| Showing all 5 reviews by azath | |
| Review of: HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE by azath on Tue August 7, 2018 | Rating: 10 | View more reviews | |
Views: 169512
Reviews: 46
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This is a fantastic lens. Arguably the best quality/price tele for pentax.
I've extensively used the DA* 60-250, to which I can compare.
Sharpness:
Until 200mm : Excellent at the center ! It's hard to tell the difference with DA*60-250. Micro-contrast is excellent also.
Ok on edges/corners, but a step down the DA* telezoom.
At 300mm, sharpness across the frame is WAY worse.
Colour rendition:
It's OK but I prefer the rendition of the DA* 60-250.
The 55-300 feels in the same league as other DA (not star *) lenses, while the DA* 60-250 if more of the DA* / Limited rendering.
Bokeh:
To me, better than the DA* 60-250.
The smaller aperture make it sometimes impossible to achieve though, but on proxy shots it's gorgeous.
Autofocus:
Blazing fast AF, great subject tracking, provided the light is good.
Once it gets really cloudy, or at the shadows, AF is not that good and it can be difficult to follow a slow moving subject getting images sufficiently sharp.
Handling:
It's a joy to use : lightweight, compact, reactive.
Only downside would be the barrel extension while zooming... but you can't have it all ! Even the DA*60-250 extends.
And for having used both for maybe 30 000 shots each, the latter feels a lot more bulkier. Manipulating the new 55-300 is a pleasure.
Value:
Unbeatable !
Other pros:
Wide range, sharp wide open, quite small retracted.
For the story, I've broken my DA* 60-250 and had to use my "backup" 55-300 PLM for a few weeks of everyday river-sports shooting - photos I make money with. I was sceptical on the quality, and specially afraid of poor subject tracking, having owned the older 55-300.
I ended up completely sold on the 55-300 PLM, with the main downside being the look of the lens that's not pro like DA*, which unfortunately has some importance when you sell your pictures.
Finally I chose to replace my 60-250 with the DA* 50-135 mostly for handling reasons, and I just love that new lens too, but that's another topic.
Anyway I know I can count on my 55-300 PLM if needed even professionally.
This is my go-to lens for shots needing reach, wildlife, travelling (along with HD 16-85).
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| Review of: HD Pentax-DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 Limited DC WR by azath on Sun April 29, 2018 | Rating: 8 | View more reviews | |
Views: 282617
Reviews: 65
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Great lens, typical limited rendition / handling, a bit big for a Ltd though - but still really compact for a zoom with this specs, definitely lightweight.
After hesitating for a while for which normal prime I wanted, I ended choosing this Ltd zoom...
31 Ltd was a long time wish but so expensive. I owned the DA 35 but was not impressed and didn't like the cheap plastic feel. The FA 35 was going to be a bit similar. The Ltd 35 was almost my choice but the endless macro focus ring didn't appeal me. The Sigma Art 30 is just too big for my taste - compactness I value most over max aperture & bokeh (for my "art-ish" bokeh captures I use the M 50/1.4).
I already own a M 28/2 that's quite good but no AF, and the Sigma 17-50/2.8 which is bigger and heavier, doesn't have the Ltd handling and rendition, but a much better AF and zoom range, which is my choice when I need to be more reactive and versatile.
In the end I consider it an "adjustable prime" -zoom range absolutely not an issue- and it fits perfectly for my use : a high quality normal field of view with superb contrast and colors, and compactness. AF is quite slow and hunting so think about it for what you intend to use it. Sharpness is impressive and so is the bokeh (close-ups) considering the slow aperture.
Example @40mm F/4 ISO100 with K-3 II :
100% crop :
It fits well in a compact/quality kit, consisting of the additional Ltd 15 and PLM 55-300 (relative quality compared to Ltd's but still!) - and eventually M 50/1.4.
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| Review of: HD Pentax-DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited by azath on Sun April 29, 2018 | Rating: 8 | View more reviews | |
Views: 152271
Reviews: 31
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Awesome handling and great overall rendition, colors and contrast.
IQ is great in the center, not that much in corners/borders - understandable for a small and lightweight ultra wide.
Screw cap use is not that great - not a major issue.
Good lens that does not control my mind as some others ;)
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| Review of: SMC Pentax-M 28mm F2 by azath on Wed April 18, 2018 | Rating: 9 | View more reviews | |
Views: 153438
Reviews: 15
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A bit pricey for what it is, but it's a lightweight, small, fast manual lens with great image and build quality.
Surprisingly sharp at F/2 and perfect at F/2.8.
Bokey is good.
Handling is awesome on M lenses.
A great option when you consider the actual offer around ~28-35mm fast lenses... if you value compactness and build quality over autofocusing.
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| Review of: SMC Pentax-DA* 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM by azath on Tue November 22, 2016 | Rating: 9 | View more reviews | |
Views: 376817
Reviews: 65
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Used mainly for sports (Rafting, mountain bike, ski...) and nature / wildlife.
I loved this lens, stunning IQ.
I've also owned the HD 55-300 (the old version, no PLM) and there's no comparison in IQ, not speaking of difficult light conditions. And the autofocus is way better than the small 55-300 which misses focus a lot more in same context.
The new 55-300 PLM that I now own is somehow not far behind in terms of center sharpness, but not on the edges/corners. Also the color/global rendition/resolution/micro-contrast are better on the 60-250 (DA*/Limited rendering, as opposed to DA lenses).
Downsides for me are :
1) too bulky, no smooth zoom ring
2) external zooming / long barrel extension
3) autofocus is just OK, some of the best Pentax I guess... but no match to other big brands.
I ended up selling this lens for getting the DA* 50-135 : handling is MUCH better, internal zooming, lightweight & compactness, 1 stop aperture (& bokeh!)... at the cost of magnification, which is a more than acceptable trade for my use, having the PLM 55-300 if needed. And the DA* 300 in mind...
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