the FA* 400/5.6 is an excellent lens, sharp and very flare resistant. bokeh is decent too. too bad it's an f5.6 instead of an f4 and doesn't have the D mechanism for touching up focus when it's almost, but not quite right. the A* 400/2.8 is a superb lens, but is not as flare resistant wide open. it is slightly sharper than the 5.6 when used standalone and wide open. coupled with the 1.7AF adapter, it's not quite as sharp, but barely noticeably so, and has a bit more flare. this flare isn't the bright spots kind of flare but the loss of contrast kind. i don't think i have taken a picture ever with the A* 400/2.8 stopped down. it stays at the A position and 2.8 all the time. bokeh is acceptable with the adapter and good without. unfortunately, for what i use it for, it's pretty useless as a standalone lens without the AF adapter. i really wish Pentax had an FA* 400/2.8. the FA* 300/2.8 isn't quite long enough. if i hadn't gotten a really good deal on a LN condition used one, i would have saved a little longer and gotten the FA* 600/4. i may still end up doing so, but it'll be a while before that happens. i would need a committed buyer for the A* lens before i would make the switch.
Herb... ----- Original Message ----- From: "Joseph Tainter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "pdml" <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2005 8:57 PM Subject: Re: Novoflex tele lenses > "i have a FA* 400/5.6 and an A* 400/2.8 which is mostly used with the > 1.7AF adapter. both are used on the *istD." > > Herb, how do you find the performance of these on the D?
