For Sale - Sold: Must Sell - Make me an offer: FA* 28-70mm f/2.8

**loveisageless** · 03-04-2016, 08:08 PM

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Still available?

Bump!

lxmouseustc · 03-05-2016, 04:02 PM

According to the comparison between this one and the new DFA 24-70, the 70mm performance of this old lens is really disappointing. But the color is really beautiful, it's good for landscapes.

crfulton · 03-05-2016, 04:53 PM

Originally posted by Katsura

Hey folks,

This is the last Pentax lens I got left. make me a sensible offer and I will consider it.

- $800 FA* 28-70mm F/2.8, Excellent condition optically and mechanically, Power Zoom functions on compatible bodies, Cosmetically good apart from some paint scratch near PZ-switch, comes with original hood, caps.

Payment via Paypal or bank transfer (preferred) - for seller feedback pls see my profile..

---------- Post added 08-03-2015 at 11:02 PM ----------

Bump for Tuesday

---------- Post added 08-05-2015 at 12:42 AM ----------

Bump for Wednesday

I am interested, pm sent let me know!

**sholtzma** · 03-05-2016, 05:13 PM - **1 Like**

The general knock on this lens is that wide open at 70mm is its weakest spot. But it doesn't have many weak spots. And, yes, I'm sure that a brand new, HD lens 2 times more costly would yield better IQ. But that's a "duh", no?

It's still a damn good lens. If I could justify owning two, I'd have bought this one already.

Last edited by sholtzma; 03-11-2016 at 08:30 AM.

Katsura · 03-05-2016, 06:02 PM

Thank you for the continued endorsement - I did my own comparison a few years back with the full frame Tamron B007 (SP 24-70), And my conclusion is the Tamron wins on the tele end while the Pentax destroys it on the wide end (even if 007 zoomed to 28mm).
However, the most difference and my personal preference is in the colour and rendering quality of the FA*.
Call it whatever you want, the colours are just more true to life and pleasing on the FA*, the 007 had a noticeable yellow cast. The smoothness of transition and micro-contrast is beautiful on the FA*. The Bokeh ain't bad for a zoom either.
As sholtzma said, if you really want to compare sharpness of 2 lens 3 decades apart, then maybe the FA* isn't for you. We often forget a lens is far more than sharpness.
Having said that I personally haven't used the HD Pentax (which really is just a re-coated newer version Tamron). Alas, I have none other Pentax gear left to do test shoots.

Butch5 · 03-07-2016, 07:34 PM

Wow, I'm amazed that this lens hasn't sold in such a long time. I've had mine for about 9 years and for most of that time it was the only wide lens I had. I love this lens. I find that the FA's tend to have wonderful color rendition whereas the newer lenses seem more blue to me. Guys, you can't go wrong with this lens!

Cambo · 03-08-2016, 09:32 AM

Originally posted by lxmouseustc

According to the comparison between this one and the new DFA 24-70, the 70mm performance of this old lens is really disappointing. But the color is really beautiful, it's good for landscapes.

Originally posted by sholtzma

The general knock on this lens is that wide open at 70mm is its weakest spot. But it doesn't have many weak spots. And, yes, I'm sure that a brand new, HD lens 3 times more costly would yield better IQ. But that's a "duh", no?

It's still a damn good lens. If I could justify owning two, I'd have bought this one already.

Virtually unusable...I don't know how you can even take pictures with it...I'd be embarrassed to show my friends...I'll give you 50 bucks for it...

Originally posted by Katsura

Thank you for the continued endorsement - I did my own comparison a few years back with the full frame Tamron B007 (SP 24-70), And my conclusion is the Tamron wins on the tele end while the Pentax destroys it on the wide end (even if 007 zoomed to 28mm).
However, the most difference and my personal preference is in the colour and rendering quality of the FA*.
Call it whatever you want, the colours are just more true to life and pleasing on the FA*, the 007 had a noticeable yellow cast. The smoothness of transition and micro-contrast is beautiful on the FA*. The Bokeh ain't bad for a zoom either.
As sholtzma said, if you really want to compare sharpness of 2 lens 3 decades apart, then maybe the FA* isn't for you. We often forget a lens is far more than sharpness.
Having said that I personally haven't used the HD Pentax (which really is just a re-coated newer version Tamron). Alas, I have none other Pentax gear left to do test shoots.

One of the greatest lenses in the history of lenses.

Cheers,
Cameron

Katsura · 03-08-2016, 04:58 PM

Beautiful portrait.

**sholtzma** · 03-08-2016, 05:42 PM

You know, maybe if we all scheme together quietly, we can convince Katsura that the lens IS pure garbage. Then, he'll lower the price to $100 and I can snap up the lens before you other clods figure out what a steal this lens is..... Now, let's start by agreeing that we'll all post that we think that this lens is garbage, that the new Tamron is great, and that this lens is overpriced.

Katsura won't know what hit him! ;-)

Katsura · 03-09-2016, 01:47 AM

Did someone mention it's a garbage lens? Oh dear I must have over paid for it all those years ago...
I found the 70 end works great on the APS-C for portraits, on my new mount (M4/3), I have now picked up an Olympus M.Zuiko 75mm to do similar work (of course the Zuiko is 150mm equiv and thus actually a lot restricted(leg works, hard to get a full body shot, but good for half body) compared with the FA zoom.

**wizofoz** · 03-09-2016, 02:02 AM

OK, Ok, my LBA has been in remission for some time, but with the advent of the K-1, there are new stirrings. PM sent.

Katsura · 03-10-2016, 06:23 PM

Looks like everyone raves how good this lens is but no one wants to pay the fair price for it. Rather buy the $1500+ Tamron.

Katsura · 03-11-2016, 10:24 PM

Originally posted by Pepe Guitarra

Pentax FA SMC 28 70mm F2 8 F 2 8 Al Standard Zoom Lens | eBay

I'd happily take $750 for mine but the offer so far are $450, $600 and $680 and they want shipping included. Obviously I want it to sell because it's sitting gathering dust (figure of speech, it's in my climate controlled lens cabinet) and I'd rather it out there taking photos but low balling is not going to lower the price. I have not had trouble selling any of my other dozen or so Pentax lens here so why this one?

P.S> For anyone who thinks the hood doesn't help this lens you've not used one before - it's not an internal zoom and the barrel extends a couple of inches out when zoomed, the lens hood is designed to envelope the extended barrel.

Wild Mark · 03-12-2016, 02:03 AM - **1 Like**

I am surprised a moderator hasn't got heavy on all this price discussion (OP excluded - they are allowed to). I got in to all sorts of trouble for comments a 1/10th as overt as comments here.

The OP has made a price and that is that. I think we need to be fair to the seller and NOT undermine their attempts to sell this awesome lens.

Just my two bobs worth.

**monochrome** · 03-12-2016, 07:54 AM

Price discussions in a FS thread in the Marketplace are a violation of Forum Marketplace rules.

---------- Post added 03-12-16 at 09:55 AM ----------

Originally posted by Wild Mark

I am surprised a moderator hasn't got heavy on all this price discussion (OP excluded - they are allowed to). I got in to all sorts of trouble for comments a 1/10th as overt as comments here.

The OP has made a price and that is that. I think we need to be fair to the seller and NOT undermine their attempts to sell this awesome lens.

Just my two bobs worth.

Beat me to it. Clear violation.

03-08-2016, 09:32 AM	#37
Cambo Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,016 Feedback Score: 3 (100%)	Yeah, just awful... Originally posted by lxmouseustc According to the comparison between this one and the new DFA 24-70, the 70mm performance of this old lens is really disappointing. But the color is really beautiful, it's good for landscapes. Originally posted by sholtzma The general knock on this lens is that wide open at 70mm is its weakest spot. But it doesn't have many weak spots. And, yes, I'm sure that a brand new, HD lens 3 times more costly would yield better IQ. But that's a "duh", no? It's still a damn good lens. If I could justify owning two, I'd have bought this one already. Virtually unusable...I don't know how you can even take pictures with it...I'd be embarrassed to show my friends...I'll give you 50 bucks for it... Originally posted by Katsura Thank you for the continued endorsement - I did my own comparison a few years back with the full frame Tamron B007 (SP 24-70), And my conclusion is the Tamron wins on the tele end while the Pentax destroys it on the wide end (even if 007 zoomed to 28mm). However, the most difference and my personal preference is in the colour and rendering quality of the FA. Call it whatever you want, the colours are just more true to life and pleasing on the FA, the 007 had a noticeable yellow cast. The smoothness of transition and micro-contrast is beautiful on the FA. The Bokeh ain't bad for a zoom either. As sholtzma said, if you really want to compare sharpness of 2 lens 3 decades apart, then maybe the FA isn't for you. We often forget a lens is far more than sharpness. Having said that I personally haven't used the HD Pentax (which really is just a re-coated newer version Tamron). Alas, I have none other Pentax gear left to do test shoots. One of the greatest lenses in the history of lenses. Cheers, Cameron

03-11-2016, 10:24 PM	#43
Katsura Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Noosa, Queesnland Posts: 199 Feedback Score: 5 (100%) Original Poster	Originally posted by Pepe Guitarra Pentax FA SMC 28 70mm F2 8 F 2 8 Al Standard Zoom Lens \| eBay I'd happily take $750 for mine but the offer so far are $450, $600 and $680 and they want shipping included. Obviously I want it to sell because it's sitting gathering dust (figure of speech, it's in my climate controlled lens cabinet) and I'd rather it out there taking photos but low balling is not going to lower the price. I have not had trouble selling any of my other dozen or so Pentax lens here so why this one? P.S> For anyone who thinks the hood doesn't help this lens you've not used one before - it's not an internal zoom and the barrel extends a couple of inches out when zoomed, the lens hood is designed to envelope the extended barrel. Last edited by Katsura; 03-12-2016 at 01:48 AM.

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03-04-2016, 08:08 PM	#31
loveisageless Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Oakland, California Posts: 1,250 Feedback Score: 123 (100%)	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Still available? Bump!

03-05-2016, 04:02 PM	#32
lxmouseustc New Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 9 Feedback Score: 0 (0%)	According to the comparison between this one and the new DFA 24-70, the 70mm performance of this old lens is really disappointing. But the color is really beautiful, it's good for landscapes.

03-05-2016, 04:53 PM	#33
crfulton Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 30 Feedback Score: 0 (0%)	Originally posted by Katsura Hey folks, This is the last Pentax lens I got left. make me a sensible offer and I will consider it. - $800 FA* 28-70mm F/2.8, Excellent condition optically and mechanically, Power Zoom functions on compatible bodies, Cosmetically good apart from some paint scratch near PZ-switch, comes with original hood, caps. Payment via Paypal or bank transfer (preferred) - for seller feedback pls see my profile.. ---------- Post added 08-03-2015 at 11:02 PM ---------- Bump for Tuesday ---------- Post added 08-05-2015 at 12:42 AM ---------- Bump for Wednesday I am interested, pm sent let me know!

03-05-2016, 05:13 PM - 1 Like	#34
sholtzma Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Salisbury, NC Posts: 1,043 Feedback Score: 46 (100%)	The general knock on this lens is that wide open at 70mm is its weakest spot. But it doesn't have many weak spots. And, yes, I'm sure that a brand new, HD lens 2 times more costly would yield better IQ. But that's a "duh", no? It's still a damn good lens. If I could justify owning two, I'd have bought this one already. Last edited by sholtzma; 03-11-2016 at 08:30 AM.

03-05-2016, 06:02 PM	#35
Katsura Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Noosa, Queesnland Posts: 199 Feedback Score: 5 (100%) Original Poster	Thank you for the continued endorsement - I did my own comparison a few years back with the full frame Tamron B007 (SP 24-70), And my conclusion is the Tamron wins on the tele end while the Pentax destroys it on the wide end (even if 007 zoomed to 28mm). However, the most difference and my personal preference is in the colour and rendering quality of the FA. Call it whatever you want, the colours are just more true to life and pleasing on the FA, the 007 had a noticeable yellow cast. The smoothness of transition and micro-contrast is beautiful on the FA. The Bokeh ain't bad for a zoom either. As sholtzma said, if you really want to compare sharpness of 2 lens 3 decades apart, then maybe the FA isn't for you. We often forget a lens is far more than sharpness. Having said that I personally haven't used the HD Pentax (which really is just a re-coated newer version Tamron). Alas, I have none other Pentax gear left to do test shoots.

03-07-2016, 07:34 PM	#36
Butch5 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Georgia Posts: 69 Feedback Score: 1 (100%)	Wow, I'm amazed that this lens hasn't sold in such a long time. I've had mine for about 9 years and for most of that time it was the only wide lens I had. I love this lens. I find that the FA's tend to have wonderful color rendition whereas the newer lenses seem more blue to me. Guys, you can't go wrong with this lens!

03-08-2016, 04:58 PM	#38
Katsura Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Noosa, Queesnland Posts: 199 Feedback Score: 5 (100%) Original Poster	Beautiful portrait.

03-08-2016, 05:42 PM	#39
sholtzma Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Salisbury, NC Posts: 1,043 Feedback Score: 46 (100%)	You know, maybe if we all scheme together quietly, we can convince Katsura that the lens IS pure garbage. Then, he'll lower the price to $100 and I can snap up the lens before you other clods figure out what a steal this lens is..... Now, let's start by agreeing that we'll all post that we think that this lens is garbage, that the new Tamron is great, and that this lens is overpriced. Katsura won't know what hit him! ;-)

03-09-2016, 01:47 AM	#40
Katsura Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Noosa, Queesnland Posts: 199 Feedback Score: 5 (100%) Original Poster	Did someone mention it's a garbage lens? Oh dear I must have over paid for it all those years ago... I found the 70 end works great on the APS-C for portraits, on my new mount (M4/3), I have now picked up an Olympus M.Zuiko 75mm to do similar work (of course the Zuiko is 150mm equiv and thus actually a lot restricted(leg works, hard to get a full body shot, but good for half body) compared with the FA zoom.

03-09-2016, 02:02 AM	#41
wizofoz Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Melbourne, Outer east. Posts: 1,695 Feedback Score: 7 (100%)	OK, Ok, my LBA has been in remission for some time, but with the advent of the K-1, there are new stirrings. PM sent.

03-10-2016, 06:23 PM	#42
Katsura Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Noosa, Queesnland Posts: 199 Feedback Score: 5 (100%) Original Poster	Looks like everyone raves how good this lens is but no one wants to pay the fair price for it. Rather buy the $1500+ Tamron.

03-12-2016, 02:03 AM - 1 Like	#44
Wild Mark Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Newcastle Posts: 1,954 Feedback Score: 8 (100%)	I am surprised a moderator hasn't got heavy on all this price discussion (OP excluded - they are allowed to). I got in to all sorts of trouble for comments a 1/10th as overt as comments here. The OP has made a price and that is that. I think we need to be fair to the seller and NOT undermine their attempts to sell this awesome lens. Just my two bobs worth.

03-12-2016, 07:54 AM	#45
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Posts: 26,276 Feedback Score: 159 (99%)	Price discussions in a FS thread in the Marketplace are a violation of Forum Marketplace rules. ---------- Post added 03-12-16 at 09:55 AM ---------- Originally posted by Wild Mark I am surprised a moderator hasn't got heavy on all this price discussion (OP excluded - they are allowed to). I got in to all sorts of trouble for comments a 1/10th as overt as comments here. The OP has made a price and that is that. I think we need to be fair to the seller and NOT undermine their attempts to sell this awesome lens. Just my two bobs worth. Beat me to it. Clear violation.