I've owned two copies of the DA 50-200. I've never been totally happy with it. The first one went back because of really bad front focus problems, but even the 2nd one was less than a stellar performer. The images were soft at infinity focus if I was focusing on something more than 200yds (m) away. Add to that it was hard to manually focus, the bokeh was nothing to write home to mom about, and it's pretty slow. So anyway I got the Pentax A 70-200mm F4 and I like it much much better. Easier to focus, better bokeh, much better long distance performer. Here are a few shots

saw this ugly guy crossing the path from side of the swamp to the other. He has a grump face on because I told him the rabbit was cuter.


I'm sure you agree that this guy is cuter




Check out this bokeh


Finally three different wild iris shots






NaCl(and it has macro! Actually it really has close focus, but still way better than the DA 20-200)H2O

[regken]

Nice! Don't tell me you got the tortoise and the hare at the same time! What were they doing, heading for the starting line? I agree, it's my favorite Pentax zoom.

Ken

[Sailor]

These are great, Buddy. I've replaced (although I still own if for travel use) my DA 50-200 with a DA 18-250. I've noticed it's a bit fuzzy at 250, especially wide open - which is what you usually need to hand hold it even in decent light. Still, it's handy and a great "boat lens" when you don't want to swap lenses at 20 kts and 20 degrees of heel.

It can't compare to your lens, however.

Jer

[Jonson PL]

Great stuff. Fun to see some shots from one of the older zooms

[séamuis]

I still very much enjoy my 70~210 as well as my 28~135. Ive never used any DA other than the 18-55 so I cant comment on new pentax zooms but my A series are wondrous lenses. #4 is an exceptional shot and demonstrated the capabilities of that lens very well. thank you for sharing.