| Author: | | New Member Registered: February, 2014 Location: Tennessee Posts: 20
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 29, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $100.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | small telephoto zoom, price | | Cons: | build quality, bad close auto focus | | Sharpness: 7
Aberrations: 7
Bokeh: 7
Handling: 4
Value: 8
Camera Used: Q-10
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My video review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0na1wTrclI&t=3s | | | | | | | Moderator
Site Supporter Registered: February, 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Posts: 10,975
6 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: July 30, 2018 | Recommended
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp wide open. Stealthy. | | Cons: | Copy variation | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 9
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My first copy of this lens was definitely sub-par, but I'm going to ignore that.
The second copy is brilliant. I rarely stop it down and it just keeps on delivering. There's nothing I can smuggle into a concert which can give me results like this.
 | | | | | Pentaxian Registered: April, 2015 Location: USA Posts: 2,845 | | Review Date: March 23, 2018 | Recommended
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Small, Good auto focus, great colors, good sharpness | | Cons: | Construction quality, weakest at 15 and 45 | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 5
Handling: 9
Value: 9
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The best aperture for me is f/3.5
The lens does not perform the best at 15 and 45mm. I found that shooting around 24mm provided the very best image. I only use the extremes if I absolutely have to.
Put your jpg color setting to "Bright" and the colors this lens produces on my Q and Q7 cameras are excellent.
The Q jpg images must be auto corrected for distortion, because the jpg images produced with this lens are very different than the RAW images it produces. I find that the RAW images this lens produces are much MUCH better (especially in terms of contrast) than the jpg images are.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: April, 2016 Posts: 543
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 22, 2017 | Recommended | Price: $140.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp, great FoV range | | Cons: | None, possibly the best lens on the system | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
Camera Used: Q-S1
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This is an amazing lens that does everything you'd want it to. It's light, fast and extremely versatile. The colours are great and the image quality is excellent. Sharp images from f/2.8 and upward.
I've never had any issues with focus failing, although this may be an issue as I have had one fault with the 18-50 DC focus-by-wire system. Nevertheless I feel that the previous reviewer is using this avenue to vent at Pentax. Wholly immature.
The lens is a stunning addition to your Q kit and should really be considered quite strongly!
| | | | | | | | | | Review Date: May 22, 2017 | Not Recommended | Price: $140.00
| Rating: 3 |
| Pros: | Weight, Size, IQ | | Cons: | Fragile, Unrepairable, MF | | Sharpness: 6
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 6
Handling: 5
Value: 4
Camera Used: Q-7
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When it works, a perfect 10.
It has very good contrast, and good resolution. It is very light, perhaps too light. Auto focus is reasonably fast, but manual focus is almost unusable. Considering that it is the FF equivalent of a 70-200 f2.8, it is remarkable for what it can do in such a tiny size.
There is a definite problem with this lens in its construction and robustness, however, as others have noted. It has a known issue of the internal focusing failing without cause, unrepairable if out of warranty, take your chances on a replacement from Pentax if under warranty. Because it is a focus-by-wire lens, it appears to be a failure of the circuitry, when it fails it cannot be used in any mode.
I have owned dozens of Pentax products over the years and this was the most disappointing, in that it worked so well but broke down so soon. The other Q lenses I have seem to be made to a higher standard.
Consider it a disposable item. Buyer beware! | | | | | Senior Member Registered: August, 2012 Posts: 118 | | Review Date: September 30, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $115.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Everything | | Cons: | nothing | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 8
Value: 10
Camera Used: Q-7, Q-S1
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This is the lens that makes the Q system.
It has the field of view of a full frame 70-200 F2.8 zoom at a tenth of the size and weight and price (with about 4 times the depth of field.) Even an MF/T 35-100 f2.8 is about five times as big, five times as heavy, and five times as expensive.
Nothing else in any format comes close in price/size/performance. A Q-7 body and this lens could replace a DSLR+lens combo weighing several pounds! The ultimate walkabout fixed aperture tele-zoom combo, weighing about 8 ounces with camera!
For ultimate in flare control, I would suggest getting an aftermarket 40.5 lens hood that has 49mm threads on the other end, so you can add a 49mm hood extension.
If you would primarily use this at the 45mm length, a Pentax 110 50mm f2.8 (with an adapter), is a smaller, lighter, option—but strictly manual, with a fixed f-stop.
This was an expensive lens new, but has recently come down in price.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: June, 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Posts: 3,348
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 25, 2015 | Recommended
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Small, lightweight, sharp, good zoom range | | Cons: | Aftermarket hood, touchy focus ring | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 5
Handling: 7
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I got my 06 lens as part of a 2-lens Q7 kit. My hope was to have something for candid shots and more formal portraits without having to get in people's faces. The tele zoom range of this lens fits the bill very nicely. A Q7 with the 06 lens is not obtrusive in public. I can fit a Q7 + 06 + protruding lens hood in the palm of my hand.
I took this candid portrait of an older man reading a book at an airport.
_IMP0810 by Boris, on Flickr
I could shoot far enough away without attracting unnecessary attention to myself and without disturbing him. The result is a beautiful and thoughtful portrait.
I find that the lens is sharpest when used at f/3.2 - one click down from wide open. Diffraction slowly begins to slowly appear after that. Besides, you'll want to keep that aperture as open as possible to keep the shutter speed high and/or the ISO low. Shutter speeds will need to be high because every little bit of camera shake is greatly exaggerated at these focal lengths. Yes, shake reduction can help but shutter speeds can help even more. Otherwise, if you're on a tripod this is less of an issue. Here's a 100% crop of my son's eyes from a portrait I took of him with my Q7 + 06.
The lens resolves very fine details. I still believe the biggest impediment in the Q system is the sensor - not the optics.
Good bokeh is hard to achieve except for extreme close-focusing cases and this lens does not do close-focus very well. If you are thinking about macro-like shots then you should turn elsewhere.
Handling is good thanks to the small size of the lens. The zoom and focus and rings turn smoothly. Nothing shakes and rattle. The lens is lightweight and plastic but that doesn't mean poorly built. I could say that the lens does not feel robust but can you imagine a hefty lens on a Q7? Camera shake may be even more exaggerated. The focus ring is very touchy and the slightest tap on it engage MF adjustments. Be sure to keep your hand(s) clear of it!
Finding a lens hood can be difficult. I bought a 60cm metal screw-in hood and cut it down to a shorter length until there was no vignetting. I would like to get a bayonet hood one day.
Overall, I think this lens presents a very good zoom range, great IQ, and good handling. If you are traveling light then I would highly recommend it along with the 01, 02, and 03 lenses. I wish I had an 08 UWA zoom so I can personally recommend it as well!  | | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: September, 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,187 | | Review Date: July 24, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $250.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Excellent IQ, Constant 2.8 aperture, Amazing reach for size | | Cons: | Not much negative, focus ring is annoying but usable. | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 9
Value: 8
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I am amazed that the overall rating for this lens is not higher. Next to the 01 it is the star of the Q lens line up. Except for the slower focusing of the Q this lens would compete favorably with equivalent DSLR lenses. I own and use excellent Pentax lenses such as the DA*60-250, DA*300 and Da F 100. They are superior to the 06 but not when the size is taken into consideration. Each lens has its own special advantages and must be judged accordingly and as a part of a whole system. I like to hike in my native southwest and always have a camera with me. The 06 has performed admirably for me especially in combination with 01. I have attached a heavily corped, moderately processed example. Could the DA*300 have done better. Of course it would have but with a much bigger sensor not to mention weight and size on a long hike. I love the 06 and it is one of the main reasons I keep coming back to the Q system. I admit to have owned and sold two other copies when I needed cash for LBA but I expect to hang on to the currant set for awhile If you have a Q you should not hesitate to get the 06. It is a useful and reliable tool. | | | | | Senior Member Registered: April, 2012 Posts: 123 | | Review Date: March 9, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $187.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | Sharp, Constant f2.8 | | Cons: | Poor build quality | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 3
Value: 7
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When i received this lens i was surprised at it's build quality, cheap feeling plastic body, zoom ring is very sticky and is no were near as smooth as the 02. The focus ring feels a bit cheap and is far too sensitive, if you have focus zoom enabled just the slightest touch will set it off.
Built in ND filter is useful, the constant f2.8 is great plus the lens does not move when zooming.
Overall i am not impressed with the build quality, but the image quality is good, and it produces nice bokeh, its great to finally be able to isolate subjects. | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: September, 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Posts: 12,285
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $255.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Fast, reach, IQ | | Cons: | Retraction and build | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 8
Value: 9
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What a solid addition to the Q system. Excellent reach and a fast lens. IQ is excellent and the f2.8 throughout its range made shooting pro soccer fun, even in poor light. What a tight little package the Q + 06 make. It's pretty sharp throughout its range. AF is fast with consistently solid locks. Bokeh is even pretty good, especially for a zoom. The body is all plastic and while my copy doesn't give the feeling that it will break when extending, it is less robust than my 01 or 02. All in all, it's a solid addition. Who would have believed a 85-250 f2.8 with AF could be had for $255!
 | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: November, 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 594
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 13, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $260.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Bokeh, F2.8, Relatively small | | Cons: | Build quality | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 8
Value: 10
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Great addition to the Q lens lineup. The ability to control depth of field on a such small sensor is great as well as the F2.8 for faster shutter speeds. Its also the only auto focus telephoto lens that's available so that's an immediate plus.
Build quality could be better but is on par with the 02 lens.
Overall nothing to complain about for its price.
I highly recommend.
To give you an idea of what can be accomplished with this lens have a look here:
     | | | | | Pentaxian Registered: September, 2007 Location: Washington, D.C. Posts: 3,327
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 23, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $300.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | Constant f/2.8, good zoom range, compact, sharp stopped down | | Cons: | Cheaply built, "storage position" for zoom, loose focus ring | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 6
Handling: 4
Value: 7
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I would really like to give this an overall 8 or 9, since it is a nice, constant-aperture telephoto zoom for the Q with very good picture quality and decent bokeh, but the very cheap build quality when compared to the 02 lens (5-15mm) and the loose, disconnected-feeling focus ring (when compared to any other Q lens), just sabotage the cumulative rating.
About the build quality; yes, it is all plastic save the lensmount, like almost all the Q lenses (the 02 has a metal back barrel), but for something this big, and going onto the solid brick of the original Q, it just seems out of place. The "storage position" of the zoom ring (a zone below the 15mm minimal focal length) may have been necessary to keep the dimensions compact, but when zooming the lens out of this position (to allow the shutter to fire) it feels like something is going to break inside. It's not hard to turn the zoom ring, but the "click" to get to 15mm feels like a very flimsy, plastic piece has been pushed around. It immediately made me wonder when that will wear down or fall off?
Maybe this will be the "plastic fantastic" lens for the Q system? It is still highly recommendable, particularly when compared to non-native lens offerings like either an adapted 17-50 f/2.8 for APS-C, or any of the galaxy of C-mount zooms out there. The 06 has very good image quality (sharp in the center from 2.8, and sharp all around at f/3.2) with decent bokeh at close-focus distances, and most importantly it has Autofocus with "quick-shift" MF override, as well as a built-in shutter and ND filter, similar to the 01 and 02 "kit lenses."
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