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Pentax DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED Lens for Pentax and Samsung DSLR Cameras
 
Manufacturer: Pentax
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Product Description

Designed for exclusive use with Pentax KAF-mount digital SLR cameras including the *ist D and the *ist DS digital SLRs, the Pentax DA 50-200mm f4-5.6 ED 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).

The lens also incorporates an Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass lens element (11-element/10-group optical construction) 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.

Other features include:

  • Compact dimensions with minimal aberrations
  • Responsive Quick-Shift Focus System allows instant shift from AF to MF
  • Comes with a lens hood to minimize flare and ghost images
  • 52mm filter size
  • Weighs 9.2 ounces
  • Measures 2.6 x 3.1 inches (diameter x length)

Product Details

  • 50-200mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4-5.6 maximum aperture for Pentax DSLR cameras
  • Incorporates extra-low-dispersion (ED) glass lens element and 2 aspherical lens elements
  • Responsive Quick-Shift Focus System allows instant shifts from auto to manual focus
  • Includes lens hood to minimize flare and ghost images; 4x zoom coverage in telephoto range
  • Measures 2.6 inches in diameter and 3.1 inches long; weighs 9.2 ounces

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Customer Reviews

Great lens for the price
 
Review Date: February 8, 2007
Reviewer: James Lin, Los Angeles, CA
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.
Best at this size and price
 
Review Date: September 28, 2006
Reviewer: cyg, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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 !-)
An excellent value
 
Review Date: February 14, 2007
Reviewer: John T. Horner, Morgan Hill, CA USA
There is no reason to fool around with aftermarket lenses in this range if you have Pentax digital SLR. The 50-200 complements the kit lens perfectly and the quality is exceptional for the price. Samsung appears to sell the same lens as the Samsung Schneider-Kreuznach D-Xenon 50-200mm f/4-5.6 AF lens.

Popular Photography gave the Samsung version very high marks in their July 2006 review: "Optically, the best digitally-dedicated tele kit zoom that we've tested so far...."
Excellent value - high image quality for a reasonable price
 
Review Date: July 13, 2007
Reviewer: N. Ambalavanan, Birmingham, AL
The Pentax DA 50-200 lens is inexpensive but a reasonably good performer. When combined with a Pentax body such as the K10D that offers in-body image stabilization, the main limitation in obtaining good images is not the camera or lens but the photographer's imagination. Unless you are a professional photographer specializing in sports, this lens would be more than adequate, especially if you are looking for a good travel lens to complement the 16-45 or the 18-55 lenses.
PROS: Very lightweight lens with adequate zoom range. Good image quality. Focuses as fast as most other Pentax lenses in bright light.
CONS: f5.6 is rather limiting if you plan to photograph sporting events in twilight or artificial lighting. The depth of field at 5.6 is rather wide. Due to the f5.6, you may be forced to use higher ISO with resulting higher noise. You really should not plan on combining this lens with a teleconverter.
Great compact telephoto lens to pair with the DA 18-55 kit lens
 
Review Date: August 3, 2006
Reviewer: P. Tcholakov, Johannesburg, South Africa
The DA lenses are optimised for the APS-C sized sensor on Pentax DSLR's and as such will not work on 35mm film. The smaller size however has enabled Pentax to dramatically reduce size while preserving the quality optics. It's unbelievable just how compact this zoom is - when its fully retracted it's about 1cm (half an inch) taller than the kit lens, that's it!

The zoom and focus rings are very smooth, more so than the DA 18-55 which most Pentax DSLR owners will be familiar with. I haven't observed any zoom creep when carrying the lens - something typical of bigger budget telephoto lenses. I would much rather have this more compact lens over one of the 70-300 zooms from Pentax/Sigma/Tamron not only for its comppact size, but also because the 50-70mm range is one that I use a lot. On the other hand, 200mm is not quite enough reach for birding or wildlife enthusiasts.

After about half a year of use, I am still really happy with my purchase. If you own a Pentax digital SLR, this lens would be a great addition to your bag. If top-notch image quality is very important to you, you might want to wait for the upcoming Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 lens - but the fast aperture comes at a price (both monetary and weight) and with the clean high-ISO ability of the current cameras, it is no longer something that is absolutely required.
Great Second Lens
 
Review Date: July 8, 2007
Reviewer: Photographica, Midwest USA
Get the DA 50-200mm lens as your second lens. Highly recommended as a complement to the 18-45mm zoom. It's small and light enough to carry in your coat pocket. Lets you get in tight on distant subjects. I carried it on vacation for the express purpose of getting those quick shots you never have time to set up. Very easy to change lenses quickly. Fast focus and start up.
Zoom Superstar
 
Review Date: October 2, 2007
Reviewer: J. Adams, Salt Lake Valley, Utah
This little guy does a great job- super sharp, fast focusing (on the K10D), and rather small. Fully zoomed out it is the same size as any of the 70-300's when they're not zoomed out. Makes a great addition to the kit lens. Sometimes the focus will 'hunt' with this lens when used in low-light situations at the longer lengths, but that's due to it's small max aperture of 5.6 at the long end. Get one- you won't be disappointed.
Very good lens
 
Review Date: March 11, 2007
Reviewer: neo, CA
The lens is quite small and has a very useful range (50-200 , 75-300 35mm equivalent). When hicking, it is a perfect 'walk around' lens (no need to change lens).
Image quality is good (search for K100D and look at some pictures taken with this lens).
The only negative is some 'hunting' in auto focus under low light.
Must Buy
 
Review Date: August 3, 2006
Reviewer: Patricia, Ohio
This is a great lens for Pentax DSLRs. It's sharp and produces nice images. It's a good price and definitely produces better results than the Sigma 55-200mm--sharper and lighter.
Nice Picture Quality
 
Review Date: August 8, 2007
Reviewer: bnetty, Utah
I've owned this lens for a couple of months now and have been impressed with the picture quality. Bright colors, especially during the day. I was also impressed w/ the pictures taken during a soccer game. No blur and nice colors.
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