This versatile zoom lens covers the most frequently used focal lengths and offers a minimum focusing distance of 1.65 ft. (0.5 meters) at any focal le
This versatile zoom lens covers the most frequently used focal lengths and offers a minimum focusing distance of 1.65 ft. (0.5 meters) at any focal length for a maximum magnification of 0.18 times at 90mm. Thanks to the incorporation of two aspherical lens (AL) elements and extra-low-dispersion glass lens elements, it offers a high-contrast, high-resolution image reproduction over its entire zoom range.
Very good optical quality for a consumer lens. The focal length is ideal for hiking and altitude trips. Acceptable softness and vignetting ( reduces at f8, f11... ) on the edges at larger apertures.
Strengths:
IF, very good flare control for a zoom, color rendition.
Weaknesses:
Mechanically speaking, could be better...
Similar Products Used:
AF Nikkor 28-105mm f 3,5-4,5 D, Nikkor AI-S 28-85mm f 3,5-4,5
I got this lens based on the reviews on this site (after a long, agonizing period of comparison shopping), and must say that I've been pleased with the results thus far. This is now my standard lens for most purposes, and is particularly useful to me since I shoot mostly landscapes. The images that I've gotten are sharp at all focal lengths, with no flare. Another major advantage is its internal focus, which keeps the barrel of the lens from rotating--an important feature when using a circular polarizer or graduated filter. The build quality is pretty good for such a lighweight lens, although I did notice some play in the barrel. The latter, however, does not seem to affect image quality, but is annoying for a lens that lists for $700.
Strengths:
Lightweight
Internal focus
Lack of flare
Image sharpness
Weaknesses:
Build quality
Similar Products Used:
This is my first autofocus lens.
Customer Service:
First rate, at least when it comes to answering queries. I've never had to send back a Pentax product for servicing.
Great lens especailly for travel and hikes. Much Much better than the pentax/tamron 28-105 and 28-200mm. Not quite as good as the 24mm f2 but sharp and pleasing non the less. Build is a little shabby compared to the tokina 28-70 atx pro it replaced but the pentax handles flare better has better range and is sharper when stopped down to F8.
Strengths:
Image quality - sharp as a prime doesnt quite has that 3 dimensional look of the FA 24mm F2 or the pentax 77mm limited.
Range 24 -90mm you cant go wrong.
Multi Coating at its best
Flare control - each your heart out every other stinking brand - this is where pentax rule. Bow down to the Flare control gods you nikon and canon users.
Hole in the hood for polarizer control
Weaknesses:
Poor manual focusing-to quick! Not damped at all.
Build quality
Very good zoom lens - one of the best around, especially stopped down slightly. Althought built quality is at consumer level (polycarbonate case with metal bajonet), optics are at pro-level (2 aspherical glasses, 1 anomalous dispresion one). Slightly stopped down it produces sharp and contrasty images with low distortion pleasant to look at. AF is quick, thanks to IF, and hood is smart - it has window underneath that allows you to rotate filters like polarizer! Althought not cheap, it is worth every penny for its great optics!
Strengths:
Sharp and contrasty images, zoom range, fast AF.
Weaknesses:
Buil quality could be better (more metal?)
Similar Products Used:
Pentax 28-80/3.5-4.7, Tokina ATX-Pro II 28-70/2.6-2.8, Sigma 28-135 Macro
It is a good lense I use the most for its very useful zoom range 24-90. If you are considering 28-80/f2.8, I will recommend you this one instead. If you need quality, why not 85/f1.4, 50/f1.4. The range is important for this type of lense.
The quality of this lense is good enough.
If you need more ... no zoom please.
Strengths:
Light and best zoom range with good optics quality. Very useful for 24mm.
Weaknesses:
The pricing is too high for the materials it used (the look). But considering the optics, it is good.
Similar Products Used:
no
Customer Service:
Service is very bad in Hong Kong.
Pentax has no sales office in HK, but only a distributor. All my friends change to use Nikon. I don't know how long I can tolerate and may change to Nikon some day.
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