Pentax 24-90 zoom

I am interested in the old 24-90 Pentax zoom lens that many people enthuse about.

Question how does it compare with the kit 18-55 (apart from the obvious) from a sharpness and colour reproduction, I would be most interested in your comments if you would be so kind.

Jim

The SMC-FA 24-90 has colour, sharpness, and contrast that are superb. And it's the bokeh that's just superb.
Some find the range not too useful (as it's not wide enough), but for me with the SMC-DA 12-24 they make a great pair! I particularly like the 24-90 for portraits.
Occasionally they come up at silly money - probably around £150. Not bad as it was nearer £400 when new!
Matt

EDIT: The 24-90 performs very well indeed on the K20D. A small amount of CA - but easily fixed in Silkypix

Thanks for that Mat.
It was just that I noticed 2 in the USA ,New unused boxed for about £200/220 ish.
I find that after using the 50/300 and my new second hand FA 50 1.4 it is obvious even with the same idiot using the camera better lenses will give a better result, I was interested in the 17 – 70 but information from users is thin on the ground and it is too much to pay just hoping it is better.
What I am trying to get is a standard range zoom that will give the same results as the two lenses mention above, and with a bit more reach, as I bump into the 55 stop a lot.
Jim

£200'ish is about the going rate. Go for it.

Jim,
Yes, I too use the 50-90mm range a lot
It roughly equates to 35-135mm angle of view on film. That's perfectly usable. There'll always be a place for the 50/1.4 though

My favourite set is: SMC-DA 12-24, SMC-FA 24-90, SMC-FA 50/1.4, and SMC-F 100/2.8 macro.

If I'm doing further stuff, then the SMC-FA 80-320 is great, but from experiences here the new SMC-DA 55-300 outperforms. It's likely that the 17-70 is rather excellent too - I considered switching, but the 24-90 just fits my needs too well

As Peter says, go for it
Matt

Matt/Peter

Thanks for your replies.

50 – 300 in my message should read Pentax DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED
55-300 and 50 1.4 are staying, I am interested in getting a standard range zoom of similar standard.
The 17-70 is tempting as it is a new lens but lack of feedback has made me consider the 24 -90 and your comments do support the quality claimed for this lens.
Thanks for your help.
Jim