| Latest Review Posted | SMC Pentax-A* 200mm F4 Macro ED
https://www.pentaxforums.com/gallery/images/66980/large/1_100__crop_Swallow.jpg https://www.pentaxforums.com/gallery/images/66980/large/1_100__crop_Swallow.jpg https://www.pentaxforums.com/gallery/images/66980/large/1_uncropped_Swallow.jpg I've had a love affair with this lens since 1984, the year I bought it. Clearly one of the best lenses Pentax has ever made. Besides being an outstanding macro, it's extremely versatile as the attached images make clear. While I've used it as a macro lens 99% of the time, today I shot the swallow at its nest box from about 15-20 feet away. Amazing for a 40+ year old.
I've dropped it three times. The second one was near catastrophic: It slipped out of the jaws of a macro rail while attached to my K-1 which was attached to my tripod over my shoulder. Luckily the hood was extended when it hit the ground. It was bent elliptical, jammed in place. No optical damage whatsoever (nor was my K-1 damaged).To say that it's built like a tank is no boast. I was able to free the hood by placing a C clamp on the rubberized leading edge. Rinse & repeat 'til it slid back(not quite all the way). It's a bit of an ugly duckling now but that makes no difference to me. If you ever find one for sale, buy it, you won't regret it at almost any price. |
