[BigMackCam]

For those interested, the complete review has been posted:

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

Another very nice review, Bernard - thank you.

I mentioned in the comments that one thing isn't emphasised - although it's there for anyone who takes notice - and that's the magnification of the 70-210 vs 60-250 at 210mm. Although the 70-210 clearly suffers from some focus breathing too, the effective focal length of the 60-250 at the test shot distance is considerably shorter, and this is one of the areas where I think the 70-210 scores big. For close range work at the long end, it seems to be a better choice if magnification is important.

Given the above, and the findings of the review, I think I'll stick to my current setup for APS-C - but full-frame users have a nice option in the 70-210/4, no doubt. Centre sharpness is very impressive indeed

[SSGGeezer]

For those interested, the complete review has been posted:

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

Very nice work as always Bernard! Thanks for your hard work.

[bdery]

Thanks for another great effort.

Another very nice review, Bernard - thank you.

Very nice work as always Bernard! Thanks for your hard work.

Thanks for the good words! It's always nice to know people do read the reviews, and find them useful.

[MJKoski]

Indeed, it is important you did the review the way you did. It seems like 60-250/4 is the better purchase. I do not like the way this new lens is priced here locally - the CaNikon version of the Tamron is 50% cheaper.

[nocturnal]

As I thought beforehand, the DA* 60-250 is still the winner for the landscape photographer.

The AF speed of the new lens is impressive, I wonder is it the new speed champion knocking the PLM 55-300 off the top spot.

Hmmmm that DA* 60-250 I bought is still making me as happy as ever considering I paid £359 for it and with a tripod foot... talking of which the DA* tripod mount is hugely better than that 3rd party collar monstrosity which lacks click stops. The DA* design is brilliant easily going from landscape to portrait orientation with a quick flick of the wrist, plus it can be removed much easier (obviously I'm a landscaper :-) ) I've used those collar tripod designs and they are severely lacking hence why Pentax should design all of it's own lenses.

Thanks for the great review bdery, of course people read them LoL and it makes a great archive review also!

[MJKoski]

Yes this is excellent review, now I will get a used 60-250 for modding it. Thank you!

[GregL564]

Thank you Bernard!!

[biz-engineer]

Nice review, well done. I would say, it's a good full frame lens, like many good full frame lens. Still not as good as high end primes or moving up one format.

[volley]

Thank you for the review Bernhard!
Once more a confirmation that my "workhorse" DA* 4/60-250 is an excellent lens.
Actually I enjoy it even more of FF than I did on APSC.

[MJKoski]

This is kind of weird. Pentax cameras are solid choices for landscaping and other subject which need detailed captures. Still, new Pentax designs are all portrait oriented AF lenses, with full field spec (AW). Maybe Pentax could pay a bit more attention to lenses suitable for subjects where the system is one of best, if not best, in the whole industry. Wide angles and even tilt/shift lenses. There do not require AF, just best in class resolution, flare performance, robustness and smooth operation.

[Reed]

This is kind of weird. Pentax cameras are solid choices for landscaping and other subject which need detailed captures. Still, new Pentax designs are all portrait oriented AF lenses, with full field spec (AW). Maybe Pentax could pay a bit more attention to lenses suitable for subjects where the system is one of best, if not best, in the whole industry. Wide angles and even tilt/shift lenses. There do not require AF, just best in class resolution, flare performance, robustness and smooth operation.

There is quite a bunch non portrait lenses in the current portfolio that can be used for landscape, but there is little to none of modern genuine and pro grade Pentax portrait solutions at hand. Of those dedicated we have DFA*50/1.4, upcoming DFA*85/1.4 and what else? FA 77/1.9 and DFA 100/2.8 are on the market for decades now. Next on the road should be more suited for landscape still not named DFA* ~24/28mm lens. Remember that most recent release before the 70-210/4 was those of 11-18/2.8 and refreshed HD FA 35/2 that IMO both are decent for landscape shooters.

[MJKoski]

But. How many AW specced wide angle options do I have for my K-1? Waiting since 2016.

I really do use my gear in "bad" conditions and would sincerely welcome added safety.

[Reed]

No more no less than 0 I'm afraid for FF. But on the other hand you have only D-FA*50/1.4 now for FF that meet that condition and that could be considered a portrait lens, there is a D-FA* 70-200/2.8 that is AW but as portrait shooter myself, I just find it to big and heavy and often intimidating for some models... I joked with one girl in studio that when you bring out this lens from the case for a newbie model its like the scene with Stuntman Mike in "Deathproof"... "Is it my scar that frightens you? I'ts your car..., Sorry it's my mom's car" just place the lens there

[Kunzite]

As FF UWA, there's the 15-30, which is not AW but WR.

[bdery]

Once more a confirmation that my "workhorse" DA* 4/60-250 is an excellent lens.
Actually I enjoy it even more of FF than I did on APSC.

I, too, actually prefer the 60-250 on full frame.

new Pentax designs are all portrait oriented AF lenses

I see what you mean, but the lineup does have many recent lenses well suited for landscapes : 28-105, 15-30, 11-18 on APS-C, 50 (what a lens), as well as some older but still excellent products. There is a lack of a wide prime, something wider than the 31 but in a small format. A return of the FA* 24, maybe, or a 20.

In the meantime, Rokinon/Samyang, Irix, Venus all offer valid options.