| Review of: SMC Pentax-DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 ED AL [IF] by kpenske on Wed November 28, 2018 | Rating: 8 | View more reviews | |
Views: 257106
Reviews: 50
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I may have rated this lens higher than some other folks did but that's because I know its limits and as a go-to lens it's performing fine, not perfect. Each rating I gave it was dependent on knowing where to get the good performance. Full zoom, a little soft. Good bokeh? Only on some settings which I won't go into here.
We now have two if these. The original one (bought new) had become a little dusty inside. Cleaning cost was close to the cost of this used one advertised in 90% new condition. It's in great shape. On the original lens I removed the front glass, cleaned the back or it and the front of the second element. I'm not about to go any further into the cleaning of deeper elements but it's now in great shape too. Dust was mostly in the front. So beware, if you drag your camera where we do, mountain trails, deserts, and filthy dusty abandoned buildings the seals may eventually allow dust inside.
If you use it awhile you'll understand its limits but overall it does fine for everyday shooting. If you want something perfect, use a fast prime. (I love old manual glass). If I could afford a faster zoom I'd have one. Fastest you'll get on this is f3.5. My wife uses it on road trips and often just grabs a quick shot from the car while moving. She's mastered its limits as I cannot get those shots like she does.
Negative (which you get used to) is that the lens must be locked with a tab to keep in fully retracted. Otherwise, while hanging from the camera strap the weight of the zoom section will allow the lens to extend. A bit aggravating till you get used to it.
Overall - we like it.
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| Review of: Tele-Takumar/Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 400mm F5.6 by kpenske on Sat July 7, 2018 | Rating: 7 | View more reviews | |
Views: 78054
Reviews: 7
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Saw this in a camera shop and bought it just for fun. Didn't expect much more than playing with a super tele. Heavy but you get used to it. It's a slow lens but hand held will work in bright daylight. A lot of CA wide open in high contrast areas, minimal at f8 and almost gone (easily correctable) at f11 or higher. IQ is not the best but better than I expected. Tripod mount is a single fixed location, no slide to move forward or back for balance.
This is a fun toy. More testing required to see just how useful it will be, but I'm glad I have it. Well worth the $200 for a play thing.
I shot the fireworks at f-5.6 because I wasn't worried about CA, it just makes the fireworks more colorful.
Shot the house/trees at f-11.
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