| Author: | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: March, 2008 Location: Working From Home Posts: 26,276 | | Review Date: March 8, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $790.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp, colors, AF speed, | | Cons: | Heavy | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 8
Value: 10
Camera Used: Pentax K-1
| |
Quick entry with more to follow when I have more experience with the lens. Quick test images attached, light processing, just to show sharpness at 200mm
K-1 FA*80-200/2.8 @150' 1/2500 sec. f/5 200mm ISO 3200
Actual Pixels crop
 | | | | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: October, 2018 Location: Quebec City, Quebec Posts: 6,645
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 24, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $1,150.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Extremely sharp and contrasty at all apertures between f/4 and f/16 | | Cons: | Heavy, particularly with the K1. | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 8
Value: 10
Camera Used: Pentax K1
| |
Death Valley Sand Dunes, California
Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona
Ile-aux-Coudres, Quebec
Quebec City seen from Isle d'Orleans
Sainte Petronille, Isle d'Orleans
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: June, 2016 Location: Paris Posts: 124
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 23, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $1,200.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | everything | | Cons: | none | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
Camera Used: K-1
| |
A superb piece of Pentax engineering and optics.
I still find it fun to use to powerzoom from time to time on K-1.
If it fails me one day, i'll try repairing or look for the same one, as i don't see the point of replacing this lens with the new HD WR 70-200mm.
AF is blazing fast and accurate. AF tracking works like a charm. Pure unfailing screwdrive
The front element is top notch glass, no filter needed.
The hood is compact and solid.
The tripod collar is small and convenient.
The built quality is awesome.
The size and ergonomy are so so so perfect.
Bokeh magnificent in almost every circumstance.
Microcontrast is bluffing.
The IQ is amazing at any range on a 36MP camera.
One photographer can not expect a better zoom lens for this range and aperture.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: June, 2013 Location: Newcastle Posts: 1,954 | | Review Date: June 21, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $1,450.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp, fast AF, colours, bokeh | | Cons: | unsure haven't met any yet | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 9
Camera Used: K5
| |
When setting out to collect/ use legacy glass I decided to stick to primes. Over time I realised that sometimes it would be nice to have an AF zoom on the camera for action. What to do since I was used to the qualities of top primes?
After much research I distilled my interest to the 80-200mm range. I decided that this was the 'working' focal range where a zoom was called for as shorter focal lengths were not useful for subjects in action scenes with longer focal lengths also best covered by primes.
Three notable brands compete in this space. In this respect I selected the Pentax over the other as IQ was the highest priority (Pentax weighs the most and has noisy(ier) AF - these being purported downsides). I was not disappointed.
Sharpness is fantastic across the focal range. I know this as I have compared results with various primes (including Pentax F 135mm) with almost indistinguishable results).
Colours are warmer than expected. Greens and yellows are prominent but not overly so. Good saturation and vibrance without PP.
Bokeh is excellent. I love how it enhances subject isolation giving a 3D effect.
Aberrations are there but very minor and controllable.
Handling requires perseverance. It is a heavy lens but that is the price you pay for lots of glass.
AF is fast and is a little noisy. I do, however, find that the AF is not always spot on. Care is required to make sure you are shooting accurately.
The lens gets a 10 as it performs, to me, like a stack of primes.
   | | | | | | | New Member Registered: September, 2012 Location: NYC Posts: 2 | | Review Date: September 21, 2012 | Recommended
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Amazing IQ and handling | | Cons: | Lack of modern WR | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 9
Value: 9
Camera Used: K5
| |
This lens is truly great, just like everyone said. I spontaneously pulled the trigger when I saw this lens on ebay for $1400, and have no regrets. I love IQ from this lens and the size has not been an issue so far. Unfortunately this does not have WR (like the DA* lenses), which makes me nervous about bringing with me when I go skiing. However, that is a small price to pay for amazing pics and owning a piece of Pentax history. | | | | | New Member Registered: September, 2012 Posts: 1 | | Review Date: September 4, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $1,200.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Fast AF, sharp, excellent bokeh, color, internal focusing | | Cons: | overall poor design, hood, serviceability of this old model | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 9
Value: 10
Camera Used: K5
| |
Amazing transparency and speed of AF. Everybody loves the output of this lens. The weight is not a problem when we think of the incredible quality of image. Compring other zoom lenses, we can't complain about the weight. This is even lighter than 70-200 of Nikon/Canon and cheaper while the image quality is same or above.
Recommed to use other hood to this model as hood design is very poor. I don't use power zoom because its not faster than I need. Anyway this is the best lens I've ever seen in Pentax world.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: May, 2010 Location: Hong Kong / Irvine, CA Posts: 636 | | Review Date: July 21, 2011 | Recommended
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | sharp, sharp, sharp, amazing bokeh | | Cons: | very good work out :D, stupid hood | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 7
Value: 10
| |
Legendary lens.
very sharp lens and i would sell my wife to buy the lens. lol
The bokeh is amazing, nothing like the FA50/1.4 can give me.
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: February, 2008 Location: WA Posts: 65 | | Review Date: December 15, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $1,300.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | | | Cons: | Noise of power zoom during video recording | |
after
| | | | | New Member Registered: May, 2010 Posts: 5 | | Review Date: November 28, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $1,550.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Everything but Price | | Cons: | Price | |
If I were reduced to one lens, this would be my baby. This is an absolutely amazing lens. The colors are fantastic and the sharpness is banging! The only negative aspect of the lens is the weight. Please keep in mind however, that a lens in this focal length with f/2.8 comes with weight. It's simply part of what must be expected.
Sharpness: 10
Color rendtion: 10
Build quality: 10
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: February, 2010 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 1,914 | | Review Date: August 15, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $1,050.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Great focal range @ 2.8 on APS-C, nice bokeh, sharp | | Cons: | Heavy. Did I say heavy? After shooting with DA* glass, you just wont believe how heavy. | |
This glass really is an engineering marvel. From the results, you may think you're shooting with a prime.
Sharpness edge to edge is amazing. Out of focus blur is nice. The AF speed is super zippy. Color rendition is stunning.
At 2.8 you hay have some PF/GF, but what glass doesn't.
The only downside to this lens is that when you pick it up after holding any of the DA* glass, you'll be daunted by it's weight. I guess if you want 2.8 glass @ 200mm, you best be willing to suffer a little for your art.
My copy has a broken power zoom, but I cant think of a reason I would need it with this lens. It's just going to eat power you'll want for pictures.
All in all? Buy a copy if you can find one and afford it.
| | | | | Inactive Account Registered: November, 2008 Location: Stavanger, Norway Posts: 150 | | Review Date: June 8, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $1,200.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Excellent quality, awesome bokeh, | | Cons: | Heavy | |
This is an absolutely amazing lens. Going from my earlier lens, the 16-50/2.8, this was another world. The colors are amazing and the sharpness is off the hook! The only negative aspect of the lens is the weight. But really, Nikon and Canon users usually tell me they envy the compact and light-weight design compared to their own equivalents. A lens in this focal length with f/2.8 just has to be this big and heavy to get quality like this. It's also much less pricey than canon and nikon.
Sharpness: 10
Bokeh: 10
Colur rendtion: 10
Build quality: 10
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: November, 2006 Location: San Diego, California Posts: 115
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 12, 2009 | Recommended | Price: $1,650.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Rendering, Color, Bokeh, Range | | Cons: | Weight | |
GREAT lens.
I love the color and rendering of F*/FA* 300, and this lens has an almost identical rendering characteristics. It's sharp through out it's range even wide open (you may have to adjust the focus on your K20 using the micro-AF adjustment). The constant F/2.8 makes it a great portrait lens as well.
I also like the 80-200mm range which makes a perfect companion to the *300. 
It's fairly compact compared to the other brands' 70-200/2.8 lenses.
For my use, the only negative is the weight. I almost never use a tripod during the day (can you say SR), but the weight of this lens requires some sort of support if you plan to take it out for a long shoot.
Update:
Well, I sold this lens due to the weight. But, I kept going back to the images I had made with it and decided to get another one. And, I was lucky enough to find another good sample. Life is good again | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: January, 2008 Location: Southern California, USA Posts: 729 | | Review Date: September 24, 2008 | Recommended
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp, sharp & sharp. Great rendering, nice bokeh. | | Cons: | Big & heavy | |
Amazing lens.
It produces sharp images throughout focal lengths.
I agree that it is sharpest at 200mm but best for portrait at 80mm.
Tack sharp even at widest aperture 2.8
Rendering is amazing
Bokeh is very smooth and creamy, great for hand held portrait too if only it's not that heavy.
Build quality is like a tank. Smooth zooming and focusing.
There is no focus limiter that somewhat takes longer to focus from short to infinity.
The tripod collar can slide 90 degree to the left or right easily and lock in place, makes it easier to handle for landscape / portrait orientation.
The cons I have with this lens is the weight. But after comparing the size and weight with the new Sigma or Tamron 70-200, I'm not complaining anymore. :ugh:
Another cons is that sometimes the lens has a little bit back focus @shorter focal length and front focus @ longer focal length. This only happens when I shoot @2.8. Stopped down it is always spot on.
I don't have any new Sigma/Tamron 70-200 to compare with, so can't say anything about the picture quality. But I'm definitely love this lens.
The golden silver color along with the size amaze everybody looking at it.
Every time I attach it to my camera, everybody turns their head and admires this lens build quality and size.
And after they see the image it produces, everybody agrees that this is one of the best zoom lens ever made.
The funny thing is nobody says anything when I attach my FA43 Ltd but when I have this one attached, almost everybody says that I'm carrying a serious professional camera  | | | | | Site Supporter Registered: February, 2008 Location: MT Posts: 1,350 | | Review Date: February 12, 2008 | Recommended | Price: $1,640.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | scary sharp, great color rendition, small tripod collar | | Cons: | | |
Sharpest zoom in this range that I've ever experienced. Sharper (based on compilation of other testers and Magazine test data) than any other 80-200 in the business. Interesting that it gets sharper as you zoom. 200mm is sharpest of the range while virtually all other brands lose sharpness while zooming. I rarely shoot hand held, so weight is irrelevant (except that good glass weighs more than plastic). This one is designed for tripod use and tripod collar is artfully small and fits close to the lens barrel. Optical formula works well with 2-element close up lenses to fill in as a Macro. Color rendition reminds me of colors from the FA Limiteds which came out a few years later than this zoom.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: November, 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 593
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 8, 2007 | Recommended | Price: $1,800.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Superb image quality from a zoom | | Cons: | Heavy | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 8
Value: 9
| |
Almost prime lens image quality from this superb zoom. Sharpness, bokeh and colour rendition all excellent. Probabaly the best zoom ever made by Pentax and a testament to the lens makers art. Highly recommended.
The only negative aspect is that it is heavy at over 1,500gms.
| | |
![SMC Pentax-FA* 80-200mm F2.8 ED [IF] Review RSS Feed](https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/images/rss/rss_feeds14x14.gif)
![SMC Pentax-FA* 80-200mm F2.8 ED [IF]](https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/data/44/SMC_Pentax_FA_Star_80-200mm_F28.jpg)
![SMC Pentax-FA* 80-200mm F2.8 ED [IF]](javascript:update('https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/data/44/SMC_Pentax_FA_Star_80-200mm_F28.jpg');)
![SMC Pentax-FA* 80-200mm F2.8 ED [IF]](javascript:update('https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/data/44/smc_Pentax-FA_80-200_2_8_EDIF_star_optics.jpg');)
![SMC Pentax-FA* 80-200mm F2.8 ED [IF]](javascript:update('https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/data/44/80-200mm.jpg');)
![Read our SMC Pentax-FA* 80-200mm F2.8 ED [IF] in-depth review!](https://www.pentaxforums.com/content/homepage/pflensseal.gif)
![Add Review of SMC Pentax-FA* 80-200mm F2.8 ED [IF]](https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/images/digitalvb/pentax_red/buttons/addreview.gif)
