70~210 F vs A

[Scott Loveless]

On 11/22/06, Igor Roshchin <str at komkon.org> wrote:
> When I was trying to figure it out for myself - about a year ago, -
> my conclusion that of all Pentax lenses in the range 70(80) - 200(210)
> only 70-210 F SMC and 70-210 A SMC are good performers, and the rest
> are not worth much attention.
>
The only lens in this range I have any experience with is the
F80-200/4.7-5.6.  Never having compared it to any of the others, it
seems to be a decent piece of glass.  But it's not as good at 200mm as
the M200/4.  Reviews on this lens are mixed but it usually ranks a
step or two higher than its FA replacement.  This is one of two zooms
that usually rides along with the PZ-1.  That is, until I bought my
wife a K100D.  (I knew she was going to do this.)  She likes long
lenses and for the past two months I haven't had a chance to use it.
The other day she says to me "that 80-200 is a hell of a lot better
than the 18-55."  I was going to get her the DA50-200 for Christmas.
I think I'll get myself another telephoto zoom, instead.

-- 
Scott Loveless
http://www.twosixteen.com
Have a Happy Supermarket Profitability Day!