I had a look in the Manchester branch of LCE, and lo and behold, the only secondhand Pentax lens in the window was the FA 43mm F1.9 Limited in Silver. I was VERY VERY tempted but I had to resist for one big reason, I need a new washing machine

However, just got back from the theatre, and checked the LCE web site, and guess what! It is not listed.

So which of you lucky people has gone and bought it? I was going to check the finances to see if I could buy it along with the Washer.
Oh well, I will stick to the many 50mm's 55mm's and the lovely DA40 Ltd instead.

Whoever bought it has got what looked like an immaculate copy of a very fine lens indeed.

True, but it is still quite a weighty lens. Mind you I love mine, and for Studio and event photography I wouldn't use anything else.

Still the 75-150 is smaller, pocketable(in my coat pocket) and has a useful focal range. So for just out and about when I don't want to take much, it could be a boon! I don't think it will match the IQ of the 50-135mm, but I will find out how close it is.

Hi Greg and welcome to the forum.
I am in Manchester too (well Stockport).

Here is an example with the 75-150



Deansgate-Castlefield by IHD Photography, on Flickr

What I will do though, is once I do a comparison between the two, I will post accordingly.

To be honest Andrew - YES!
Why? Well the following:-
AF
F2.8
Sharp wide open
Weather sealing, and then some!
Rendition
contrast
Did mention sharp?

Ultimately, I cannot see the 75-150 beating the mighty DA* in most areas, the DA* is such a beautiful beast, and faster to focus than the 75-150. Having said that it will be interesting to see how close the 75-150 can get, if you are happy to slow down. But then again, with the DA* not much can match it, from any brand, it is that good.
On the other hand it is big, and sometimes, you don't want to carry such a brute around. Hence the 75-150.

I had a play with both the 50mm f1.7 and 75-150mm f4 at lunch today.
Really rather nice, both of them.

First the 50mm F1.7.
It is sharper and more contrasty than my F1.4 wide open (at F1.7). Also, it is hardly bigger than my mighty 21mm Limited too.
Downside? Well wide open, it does suffer from CA, but only in high contrast areas. stopped down it gets better. I also think though the CA is slightly better controlled than the FA f1.4. Only a side by side comparison will confirm, as will which is sharper from F2.5 onwards (where the FA comes into its own). Against the SMC-K 55mm F1.8 it also seems more contrasty, but the 55 controls CA better wide open. Again a side by side comparison will confirm.

Now the 75-150mm F4
Again wide open, there is CA, but less (probably due to a smaller aperture at F4) stopped down, it is gone.
Contrast? seems rather good. Contrary to other reports. It also has that magical 3D look that most Pentax lenses too, especially the Limiteds.
Sharpness? So far so good. Stopped down to F8 it is excellent!
It will be interesting to compare this lens to "the Beast" which is the DA*50-135mm

It is early days, and I have only used them for one day, but first impressions are good.

Nick, When I took the moon last with my long zoom, I avoided letting the camera set the exposure, preferring to manually set the exposure and aperture. I think if memory served, was ISO200, F8 and 1/250sec. Best thing is to put it in manual and then adjust the shutter speed and leave the aperture set. Take plenty of shots, and you will nail the exposure accordingly. Hope this helps.

Thanks guys. It seems that the 75-150 could be fun to use. But give away Andrew? No chance! I have plenty of room for all my lenses, so I will be keeping it and use it on occasion.

I did't, as the tab "technology" is a bit of a misnomer. But thank you.