HD Pentax-D FA 70-210mm f/4 ED SDM WR

bdery · 04-09-2020, 06:08 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by Serkevan

*Timidly raises hand. I'd certainly consider it (if it were under 600g) although I'm already really happy with the 28-105 , so it probably wouldn't be a first priority buy at this point...

On the other hand, I would probably prefer a FF version of the 20-40, or maybe an update of the FA20-35 F4 with better coatings / CA handling, while (wishful thinking) keeping straight aperture blades. I don't want smooth bokeh with a wide lens, but I do want starbursts.

**Serkevan** · 04-09-2020, 06:14 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by bdery

On the other hand, I would probably prefer a FF version of the 20-40, or maybe an update of the FA20-35 F4 with better coatings / CA handling, while (wishful thinking) keeping straight aperture blades. I don't want smooth bokeh with a wide lens, but I do want starbursts.

A 30-60 would be interesting enough to be a Pentax idea.

Personally, give me a full frame 15 LTD with the same starbursts and flare resistance and I wouldn't even need a zoom. D FA 20/4 Limited? I'd be down for it.

normhead · 04-09-2020, 06:37 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by bdery

On the other hand, I would probably prefer a FF version of the 20-40, or maybe an update of the FA20-35 F4 with better coatings / CA handling, while (wishful thinking) keeping straight aperture blades. I don't want smooth bokeh with a wide lens, but I do want starbursts.

It's getting to be hard to believe they haven't resurrected the 20-35.... it's supposed to be a field camera.... that being said, I sometimes carry my FAJ 18-35 and rarely use it. I'd buy a 20-35 just to fill the gap, but since I already own the FAJ and Rokinon 14, I am seriously aware of how little I'd use these lenses. I Just want one to complete the collection.

MJKoski · 04-09-2020, 06:52 AM

Yes please, wide zoom or better Zeiss 21/2.8 Distagon replacement for K-mount. And, of course, an option to swap fresh purchase of 70-210/4 for free to this new wide angle. I am sure some people have purchased 70-210/4 just because it is a new lens for their FF setup but what they really wanted was a wide angle prime.

biz-engineer · 04-09-2020, 07:40 AM

Originally posted by normhead

It's getting to be hard to believe they haven't resurrected the 20-35...

The FA 20-35 price on ebay increased quite a lot since the introduction of the K1. Last time I looked I could see some for sale from Japan, around >$500 if I remember correctly.

MJKoski · 04-09-2020, 07:47 AM

It is even more expensive now. And on top of that there will be additional costs due to importing a mint lens from Japan.

mbukal · 04-09-2020, 08:22 AM

Originally posted by Serkevan

*Timidly raises hand. I'd certainly consider it (if it were under 600g) although I'm already really happy with the 28-105

, so it probably wouldn't be a first priority buy at this point...

DFA 24-90 / 4 + DFA 70-210 / 4 + K1 + AF360FGZ ll = Satisfied advanced Pentax user (more expensive option, smaller range, constant aperture and higher quality optics), variable aperture (cheaper option, larger range, lower optical quality) = for beginners, the f2.8 big aperture and more (the most expensive option, prime, premium optical quality) = for professionals, all combined for the specific needs and financial capabilities of users = for all Pentax photo equipment users and loyal members as and a big draw for new Pentax quality fans

bdery · 04-09-2020, 09:01 AM

This is getting off-topic, but interesting

Originally posted by Serkevan

Personally, give me a full frame 15 LTD with the same starbursts and flare resistance and I wouldn't even need a zoom. D FA 20/4 Limited? I'd be down for it.

Either of those, with the ability to create starbursts, would find an immediate place in my bag.

Originally posted by normhead

It's getting to be hard to believe they haven't resurrected the 20-35.... it's supposed to be a field camera.... that being said, I sometimes carry my FAJ 18-35 and rarely use it. I'd buy a 20-35 just to fill the gap, but since I already own the FAJ and Rokinon 14, I am seriously aware of how little I'd use these lenses. I Just want one to complete the collection.

I have a love-hate relationship with the FA20-35. I want to love it, and oftentimes I do. It gives me a wider FOV which I often appreciate (but I should use it more indoors). The images just lack that magic which other lenses have.

Mistral75 · 04-09-2020, 10:09 AM

Originally posted by bdery

(...) to be fair, the 15-30 has fewer "weak points" than the 70-210.

The 15-30mm f/2.8 is an SP(1) lens made in Japan. The 70-210mm f/4 is a non-SP lens made in Vietnam.

(1) SP stands for Superior Performance and indicates a high-end Tamron lens.

**TwoUptons** · 04-09-2020, 12:41 PM

Originally posted by mbukal

DFA 24-90 / 4 + DFA 70-210 / 4 + K1 + AF360FGZ ll = Satisfied advanced Pentax user (more expensive option, smaller range, constant aperture and higher quality optics), variable aperture (cheaper option, larger range, lower optical quality) = for beginners, the f2.8 big aperture and more (the most expensive option, prime, premium optical quality) = for professionals, all combined for the specific needs and financial capabilities of users = for all Pentax photo equipment users and loyal members as and a big draw for new Pentax quality fans

I think people are bringing up the 20-35 range because it matches with the DFA 28-105 and DFA 70-210 f4 so well for the same intermediate user you're after...
And it complements the 15-30/24-70/70-210 f2.8 professional trinity...

I don't think there really are "beginners" like there used to be for full frame SLRs... not in any quantity, anyway...

-Eric

house · 04-09-2020, 12:59 PM

Originally posted by Serkevan

A 30-60 would be interesting enough to be a Pentax idea.

Personally, give me a full frame 15 LTD with the same starbursts and flare resistance and I wouldn't even need a zoom. D FA 20/4 Limited? I'd be down for it.

I'd prefer if they didn't make it a limited. There's a price penalty on the jewellery aspect that I'm not very keen on. DFA 4/20 however... that would be amazing! That's all I'm waiting for. da 15 ltd equivalent but with slightly tuned compromises. A bit bigger (relatively) and better corner performance. F4 is fine though. It's a real shame so few brands produce slow primes.

**BigMackCam** · 04-09-2020, 01:04 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by house

I'd prefer if they didn't make it a limited. There's a price penalty on the jewellery aspect that I'm not very keen on.

In fairness, there's a lot more to appreciate in a Limited lens than the "jewellery aspect"...

You Tube

**Serkevan** · 04-09-2020, 01:10 PM

Originally posted by house

I'd prefer if they didn't make it a limited. There's a price penalty on the jewellery aspect that I'm not very keen on. DFA 4/20 however... that would be amazing! That's all I'm waiting for. da 15 ltd equivalent but with slightly tuned compromises. A bit bigger (relatively) and better corner performance. F4 is fine though. It's a real shame so few brands produce slow primes.

Well, I'm speaking from the perspective of someone who preferred getting a 45-year-old M20/4 with corners than a similar amount of money for a bigger, much wider, "better" modern lens like the Samyang 14/2.8 or splurging a bit more for an Irix 15 or similar...

My driving decision was size; while I seldom use UWA lenses and I wouldn't be willing to carry a bigger lens, I was kicking myself over not having an UWA often enough that I didn't hesitate with the expense - and it's technically my second most expensive lens (so far; I'm eyeing the 77 but it's difficult to justify the cost when my Tamron 90/2.5 already makes beautiful images...). If it weren't for the Limited-like size I wouldn't carry it with me. As it is, I always throw it in my bag or a big pocket.

bdery · 04-20-2020, 04:58 AM - **9 Likes**

For those interested, the complete review has been posted:

Pentax D FA 70-210mm Review Posted - Review Announcements | PentaxForums.com

normhead · 04-20-2020, 05:13 AM

Originally posted by bdery

For those interested, the complete review has been posted:

Pentax D FA 70-210mm Review Posted - Review Announcements | PentaxForums.com

Thanks for another great effort.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Hd pentax-d fa 24-70 mm f2.8 ed sdm wr	Albi56	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	9	07-21-2019 11:47 AM
For Sale - Sold: Pentax HD D-FA 15-30mm F/2.8 SDM WR ED Lens w/Fotodiox Wonderpana Filter System	jda17	Sold Items	2	06-24-2019 09:26 PM

04-09-2020, 06:08 AM - 3 Likes	#1411
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by Serkevan *Timidly raises hand. I'd certainly consider it (if it were under 600g) although I'm already really happy with the 28-105 , so it probably wouldn't be a first priority buy at this point... On the other hand, I would probably prefer a FF version of the 20-40, or maybe an update of the FA20-35 F4 with better coatings / CA handling, while (wishful thinking) keeping straight aperture blades. I don't want smooth bokeh with a wide lens, but I do want starbursts.

04-09-2020, 06:14 AM - 2 Likes	#1412
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	Originally posted by bdery On the other hand, I would probably prefer a FF version of the 20-40, or maybe an update of the FA20-35 F4 with better coatings / CA handling, while (wishful thinking) keeping straight aperture blades. I don't want smooth bokeh with a wide lens, but I do want starbursts. A 30-60 would be interesting enough to be a Pentax idea. Personally, give me a full frame 15 LTD with the same starbursts and flare resistance and I wouldn't even need a zoom. D FA 20/4 Limited? I'd be down for it.

04-09-2020, 06:37 AM - 1 Like	#1413
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by bdery On the other hand, I would probably prefer a FF version of the 20-40, or maybe an update of the FA20-35 F4 with better coatings / CA handling, while (wishful thinking) keeping straight aperture blades. I don't want smooth bokeh with a wide lens, but I do want starbursts. It's getting to be hard to believe they haven't resurrected the 20-35.... it's supposed to be a field camera.... that being said, I sometimes carry my FAJ 18-35 and rarely use it. I'd buy a 20-35 just to fill the gap, but since I already own the FAJ and Rokinon 14, I am seriously aware of how little I'd use these lenses. I Just want one to complete the collection.

04-09-2020, 06:52 AM	#1414
MJKoski Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 1,784	Yes please, wide zoom or better Zeiss 21/2.8 Distagon replacement for K-mount. And, of course, an option to swap fresh purchase of 70-210/4 for free to this new wide angle. I am sure some people have purchased 70-210/4 just because it is a new lens for their FF setup but what they really wanted was a wide angle prime.

04-09-2020, 07:40 AM	#1415
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,231	Originally posted by normhead It's getting to be hard to believe they haven't resurrected the 20-35... The FA 20-35 price on ebay increased quite a lot since the introduction of the K1. Last time I looked I could see some for sale from Japan, around >$500 if I remember correctly.

04-09-2020, 07:47 AM	#1416
MJKoski Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 1,784	It is even more expensive now. And on top of that there will be additional costs due to importing a mint lens from Japan.

04-09-2020, 08:22 AM	#1417
mbukal Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: zagreb Posts: 668	Originally posted by Serkevan *Timidly raises hand. I'd certainly consider it (if it were under 600g) although I'm already really happy with the 28-105 , so it probably wouldn't be a first priority buy at this point... DFA 24-90 / 4 + DFA 70-210 / 4 + K1 + AF360FGZ ll = Satisfied advanced Pentax user (more expensive option, smaller range, constant aperture and higher quality optics), variable aperture (cheaper option, larger range, lower optical quality) = for beginners, the f2.8 big aperture and more (the most expensive option, prime, premium optical quality) = for professionals, all combined for the specific needs and financial capabilities of users = for all Pentax photo equipment users and loyal members as and a big draw for new Pentax quality fans

04-09-2020, 09:01 AM	#1418
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	This is getting off-topic, but interesting Originally posted by Serkevan Personally, give me a full frame 15 LTD with the same starbursts and flare resistance and I wouldn't even need a zoom. D FA 20/4 Limited? I'd be down for it. Either of those, with the ability to create starbursts, would find an immediate place in my bag. Originally posted by normhead It's getting to be hard to believe they haven't resurrected the 20-35.... it's supposed to be a field camera.... that being said, I sometimes carry my FAJ 18-35 and rarely use it. I'd buy a 20-35 just to fill the gap, but since I already own the FAJ and Rokinon 14, I am seriously aware of how little I'd use these lenses. I Just want one to complete the collection. I have a love-hate relationship with the FA20-35. I want to love it, and oftentimes I do. It gives me a wider FOV which I often appreciate (but I should use it more indoors). The images just lack that magic which other lenses have.

04-09-2020, 10:09 AM	#1419
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 7,527 Original Poster	Originally posted by bdery (...) to be fair, the 15-30 has fewer "weak points" than the 70-210. The 15-30mm f/2.8 is an SP(1) lens made in Japan. The 70-210mm f/4 is a non-SP lens made in Vietnam. (1) SP stands for Superior Performance and indicates a high-end Tamron lens.

04-09-2020, 12:41 PM	#1420
TwoUptons Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,213	Originally posted by mbukal DFA 24-90 / 4 + DFA 70-210 / 4 + K1 + AF360FGZ ll = Satisfied advanced Pentax user (more expensive option, smaller range, constant aperture and higher quality optics), variable aperture (cheaper option, larger range, lower optical quality) = for beginners, the f2.8 big aperture and more (the most expensive option, prime, premium optical quality) = for professionals, all combined for the specific needs and financial capabilities of users = for all Pentax photo equipment users and loyal members as and a big draw for new Pentax quality fans I think people are bringing up the 20-35 range because it matches with the DFA 28-105 and DFA 70-210 f4 so well for the same intermediate user you're after... And it complements the 15-30/24-70/70-210 f2.8 professional trinity... I don't think there really are "beginners" like there used to be for full frame SLRs... not in any quantity, anyway... -Eric

04-09-2020, 12:59 PM	#1421
house Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,306	Originally posted by Serkevan A 30-60 would be interesting enough to be a Pentax idea. Personally, give me a full frame 15 LTD with the same starbursts and flare resistance and I wouldn't even need a zoom. D FA 20/4 Limited? I'd be down for it. I'd prefer if they didn't make it a limited. There's a price penalty on the jewellery aspect that I'm not very keen on. DFA 4/20 however... that would be amazing! That's all I'm waiting for. da 15 ltd equivalent but with slightly tuned compromises. A bit bigger (relatively) and better corner performance. F4 is fine though. It's a real shame so few brands produce slow primes.

04-09-2020, 01:10 PM	#1423
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	Originally posted by house I'd prefer if they didn't make it a limited. There's a price penalty on the jewellery aspect that I'm not very keen on. DFA 4/20 however... that would be amazing! That's all I'm waiting for. da 15 ltd equivalent but with slightly tuned compromises. A bit bigger (relatively) and better corner performance. F4 is fine though. It's a real shame so few brands produce slow primes. Well, I'm speaking from the perspective of someone who preferred getting a 45-year-old M20/4 with corners than a similar amount of money for a bigger, much wider, "better" modern lens like the Samyang 14/2.8 or splurging a bit more for an Irix 15 or similar... My driving decision was size; while I seldom use UWA lenses and I wouldn't be willing to carry a bigger lens, I was kicking myself over not having an UWA often enough that I didn't hesitate with the expense - and it's technically my second most expensive lens (so far; I'm eyeing the 77 but it's difficult to justify the cost when my Tamron 90/2.5 already makes beautiful images...). If it weren't for the Limited-like size I wouldn't carry it with me. As it is, I always throw it in my bag or a big pocket.

04-20-2020, 04:58 AM - 9 Likes	#1424
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	For those interested, the complete review has been posted: Pentax D FA 70-210mm Review Posted - Review Announcements \| PentaxForums.com

04-20-2020, 05:13 AM	#1425
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by bdery For those interested, the complete review has been posted: Pentax D FA 70-210mm Review Posted - Review Announcements \| PentaxForums.com Thanks for another great effort.