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11-11-2009, 06:28 PM   #1
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50-200 is a nice surprise

I've owned some nice lenses in my time (Zeiss, Leica, Canon "L", Olympus and Mamiya) and I have to say, the Pentax 50-200 is a nice surprise. Maybe I just had really low expectations, but it's a nifty little lens that I am totally okay with. Maybe I'm just becoming less of a snob or my eyesight is worse, but I'm loving the 18-55 II, 50-200 two kit. Considering I've spent more on L brackets and split ND filters, I think Pentax did a good job with these.


Last edited by Andr3w; 11-12-2009 at 09:42 AM.
11-11-2009, 06:51 PM   #2
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I have to agree. I have also used some top zooms, but this little guy does quite well as long as you have realistic expectations. It doesn't 'stop' action like a F2.8 zoom could, but I have used it effectively for some nice, thought out compositions. Clearly one of the best kit zooms. I am not as happy with the 18-55, but it is still a competent lens.

It's actually my only long zoom at the moment, which is quite off for me as I have always had a long, fast zoom. I have become addicted to the Pentax primes...
11-11-2009, 07:12 PM   #3
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Two words, colour and contrast.

I have replaced the two kit lenses with the 18-250 and I do miss the colour and contrast from a proper Pentax lens rather than a re-badged Tamron.

See sig for lots of 50-200 samples.
11-11-2009, 07:15 PM   #4
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I guess I should add that I shoot landscape/outdoors and always use a tripod. 90% of my shot are between f/8 and f/16. I don't expect to use this for wildlife (I know better) I was originally going to get the 17-70 and 55-300, but think I will stick with these two and add the 21mm and 70mm.

Do you have the 1st or second version of the 18-55?

11-11-2009, 07:23 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by Andr3w Quote
I guess I should add that I shoot landscape/outdoors and always use a tripod. 90% of my shot are between f/8 and f/16. I don't expect to use this for wildlife (I know better) I was originally going to get the 17-70 and 55-300, but think I will stick with these two and add the 21mm and 70mm.

Do you have the 1st or second version of the 18-55?
Yes, if you are stopping down quite a bit, unless you are doing very large prints, I am sure you won't see any difference vs. more expensive lenses. The DA21 is a pretty cool lens. I had one for a short time, but sold it to help fund the DA15 - which I absolutely love. Possibly my favorite lens of all time.

My 18-55 is the second version, well actually the DA L. It's sufficient for snaps, and good stopped down some, but I prefer grabbing my DA15 (obviously wider with less distortion) or my M28 F3.5 (awesome, awesome lens).
11-11-2009, 07:27 PM   #6
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It's not the first time, but I'll say it again: if you have a 50-200 that is a nice one, it's a real gem. Not heard of many duds for that lens either.

I'm very, very happy with mine and it's a favorite for landscape work when traveling.

Regards,
Marc
11-11-2009, 10:35 PM   #7
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50-200 gets a bar rap.

It is a fantastic lens capable of excellent portraits and such.

It's no FA77 but but at the price it fetches....

11-12-2009, 02:00 PM   #8
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I am also fortunate to have found an excellent copy in a trade from a forum member. I don't use it much any more but I was blown away by the color, contrast and sharpness on a *ist DS during a backyard party. People just loved how their portraits turned out.

Great value for the money.
11-12-2009, 02:22 PM   #9
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It seems mostly overshadowed by the 55-300mm that everyone seems to love
11-12-2009, 02:33 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by Eruditass Quote
It seems mostly overshadowed by the 55-300mm that everyone seems to love
Very true.
I'm sure the 50-200 is quite a capable lens and doesn't disappoint for a kit lens by any means.
11-13-2009, 08:21 AM   #11
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My first aviation exposition using a digital camera I used my DA 50-200 and got a lot of really good ones I think. Some of them can be seen in the "post pictures of aircraft" thread. Used a teleconverter on it a few times because it was a lot easier spotting and holding an image of the flying aircraft than some of my other, low budget and much heavier lenses.
The thing is so compact and pretty versatile in my opinion but like some of you, I don't expect much from my photography other than self gratification. Oh a little praise and attention from others now and then gives me inspiration but mostly it is about what I see.
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