Not compatible with "full-frame" (35mm size) cameras
The Pentax SMCP-DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM Lens is a high-quality telephoto lens that is designed for exclusive use with Pentax digital SLR cameras. It offers a focal length that is equivalent (in 35mm format) to 300mm. This wide coverage is ideal for a variety of telephoto applications, including portraiture, sports and scenery.
Pentax DA* (DA-Star) zoom lenses come equipped with the SDM System, which assures smoother, quieter auto-focusing operation by using a built-in supersonic motor. When mounted on the K10D digital SLR camera body, the focus mode is automatically switched to SDM-assisted auto-focusing. When mounted on older Pentax digital SLR camera bodies, the conventional autofocus mode using a camera-mounted motor is selected.
Like all Pentax lenses, this lens is treated with smc coating for maximum light transmission, sharp definition, and high contrast images. In addition, SP (Super Protective) coating made of a special fluoride compound has been applied to the front surface of the lens through the use of a unique evaporation process. As a result, the lens offers excellent water- and oil-repellent performance and makes for easier cleaning should the lens be accidentally smeared with fingerprints or cosmetics.
Note! Not compatible with "full-frame" (35mm size) cameras
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
200 mm Comparable APS-C Focal Length: 300 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.8 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Pentax K |
| Format Compatibility | Pentax Digital (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 8.1° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 3.94' (1.2 m) |
| Magnification | 0.20x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:5 |
| Groups/Elements | 8/9 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 77 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.3 x 5.3" (8.38 x 13.46 cm) |
| Weight | 1.82 lb (825 g) |
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Reviewed by 11 customers
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:
I bought this for use with my Pentax K-5. The image quality is superior to telezooms I have owned previously. I have used it for children's football events, portraits and landscape fotography so far, and I am very pleased. I plan to use it for other outdoor sports such as cross country skiing and sailing. The solid build obviously means some weight, but it is worth it.
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:
I spent years trying to eek out good sport and indoor pictures without a flash from lenses that just weren't made to do so and this lens looks like what I've needed at an affordable price. While I was caught a bit off guard by the weight, I was pleasantly surprised at how smooth and quiet the autofocus feature worked.
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:
I used it mostly for ice hockey pictures, it is very sharp, i simply love it
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:
I use this lens mostly for wildlife and landscape work. Extremely well built, weather sealed, fast, and sharp at all F-stops.
My only gripe with this lens is its weight. It is heavy. But, considering the build quality and superb optics, the extra weight is not a very big issue.
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:
I have found this to be a very usable lens and I can get a lot closer to things than I would have thought possible.
It's a little bit heavy but take it for a photo walk and it's a lot better than a gym workout.
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:
This is an ultra clear lens I use on my K10D for landscapes, wildlife and, most recently, weddings. With a fast aperture, I was able to shoot a wedding ceremony from the back of a (smallish) church using my AF540 flash. I have several 20 X 24 landscape prints that resemble paintings. This is a great lens. The only con is the poor quality lens cover. Broke beyond repair too easily.
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:
Unbeleiveable image clarity with zero distortion. Impressive build and quality workmanship. A very worthwhile investment.
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:
Easy to use, Used to shoot indoor sports with a flash but with the 2.8 great for indoor sports.
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:
This is my first "non-zoom" telephoto. My other current lens is Pentax's 18-250 zoom, which is teriffic (versatile) but obviously lacks the aperature range of the 200mm f2.8.
Coupled with my K10D I had to upgrade camera software to V.1.30 via the Pentax Website to utilise Super Sonic Motor (SMC), which was very simple. SMC makes for quiet, smooth, quick focussing. Also, K10D's antishake complements lens very well.
I use with sport..son's soccer matches and daughter's horsing around; as well as portraiture and animals...cockatoos on feeder, cattle, dogs etc. All these subjects move around a bit so not every photo is a winner, but when you hit the "sweet spot" the results are great.
I have taken some people shots at dusk at f2.8 and the light floods in, making it possible to capture great images in low light.
I was tossing up between this and the 300 f4, but with 10 megs on K10D (14 on K20D) there is loads of room for cropping.
I love it, but take into account my lack of experience of other similar lenses.
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:
Only had this a week, but very impressed.
Hooked up to my K10D with updated firmware 1.30 (available free from Pentax website) the super sonic motor incorporated in the lens is very quiet and quick.
Image quality is terrific and with 10 megapixels allows plenty of cropping while retaining image quality.
Great for portraits, low light, moving birds/sports.
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:
Light weight, easy to carry. I use it for nature photography and works well in low light settings at dusk.
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