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SMC PENTAX-DA 50-200mm f4-5.6 ED good deal at $100?

Hi!
I am still expecting to get the K20D and was wondering if I should get a SMC PENTAX-DA 50-200mm f4-5.6 ED for $100? I have a Tamron 75-300 (I think it is) and the Kit for the K20D plus my pretty 50mm prime.
What do you guys think?
I can also get the Grip thingy, battery and Pentax F remote for $125.
Plus I also need a decent Tripod so I need to make sure I get what is most useful and best deal at the moment.
Thanks!

08-27-2009, 10:01 AM   #2
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That's been basically the lowest price here on the marketplace, so yeah... it's a good buy.
08-27-2009, 10:27 AM   #3
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Do you think it would be better than my Tamron?
08-27-2009, 10:34 AM   #4
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Most likely, but the question is how much better?

I've never used either, but based on samples I've seen the 50-200 seems to be generally sharper, with better contrast and color rendition. Then again, it's 100mm shorter.

08-27-2009, 10:46 AM   #5
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I see what you mean and with my Radio Shack tripod is not like I am getting the most of my Tamron anyway am I? :-)
08-27-2009, 10:53 AM   #6
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To be honest, at 300mm with the Pentax SR, you don't really need a tripod except in low light.
08-27-2009, 11:55 AM   #7
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I wouldn't expect the 50-200 to be much *better* than the Tamron, but it will give you the useful 50-75 range, be a lot smaller & lighter, focus faster, and have quick shift (unless it's the "DA-L" version. I switched from a Tamron-made 70-300 to the 50-200 years ago and never regretted it.

08-27-2009, 12:08 PM   #8
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How can I tell? Does it show DA-L on the Box?
08-27-2009, 12:25 PM   #9
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Yes, and on the lens itself, I'd imagine. Google for it and I'm sure you'll find pictures.
08-27-2009, 12:25 PM   #10
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This review is not motivating though:
Pentax SMC-DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED - Review / Test Report
08-27-2009, 12:38 PM   #11
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I've been more than happy with my 55-200 that I picked up for 100+shipping from eBay. Compare it to the price and performance of the canikon kit lenses and you'll be imprressed.

Overall IMHO it's an underrated lens and a steal at 100 bucks.

SLRGear Review
08-27-2009, 02:56 PM   #12
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50-200 has always been a hit or miss I think. Some people seem to love it and I've seen great results from it online, but most (me included) are not that satisfied with it. I've always been satisfied using it with the Raynox though, seems like my copy performs much better at close range than infinity.

100$ is not a bad deal at all, though. If you don't like it you can always just sell it back in the marketplace at practically no loss. If it's me and i already have the 70-300 though I probably would look at getting another lens instead. Do you have fisheye yet? or maybe a flashgun? I don't know which one your fifty is, if it's a f/1.7 I won't try to get you to upgrade to anything... if it's the f/2 then get the f1.7 or f1.4 with the money instead. Big difference

my2c
08-27-2009, 03:20 PM   #13
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Yeah it's a A 50mm f1.7 and I love that lens.
You are probably right and about it be redundant then again I can sell it like you mentioned if I do not think it's worth keeping it.
Regards
08-27-2009, 09:31 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by shaolin95 Quote
This review is not motivating though:
Pentax SMC-DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED - Review / Test Report
You're right. But then, pretty much any great product has one outlier review somewhere who doesn't like it for whatever reason. Shoot, if we let one bad review dissuade us, hardly any of us would own a Pentax camera, as dpreview has pretty much universally slammed them all (except the K100D, I guess).

Anyhow, most reports on the 50-200 are more positive than photozone's. Could be sample variation, could be differences in expectations, who knows (I tend to not care so much about corner sharpness, which is photozone's main gripe). But I think my copy is excellent.
08-27-2009, 09:34 PM   #15
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Personally, I'd pony up for the 55-300 (can be had around $250 if you hunt a bit).
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