What might be a good compliment to the FA 20~35 zoom for the istDS? I'm
compiling a wish list, and would like a relatively fast, high-quality
zoom that extends the range of the 20~35 to about 100mm or so. I'd
prefer an FA rather than a DA, and am not looking for kit lenses or low
quality consumer glass - something comparable to the 20~35 or better,
preferably fixed aperture.
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Among Pentax zooms, the following are considered pretty darn good:
FA 24-90
FA Power Zoom 28-105
Newest FA 28-105
I have used the former two, and consider the FA 24-90 to be just a bit
better than the old FA Power Zoom 28-105. Many people like the new FA
28-105, but I haven't tried it. It is priced much lower than the other
two, which would scare me away if I was in the market for this zoom
range. All are out of production, but available.
Well, there's also the FA* 28-70 F2.8. Supposed to be quite good optically.
The Tamron 28-75 is a constant F2.8. It has tested as being quite sharp,
and that is what people report. I have also heard reports of bad bokeh
and poor build quality. But I haven't used it myself.
I can attest that the Tokina AT-X AF Pro 28-80 F2.8 is a very sharp
lens. Like most Tokinas, it is built like a tank. It can also flare. I
have not used it much in the digital era, so I don't really know how it
is for this purpose. The few shots that I have taken with it on my D
seem quite sharp. I am hanging onto mine mainly for the possibility that
Pentax someday brings out a camera with a 24 x 36 sensor.
Joe
