Please explain the difference in these 2 lenses

J.Scott · 12-09-2009, 06:58 AM

...if you can!

FA 80-200mm

F 80-200mm

I happen to own both of these and was just checking the lens review section here when I noted the vast difference in the ratings.
Both are made of the same optical formula and same construction (that I can see), but have obvious exterior differences.
The FA version gets a '4' out of '10' rating yet the F version rates a '7.3'!
I will admit the 'F' version looks and feels better than the ugly duckling 'FA', but it's the same lens!

Maybe I'm hoping for too much from the discretionary reviews on the site.

**Just1MoreDave** · 12-09-2009, 11:12 AM

The FA has a plastic mount. It kind of sets you up for a bad experience before you even look through the viewfinder.

I briefly had the A version, one of those A lenses that looks like an F. I gave it to my brother. Construction was extremely plastic. And like one review said, f4.7 at 80mm?

deadwolfbones · 12-09-2009, 01:10 PM

Bear in mind there are only 4 reviews for one of them, and 3 for the other. This is an extremely small sample.

12-09-2009, 06:58 AM	#1
J.Scott Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,675	Please explain the difference in these 2 lenses ...if you can! FA 80-200mm F 80-200mm I happen to own both of these and was just checking the lens review section here when I noted the vast difference in the ratings. Both are made of the same optical formula and same construction (that I can see), but have obvious exterior differences. The FA version gets a '4' out of '10' rating yet the F version rates a '7.3'! I will admit the 'F' version looks and feels better than the ugly duckling 'FA', but it's the same lens! Maybe I'm hoping for too much from the discretionary reviews on the site.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
What's the difference between K and M lenses?	ismaelg	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	17	02-02-2010 02:48 PM
What is the difference bwt WR and DA* lenses?	rdrum76	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	5	07-16-2009 10:43 AM
Difference between F and FA lenses??	mr tibbs	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	4	04-17-2009 09:50 AM
Difference between 50mm lenses	Tammmzy	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	5	02-28-2009 06:51 PM
What's the difference between these lenses? (Sigma)	Tom M	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	6	09-17-2007 05:31 PM

12-09-2009, 11:12 AM	#2
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	The FA has a plastic mount. It kind of sets you up for a bad experience before you even look through the viewfinder. I briefly had the A version, one of those A lenses that looks like an F. I gave it to my brother. Construction was extremely plastic. And like one review said, f4.7 at 80mm?

12-09-2009, 01:10 PM	#3
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	Bear in mind there are only 4 reviews for one of them, and 3 for the other. This is an extremely small sample.