Pentax-FA 645 80-160mm - how is this one?

phonoline · 12-30-2011, 01:09 PM

I have the chance to get this one for 430 Euros in mint condition - is it worth the money in terms of sharpness? How does it behave wide open and at the different focal distances? Has anyone tested it for portraits? The lens database has only one relatively general comment.
Let me know, thanks everyone!

hcc · 12-30-2011, 02:04 PM

Check the user reviews:
Pentax-FA 645 80-160mm F4.5 Reviews - 645 Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

With only one price, it s difficult to assess the real value of the lens, but you may contact the PF member directly to seek for more info.

Hope that the comment may help,....

phonoline · 12-30-2011, 02:14 PM

Hi HCC, thanks but I have of course looked there first but am not convinced. Too general, that review.

itshimitis · 12-30-2011, 02:20 PM

I have the A version which isn't bad, can't judge the FA version...

derAngler · 12-30-2011, 05:39 PM

I just bought the A-Version of the lens and use it on a 645D. It is not as good as the 75mm, 120mm or 150mm prime lenses when used at the same aperture settings, as you would suggest. The sweet spot for sharpness is f/11 on my lens, wide open it is soft (compared to other lenses like the 120mm macro or 55mm). Usually all my primes starting with a lower aperture have their sweet spot at around f/8 or f/9.5. I always make test shots when I buy a new lens (at all apertures, using a tripod with remote control, viewing at 100% on a 27" screen), so I know exactly how to get the best sharpness from each lens.
Overall the performance is "good/very good" on the lower end and gets "okay" when you use it in the 120-150mm range. But considering it's versatility and price it is still a very good lens.
I hope this helps.

phonoline · 12-30-2011, 05:43 PM

Hi "derAngler" - thanks but I am talking about the FA-Version, not the A-one.

derAngler · 12-30-2011, 06:05 PM

As far as I know there is no difference in the optical quality between the FA and A version of this lens. They both share the same lens design. Of course the autofocus is kind of necessary when doing portraiture.

phonoline · 12-31-2011, 05:40 AM

Thanks all. I bought it.

It's a good price for a supposed-to-be "brand new" lens. Let's see.

bull drinkwater · 01-01-2012, 07:54 PM

i too have the a model,i am satisfied so far.

**jimpurcell** · 01-02-2012, 02:08 AM

Tempe Town Lake | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I have the FA model. All my other lenses are the A variety but I felt this lens would be my go to studio lens. I have been VERY satisfied with it. Yes my A primes are better, but having the convenience of the FA zoom is really handy. The photo above is HDR, that's what I shoot the most. But I'm very pleased with the lens.

As to price. I don't think the price is out of line.

bull drinkwater · 01-02-2012, 10:55 AM

Originally posted by jimpurcell

Tempe Town Lake | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I have the FA model. All my other lenses are the A variety but I felt this lens would be my go to studio lens. I have been VERY satisfied with it. Yes my A primes are better, but having the convenience of the FA zoom is really handy. The photo above is HDR, that's what I shoot the most. But I'm very pleased with the lens.

As to price. I don't think the price is out of line.

great shot,a good zoom lens is a good lens.

12-30-2011, 01:09 PM	#1
phonoline Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Hamburg Posts: 267	Pentax-FA 645 80-160mm - how is this one? I have the chance to get this one for 430 Euros in mint condition - is it worth the money in terms of sharpness? How does it behave wide open and at the different focal distances? Has anyone tested it for portraits? The lens database has only one relatively general comment. Let me know, thanks everyone!

01-02-2012, 02:08 AM	#10
jimpurcell Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Tucson Photos: Albums Posts: 90	FA 80-160mm Tempe Town Lake \| Flickr - Photo Sharing! I have the FA model. All my other lenses are the A variety but I felt this lens would be my go to studio lens. I have been VERY satisfied with it. Yes my A primes are better, but having the convenience of the FA zoom is really handy. The photo above is HDR, that's what I shoot the most. But I'm very pleased with the lens. As to price. I don't think the price is out of line.

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12-30-2011, 02:04 PM	#2
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	Check the user reviews: Pentax-FA 645 80-160mm F4.5 Reviews - 645 Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database With only one price, it s difficult to assess the real value of the lens, but you may contact the PF member directly to seek for more info. Hope that the comment may help,....

12-30-2011, 02:14 PM	#3
phonoline Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Hamburg Posts: 267 Original Poster	Hi HCC, thanks but I have of course looked there first but am not convinced. Too general, that review.

12-30-2011, 02:20 PM	#4
itshimitis Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: All over the place Posts: 3,535	I have the A version which isn't bad, can't judge the FA version...

12-30-2011, 05:39 PM	#5
derAngler Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 72	I just bought the A-Version of the lens and use it on a 645D. It is not as good as the 75mm, 120mm or 150mm prime lenses when used at the same aperture settings, as you would suggest. The sweet spot for sharpness is f/11 on my lens, wide open it is soft (compared to other lenses like the 120mm macro or 55mm). Usually all my primes starting with a lower aperture have their sweet spot at around f/8 or f/9.5. I always make test shots when I buy a new lens (at all apertures, using a tripod with remote control, viewing at 100% on a 27" screen), so I know exactly how to get the best sharpness from each lens. Overall the performance is "good/very good" on the lower end and gets "okay" when you use it in the 120-150mm range. But considering it's versatility and price it is still a very good lens. I hope this helps.

12-30-2011, 05:43 PM	#6
phonoline Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Hamburg Posts: 267 Original Poster	Hi "derAngler" - thanks but I am talking about the FA-Version, not the A-one.

12-30-2011, 06:05 PM	#7
derAngler Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 72	As far as I know there is no difference in the optical quality between the FA and A version of this lens. They both share the same lens design. Of course the autofocus is kind of necessary when doing portraiture.

12-31-2011, 05:40 AM	#8
phonoline Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Hamburg Posts: 267 Original Poster	Thanks all. I bought it. It's a good price for a supposed-to-be "brand new" lens. Let's see.

01-01-2012, 07:54 PM	#9
bull drinkwater Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: pontiac mi. Posts: 392	i too have the a model,i am satisfied so far.

01-02-2012, 10:55 AM	#11
bull drinkwater Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: pontiac mi. Posts: 392	Originally posted by jimpurcell Tempe Town Lake \| Flickr - Photo Sharing! I have the FA model. All my other lenses are the A variety but I felt this lens would be my go to studio lens. I have been VERY satisfied with it. Yes my A primes are better, but having the convenience of the FA zoom is really handy. The photo above is HDR, that's what I shoot the most. But I'm very pleased with the lens. As to price. I don't think the price is out of line. great shot,a good zoom lens is a good lens.