"Tanya Mayer Photography" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >I also just discovered that Pentax has a Pentax SMCP-FA 28-70mm f/2.8 AL and >a Pentax SMCP-FA 80-200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) but at USD$979 and USD$1349, I am >sad to say that they are out of my reach. What a shame! Does anyone know >how the Pentax versions weigh up to the Tamron/Sigma/Tokina versions?
I've never used any of the Tamron/Sigma/Tokina lenses, but I do have the Pentax FA*80-200/2.8 and I can tell you it's one cracking good lens. I was pretty much a "prime lens snob" until I bought this lens. In actual use it's as good as any prime I've ever used. The price you pay is size and weight (although it's certainly lighter than carrying the assortment of primes that it can replace!) I find a little light fall-off in the corners wide open at 200mm, but that's typical of lenses of this type. Stopped down and at shorter focal lengths it's unnoticeable. It's very sharp at all focal lengths and apertures. It's even excellent at close focus distances when used with an extension tube or achromatic close-up lens. Probably my most used lens. -- Mark Roberts Photography and writing www.robertstech.com
