New Member Registered: January, 2019 Location: Okanagan Valley, BC Posts: 1 | Review Date: May 31, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $1.00
| Rating: 8 |
Pros: | Build Quality, Handling, Close Focus | Cons: | Weight, Tight Mount Fit | Sharpness: 7
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 6
Handling: 8
Value: 8
Camera Used: Pentax K-S2
| | This lens was a surprise: after putting a $1 bid online, I did some digging and heard bad things about the 28-80 f/3.5-4.5 and started to regret my impulse. I hoped someone would outbid me, but after a few days I won the auction: this is not a popular lens. Since arriving, though, I've been consistently impressed.
Before even taking a single picture, I was surprised by the build quality; heavy, all metal, and with a huge front element (72mm filter size, with glass right up to the filter threads). The only issue I had was that the mount was very tight on my K-S2, and it felt like something was scraping that shouldn't be. I confirmed that everything was fine, just tight; it may have been manufactured that way because of the weight. Changing the focal length doesn't lengthen the lens, but adjusting the focus does marginally.
This lens is absolutely a macro/close focus lens through and through; the focus ring starts at 0.23m and it's 90 degree throw is entirely under 2m, giving you a lot of control close up. The last marked focus distance before infinity is 1.8m/6ft; this is not a lens designed for landscape shots.
Colours are muted, but not dull, and I've not noticed any CA, fringing, or distortion in any of my shots. It seems optically sound, but definitely struggles with sharpness for anything past 2m. Once I gave up trying to make it work for that, it's found a place in my lens collection.
I have an album of photos I've taken with this lens here; it went from a regret to one of my favourite bargain lens. I've attached some samples: Perfect Fit
Not macro, but shot at 28mm. Unknown aperture. Ferns after the rain
Using the close focus ability of the lens. Here the more muted colours work for the image, emphasising the post rain wetness and mud. Tiny bugs on Twirly-Whirls
A good example of bokeh. It doesn't always look great, especially in the middle aperture ranges
There are additional images in that album, and I'm sure more to be added. This lens is a keeper!
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