Is this a good deal for an 50-200mm Pentax DA L?

Vicioustuna2012 · 02-20-2017, 01:57 PM

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So I found one of these: SMC Pentax-DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED Reviews - DA L Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database on sale for $50. They claim that it's near mint as well. Is that a good deal?

I'm also thinking of buying this lens instead: Opteka 500mm Preset Telephoto Lens for Pentax 645D K3 K500 K50 K5 K50 K30 | eBay because I really REALLY want a lens to shoot the moon with, but I know that this isn't as quality of a lens as the Pentax.

Can you guys weigh in on this for me? I'm torn.

Adam · 02-20-2017, 02:00 PM

Yes, that's a good deal on the 50-200mm.

That said, you'll probably get better moon shots with the 500mm lens. It's only one stop slower and even if it's softer, you'll probably get a good final result if you apply proper technique (a very steady tripod, accurate focus, and a not-too-slow shutter speed).

Live view helps tremendously for shooting the moon. Good luck!

Vicioustuna2012 · 02-20-2017, 02:02 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Yes, that's a good deal on the 50-200mm.

That said, you'll probably get better moon shots with the 500mm lens. It's only one stop slower and even if it's softer, you'll probably get a good final result if you apply proper technique (a very steady tripod, accurate focus, and a not-too-slow shutter speed).

Live view helps tremendously for shooting the moon. Good luck!

See, that's what I'm torn about. A good deal vs. a sure thing. I'm pretty sure if I don't hop on the deal with the 50-200mm that I won't find another one that cheap. However, that Opteka has been sitting on eBay for weeks... Honestly, I think I'm just going to flip a coin, and I'm not even joking, lol.

Adam · 02-20-2017, 02:40 PM

You could always get both and sell one if you're not happy. You could probably even make a profit on the 50-200mm...

Adam
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Vicioustuna2012 · 02-20-2017, 02:51 PM

Originally posted by Adam

You could always get both and sell one if you're not happy. You could probably even make a profit on the 50-200mm...

Would you like to loan me some $$ so I can afford to do that, lol?

automorphism · 02-20-2017, 05:40 PM

Why not try for the Sigma 100-300 f/4.7-5.6? You might be able to get it for even cheaper than $50, and has more reach than the Pentax. Or, you could save up a little and wait for an Ebay auction and get an older model of the Pentax 55-300 without WR, which will be better still, and probably cost around $100. (I recently saw an older 55-300 for 120 on Ebay).

Vicioustuna2012 · 02-20-2017, 06:08 PM

Originally posted by automorphism

Why not try for the Sigma 100-300 f/4.7-5.6? You might be able to get it for even cheaper than $50, and has more reach than the Pentax. Or, you could save up a little and wait for an Ebay auction and get an older model of the Pentax 55-300 without WR, which will be better still, and probably cost around $100. (I recently saw an older 55-300 for 120 on Ebay).

DAMN! I wish you would have chimed in sooner, lol. I already bought the Pentax 50-200mm and after your comment I just found the sigma you mentioned on eBay for the same price...and it actually has a metal mount. I guess that's what I get for not being patient after asking for advice.

**Just1MoreDave** · 02-21-2017, 05:11 PM

I like my DA 50-200, which is the non-L WR version. I just looked it up and I've only had it for 4 years, but almost 10% of my photos are with that lens. So I think it's pretty useful, but 200mm will not be very exciting for the moon in a solid black sky. Don't give up, just be more creative. Use the rest of the frame to include some other element. This is not a fabulous shot because the main element is my neighbor Ken's house - it is with the DA 50-200 at 200mm. Just do this without Ken's house.

Vicioustuna2012 · 02-22-2017, 12:11 PM

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

I like my DA 50-200, which is the non-L WR version. I just looked it up and I've only had it for 4 years, but almost 10% of my photos are with that lens. So I think it's pretty useful, but 200mm will not be very exciting for the moon in a solid black sky. Don't give up, just be more creative. Use the rest of the frame to include some other element. This is not a fabulous shot because the main element is my neighbor Ken's house - it is with the DA 50-200 at 200mm. Just do this without Ken's house.

But...what if I like Ken's house?

**UncleVanya** · 02-22-2017, 11:16 PM

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

I like my DA 50-200, which is the non-L WR version. I just looked it up and I've only had it for 4 years, but almost 10% of my photos are with that lens. So I think it's pretty useful, but 200mm will not be very exciting for the moon in a solid black sky. Don't give up, just be more creative. Use the rest of the frame to include some other element. This is not a fabulous shot because the main element is my neighbor Ken's house - it is with the DA 50-200 at 200mm. Just do this without Ken's house.

Crop out the house. Problem solved.

The 50-200 is versatile and light lens. It's a great travel companion to the 18-55. IQ us not as good as the 55-300 but it is better than you would think.

SpecialK · 02-22-2017, 11:29 PM

Originally posted by Vicioustuna2012

and it actually has a metal mount.

Not important for that lightweight lens.
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Vicioustuna2012 · 02-23-2017, 11:05 AM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

Crop out the house. Problem solved.

The 50-200 is versatile and light lens. It's a great travel companion to the 18-55. IQ us not as good as the 55-300 but it is better than you would think.

But...but, Ken's house is an amazing architectural achievement!

**UncleVanya** · 02-23-2017, 12:55 PM

Originally posted by Vicioustuna2012

But...but, Ken's house is an amazing architectural achievement!

Then take the cropped part and print that and throw away the moon shot - LOL.

Seriously the shot crop above my post is exactly what I was thinking. It keeps the best of the shot and suffers nothing from being a wide aspect ratio.

Vicioustuna2012 · 02-23-2017, 03:07 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

Then take the cropped part and print that and throw away the moon shot - LOL.

Seriously the shot crop above my post is exactly what I was thinking. It keeps the best of the shot and suffers nothing from being a wide aspect ratio.

Oh no, I agree wholeheartedly. I was just being facetious

**UncleVanya** · 02-23-2017, 03:36 PM

Originally posted by Vicioustuna2012

Oh no, I agree wholeheartedly. I was just being facetious

LOL - Honestly so was I. But it was more fun this way.

02-20-2017, 01:57 PM	#1
Vicioustuna2012 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 157	Is this a good deal for an 50-200mm Pentax DA L? 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. So I found one of these: SMC Pentax-DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED Reviews - DA L Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database on sale for $50. They claim that it's near mint as well. Is that a good deal? I'm also thinking of buying this lens instead: Opteka 500mm Preset Telephoto Lens for Pentax 645D K3 K500 K50 K5 K50 K30 \| eBay because I really REALLY want a lens to shoot the moon with, but I know that this isn't as quality of a lens as the Pentax. Can you guys weigh in on this for me? I'm torn.

02-20-2017, 02:00 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Yes, that's a good deal on the 50-200mm. That said, you'll probably get better moon shots with the 500mm lens. It's only one stop slower and even if it's softer, you'll probably get a good final result if you apply proper technique (a very steady tripod, accurate focus, and a not-too-slow shutter speed). Live view helps tremendously for shooting the moon. Good luck! 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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02-20-2017, 02:02 PM	#3
Vicioustuna2012 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 157 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam Yes, that's a good deal on the 50-200mm. That said, you'll probably get better moon shots with the 500mm lens. It's only one stop slower and even if it's softer, you'll probably get a good final result if you apply proper technique (a very steady tripod, accurate focus, and a not-too-slow shutter speed). Live view helps tremendously for shooting the moon. Good luck! See, that's what I'm torn about. A good deal vs. a sure thing. I'm pretty sure if I don't hop on the deal with the 50-200mm that I won't find another one that cheap. However, that Opteka has been sitting on eBay for weeks... Honestly, I think I'm just going to flip a coin, and I'm not even joking, lol.

02-20-2017, 02:40 PM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	You could always get both and sell one if you're not happy. You could probably even make a profit on the 50-200mm... 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:

02-20-2017, 02:51 PM	#5
Vicioustuna2012 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 157 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam You could always get both and sell one if you're not happy. You could probably even make a profit on the 50-200mm... Would you like to loan me some $$ so I can afford to do that, lol?

02-20-2017, 05:40 PM	#6
automorphism Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Ontario, Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 791	Why not try for the Sigma 100-300 f/4.7-5.6? You might be able to get it for even cheaper than $50, and has more reach than the Pentax. Or, you could save up a little and wait for an Ebay auction and get an older model of the Pentax 55-300 without WR, which will be better still, and probably cost around $100. (I recently saw an older 55-300 for 120 on Ebay).

02-20-2017, 06:08 PM	#7
Vicioustuna2012 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 157 Original Poster	Originally posted by automorphism Why not try for the Sigma 100-300 f/4.7-5.6? You might be able to get it for even cheaper than $50, and has more reach than the Pentax. Or, you could save up a little and wait for an Ebay auction and get an older model of the Pentax 55-300 without WR, which will be better still, and probably cost around $100. (I recently saw an older 55-300 for 120 on Ebay). DAMN! I wish you would have chimed in sooner, lol. I already bought the Pentax 50-200mm and after your comment I just found the sigma you mentioned on eBay for the same price...and it actually has a metal mount. I guess that's what I get for not being patient after asking for advice.

02-21-2017, 05:11 PM	#8
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	I like my DA 50-200, which is the non-L WR version. I just looked it up and I've only had it for 4 years, but almost 10% of my photos are with that lens. So I think it's pretty useful, but 200mm will not be very exciting for the moon in a solid black sky. Don't give up, just be more creative. Use the rest of the frame to include some other element. This is not a fabulous shot because the main element is my neighbor Ken's house - it is with the DA 50-200 at 200mm. Just do this without Ken's house.

02-22-2017, 12:11 PM	#9
Vicioustuna2012 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 157 Original Poster	Originally posted by Just1MoreDave I like my DA 50-200, which is the non-L WR version. I just looked it up and I've only had it for 4 years, but almost 10% of my photos are with that lens. So I think it's pretty useful, but 200mm will not be very exciting for the moon in a solid black sky. Don't give up, just be more creative. Use the rest of the frame to include some other element. This is not a fabulous shot because the main element is my neighbor Ken's house - it is with the DA 50-200 at 200mm. Just do this without Ken's house. But...what if I like Ken's house?

02-22-2017, 11:16 PM	#10
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,468	Originally posted by Just1MoreDave I like my DA 50-200, which is the non-L WR version. I just looked it up and I've only had it for 4 years, but almost 10% of my photos are with that lens. So I think it's pretty useful, but 200mm will not be very exciting for the moon in a solid black sky. Don't give up, just be more creative. Use the rest of the frame to include some other element. This is not a fabulous shot because the main element is my neighbor Ken's house - it is with the DA 50-200 at 200mm. Just do this without Ken's house. Crop out the house. Problem solved. The 50-200 is versatile and light lens. It's a great travel companion to the 18-55. IQ us not as good as the 55-300 but it is better than you would think.

02-22-2017, 11:29 PM	#11
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,482	Originally posted by Vicioustuna2012 and it actually has a metal mount. Not important for that lightweight lens.

02-23-2017, 11:05 AM	#12
Vicioustuna2012 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 157 Original Poster	Originally posted by UncleVanya Crop out the house. Problem solved. The 50-200 is versatile and light lens. It's a great travel companion to the 18-55. IQ us not as good as the 55-300 but it is better than you would think. But...but, Ken's house is an amazing architectural achievement!

02-23-2017, 12:55 PM	#13
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,468	Originally posted by Vicioustuna2012 But...but, Ken's house is an amazing architectural achievement! Then take the cropped part and print that and throw away the moon shot - LOL. Seriously the shot crop above my post is exactly what I was thinking. It keeps the best of the shot and suffers nothing from being a wide aspect ratio.

02-23-2017, 03:07 PM	#14
Vicioustuna2012 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 157 Original Poster	Originally posted by UncleVanya Then take the cropped part and print that and throw away the moon shot - LOL. Seriously the shot crop above my post is exactly what I was thinking. It keeps the best of the shot and suffers nothing from being a wide aspect ratio. Oh no, I agree wholeheartedly. I was just being facetious

02-23-2017, 03:36 PM	#15
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,468	Originally posted by Vicioustuna2012 Oh no, I agree wholeheartedly. I was just being facetious LOL - Honestly so was I. But it was more fun this way.