It's a bit late, but I have experience with the Pentax F 70-210mm
f4.0~6.5, it's very well built, like a light tank, really, and very
sharp, and a bit heavier than one of the plastic bodied FA 70-200mm
zooms, though and from everything I've seen quite a bit better
optically. It's also quite a bit lighter and certianly more compact
that the f2.8 lenses in that focal length range.
Additionally I have a Vivitar S1 70-210 f2.8~4.0, (the third version).
Very well built, very sharp, though a bit more prone to flare than most,
though not all SMC lenses. It even comes in KA mount, (not as common as
the K mount however). Well worth looking for if a bit rare.
The F 70-210 shows up at KEH fairly regularly, depending on condition
you can expect to pay between $90-$150. The Vivitar usually goes for
about the same price, on Ebay, I don't remember every seeing one for
sale on KEH. Be careful though you don't want to get one of the later
Vivitars while the last two version of the MF lenses are supposed to be,
well, all right, they're not stellar. All the autofocus versions are
supposed to downright Hoover.
On 2/8/2011 8:47 PM, Paul Ewins wrote:
Hi folks,
I'm looking for a zoom to complement the 17-70/4 which I recently
acquired to replace the 18-55 kit lens. I'm looking for quality optics without
huge weight or huge price.
If the 60-250/4 was a little cheaper and a little lighter it would be a done
deal, but it isn't.
Weight will probably also rule out the 3rd party 70-200/2.8 lenses. I already
own a manual focus Tokina 80-200/2.8 and it is larger and heavier than I want
to carry around all day.
I also own the 18-250 which is a great compromise for travel, but I want
something for when I don't have to compromise as much.
The contenders seem to be the 50-200 and 55-300 (although I don't know if they
are actually an improvement over the 18-250) or one of the FA or F series of
which the F70-210 seems to be the best. The 50-135/2.8 could be regarded as an
outside bet, but I'd prefer a longer zoom range. Ideally Pentax would have a
compact 70-200/4 to complement the 60-250/4 but they don't and neither does any
of the 3rd part manufacturers.
So, what say you - DA50-200, DA55-300, DA* 50-135, F70-210 or something that I
have managed to overlook.
thanks,
Paul
--
Where's the Kaboom? There was supposed to be an Earth-shattering Kaboom!
--Marvin the Martian.
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