So... Tomorrow its my birthday... and today I went to the Strand, and got a little new toy... (Thanks to a suggestion I got in another post)... Used... really good price IMO.

Straight out of camera, small jpegs, ISO's in order 640 - 2000 - 1250. This lens is incredible

Obviously the DA*200mm f2.8

[IMG]http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u332/nathanever82/_IGP9114.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u332/nathanever82/_IGP9143.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u332/nathanever82/_IGP9170.jpg[/IMG]

George, I know this is weird, but I listen to advice. And mainly I listen to your advice. I haven't sold it, I started going out every day with it alone, to re-light the fire!

Thank you Claudio -

Hyram - What I am also trying to consider is if at the telephoto end of things I would prefer using a zoom or a prime. WHilst I would not shoot an event without a zoom (I could, but would struggle and waisting time whilst framing the shot - not to mention the walking around..) at the telephoto end of thing its quite different. Apart from the fact that the best offer is the Sigma 100-300 or the DA*60-250 - the first is huge, and very expensive, the second is too, and it extends whilst zooming, which is something I don't particularly like...

And IQ wise? are the zooms comparable to the DA*200?

it does..

Danny,
I must just do that actually! thank you for the offer will pm when I have a bit of time to come up to bucks!

George, why would you get another 31??? You are not offering to buy mine are you

Good points on the usability factor. I only have the 50-135, which I love, and use loads, and I have the tamron superzoom which is the backup lens. I really can't think thjat I will ever want to buy a 300mm, or more than that, its not my style of photography, so I think I could settle for the 200 - and in case I wanted more, the TC could help and please my LBA. I hope.

TO answer to Iain; I don't particularly like the feel of sigma lenses, but i could get used to it. What I am afraid would bother me is the non constant aperture, and the fact that its not the fastest lens. When I recently shot concerts and theater I always used the lenses wide open, and being able to have sharp photos (stopped down) at f4, is a bonus that I am not sure I want to do without.

Are there no forum members that have the DA*?

THank you George.

I am not on a budget because I don't need to buy it immediately, and I would rather go for quality.

I have considered the 55-300. But the non constant aperture, and the f4-f5.8 at the long end is 2 full stops less than the DA*. I had the 75-300, and I have the tamron superzoom. Now i'm looking for a pro lens, of very high IQ and no plastics...

Why didn't you use it much? I am interested in the usability factor of the lens.

thank you,

Hi All,

I hereby ask for advice on a lens, BEFORE buying it!!!

Right, as much as I love the 50-135, I still think its a bit short. I would like to have something that goes up to 200/300 mm, and I have only very few options.

I don't want a 70-200, cause its a waste of overlapping focal lenghts.
I could get the Sigma 100-300 f4, but its very expensive, and very heavy and big.

Other option would be the DA* 300 f4. Awesome lens, but very expensive.

The last option and what I am currently considering, is the DA* 200 f2.8. I am considering this lens because of all the reviews, amazing IQ, and the fact that even if I want to go up to 300mm, I can get a 1.5x tele and still have the IQ, and the aperture of f4 (which is the same as the 300mm)
For some reason I think that the 200mm prime will be more versatile than the 300mm. Not to mention that it doesn't cost that much atm.

WOuld anyvody like to give some advice? Does anybody here have the lens?
I looked for the FA*200 f2.8, but its actually more expensive than the DA*.
Also, there is one currently on sale on ebay and I am speaking with the seller. How much would you pay for it if USED?

ANy advise is incredibly welcome.

THank you,
Nathan

wwatch this very very carefully. It will actually tell you all you need to know. (also part 2)

please don't ask for money for jobs you do as a beginner. PLease.

good luck

Awesome!

Didn't post this in the fisheye thread the other day, just because I was waiting for this

link

Thank you to all who voted!
Nathan

yes,it my hurried PP.

and the fact that in those conditions its avtually quite hard to get the correct white balance in RAW development. I was actually curious as to what others would do in the same situation to set the temperature and hue... I work in ACR.

I'll give my contribution... love this lens, but don't use it enough.

I have to bring it out sometimes soon. It very hard to force yourself to think so wide though...

Metropolitan Museum fountain
[IMG]http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u332/nathanever82/137.jpg[/IMG]

downtown Manhattan
[IMG]http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u332/nathanever82/139.jpg[/IMG]

The inside hall of the Time warner center - (All 5 floors of it + the excalator for the lower level...) and columbus cirle just outside...
[IMG]http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u332/nathanever82/172.jpg[/IMG]