Anthony wrote:
> If you call the A* 135/1.8, A* 300/2.8 and A* 85/1.4 average then I guess
> that you could presume the A 35/2.8 to be mediocre. I do not, and you must
> agree, think that the Pentax "Star" lenses are average. They belong in the
> highest order of optical quality.
>
> Did you understand my disagreement with you? I actually did agree with you
> that the "Star" lenses had been damned with faint praise, and never did
> contend that the A35/2.8 is their equal. Being less than excellent does not
> instantly denote mediocrity, there is a vast gulf between the two levels.
> Are you possibly confusing "mediocre" (moderate to inferior in quality,
> ordinary) with "median" (a method of defining averages) because of the two
> words' superficial resemblance?
If you feel offended that I used the word medoicre instead of average then please
don't cause it isn't personal. Again I used the words medoicre in comparison to the A*
lenses because CDI had rated them similarly. It wasn't because I believe they are
comparable quantities but because CDI apparently did. By saying medoicre I did indeed
stressed the distance between the A 35/2.8 and the A* lenses. Sure I've could have
used the word average instead to stress the same issue but this is meaningless
nit-picking. Medoicre is a realtive term that is in the eye of the beholder. Average
is a more absolute term and frankly I have no idea about how an average lens actually
performs. Among the lenses I own the A 35/2.8 is below average. It is indeed an OK
lens, slightly inferior to the A 24/2.8. Again, medoicre was used to distinguish the
35/2.8 from the A* lenses it was grouped together with. To me it seems like you make
an issue of differences in opinion that isn't there.
>And then to compare the humble A35/2.8 to yet another "Star" lens
> (FA* 28-70/2.8) is a gross mismatch because "Star" lenses are a class above
> those lacking the star. Or was it an opportunity to drop the name of yet
> another Stellar lens that you possess?
Nope. It was an opportunity to distingus its performance relative to the prime A*
lenses and showing how the A 35/2.8 compare to a good zoom lens. I do not posess the
FA* 28-70/2.8 but I can recommend its optical quality.
> (See: Subject: Macro flash bracket
> "Anyone with tips on a lightweight flash bracket for use on my FA* 200/4
> macro?
>
> Pål",
> as if someone as knowledgable and resourceful as yourself, who apparently
> has all the answers, needs our opinion. A Dolly Dixer if ever I heard or
> read one!)
I for one always ask other users of equipment I've no experience with. This include
macro bracketts (its a good idea to tell people how you intend to use the equipment)
and lenses. I recently asked for experience regarding the FA* 400/5.6. I'm aware of
test where this lens don't perform well but as you probably know I don't much faith in
lens tests, so I aske the knowledgeable Pentax users. I got answers both private and
posted on the forum. This from people whose judgement I trust. Hence, I think I'm goig
to buy the FA* 400/5.6.
>
> Whatever your opinion of lens tests is, one thing is true about them. A
> lens CANNOT deliver better results than it should because of human error,
> because resolution can only be lost by poor handling, not increased. If you
> truly believe that (in Yoshi's figures that I posted) the A35/2.8 delivered
> its absolute best while EVERY OTHER lens suffered from some kind of testing
> error, then there is nothing more to say except,
>
> "There is none so blind as he who will not see".
I have no ax to grind regarding this lens. I haven't tested it nor do I intend to. My
opinion on this lens is based on 17 years of use and the slide it produces on the
light table. I'm not saying my opinion on any lens is absolute truths. Just my honest
opinion. I also appreciate others opinion and I have nothing against diverging
opinion. They can be discussed. However, the difference between average and mediocre,
although real enough, is nit-picking and is baically in the eye of the beholder.
Pål
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