New zoom 70-200 F4

Sandy Hancock · 03-07-2019, 11:05 PM - **1 Like**

I've given up waiting, and ordered a replacement for the DA*50-135 I sold to a friend for a song.
My DFA*70-200 is fabulous, but it's so big and heavy that it rarely gets packed, which kinda defeats the purpose.

A crop 50-135 offers the same field of view and depth of field range as a FF 75-205/4.0, with the advantage that you can shoot it in light requiring f/2.8

awscreo · 03-07-2019, 11:08 PM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

I've given up waiting, and ordered a replacement for the DA*50-135 I sold to a friend for a song.
My DFA*70-200 is fabulous, but it's so big and heavy that it rarely gets packed, which kinda defeats the purpose.

A crop 50-135 offers the same field of view and depth of field range as a FF 75-205/4.0, with the advantage that you can shoot it in light requiring f/2.8

Winter helps with the wait) if I can get my hands on the new one this summer, I'd be happy. If not, I still have the Tamron to get me by. Besides, I already purchased the damn adapter ring that allows me to use my nisi s5 with it, cumbersome, but saves me buying a whole set of new filters..

nocturnal · 03-07-2019, 11:12 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by awscreo

I'm also a landscape photographer, and that's the reason I want to reduce the weight of my kit. Hopefully the new 70-200 4 will be lighter than the 60-250. Range is nice, I agree. But I think I'd prefer a modern light and shard f4 zoom to take everywhere with me. Unfortunately f4 Uwa zoom is nowhere in sight so I'm using my 15-30 2.8 that is heavy as a brick, so I'm trying to save weight elsewhere

I thought of the new 70-200 f4 too but you could be waiting a long long time yet for it. I use a K-70, DA15, DA 20-40 Limited and the 60-250... That is my hiking kit and the 250mm end is handy as it saves me carrying my F*300 f4.5

It took me years to settle on the above, I used to carry 7 primes etc. A complete pain in the bum

aurele · 03-08-2019, 02:19 AM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

My DFA*70-200 is fabulous, but it's so big and heavy that it rarely gets packed, which kinda defeats the purpose.

Pretty much the reason some stay with the old Tamron and Sigma @1.2kg or @1.4kg. The Pentax is really much better but at almost 2kg it's a pain to carry.

nocturnal · 03-08-2019, 02:33 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by aurele

Pretty much the reason some stay with the old Tamron and Sigma @1.2kg or @1.4kg. The Pentax is really much better but at almost 2kg it's a pain to carry.

Heavier gear also needs a heavier tripod too, all this starts compounding rather quickly and then the idea of just using your phone on long hikes starts to enter the mind.

Whilst collecting my DA* 60-250 f4 I jokingly told the guy in the shop it was for street photography and he looked like this

Andrea K · 03-08-2019, 04:38 AM

Originally posted by MMVIII

Wow! Colour me impressed!

The black paint?

nocturnal · 03-08-2019, 08:06 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Andrea K

The black paint?

Yes, no ordinary black paint but derived from our nearest black hole at the centre of our galaxy. All light gets absorbed, never to reappear and good value at £11.99

aurele · 03-08-2019, 08:16 AM

Originally posted by nocturnal

Heavier gear also needs a heavier tripod too, all this starts compounding rather quickly and then the idea of just using your phone on long hikes starts to enter the mind.

I shot finals at the youth nationals of sportsclimbing two weeks ago. almost all 3 finals with the Tamron 70-200/2.8. I do a lot of sportclimbing ('cause it's my work

), so holding the camera should'nt really be an issue. After 2 finals of 70 mins each, holdind and shooting the last final was pretty hard on the wrist.
I can't imagine shooting it with the Pentax 70-200/2.8.
I can't imagine shooting it with a f4 lens. The f2.8 proved too usefull for AF speed and accuracy.

awscreo · 03-08-2019, 08:24 AM

Originally posted by aurele

I shot finals at the youth nationals of sportsclimbing two weeks ago. almost all 3 finals with the Tamron 70-200/2.8. I do a lot of sportclimbing ('cause it's my work

), so holding the camera should'nt really be an issue. After 2 finals of 70 mins each, holdind and shooting the last final was pretty hard on the wrist.
I can't imagine shooting it with the Pentax 70-200/2.8.
I can't imagine shooting it with a f4 lens. The f2.8 proved too usefull for AF speed and accuracy.

My dfa 28-105 is way better at focusing than Tamron (at least with my k-1), I'm sure dfa 70-200 4 will be also. Of course if 2.8 is needed for exposure than that's what you need. Thankfully my landscapes are not running anywhere)

MMVIII · 03-08-2019, 08:34 AM

Originally posted by nocturnal

Originally posted by Andrea K*
The black paint?
Yes, no ordinary black paint but derived from our nearest black hole at the centre of our galaxy. All light gets absorbed, never to reappear and good value at £11.99

Black 2.0, but only if you are not Anish Kapoor

normhead · 03-08-2019, 08:56 AM - **1 Like**

I have an F 70-210 and a DA*60-250. It's going to have to be good to sell me copy. It's not likely to replace the 70-210 for smaller, fits nicely in the camera bag lens. And it's not likely to replace the 60-250 for IQ.

The 250mm end of the 60-250 is really important to my shooting. And I have the DA*200 2.8 if I want 200mm. But I am still waiting for the 20-35 ƒ4. More of what I have and nothing for what I don't have.

nocturnal · 03-09-2019, 12:43 AM

Originally posted by normhead

I have an F 70-210 and a DA*60-250. It's going to have to be good to sell me copy. It's not likely to replace the 70-210 for smaller, fits nicely in the camera bag lens. And it's not likely to replace the 60-250 for IQ.

The 250mm end of the 60-250 is really important to my shooting. And I have the DA*200 2.8 if I want 200mm. But I am still waiting for the 20-35 ƒ4. More of what I have and nothing for what I don't have.

The new (when?) 70-200 f4 will have different and more natural colour than the DA* 60-250 f4 due to the HD coatings but better IQ I doubt it unless you consider more natural colour part of IQ which I suppose it can be (I am a big HD coat fan). BUT...

It is designed as a FF lens so possibly better vignetting performance, no need for modification, I assume a ring motor will be used, not DC and AF will be quicker.

Rounded blades will give the new lens creamier bokeh as opposed to the swirling type bokeh of the DA*.

I don't expect the new lens to be better than the DA* 60-250 as it is not a star lens, saying that I think the HD DA 20-40 f2.8-f4 Limited is a better lens than the DA* 16-50 f2.8. It depends upon on what level of lens they are designing, for example, as good IQ as the DFA* 70-200 f2.8 but an f4 version for which they can't designate a star to.

repaap · 03-09-2019, 01:57 AM

Originally posted by aurele

I shot finals at the youth nationals of sportsclimbing two weeks ago. almost all 3 finals with the Tamron 70-200/2.8. I do a lot of sportclimbing ('cause it's my work

), so holding the camera should'nt really be an issue. After 2 finals of 70 mins each, holdind and shooting the last final was pretty hard on the wrist.
I can't imagine shooting it with the Pentax 70-200/2.8.
I can't imagine shooting it with a f4 lens. The f2.8 proved too usefull for AF speed and accuracy.

actually DFA 70-200/2.8 is quite accurate and fast. given that it has nice handle, you really can hold it better than holding on that barrel. I balance my DFA just like using a rifle. most of the weight is not on my arm/wrist. Heie did good shooting quide. can’t remember where it was, but he has military background and using same technique help in photography also. I’m not saying it is easy, but good technique helps. also does monopod, which I find too restricting.

Sandy Hancock · 03-09-2019, 02:13 AM - **1 Like**

I have only ever used my DFA*70-200 hand held.
Took it out to gig last night - reminded me what a great lens it is.

RonHendriks1966 · 03-09-2019, 02:23 AM

Originally posted by nocturnal

The new (when?) 70-200 f4 will have different and more natural colour than the DA* 60-250 f4 due to the HD coatings but better IQ I doubt it unless you consider more natural colour part of IQ which I suppose it can be (I am a big HD coat fan). BUT...

It is designed as a FF lens so possibly better vignetting performance, no need for modification, I assume a ring motor will be used, not DC and AF will be quicker.

Rounded blades will give the new lens creamier bokeh as opposed to the swirling type bokeh of the DA*.

I don't expect the new lens to be better than the DA* 60-250 as it is not a star lens, saying that I think the HD DA 20-40 f2.8-f4 Limited is a better lens than the DA* 16-50 f2.8. It depends upon on what level of lens they are designing, for example, as good IQ as the DFA* 70-200 f2.8 but an f4 version for which they can't designate a star to.

The da*60-250 was the first Pentax lens with aerobright coating. Not the current HD coating.

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03-07-2019, 11:05 PM - 1 Like	#121
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,267	I've given up waiting, and ordered a replacement for the DA50-135 I sold to a friend for a song. My DFA70-200 is fabulous, but it's so big and heavy that it rarely gets packed, which kinda defeats the purpose. A crop 50-135 offers the same field of view and depth of field range as a FF 75-205/4.0, with the advantage that you can shoot it in light requiring f/2.8

03-07-2019, 11:08 PM	#122
awscreo Veteran Member Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,722	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock I've given up waiting, and ordered a replacement for the DA50-135 I sold to a friend for a song. My DFA70-200 is fabulous, but it's so big and heavy that it rarely gets packed, which kinda defeats the purpose. A crop 50-135 offers the same field of view and depth of field range as a FF 75-205/4.0, with the advantage that you can shoot it in light requiring f/2.8 Winter helps with the wait) if I can get my hands on the new one this summer, I'd be happy. If not, I still have the Tamron to get me by. Besides, I already purchased the damn adapter ring that allows me to use my nisi s5 with it, cumbersome, but saves me buying a whole set of new filters..

03-07-2019, 11:12 PM - 1 Like	#123
nocturnal Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 505	Originally posted by awscreo I'm also a landscape photographer, and that's the reason I want to reduce the weight of my kit. Hopefully the new 70-200 4 will be lighter than the 60-250. Range is nice, I agree. But I think I'd prefer a modern light and shard f4 zoom to take everywhere with me. Unfortunately f4 Uwa zoom is nowhere in sight so I'm using my 15-30 2.8 that is heavy as a brick, so I'm trying to save weight elsewhere I thought of the new 70-200 f4 too but you could be waiting a long long time yet for it. I use a K-70, DA15, DA 20-40 Limited and the 60-250... That is my hiking kit and the 250mm end is handy as it saves me carrying my F*300 f4.5 It took me years to settle on the above, I used to carry 7 primes etc. A complete pain in the bum

03-08-2019, 02:19 AM	#124
aurele Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Paris, France Photos: Albums Posts: 3,217	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock My DFA*70-200 is fabulous, but it's so big and heavy that it rarely gets packed, which kinda defeats the purpose. Pretty much the reason some stay with the old Tamron and Sigma @1.2kg or @1.4kg. The Pentax is really much better but at almost 2kg it's a pain to carry.

03-08-2019, 02:33 AM - 2 Likes	#125
nocturnal Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 505	Originally posted by aurele Pretty much the reason some stay with the old Tamron and Sigma @1.2kg or @1.4kg. The Pentax is really much better but at almost 2kg it's a pain to carry. Heavier gear also needs a heavier tripod too, all this starts compounding rather quickly and then the idea of just using your phone on long hikes starts to enter the mind. Whilst collecting my DA* 60-250 f4 I jokingly told the guy in the shop it was for street photography and he looked like this

03-08-2019, 04:38 AM	#126
Andrea K Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rome, Italy Posts: 822	Originally posted by MMVIII Wow! Colour me impressed! The black paint?

03-08-2019, 08:06 AM - 1 Like	#127
nocturnal Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 505	Originally posted by Andrea K The black paint? Yes, no ordinary black paint but derived from our nearest black hole at the centre of our galaxy. All light gets absorbed, never to reappear and good value at £11.99

03-08-2019, 08:16 AM	#128
aurele Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Paris, France Photos: Albums Posts: 3,217	Originally posted by nocturnal Heavier gear also needs a heavier tripod too, all this starts compounding rather quickly and then the idea of just using your phone on long hikes starts to enter the mind. I shot finals at the youth nationals of sportsclimbing two weeks ago. almost all 3 finals with the Tamron 70-200/2.8. I do a lot of sportclimbing ('cause it's my work ), so holding the camera should'nt really be an issue. After 2 finals of 70 mins each, holdind and shooting the last final was pretty hard on the wrist. I can't imagine shooting it with the Pentax 70-200/2.8. I can't imagine shooting it with a f4 lens. The f2.8 proved too usefull for AF speed and accuracy.

03-08-2019, 08:24 AM	#129
awscreo Veteran Member Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,722	Originally posted by aurele I shot finals at the youth nationals of sportsclimbing two weeks ago. almost all 3 finals with the Tamron 70-200/2.8. I do a lot of sportclimbing ('cause it's my work ), so holding the camera should'nt really be an issue. After 2 finals of 70 mins each, holdind and shooting the last final was pretty hard on the wrist. I can't imagine shooting it with the Pentax 70-200/2.8. I can't imagine shooting it with a f4 lens. The f2.8 proved too usefull for AF speed and accuracy. My dfa 28-105 is way better at focusing than Tamron (at least with my k-1), I'm sure dfa 70-200 4 will be also. Of course if 2.8 is needed for exposure than that's what you need. Thankfully my landscapes are not running anywhere)

03-08-2019, 08:34 AM	#130
MMVIII Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: EU Posts: 1,121	Originally posted by nocturnal Originally posted by Andrea K* The black paint? Yes, no ordinary black paint but derived from our nearest black hole at the centre of our galaxy. All light gets absorbed, never to reappear and good value at £11.99 Black 2.0, but only if you are not Anish Kapoor

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03-08-2019, 08:56 AM - 1 Like	#131
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,448	I have an F 70-210 and a DA60-250. It's going to have to be good to sell me copy. It's not likely to replace the 70-210 for smaller, fits nicely in the camera bag lens. And it's not likely to replace the 60-250 for IQ. The 250mm end of the 60-250 is really important to my shooting. And I have the DA200 2.8 if I want 200mm. But I am still waiting for the 20-35 ƒ4. More of what I have and nothing for what I don't have.

03-09-2019, 12:43 AM	#132
nocturnal Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 505	Originally posted by normhead I have an F 70-210 and a DA60-250. It's going to have to be good to sell me copy. It's not likely to replace the 70-210 for smaller, fits nicely in the camera bag lens. And it's not likely to replace the 60-250 for IQ. The 250mm end of the 60-250 is really important to my shooting. And I have the DA200 2.8 if I want 200mm. But I am still waiting for the 20-35 ƒ4. More of what I have and nothing for what I don't have. The new (when?) 70-200 f4 will have different and more natural colour than the DA* 60-250 f4 due to the HD coatings but better IQ I doubt it unless you consider more natural colour part of IQ which I suppose it can be (I am a big HD coat fan). BUT... It is designed as a FF lens so possibly better vignetting performance, no need for modification, I assume a ring motor will be used, not DC and AF will be quicker. Rounded blades will give the new lens creamier bokeh as opposed to the swirling type bokeh of the DA. I don't expect the new lens to be better than the DA 60-250 as it is not a star lens, saying that I think the HD DA 20-40 f2.8-f4 Limited is a better lens than the DA* 16-50 f2.8. It depends upon on what level of lens they are designing, for example, as good IQ as the DFA* 70-200 f2.8 but an f4 version for which they can't designate a star to.

03-09-2019, 01:57 AM	#133
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Originally posted by aurele I shot finals at the youth nationals of sportsclimbing two weeks ago. almost all 3 finals with the Tamron 70-200/2.8. I do a lot of sportclimbing ('cause it's my work ), so holding the camera should'nt really be an issue. After 2 finals of 70 mins each, holdind and shooting the last final was pretty hard on the wrist. I can't imagine shooting it with the Pentax 70-200/2.8. I can't imagine shooting it with a f4 lens. The f2.8 proved too usefull for AF speed and accuracy. actually DFA 70-200/2.8 is quite accurate and fast. given that it has nice handle, you really can hold it better than holding on that barrel. I balance my DFA just like using a rifle. most of the weight is not on my arm/wrist. Heie did good shooting quide. can’t remember where it was, but he has military background and using same technique help in photography also. I’m not saying it is easy, but good technique helps. also does monopod, which I find too restricting.

03-09-2019, 02:13 AM - 1 Like	#134
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,267	I have only ever used my DFA*70-200 hand held. Took it out to gig last night - reminded me what a great lens it is.

03-09-2019, 02:23 AM	#135
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Originally posted by nocturnal The new (when?) 70-200 f4 will have different and more natural colour than the DA* 60-250 f4 due to the HD coatings but better IQ I doubt it unless you consider more natural colour part of IQ which I suppose it can be (I am a big HD coat fan). BUT... It is designed as a FF lens so possibly better vignetting performance, no need for modification, I assume a ring motor will be used, not DC and AF will be quicker. Rounded blades will give the new lens creamier bokeh as opposed to the swirling type bokeh of the DA. I don't expect the new lens to be better than the DA 60-250 as it is not a star lens, saying that I think the HD DA 20-40 f2.8-f4 Limited is a better lens than the DA* 16-50 f2.8. It depends upon on what level of lens they are designing, for example, as good IQ as the DFA* 70-200 f2.8 but an f4 version for which they can't designate a star to. The da*60-250 was the first Pentax lens with aerobright coating. Not the current HD coating.