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Pentax smc DA 50-200mm f/4.0-5.6 ED

	APS-C sized image Lenses that create APS-C sized image are designed for digital only. They cannot be used on cameras that have image sensor larger than the APS-C format. These lenses are not suitable for film cameras either. No Ultrasonic AF Lenses with ultrasonic focusing mechanism tend to be quiter and faster than traditionally focusing lenses. One or more Low Dispersion lens element is used Low Dispersion lens elements help to reduce chromatic aberration. Not stabilized Image stabilization helps to reduce blur caused by hand shake, especially at high focal length or in low light situations. Image stabilization can give 1 to 3 stop advantage over none stabilized lens, based on the reciprocal rule.
Designed for exclusive use with PENTAX KAF-mount digital SLR cameras, the new lens offers 4X zoom coverage in the telephoto range. Further, the lens features an angle of view from 31.5 degrees to 8.1 degrees (equivalent in focal length from 76.5mm to 306mm in the 35mm format). As with all DA-Series lenses, this DA 50mm-200mm features a responsive "Quick-Shift Focus System" that allows photographers to instantly switch the focus mode from auto to manual with a slight twist of the focus ring. Coupled with a simple, functional design and the elimination of an aperture ring, this new mechanism considerably improves operability. The lens also incorporates an Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass lens element and two aspherical lens elements for true-to-life image reproduction and overall size reduction. The image circle in DA-series lenses is designed to perfectly match the 23.5mm x 15.7mm size of the CCD used in PENTAX digital SLRs to optimize camera performance. The new design also contributes to a drastic reduction in size, weight and production cost, compared to 35mm-format counterparts with similar specifications.

Designed for exclusive use with PENTAX KAF-mount digital SLR cameras, the new lens offers 4X zoom coverage in the telephoto range. Further, the lens features an angle of view from 31.5 degrees to 8.1 degrees (equivalent in focal length from 76.5mm to 306mm in the 35mm format). As with all DA-Series lenses, this DA 50mm-200mm features a responsive "Quick-Shift Focus System" that allows photographers to instantly switch the focus mode from auto to manual with a slight twist of the focus ring. Coupled with a simple, functional design and the elimination of an aperture ring, this new mechanism considerably improves operability. The lens also incorporates an Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass lens element and two aspherical lens elements for true-to-life image reproduction and overall size reduction. The image circle in DA-series lenses is designed to perfectly match the 23.5mm x 15.7mm size of the CCD used in PENTAX digital SLRs to optimize camera performance. The new design also contributes to a drastic reduction in size, weight and production cost, compared to 35mm-format counterparts with similar specifications.

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Pentax smc DA 50-200mm f/4.0-5.6 ED Specification

Pentax smc DA 50-200mm f/4.0-5.6 ED Specification
Available mount(s)	Pentax K
Application(s)	Portrait, Landscape, Wildlife
Category(s)	Tele zoom
Multiplier	1.5×
Stabilizer	no
Focal length	50 - 200 mm (4× zoom)
Lens construction	11 elements in 10 groups
Angle of view	35mm: N/A digital: 31.5-8.1°
Number of blades	6
Maximum aperture	wide: f/4 tele: f/5.6
Minimum aperture	wide: f/22 tele: f/32
Minimum focusing distance	110 cm
Magnification	N/A
Filter size	52 mm
Size	∅ 66.5 × 78.5 mm
Weight	260 g
Notes	Aperture control: Automatic, Metering system: TTL open-aperture metering
AF speed	N/A
AF sound
Internal focusing	N/A
Internal zoom	N/A
Fix front lens	N/A
Mount type	N/A
Weather sealed	N/A
Drop in filter	N/A
Ultrasonic AF	no
APS-C sized circle	yes
Low dispersion lens element	yes
Hard case	N/A
Soft case	N/A
Lens hood	PH-RBB52 (included) printable lens hood
Tripod adapter	N/A

Pentax smc DA 50-200mm f/4.0-5.6 ED Reviews

Pentax smc DA 50-200mm f/4.0-5.6 ED in the news

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Pentax smc DA 50-200mm f/4.0-5.6 ED review at www.ephotozine.com (English)

Pentax smc DA 50-200mm f/4.0-5.6 ED Owner Reviews

Most useful owner reviews from Amazon

Great lens for the price

Feb 8, 2007

If you have the 18-55mm kit lens, then you'll find that the 50-200mm feels just about the same. This lens is slightly heavier and slightly longer than the 18-55mm, but still very easy to handle. I uploaded two images to the user gallery above, showing the 18-55mm next to the 50-200mm.

Most people seem to decide between this lens or the Tamron AF70-300mm F/4-5.6, which is similarly priced. After doing a lot of research, I decided on the Pentax 50-200mm because of its compact size and much lighter weight. Although I haven't used the Tamron lens myself, the specifications show that it is longer and twice as heavy as the Pentax.

Another thing to consider is that the Tamron AF70-300mm has a 62mm filter diameter, while the Pentax DA 50-200mm and DA 18-55mm share the same 52mm filter diameter. If you already own the 18-55mm kit lens, you'll be able to use any filters that you already have on the 50-200mm. In my experience, larger filters also cost a bit more, so sticking with 52mm filters would mean cheaper filters that you can also share between lenses.

If you've never used a telephoto lens like this one (and I hadn't), then you'll find that slight movements are really exaggerated when you're fully zoomed in. Also, at 200mm, the widest aperture setting is f5.6 (smaller f-number means a bigger aperture), which is fine if you're outdoors and there's plenty of light, but can make indoor/low light photography a bit difficult. Shake reduction will definitely help, but you'll probably want a tripod if you're shooting at 200mm in low light.

Keep in mind that the Pentax DSLRs like the K100D have a 1.5x focal length multiplier. This means that you need to multiply the specified focal lengths of the lenses by 1.5 to get their 35mm SLR equivalent. On a digital SLR, this lens will give you the equivalent of 75-300mm on a regular 35mm SLR camera.

Overall, this is a great lens for the price.

Nice, small tele-zoom

Jul 27, 2006

This 50-200 is the best in its class for any Pentax digital SLR. It's very small, light weight, internal focusing, and allows on demand manual focusing. If you haven't purchased your K100D yet, you can probably find this in a two lens kit at a nice little discount.

The "on demand" manual focus (also on the kit 18-55), allows you to instantly teak the focus after the autofocus has locked on the subject. This is very handy, as the camera may pick a person's shoulder rather than eyes on which to focus, etc. A very effecient lens hood is also included.

If you already have one of the digital SLR Pentax cameras, and if size is not critical, you might consider a long focal length lens. Pentax doesn't really have a good option (as of this writing); therefore, I'd recommend the Tamron 70-300 LD Di zoom. It'll give you 50% more range, a 1:2 lifesize close-up mode, and a 6 year USA warranty (vs. 1 year from Pentax). This brand new design features Low-Dispersion glass and is designed to work better than previous designs with digital sensors.

Exciting Lens from Pentax

Sep 21, 2005

I found this lens to be of very high quality. Small, light, and well built. Love the fast focus capabilities and the quick shift focus that takes you to manual from auto with just a twist of the focus ring. Color and contrast are good. Great lens for the price I paid on Amazon. I've had tons of fun with this versatile Pentax lens on my *ist DS. I highly recommend this lens to all digital *ist owners. Thank you Amazon for the great price and next day delivery. Another satisfied Pentax and Amazon customer.

Amazing quality for the price

Sep 16, 2005

Having just entered the modern era of digital SLR's I'm completely pleased with the quality, convenience and design of this lens. I had taken some air show and portrait shots but I felt the real test came at the inaugural IRL road course race at Infineon Raceway this summer. The lens behaved without flaw both in and out of the sun as I panned through turns three, four and five. A must have for any *ist owner.

Best at this size and price

Sep 28, 2006

This is certainly not the best telezoom money can buy, not even within the Pentax family. However, you will not find anything approaching at this size and price.
It is barely bigger than the kit lens, that is, very small, especially considering its zoom range.
It is ridiculously cheap for a lens of that type and quality.
Finally the image quality is great for a lens of that type. Check forums, pbase, etc. for pictures taken with that lens ! It's amazing ! It maybe a bit slow especially at the long end, but thanks to Pentax dslr's great performance at high iso, and shake reduction in the K100D, even 200mm f/5.6 is not a problem !
Together with the kit 18-55 it is the perfect startup combo. You can then add various primes or more expensive zooms as needed (or lusted) for added speed and quality...

Oh, and at the moment it is in fact the _only_ telezoom you can get new from Pentax !-)

Pentax smc DA 50-200mm f/4.0-5.6 ED Sample Photos

Pentax smc DA 50-200mm f/4.0-5.6 ED Accessories

Lens hoods for Pentax smc DA 50-200mm f/4.0-5.6 ED

52 mm Filters

52 mm Polarizer Filters

52 mm UV Filters

52 mm Skylight Filters

52 mm Lens Caps

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