50-200mm kit lens ( DA L )

dh4412 · 11-19-2011, 09:43 AM

anyone have an idea/opinion as to the sweet spot for this kit lens? aperture and focal lengths where it is sharpest, etc. ? thanks.

joe.penn · 11-19-2011, 09:46 AM

I do not have the DAL version, I have the DA WR version - the sweet spot for that one seems to be between 9 and 11, not sure if that helps you any though...

Adam · 11-19-2011, 09:51 AM

The DA L and the WR versions use the same optics, so that advice should work! The 50-200mm isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but stopped down it'll definitely get the job done.

kh1234567890 · 11-20-2011, 02:16 AM

Originally posted by dh4412

anyone have an idea/opinion as to the sweet spot for this kit lens? aperture and focal lengths where it is sharpest, etc. ? thanks.

I've got some test shots at Collection: SMC Pentax DA 50-200mm f4-5.6 ED WR.
Things may be different for the DA L or even just for a different sample of this lens.

DaveHolmes · 11-20-2011, 12:28 PM

I have the DA WR version too... I think I have a good copy (many complain about the 50-200) as it's fairly sharp throughout but 'Sharp' from f8...

Nowhere Matt · 11-20-2011, 05:27 PM

Originally posted by dh4412

anyone have an idea/opinion as to the sweet spot for this kit lens? aperture and focal lengths where it is sharpest, etc. ? thanks.

Isn't this what the Program Line is good for in these digital cameras? Set your camera in Green Mode, select the lens parameters, (slow, medium, fast) use the 50-200 and note what apertures the camera suggests.
Does this sound practical? Maybe not reasonable but...

joe.penn · 11-20-2011, 05:47 PM

Originally posted by Nowhere Matt

Isn't this what the Program Line is good for in these digital cameras?

No - all lenses have different characteristics (even copy to copy can change), the sweet spot generally means at what settings will provide the absolute best balance between Resolution, Sharpness, and IQ (sat,con); current focal and aperture play the key roles in this.

--

joe.penn · 11-20-2011, 05:56 PM

Here are a few pics taken earlier this evening with the 50~200 WR version. I was out hoping for some "fire in the sky" multi-exposure shots with the K5 - I was thinking of this thread so also took a Kx and the 50~200 with me just to pop some IQ samples:

(NOTE: Keep in mind all of these were shot with relatively high ISO with the Kx and also these were uploaded to the photo album here so they are compressed)

f/8, 1600ISO

f/8, 1600ISO

f/11, 1600ISO

THIS ONE WAS SHOT IN HEAVY DOWNPOURS LAST WEEK (only one not shot earlier today)
Green Heron
f/5.6, 1000ISO

...

dh4412 · 11-21-2011, 07:30 AM

this is what i've suspected, looks like a pretty good lens for sharpness , autofocus works well ?

DaveHolmes · 11-21-2011, 07:37 AM

Originally posted by dh4412

autofocus works well ?

As far as I can tell it's as fast as any of my AF lenses and no BF/FF issues

joe.penn · 11-21-2011, 07:45 AM

Well, the AF speed is zippy (due to its small design), AF is screw mount so it works just as well as the other screw mount zooms. Obviously like most others on pentax bodies the zoom hunting is there in very low light but that is more the pentax's AF system fault and not really the lens. I purchased the lens for a beater lens, something that can be used and abused in all types of conditions (wet, muddy, etc) and I wouldn't have to constantly worry about having to replace a very expensive lens - a little over $200 is mere pocket change these days...

--

dh4412 · 11-21-2011, 07:46 AM

for long zoom then, this looks pretty good; now for wide angle, any one have opinions on 12-24, vs 15mm, vs 21 mm, if i can get only one which one ? and which is the best autofocusing of those? thanks

DaveHolmes · 11-21-2011, 08:01 AM

Originally posted by dh4412

one have opinions on 12-24, vs 15mm, vs 21 mm, if i can get only one which one ?

I don't have either... But I do suggest you search flickr.com... Nearly every lens you can think of has its own group on flickr, so it's a great place to see what they can do...

RioRico · 11-21-2011, 09:35 AM

Originally posted by joe.penn

Well, the AF speed is zippy (due to its small design), AF is screw mount so it works just as well as the other screw mount zooms.

I think you mean screw DRIVE, not screw MOUNT. Haven't seen many AF M42's lately...

joe.penn · 11-21-2011, 11:03 AM

Yes rio, you know what I mean...

11-19-2011, 09:43 AM	#1
dh4412 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: connecticut Photos: Gallery Posts: 248	50-200mm kit lens ( DA L ) anyone have an idea/opinion as to the sweet spot for this kit lens? aperture and focal lengths where it is sharpest, etc. ? thanks.

11-19-2011, 09:51 AM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	The DA L and the WR versions use the same optics, so that advice should work! The 50-200mm isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but stopped down it'll definitely get the job done. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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11-19-2011, 09:46 AM	#2
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	I do not have the DAL version, I have the DA WR version - the sweet spot for that one seems to be between 9 and 11, not sure if that helps you any though...

11-20-2011, 02:16 AM	#4
kh1234567890 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Manchester, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,653	Originally posted by dh4412 anyone have an idea/opinion as to the sweet spot for this kit lens? aperture and focal lengths where it is sharpest, etc. ? thanks. I've got some test shots at Collection: SMC Pentax DA 50-200mm f4-5.6 ED WR. Things may be different for the DA L or even just for a different sample of this lens.

11-20-2011, 12:28 PM	#5
DaveHolmes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 1,501	I have the DA WR version too... I think I have a good copy (many complain about the 50-200) as it's fairly sharp throughout but 'Sharp' from f8...

11-20-2011, 05:27 PM	#6
Nowhere Matt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Nowhere Land Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,362	Originally posted by dh4412 anyone have an idea/opinion as to the sweet spot for this kit lens? aperture and focal lengths where it is sharpest, etc. ? thanks. Isn't this what the Program Line is good for in these digital cameras? Set your camera in Green Mode, select the lens parameters, (slow, medium, fast) use the 50-200 and note what apertures the camera suggests. Does this sound practical? Maybe not reasonable but...

11-20-2011, 05:47 PM	#7
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	Originally posted by Nowhere Matt Isn't this what the Program Line is good for in these digital cameras? No - all lenses have different characteristics (even copy to copy can change), the sweet spot generally means at what settings will provide the absolute best balance between Resolution, Sharpness, and IQ (sat,con); current focal and aperture play the key roles in this. --

11-20-2011, 05:56 PM	#8
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	Here are a few pics taken earlier this evening with the 50~200 WR version. I was out hoping for some "fire in the sky" multi-exposure shots with the K5 - I was thinking of this thread so also took a Kx and the 50~200 with me just to pop some IQ samples: (NOTE: Keep in mind all of these were shot with relatively high ISO with the Kx and also these were uploaded to the photo album here so they are compressed) f/8, 1600ISO f/8, 1600ISO f/11, 1600ISO THIS ONE WAS SHOT IN HEAVY DOWNPOURS LAST WEEK (only one not shot earlier today) Green Heron f/5.6, 1000ISO ...

11-21-2011, 07:30 AM	#9
dh4412 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: connecticut Photos: Gallery Posts: 248 Original Poster	this is what i've suspected, looks like a pretty good lens for sharpness , autofocus works well ?

11-21-2011, 07:37 AM	#10
DaveHolmes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 1,501	Originally posted by dh4412 autofocus works well ? As far as I can tell it's as fast as any of my AF lenses and no BF/FF issues

11-21-2011, 07:45 AM	#11
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	Well, the AF speed is zippy (due to its small design), AF is screw mount so it works just as well as the other screw mount zooms. Obviously like most others on pentax bodies the zoom hunting is there in very low light but that is more the pentax's AF system fault and not really the lens. I purchased the lens for a beater lens, something that can be used and abused in all types of conditions (wet, muddy, etc) and I wouldn't have to constantly worry about having to replace a very expensive lens - a little over $200 is mere pocket change these days... --

11-21-2011, 07:46 AM	#12
dh4412 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: connecticut Photos: Gallery Posts: 248 Original Poster	for long zoom then, this looks pretty good; now for wide angle, any one have opinions on 12-24, vs 15mm, vs 21 mm, if i can get only one which one ? and which is the best autofocusing of those? thanks

11-21-2011, 08:01 AM	#13
DaveHolmes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 1,501	Originally posted by dh4412 one have opinions on 12-24, vs 15mm, vs 21 mm, if i can get only one which one ? I don't have either... But I do suggest you search flickr.com... Nearly every lens you can think of has its own group on flickr, so it's a great place to see what they can do...

11-21-2011, 09:35 AM	#14
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by joe.penn Well, the AF speed is zippy (due to its small design), AF is screw mount so it works just as well as the other screw mount zooms. I think you mean screw DRIVE, not screw MOUNT. Haven't seen many AF M42's lately...

11-21-2011, 11:03 AM	#15
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	Yes rio, you know what I mean...