Pentax 80-200 FA* Opinions

[Larry Cook]

I have recently posted a query about 80-200 f2.8 zooms in general and 
after receiving opinions here and elsewhere I would like to know more 
about the Pentax 80-200 FA* specifically from actual owners/users of 
that lens, especially when married to a *istD. I have narrowed my search 
to the Pentax and the Sigma 70-200. I have heard nice things about both 
but I have also heard some less than favorable things about the Pentax 
(as well as teh Sigma). So before I launch off into a search for a 
suitable speciman and its most likely equally suitable price I would 
like to see if it is worth searching for given what I intend to shoot 
with it. I intend to shoot mainly my son's high school soccer, so I need 
something that has a rather quick AF. I have heard that the Pentax AF is 
both slow and fast and that it is both one of the best and not one of 
the best optically. It is also apparently heavy and the tripod moumt is 
flimsy. What is the actual truth? How is the AF performance? Is it a 
great optical speciman or just mediocre? It is heavy, oh well, I have a 
monpod and currently use it with the two Tokina ATX MF zooms that I 
have, so no big deal there. How is the construction? Is the tripod mount 
really flimsy? Anything else of note? Is it worth pursuing given the 
possible $500 premium over and above the Sigma lens?

I appreciate any reponses both good and bad because it is information 
that I seek,

Larry Cook