I've gotten very good performance from both the FA 80-320 and the DA 50-200. With the possible exception of some "kit" lenses and FAJ and K-series Takumar budget lenses, Pentax lenses will deliver quality images when used correctly. Of course, there may be sample variation, particularly with less-expensive lenses, but I have yet to encounter it. If you need 300 mm reach and speed isn't critical, the FA 80-320 is a good inexpensive choice. The DA 50-200 will vignette at wider focal lengths on your film cameras. But, dollar for dollar, it's a very good lens. Paul DA 50-200: http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=6119287http://photo.net/photodb/photo?ph oto_id=6119287 http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=5458304&size=lg FA 80-320: http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=3113513&size=lg -------------- Original message ---------------------- From: "P. J. Alling" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > David Savage wrote: > > On 9/10/07, Bong Manayon <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > >> Hi everyone! > >> > >> My professional work does not really require anything longer than my > >> 28-105 or 135mm lenses but ever so often I wished I had something > >> longer. I had a Sigma 55-200 for a while but I sold that one. I was > >> thinking of getting the DA 50-200 but I would like to use it on my > >> film bodies as well so why not something like the FA J 75-300? My > >> problem is I could never really get my hands on one (there's none in > >> the Philippines; have to get it online) to test it and it does suffer > >> bad rep for being 'cheap' so I wonder how bad it really is. > >> > >> Your thoughts? Is that a waste of time and should I get something > >> like the FA 80-320 (there's a couple of old stocks floating around > >> locally)? Or, maybe even Sigma's or Tamron's 70-300? Their prices > >> float around $150... > >> > > > > I can't recommend the DA 50-200. I bought one while on my recent trip > > because I needed something longer than what I had taken with me. And I > > was underwhelmed with it's performance. > > > > The 80-320 isn't too bad for the price. All but the last 2 of these > > were taken with it: > > > > <http://www.arach.net.au/~savage/GESO/GESO_001/index.html> > > > > I'm pretty harsh on these consumer zooms, since having got the FA* 80-200mm. > > > > Cheers, > > > > Dave > > > > > These are really quite impressive for an old, slow, "consumer" zoom. > > -- > Remember, itÂ’s pillage then burn. > > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > [email protected] > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
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