FS: DA*200 immaculate

I find I am not using this superb lens to justify keeping it. For occasional longer range use I have a 55-300, so this is now for sale.

Cosmetically and in operation it is immaculate.

[img][IMG]http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r605/maurisimo1/DA200side.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r605/maurisimo1/DA200rarampside.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r605/maurisimo1/DA200frontelement.jpg[/IMG]

I bought the lens earlier this year from another forum member, and it has always been protected by a HOYA Super UV filter, which is included in the sale. It has the lens hood, and both original caps. No box. Lens will be very carefully packaged and posted with tracking.
Asking £550 incl postage.

Week-end bump ....
Price now reduced to £495 incl RMSD ...
Payment by bank transfer or PP Gift, or +3% to cover PP fees

Low price for outstanding optics and immaculate condition!

Holiday bump ... £475 delivered.

No offers before this lovely lens goes onto eBay ...??

Tempted to make an offer but I recently bought the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 OS.
Have had the DA* 200mm before and it's a superb lens.

Have now found the soft pouch for this lens - so a complete package w/out box in mint condition ... bargain!

Ahoy!

Forgive my format newbie elementary question, but is the lens this one: PENTAX DA* SMC 200mm F/2.8 ED IF SDM :

If it is, then I'll be happy to negotiate to buy. Please advise. Payment by BACS or PPG.

Ah ... Ahoy there ...!
Indeed it is the famed PENTAX DA* SMC 200mm F/2.8 ED IF SDM

Ahoy Rich!

Well, my reason for asking is that I tripped over a review for this lens, and as a relative newbie to the format, I'm unfamiliar with what's good and what's not, and this prime had a very good write-up. It appears to be designed for APS-C, but I've no idea why reviews mention the 1.5x crop factor @ 300mm. I find that strange.

Are we negotiating? If so, what's the death for this lens?