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FA* 200mm F2.8 (Used)
Posted By: CreationBear, 09-27-2015, 12:46 PM

One that I've seldom seen listed--I just know some of you "Top Guns" could make it sing...


Pentax SMCP-FA 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) Telephoto Autofocus Lens





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09-27-2015, 01:31 PM   #2
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Since the DA* 200 f/2.8 is based on that lens I wonder why it is commanding such a premium?
09-27-2015, 01:39 PM   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by First Poster Quote
I'm not worthy (cont'd)...
I have an older version of this lens my “Gorgeous Lady” (SMC Pentax-A* 200mm F2.8 ED) and it's just not a focal length that I use often.

That said I've been making an effort recently... as she does produce some fine imagery.

Perhaps once mounted on the forthcoming FF, she will see more use.
09-27-2015, 02:34 PM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by Kerrowdown Quote
Perhaps once mounted on the forthcoming FF, she will see more use.
To the OP... I think you have your answer right here. Will the DA 200 cover a full-frame sensor with no vignetting?

09-27-2015, 05:25 PM   #5
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I just bought one of these a couple of weeks ago (in nearly flawless condition from one of the Japanese eBay sellers).

[As an aside, I've had excellent transactions with two separate Japan eBay sellers, including speedy shipments from Japan to the US -- it took, I think, only six days for me to get my hot little hands on my seemingly almost new FA* 200/2.8, and it came with the Pentax dedicated lens case, which wasn't even advertised in the eBay listing.]

I've had an FA* 80-200/2.8 lens for quite a few years, which I've used a few (but not a lot of) times with excellent results, so, for the following three reasons, I decided to sell it and replace it with an FA* 200/2.8:

1. It's so dang heavy.

2. I've ended up using it probably 90%-95% of the time at 200mm anyhoo.

3. And it's just too darn heavy.

I've been very happy with the FA* 200/2.8 so far, but I really haven't put it to the ultimate test yet, doing what the 80-200/2.8 did so well -- doing some dim light early morn and late afternoon wildlife shooting. But, I don't expect that it will disappoint.
09-27-2015, 05:54 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by Biro Quote
To the OP... I think you have your answer right here. Will the DA 200 cover a full-frame sensor with no vignetting?
It is reported to do so.

---------- Post added 09-27-15 at 08:57 PM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by fwcetus Quote
I just bought one of these a couple of weeks ago (in nearly flawless condition from one of the Japanese eBay sellers).

[As an aside, I've had excellent transactions with two separate Japan eBay sellers, including speedy shipments from Japan to the US -- it took, I think, only six days for me to get my hot little hands on my seemingly almost new FA* 200/2.8, and it came with the Pentax dedicated lens case, which wasn't even advertised in the eBay listing.]

I've had an FA* 80-200/2.8 lens for quite a few years, which I've used a few (but not a lot of) times with excellent results, so, for the following three reasons, I decided to sell it and replace it with an FA* 200/2.8:

1. It's so dang heavy.

2. I've ended up using it probably 90%-95% of the time at 200mm anyhoo.

3. And it's just too darn heavy.

I've been very happy with the FA* 200/2.8 so far, but I really haven't put it to the ultimate test yet, doing what the 80-200/2.8 did so well -- doing some dim light early morn and late afternoon wildlife shooting. But, I don't expect that it will disappoint.
I. An informal test of my DA* 200 2.8 and the FA* 80-200 2.8. I could not tell the difference except in terms of purple fringing - surprisingly the FA* had less issues than the DA* but neither one was objectionable.
09-27-2015, 05:58 PM   #7
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I just purchased a used excellent condition DA*200 from Adorama for $650. Is the FA 200 really worth $350 more and why?

09-27-2015, 07:44 PM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by Driline Quote
I just purchased a used excellent condition DA*200 from Adorama for $650. Is the FA 200 really worth $350 more and why?
That's the same question (essentially) that I asked earlier. Given that the DA* is supposedly based on the FA* I don't understand it except maybe for collector value. The FA* 80-200 on the other hand has no close equivalent other than the new soon to be released 70-200 f/2.8. For reasons that escape me the 80-200 lens has seen a drop in price lately.
09-28-2015, 02:45 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by UncleVanya Quote
For reasons that escape me the 80-200 lens has seen a drop in price lately.
I have pondered this observation lately and have come to the conclusion that price drops are related to the increasing strength of the USD. As the USD rises, the global ask price goes down ....
09-28-2015, 05:08 AM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by Biro Quote
I think you have your answer right here. Will the DA 200 cover a full-frame sensor with no vignetting?
They say it will, but I suspect a film-era lens gives some users a greater feeling of security in that regard.
09-28-2015, 05:26 AM   #11
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Maybe it's the SDM? No worries with the FA 200.....
09-28-2015, 05:55 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by Driline Quote
Maybe it's the SDM? No worries with the FA 200.....
Maybe... Seems weird still to me.
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