[PentaxForums-User]

I've been drooling over the SMC Pentax-FA* 80-200mm F2.8 ED [IF].

I need a low-light, wide zoom range, telephoto for portraits with prime-like image quality.

I prefer FULL-FRAME, but can go cropped-sensor if the lens is outstanding and considerably lighter or vastly cheaper.

I want to get the Pentax-FA* 80-200mm F2.8 if I can find a good copy at the right price.

But just curious if there are any other lenses (ANY BRAND) that come close to the quality of the Pentax-FA* 80-200mm F2.8 or maybe are even better?

(200mm-300mm is good on telephoto end, but would prefer wider than 80mm... more like 50mm or less... but I don't think they make a lens with that immense a range and still around ƒ2.8 and prime-like IQ.)

THANKS!

[LeDave]

I really love my Tamron 70-200 f/2.8. Definitely recommended.

Check out some photographs from this beautiful lens here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/18290-tamron-7...-2-8-a-14.html

If you want something wider than 70mm, the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 will go with the 70-200 very nicely, both are also full frame compatible. I have both the 28-75 and 70-200 f/2.8 from Tamron and have no regrets.

[wallyb]

I also recommend the Tamron 70-200/2.8. I just picked mine up this month and I'm blown away at the image quality. If the Pentax 80-200/2.8 is better, I don't know if I'd be able to tell!

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/84205-tamron-7...elievable.html

[roentarre]

Go for tamron or sigma counterparts. At least optically the same but much lighter weight for practical purpose.

[Ash]

+1 for Tamron 70-200. Optically superior to Sigma 70-200 HSM II.
Sigma 70-200 EX MkI versions are also excellent but don't have close focusing ability like the Tamron, and they're no longer available new.

[netuser]

+1 for Tamron

[ftpaddict]

another + for the Tamron. I'd buy it if I hadn't just bought (yet) another bike.