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HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW Review RSS Feed

HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW

Sharpness 
 9.9
Aberrations 
 9.5
Bokeh 
 9.4
Autofocus 
 9.2
Handling 
 8.7
Value 
 8.6
Reviews Views Date of last review
26 139,153 Wed March 2, 2022
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Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
100% of reviewers $1,610.12 9.68
HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW

HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW
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HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW
supersize
HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW
supersize
HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW
supersize
HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW
supersize
HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW
supersize

Description:
The HD PENTAX-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW telephoto zoom lens was announced at the CP+ tradeshow in February, 2015 preceding the announcement of the K-1 Pentax 24x36mm full-frame DSLR. Together with the HD Pentax 150-450mm extreme telephoto zoom lens these are the first Pentax lenses to cover the 24x36 mm full-frame format since the D FA 100mm F2.8 WR lens, which was introduced back in 2009.

While this lens is designed for the 24x36mm full-frame format it can also be used on cameras with the APS-C sensor format. With a respectable maximum aperture of F2.8 and rounded diaphragm blades for smooth Bokeh this zoom can be used as a portrait lens in addition to its more traditional use for sports, wild life and distant landscapes.

This lens is pro-grade as indicated by its star designation and also by its feature list:
* All-weather protection (AW)
* HD coating
* SP coating of the front element
* Aerobright II nano-coating of the inner elements
* Four super-low dispersion elements, two ED elements and two super ED elements with properties like flourite elements
* Enhanced Quick-shift function via a three-way switch on the barrel
* Focus limiter
* Tripod mount

The lens hood has the for Pentax traditional removable piece that allows for easy adjustment of an attached polarizing filter.

The lens has a built-in DC type autofocus motor and no provision for screw drive autofocus. Autofocus is thus not possible with the K100D/K110D and *istD series cameras. Autofocus is not available with film cameras.

In August of 2020 a limited quantity silver version was announced.

HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW
© www.pentaxforums.com, sharable with attribution
Image Format
Full-frame / 35mm film
Lens Mount
Pentax K
Aperture Ring
No
Diaphragm
Automatic, 9 blades (rounded)
Optics
19 elements, 16 groups
Mount Variant
KAF3
Check camera compatibility
Max. Aperture
F2.8
Min. Aperture
F22
Focusing
AF (in-lens motor)
DC
Quick-shift
Yes
Min. Focus
120 cm
Max. Magnification
0.13x
Filter Size
77 mm
Internal Focus
Yes
Field of View (Diag. / Horiz.)

APS-C: 23 to 8.1 ° / 19.5 to 6.9 °
Full frame: 34.5 to 12.5 ° / 28.8 to 10.3 °
Hood
PH-RBM77
Case
HS110-230
Lens Cap
O-LC77
Coating
Aero Bright II,HD,SP
Weather Sealing
Yes (AW)
Other Features
AF/MF Switch,Focus Range Limiter,Internal Zoom,Tripod Mount
Diam x Length
91.5 x 203 mm (3.6 x 8 in.)
Weight
1755 g (61.9 oz.)
w/ Hood: +80g
w/ Tripod Foot: +191g
Production Years
2016 to present (in production)
Pricing
$1696 USD current price
$1796 USD at launch
Engraved Name
HD PENTAX-D FA* 1:2.8 70-200mm ED DC AW
Product Code
21330
Reviews
User reviews
In-depth review
Notes
Four super low dispersion elements, two ED and two super ED elements.
No autofocus on older bodies (*istD series, K100D, K110D, and film).

Features:
Supersonic AutofocusQuick ShiftWeather SealedInternal FocusingInternal ZoomingAutomatic ApertureFull-Frame Support
Purchase: Buy the HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW
In-Depth Review: Read our HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW in-depth review!
Sample Photos: View Sample Photos
Price History:



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Loyal Site Supporter

Registered: March, 2009
Location: Gladys, Virginia
Posts: 27,603

12 users found this helpful
Review Date: October 9, 2016 Recommended | Price: $1,800.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Very sharp from wide open, Fast auto focus, Minimal CA
Cons: Big!
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 8    Value: 8    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K3, K-1   

I have reviewed the other DFA f2.8 zooms and so I thought I would go ahead and review the DFA *70-200.

This lens is Pentax designed and manufactured, unlike the other DFA f2.8 zooms and the only one of the three to receive the DFA * designation. What significance that has, I am not sure...

The first thing that strikes you, when you begin to use the DFA *70-200 is the size of the lens. It is very large, heavy, and quite long, particularly with the hood on. I have used the DA *50-135 for quite awhile on APS-C cameras and this lens is a lot bigger than that. It is quite a bit larger (longer and heavier) than the DA *200, which I also own. To be up front with it, if you like small, petite lenses, there isn't much point in reading further.

(a couple of size comparison shots)

DA *200 and DFA *70-200 size comparison by Vincent1825, on Flickr

Holy Trinity? by Vincent1825, on Flickr

Holy Trinity? by Vincent1825, on Flickr

The lens has a very nice build. There are a couple of external switches -- a focus limiter that can limit focus to 1.2 meters to 4 meters or, 4 meters to infinity and another that allows for QFS-A/QFS-M/MF -- QFS-M allowing you to take control of focus, even when the camera is trying to auto focus. It is an internal zoom, meaning that it stays really long all of the time. The hood is pretty deep and while it can be reversed, doing so blocks you from easily turning the zoom ring (which is positioned farther from the camera, while the focus ring is closer to the camera).

With regard to performance, the DFA *70-200 is probably the best zoom I have ever used. It really does reach prime quality at f2.8. In point of fact, I find it sharper than my DA *200 at 200mm and f2.8, although they are equal at f4. Sharpness and contrast are really good with this lens. Vignetting is mild wide open at 200mm, but not really noticeable elsewhere. Colors are very nice as well.

One of the biggest differences between the DFA *70-200 and older lenses is the lack of purple fringing. Fringing is something that could really detract from image quality and while it is fixable, there are times when fixing fringing can add gray lines to the image. Anyway, I have seen almost none with this lens.

Auto focus is quite fast and silent with a K-1. The focus limiter speeds the process up if you know what range you are going to be shooting in. I don't shoot sports, but I had no trouble tracking my kids at play and riding their bicycles.

Bokeh is really smooth and quite nice. Probably not quite to the FA 77 quality, but very pleasing to the eye.

The lens does flare (as is probably expected), but surprisingly little for the amount of glass there is inside.

All in all, I am very pleased with this lens. If you are really bothered by the size, the DA *200 does give pretty close performance for a lot lower price, but if you need the flexibility of a full frame zoom, want weather sealing, and want edge to edge sharpness, fast auto focus, and weather sealing, this the only (and best) option for Pentaxians. I highly recommend it.

Coneflowers by Vincent1825, on Flickr

Elliot by Vincent1825, on Flickr

Victoria by Vincent1825, on Flickr

Victoria by Vincent1825, on Flickr

Harvest Time by Vincent1825, on Flickr

Croc Eye (shot at 200mm and f2.8)

Croc Eye by Vincent1825, on Flickr
   
Site Supporter

Registered: August, 2018
Location: Colorado
Posts: 3

8 users found this helpful
Review Date: October 6, 2019 Recommended | Price: $1,100.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Super Sharp, outstanding construction
Cons: for me...None
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 9    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K-1 Mark II   

I've had this lens about 6 months, and I can say is WOW!! this is my baby, my go too lens. It is solid and very well made, focuses very quickly and quietly, takes gorgeous pictures, the zoom and focus rings operate smoothly, and it feels great on my K-1 Mark II. I have tried to think of something I don't like about this lens, but I can't. If you don't have this one...GET IT!!!!

   
New Member

Registered: June, 2017
Posts: 10

7 users found this helpful
Review Date: October 20, 2017 Recommended | Price: $1,500.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: very very sharp, extremely well built
Cons: heavy, but you get used to it
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 7    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K1   

I'm so happy with this lens. Bought it recently, together with my first full frame camera, the Pentax K1. Never been so happy about an aquisition and I previously owned many cameras, throughout the years.

The lens is extremely well built, it feels solid in the hand, pro equipment nonetheless. I've been using it for portraits and some nature photography. The sharpness in this lens is absolutely amazing across the frame! You can't ask for anything better than this. It's expensive, yes but the satisfaction you get from it it's quite unique.

The only negative thing about it, it's that it's quite heavy. I found it difficult to handle it, at the beginning but I got used to it.

I would recommend it to every Pentax K1 owner and not only. This lens is a must have!
   
Forum Member

Registered: May, 2017
Location: London
Posts: 68

6 users found this helpful
Review Date: May 18, 2021 Recommended | Price: $1,600.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Edge-Edge sharpness wide open, fast and accurate AF, handling, zoom ring, bokeh, price (if second-hand)
Cons: Perhaps weight but balances extremely well with K-1, slightest purple fringing wide open against strong light
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 9    Value: 9    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: Pentax K-1   

WOW! I just got this lens in used condition from a great seller and I can only say one thing: It really really is the best pentax lens for the modern age.

I just cannot believe how rugged, ridiculously and flatteringly sharp it is wide open edge-edge, how fast it grabs focus (make sure you do the fine af adjustment at 70mm and 200mm to find the sweetspot).


I have never been able to take the K-1, set it to autozones with 33 AF points and hope for the best but somehow this lens and the K-1 are such an intelligent pair that everything that focused on by the camera is so right. I mean I just can't believe how I can capture birds in flight an hour after sunset at ISO 6400. Just ridiculous.

For portraits of any animal, human or not, the bokeh is simply delicious. Anyways just have a look at the photos. They're by no means great photos but I love the rendering and that lovely 3D pop the magnificent microcontrasting gives.


Pretty much the only thing to point out as a slight negative, but this is really reaching, is that it's a weighty son of a... if you need to have it out for many hours, say for a wedding shoot. But to be quite honest I'm used to hand-holding the DFA 150-450mm and so my arms are well prepared for something that weighs 300g less - trust me that 300g makes a huge difference. This lens feels so light compared to the 150-450 (which is another legendary lens by the way).

Again I cannot stress how fantastic this lens is at f2.8 in terms of pop and sharpness and colours. Not sure why Li at Cameraville had such bad luck with his copies. He says he tried 3 copies and he saw blurry images. I have no idea what on earth happened there. Just look at the sharpness on mine...

Finally, Please bear in mind that PentaxForums does not display the true sharpness of these photos. The one of the pigeon and the crow, for example, you can see the actual fine lines so clearly on my computer and laptop. Yeah, just worth bearing in mind anyhow. But any of you that have experienced seeing your photos after uploading them on here know the tradeoff anyhow.


Enjoy! And please get this lens!!




Morning Stretch ------- @ f/2.8




Stroll ------- @ f/2.8




Self-hug ------- @ f/4.5

   
Pentaxian

Registered: August, 2011
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 4,836

6 users found this helpful
Review Date: July 10, 2016 Recommended | Price: $1,664.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Very sharp, nice bokeh, AW, internal focus
Cons: weight, size, excessive price premium over Tamron 70-200
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 8    Value: 7    New or Used: New    Camera Used: Pentax K1   

If you ever wondered what Pentax could produce if they didn't have one arm tied behind their back trying to attain "compact" or fit under a budget, well, this may be it. The D FA* 70-200 f/2.8 seems to be the biggest and heaviest of its class out there. It's a beast ... but an impressive beast.

I've only been out with this lens (on the K1) a few times so far, and am still learning how to get the best out of it. I bought a monopod especially for it. It came in handy for an extended shoot yesterday, but the lens is certainly hand-holdable in good light, for a while at least.

I have seen chromatic aberration, but it is fully corrected in LR quite easily.

Focus seems very fast and sure, but it occasionally misses for moving targets. That is probably my fault, using AF.S. I should try out AF.C. At this stage I'm still getting used to the K1 as well, and not yet getting the near-100% in-focus rate with all lenses I get with the K3.

Nguyen Nam, in these reviews, has already shown how beautifully it renders portraits (I wish I had such a willing model). I will show some shots and crops illustrating other characteristics. No extra sharpening (beyond the LR default) has been applied to any image in pp.

First, here's a Silver Gull @200mm, f/5.6, ISO100:



but now let's crop down to the bird's head:



Look at the sharpness of the eye and the beak, and the smoothness of the bokeh!

Now, here is a shot taken wide open (100mm, f/2.8, ISO100):



and a crop:



I find that amazing for wide-open! Note that the shiny chrome rod at the bottom was very purple until corrected in LR.

Now a shot (sic) at 100mm, f/7.1, ISO100:



and a crop of the sights:



Finally, a shot that displays bokeh at 200mm, f/11, ISO200:

   
Pentaxian

Registered: April, 2007
Location: Toronto/Victoria
Posts: 460

5 users found this helpful
Review Date: February 4, 2019 Recommended | Price: $1,400.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Amazing IQ, good AF, well built
Cons: Large and heavy
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 8    Value: 9    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K-1   

I have had the FA80-200/2.8 for nearly 10 years and this is a worthwhile upgrade. IQ is better in every way, but especially because the sharpness combined with the punchy colour make for vibrant images even excluding post processing.

However, it has also gained quite a bit of weight in the process; it is a very chunky lens. The tripod collar is vastly improved over the FA80-200/2.8; in particular the foot is wider and the collar rotates with click stops at useful intervals (I believe every 90 degrees). The manual focus feels very smooth and well damped; better than the DA* and FA* lenses.

The DC autofocus is also much more confident than the screwdrive. Sometimes screwdrive AF can get stuck making a series of fine adjustments (and a bunch of click noises to go along with it) which I do not notice on the DFA70-200 which is confident and quiet.

The published dimensions don't really make it easy to assess how large/heavy this lens is. It is naturally much larger and heavier than the relatively compact DA*60-250, but I was also surprised comparing it to the FA80-200/2.8.
   
Moderator
Site Supporter

Registered: February, 2012
Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Posts: 11,254

5 users found this helpful
Review Date: April 10, 2016 Recommended | Price: $2,000.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharp, fast, AW
Cons: Big, heavy and expensive - DUH!
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 8    New or Used: New   

It is still early days, but I am mightily impressed with this lens so far. With a good shoulder sling (I use a BlackRapid) it is reasonably comfortable to carry, even while running.

IQ is exceptional. Sharp wide open, blistering at f/8, great corners (on APS-C at least) and the lowest chromatic aberration of any lens I have used. Focus is fast and decisive and tracking is good enough to keep up with two boisterous dogs playing in my backyard.

A growing gallery of shots with this lens is in my Single In Challenge for April 2016. Ignore the first 7 days as I was using the DA*50-135 while I waited for the lens to arrive.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: July, 2012
Location: Paris
Posts: 813

4 users found this helpful
Review Date: December 26, 2016 Recommended | Price: $1,250.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros:
Cons: Heavyweight (Champion)
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 9    Handling: 8    Value: 9    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K1, K3   

Owner of the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 I wasn't really looking for a replacement as I was pretty satisfied with the Sigma lens. I've been shooting the Sigma for 3 years, tons of concerts and I had the good surprise to see that it was nicely working with the K1 Full Frame as well.

But I had an amazing price for a HD PENTAX-D FA* 70-200mm f/2,8 ED DC AW, one physical store was selling out all their Pentax gear, and I decided to take the plunge and bought it for 1150$ new.

I've been using the Pentax version since 2 weeks, pretty extensively (am still missing some concerts photography with it) and mainly for Portraits and landscape and Im really impressed by the image this lens produce in combination with the K1.

As everybody said, it's sharp from f/2.8, damn sharp @f/5.6. the detail level is really impressive and for portrait it's sometimes too "technically" sharp. Hopefully a little PP in Lr and it render very well. Bokeh's nice too.

Here are a few portrait I did with this lens:



The Autofocus is the best I've experienced so far with Pentax, it's better than my Sigma 70-200mm which was my fastest AF lens so far.
AF is fast AND accurate, even in low light, it doesnt hunt ...and it's dead silent, which is necessary for events or concerts photography for example. Im very satisfied by the AF overall, a nice surprise.

The handling is not that good, I find the lens heavy ( a lot heavier than the Sigma) and difficult to use handheld for a long time. For portrait in the studio I had to make some short pause, switching to the Pentax 24-70mm to rest my arm lol ! It's not that heavy but to have a firm hand I cannot use it for as long as the Sigma.
You can rotate the Tripod support and it's super fast to go from Landscape to Portrait and vice versa, on a monopod it's handy.

About the weight, it's not that of a problem really, I've been hicking for 7km with this lens and the K1 with the basic Pentax strap, and it was OK. I must say that it was raining most of the walk and to have a Combo that is WR is truly fantastic.



The bokeh is really soft and nice up to f/4.5, I like it better up to f/3.5.



The overall image quality is awesome, really that good !
I've seen image from this lens on the forum before I bought it and was impressed, but seeing the image on my screen, and even more on the prints I did is really a great experience.
I'd compare to the Pentax 50-135mm in terms of image quality, but sincerely better, and god knows I love the 50-135mm.

On a final word I would say this lens has better image quality and rendition than the Pentax 50-135mm /f2.8, better sharpness than the Tamron 90mm /f2.8 macro and better AF than the Sigma 70-200mm /f2.8 DG OS EX HSM .

I can't wait to shoot my first concert early january, Ill post pictures.

I highly recommend this lens, it's a big investment tough, but the image that heavyweight Champion deliver is totally unique experience for me and despite the weight I'm pretty confident this lens will be very often used on my camera.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: January, 2016
Location: Roi-et, Thailand
Posts: 773

4 users found this helpful
Review Date: July 24, 2016 Recommended | Price: $2,500.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharpness, bokeh, colour saturation, prime like at all focal lengths
Cons: AF should be quicker for this type of lens
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 8    Handling: 9    Value: 9    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K-1   

If you have only one lens for your K-1, this one's it. Other PF'ers have mentioned it's a "bag full of primes". Well, I have the FA Limited's, the 2.8/100 Macro WR, Carl Zeiss ZK's . . . and I can say the D-FA* 2.8/70-200 produces the same quality . . . at any focal length.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/56053365@N07/27806655854/in/dateposted/

Doesn't have in-lens stabilisation, but I haven't found this to be an issue.

It's heavy no question, all 2.8/70-200's for full frame are the same. The only downside is the AF could be quicker and quite honestly, should be quicker, especially on the K-1. It's not dire, it's just slightly shy of really giving me confidence it'll nail the shot. No big deal, but this is the critical area Pentax needs to improve. Focus accuracy is sublime however.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/56053365@N07/28346318861/in/album-72157668433790253/

Pricey, but then all high end full frame 2.8/70-200's are, unless you opt for a third party offering.

Overall, I wouldn't be without this lens.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: July, 2010
Location: New York
Posts: 1,071

3 users found this helpful
Review Date: February 9, 2017 Recommended | Price: $1,796.95 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Very sharp overall. Very low distortion and chromatic aberration. Smooth bokeh. Excellent build quality. Fast autofocus.
Cons: Some softness wide open at close focusing distances. Very heavy.
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 9    Handling: 9    Value: 8    New or Used: New    Camera Used: Pentax K-3 II   

Overall, this lens is optically excellent, but there is a bit of room for improvement.

Sharpness throughout the zoom range is excellent overall. Wide-open sharpness is very good, and stopping down to f/4 produces outstanding results corner to corner. There's very little in the way of chromatic aberration, vignetting, or distortion, and flare is very well controlled. Wide open at close distances at 200mm, spherical aberration does noticeably hurt sharpness, but stopping down a bit sharpens up the image.

Autofocus is fast, taking 0.55s to go from end to end on the focusing scale. Using the focus limiter can improve this further. Focusing action is very quiet and responsive. This lens excels in tracking fast-moving subjects, even in a dim basketball court, and I never felt held back by the speed of the AF motor. However, there is a bit of inconsistency when critical focus is required; you might want to use Live View and manually focus in such situations.

The D FA* 70-200mm is constructed almost entirely of metal; it's built like a tank and should withstand rough use. However, it is very heavy, more so than C&N 70-200mm lenses. It's also very large; when mounted on my K-3 II with grip, it barely fits in my main camera bag (Think Tank Photo Urban Disguise 60 v2.0). A good tripod or monopod is strongly recommended for extended use. You'll also want to look at alternative ways of carrying it on the field, such as a sling strap or holster. My SpiderPro holster has no trouble handling 8 lbs from the combined lens, camera, and Metz 58 AF-2 flashgun; no matter how you carry it, though, the weight is going to be very obvious.

Size and weight aside, the controls on the lens are well thought out. The zoom ring rotates 90° while the focus ring rotates 175°. Both rings are very well damped allowing for very precise adjustment, though a bit of backlash (play) is present in the focus ring. The focus mode and limiter switches have solid clicks. The redesigned tripod collar attaches much more easily than the old design used in the DA* 60-250mm and DA* 300mm lenses and is more secure as well.

Pricing is currently slightly below that of its C&N counterparts. Given that performance is considerably better than third-party alternatives (but not quite as good as C&N's latest 70-200s), it's a fair value.

Ultimately, I can recommend this lens to any Pentaxian looking for a full frame-ready professional telephoto zoom.
   
Senior Member

Registered: May, 2011
Location: Hanoi
Posts: 213

3 users found this helpful
Review Date: May 16, 2016 Recommended | Price: $2,000.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: metallic mass, stabilized, great bokeh
Cons: ring zoom
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 9    Handling: 9    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K-1, K-3   

The delay of first full frame body K-1 would definitely deserve to bear with only DFA* lens counting at the moment. The bokeh is the best impression appetizing my choice.



DFA* 70-200 f2.8, on Flickr


DFA* 70-200 f2.8, on Flickr


meadow, on Flickr


meadow, on Flickr


Aunt_May, on Flickr


Aunt_May, on Flickr


Aunt_May, on Flickr


   
Junior Member

Registered: January, 2022
Posts: 30

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: March 2, 2022 Recommended | Price: $630.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: 'Stack-of-primes' like.
Cons: Hefty.
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 9    Value: 10    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K1ii   

Handling is a b***h because of it's weight. This gets a 9 for handling due to the weight. Reminds me of a bullpup rifle especially when using the tripod mount as a carrying handle.

There are only two primary lenses in my full frame inventory and it is this and the D FA* 50mm f1.4. The images generated feel like the same smoothness and 'pop' of 50mm f1.4 except down the entirety of 70-200mm.


As a result - when doing some closer range wildlife/birding at the 200mm ish focal length you can be confident of getting superb image quality/doubling up as a 300mm on an APS-C albeit restricted to the 15MP output of the K1ii in cropped sensor mode. (My hunch is it will do very well on a K3iii which I have yet to sample.)


For all the other technical/MTF figures based comparison - look elsewhere. I severely discounted the CameraVille's review opinions due to the steal price of 630USD (being an ex display unit) in this instance and say it for the record - STAR designation is not something handing out lightly is my subjective conclusion. This is the yardstick of a digital pro lens.
   
Loyal Site Supporter

Registered: October, 2018
Location: Quebec City, Quebec
Posts: 6,493

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: January 28, 2021 Recommended | Price: $1,350.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Very sharp and contrasty, precise focusing, usable between f/4 and f/16.
Cons: Heavy, expensive, had to be repaired.
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 8    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K3 III, K3, K1   

First images with a K3 (FL equivalent to 100-300 mm on APSc). More tests will be added later.

70 mm @ f/6.3

100 mm @ f/6.3

140 mm @ f/6.3

200 mm @ f/6.3

Lens is large and heavy. It is hand-holdable but will benefit from the use of a tripod. Imaging tests I have seen indicate its best apertures are f/5.6 and f/8. Focusing is totally silent and seems very accurate. Straight lines remain straight, an indication distortion is almost nonexistent. I'll have to proceed to more testing to form an "enlightened" opinion about its sharpness, contrast and resistance to flare.

70 mm @ f/11

100 mm @ f/11

200 mm @ f/11

70 mm @ f/6.3

100 mm @ f/5.6

200 mm @ f/11

200 mm @ f/6.3

200 mm @ f/6.3

First image with the zoom on the K1 below : 1/800 sec @ f/8 and 200 mm FL, handheld. SHARP !



Another image with the K1 at 200 mm FL and f/5.6.



K1 at 100 mm FL and f/8 below.



Below : 4 images of the Batiscan River from 70 mm to 200 mm with the K1, all @ f/8 on a tripod. MAGNIFICENT SHARPNESS !

70 mm

100 mm

140 mm

200 mm

160 mm @ f/6.3

P.S. The AF stopped working this morning : one of the little metal tabs on the lower part of the inner mount that transmits the electrical signal between the lens and the body had fallen out of position. I put it back "delicately" in its place and AF returned to normal. This flimsy electrical contact will certainly become defective again. I will consult my trusted local repairman to have the issue resolved before the little copper tab breaks for good.

I left my DFA* lens at Service Camera Pro today. The chief technician thinks it should be easy to fix this electrical problem. They simply glued the loose copper tab into place and kept it pressed overnight so as to get a perfect fit. They "polished" the exterior of the lens and gave me back a "like-new" lens, removing all traces of use by the previous owner.

First new picture with the repaired DFA 70-200 mm f/2.8 + K1 :

200 mm @ f/7.1 resized

Best aperture opening range extends from f/5.6 to f/11 for landscape purposes. ABSOLUTE OPTIMUM : f/8

@ f/7.1

@ f/7.1

Three images taken with my new K3 III below :

@ f/8

@ f/8

@ f/7.1

Series below taken with the new K3 III @ f/8 on tripod : 70 mm, 100 mm, 140 mm and 200 mm. Colors are superb and sharpness amazing !!









Below : K3 III + DFA* 70-200 mm @ f/11 and 150 mm FL. Heavy and difficult to handhold in hurricane-force winds.

   
New Member

Registered: February, 2018
Posts: 12

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: May 24, 2020 Recommended | Price: $1,500.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharp, weatherproof
Cons: Heavy
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 8    Value: 9    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K3 ii   

Oh my giddy aunt but this is a whopper. Big, heavy and super-sharp.

At 100 it beats my 100 f2.8 D FA Macro easily. on sharpness, speed of focus, everything.

No distortion or CA at any length or any aperture. Just stellar resolution. The much overused 'bag of primes' is apt for this lens.

But do try handling one before buying - 'heavy' doesn't do it justice. If you can hand-hold it, you'll be rewarded with a really great lens. If you can't it'll stay in your cupboard.

Judging by my example it's built like a brick outhouse, so I daresay would be a good second hand buy.



   
New Member

Registered: October, 2016
Posts: 4

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: April 30, 2020 Recommended | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Fast AF, Very Sharp, Great Colour Rendering
Cons: None
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 7    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K-1 k-3   

The best zoom lens I have ever owned no doubt, don't let the size and weight put you off.

My full review is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6ZoLjnD2MY&t=1s
Add Review of HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW Buy the HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW



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