Anyone use the FA*80-200 on the K-1?

As per the title.

Seen testimonies regarding D-FA* on the camera

Similarly the DA*60-250 - I have had one of these for 6-7 years (motor no.2), marvellous lens but I don't want to fiddle around with the internals, so that will be set to crop mode. I actually sold my Sigma EXs to fund the DA*, and as a FF Pentax was so far away from reality I went for a Nikon FX set up. Basically now I have crop and FF set ups in both systems but lacking that f2.8 telephone zoom on the K.

So, I am looking for feedback for the K-1 plus FA* combo (I know what I will lose out one if I do not go for the D-FA* - but there is a considerable price difference), are you satisfied with the performance of this lens on the K-1 or do you feel the need to splash on a newer optic?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Yes and No

I have this combo but still haven't got round to giving it a good workout simply because the DA*60-250 is such a good performer.

If I get the chance in the next couple of weeks I'll post some photos and advise

To be totally honest I've never found the maximum aperture to be as good as some reports suggest (I've tried 2 copies) so the advantages are lost on me. It does produce some beautiful results stopped down a little but the weight of the lens means I don't use it as often as it deserves.

Here is a Flickr album of the lens on various other Pentax DSLR's (APS-C) in case it helps a little:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/62460860@N05/albums/72157635014077436/with/9477790...

I recently picked up the D-FA and what stands out for me (pro and con) is the size of the thing. The images are very sharp and have a great quality about them, as you'd expect from a pro-grade telezoom.

I've also got the DA* 60-250 and will be weighing up whether I want to keep one or the other. Let me know if you'd like first option on the D-FA if I think of moving it on (the size!!!)

The Tamron does me just fine

I have the 60-250mm and Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 DG HSM OS.

Not bothered using the Sigma as you can shoot with the Pentax in FF mode and get a lot more of the picture by manually cropping rather than doing it automatically in camera.

I've never seen anything as sharp as the D-FA. Doesn't need stopping down.

This man Man has taken some amazing stuff...

Look for the climbers on the full size mountain shot here....

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4011066

Guitars at f/2.8 and f/4 .......
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4000694


==

Since posting this.... I did buy an FA*80-200 to complement the DA*60-250, and since the K-3 was sold I was in an odd situation that I preferred the the DA*.

So, both went in a box and passed to a man in a red van on Monday morning who returned this morning with the D-FA*70-200/2,8.

It is bright, it is HEAVY, and it dwarves the D500 &80-400 (actually about the same size if I am honest but the 80-400 is not a small lens)....

So, if anyone wants an FA* it's sitting on a shelf in Watford.

My 60-250mm and Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 OS went in favour of a D-FA 70-200mm f/2.8. It's an excellent lens but I find myself just not bothering these days, carrying hefty glass just get's me down now, I think it's been out only a couple of times since I have had it ... much like the 15-30mm and 24-70mm.

Out of all the lenses i have had I do miss my 60-250mm.

(and my Nikon AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 but that's for another place)

I've only had a DFA* 70 - 200 for just over 10 days, used it once in angor and yes it's heavy, but I like it already and with more use that'll grow even more.

When compared to a 645 with the 80 - 160 f4.5, there's not much difference.