Need Teleprime or Telezoom.

First, my DA 50-200 is going away for repair and I don't expect I'll see it again for over a month. I need something of equal or better performance to take with me to Scotland by September. I have seen a few FA 80-320s and some FAj 75-300s but have not heard too many good things about either, especially the FAJ. I've also been considering the 80-200 or 70-210 and similar lenses (power zoom version).

I am really put off by the rotating front element on all these lenses though so if anyone has any other suggestions I'd appreciate it.

I'd be happy with a 200-300mm prime but they are: expensive and hard to come by.


Oh, I also spotted a FA* 24f2

Just wondering if anyone is interested in this lens as there is one listed on evilbay ( 250152561786 ).

I believe that the 80-320 is not too bad. The 70-300 is less well-thought of.

The FA* 24mm, being a star lens, is considered by many to be superb on film, but not so good on digital. Around this focal length, the best prime is probably the DA 21mm Ltd.

You'd be lucky to find a good long prime before September, but if you do happen across the SMCP-F* 300mm 1:4.5, snap it up. It's probably the most usable of all long Pentax lenses, and optically it is quite lovely.

G

Which 70-300, the Sigma or the Tamron. The Sigma looks really good from SRS as the FAJ75-300 2nd hand I've seen is expensive at £89 and the Sigma is £99 NEW.

EDIT: Are they both 2:1 in 'macro'?

Sorry, I was referring to the Pentax 75-300 that the OP mentioned. I somehow managed to increase its focal length at the bottom end.

G

That is the FAj then...

I'm not so keen on it, anyone got information on the Tamron and Sigma?

Just would like to know if one is any better than the other.

Sigma has the better price but no idea about CA. The Tamron suffers from CA but performs rather well.

EDIT: Just had a look at the Sigma and the Tamron is miles better in almost all aspects.

The SMC Pentax-FA J 75-300mm is actually not at all a bad lens. Where it really scores is in close ups of small flowers and the like.

It may not be the top performer in the Pentax range, but I do quite like its overall characteristics. At the price it's hard to find fault really.

I suppose... Focusing range is 1.5m minimum so it wouldn't really allow me to get any closer than with my 50-200 (1.1m). The Sigma is definitely a no go area from what I've had a look at. I don't really want to have to spend on a 'temporary' replacement for my 50-200

I have the FAJ 75-300, and as John says it's not a bad lens for the price, and it is quite light compared to the sigma offerings. If I have to wander around all day, I know which one i'd take

Ok, well I still think £90 is a bit much for a second hand one when new they are £135 (and black).

Absolutely - we got a silver one for £40, new from eBay. And it was without doubt new.

Later on we paid more than that for a black one, but resold the silver one so it sort of balanced out, at least if you don't look too closely at the figures....

I've taken many hundreds of shots with the FA* 24 and I love and loath it in equal measure...

It's good on film (apart from quite high levels of CA) but sucks somewhat on digital. It's very soft wide open. Very sharp in the centre at f5.6, but the borders are never great. CA levels are very high, I find it difficult to focus, it's big and heavy, has an impractical hood and the silver paint is very easily scratched. Apart from all that it's great

In this range, the A24/2.8 is probably a better bet at half the size & weight and about a third the cost and optically it's a much more consistent performer...

I was think of getting one of the new PK-mount Zeiss 25's, but I'm not entirely convinced by the sample pictures at photozone.de.

Cheers,
Reuben0

Sigma have two 70-300 models - the DG Macro and the DG APO Macro, the APO is half as expensive again over the DG, but the difference is worth it. I have the original APO Macro lens and it's a good lens, definitely better than some of the marque telephoto lenses (ie the Canon).

I understand the Tamron is not a bad lens either...

Myself, I spent a shedload on EX glass (70-200 and 100-300) which are in a different league though (and not available in PK mount at the moment)...but that won't prevent more dough being spent on DA*60-250

What I really want is my 50-200 to work correctly It is so small and light with a nice range.

Whats about a 70-200 f2.8 from Sigma... know a place in London, where these are in stock at GBP 699.00. Sent me a PM if you like to know more...

>

Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha. Did I say Ha, in a very sarcastic tone?

As much as I'd love a 70-200f2.8 I have next to nothing to spend. I may just wait and use the 50-200 within the 'usable range' and send it off after I go to Scotland.