PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing Item for Sale
Pentax FA 80-200mm F4.7-5.6
Asking Price 40 USD Price drop! Now $30 USD
Item Location
Lancaster, PA (United States)
Item Description SMC Pentax-FA 80-200mm F4.7-5.6 zoom lens - I originally used this with my Pentax *ist 35mm camera, and later it got regular use on a Pentax K-x digital body.
I've listed the overall condition of the lens as "Good"; the lens was recently professionally cleaned and, as such, the elements are quite clean. No dust, no fungus, no haze. A rather large dust bogie lived in this lens since the day I got it, but the cleaning has taken care of that issue. The excellent optics condition is offset by a few handling marks, a light scuff, and a few flecks of paint missing from the lens barrel, hence the merely "Good" condition.
This lens gets only luke-warm responses in the PF lens review section, but it does have some positive aspects: The lens is mostly plastic, including the mount, and as such is very light. The zoom ring isn't especially damped and the focus ring does not give very much resistance. Some of my other Pentax lenses have been this way. However, both rings move smoothly as they should. Some reviewers complain the lens is soft, but my included sample images demonstrate the lens can give modestly good results when used properly. Like most lenses, this one gets better sharpness when stopped down a little.
The sample images include a 100% pixel crop on the right for those interested in seeing the sharpness of the lens. The first image was shot at 80mm, wide open at f/4.5. The second image was shot at 100mm at f/8. The final image was shot at about 180mm at f/8. I have found the lens to be reasonably sharp up to about 180mm stopped down one f-stop. At it's longest focal length f/9.5 or f/11 gives best results. As with most lenses, one can see some purple fringing on subjects in contra-lighting conditions. All of these images were shot with my K-5ii. Realistically, I think the resolving power of the lens is better suited to an older or lower resolution DSLR like the K10d or K-x.
I hope this lens can find a new home. If you're just getting into photography and want an inexpensive, medium telephoto zoom, this lens can work well for you when used properly. Of course, since the lens has an aperture ring it can be used with older film bodies, too, like the *ist 35mm or MZ-5. I do not have a hood to include with the lens, although using one does improve the image quality a good deal. There are plenty of inexpensive metal hoods available on auction sites. Be sure to get one meant for a telephoto zoom, not a wide angle shade. The lens will come with its original front and rear caps, papers, and box.
PayPal fees are included in the price. I'm asking a flat $6 for shipping. The actual shipping will likely be higher, but I will absorb any extra shipping cost.
Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
Yes
Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling
Item Condition (Key)
Used
Good
Shipping Destinations
Continental U.S. Only
Shipping Charge
$6
Shipping Services
USPS, FedEx
Accepted Payment Types
PayPal
Return Policy & Additional Details
Returns accepted if items arrive not as described. Buyer must return items within 7 days of original receipt. Buyer pays return shipping, and shipping must include the appropriate insurance coverage for the value of the item. Please contact me before returning items.
Please send me a
private message if interested in the item!
Last edited by LowVoltage; 12-01-2013 at 06:21 AM.
Reason: price drop
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