From: Artur Ledóchowski <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2003 17:55:33 +0100
Have you seen the new Minolta 24-105/3,5-4,5 AL IF D? That's quite a >compact lens, has very useful focal range and excellent sharpness.
It's not an interesting lens for me, I don't believe in 24-nnn zooms.
The 24 end usually has distorsions. I prefer a 28-nnn zoom partnered with a prime 24. The FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5 AL (IF) is as compact as the FA 28-70 f/4.
Mount it on a Dynax 7 and you'll get a very light and capable kit, >smaller and more ergonomical than many Pentax kits...
I wouldn't call the dynax 7 small. It's the same size as my MZ-5n with battery grip attached. Ergonomical? It has large dials and knobs, but it still has a menu system - not direct access to aperture and shutter. It's not to my liking.
C'mon, don't tell me it takes years to make a 1/2EV faster lens while maintaining the same filter thread.
They wanted it to be compact too. And the 28-105 f/3.2-4.5 is very compact. I've had a Tokina AF 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 AL (IF). It has a 62mm filter thread, and it was twice as long as my FA 28-105 at the shortest position. It was twice as heavy too. And the optics, while perfectly OK, wasn't in the same class. It was a full metal construction, but I don't rate the build quality as higher than my FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5 AL (IF). My FA 28-105 is well put together. Nothing rattles, nothing is loose, the manual focusing feel is much better than on the Tokina, the aperture ring is much smoother to turn and more pleasant. The 'A'-pin is easier to press. And when I compare the lens mounts, the Pentax has the best mechanical precision. And the edges of the metal parts are smooth too. On the Tokina, they were sharp as knifes!
I agree that small size is one of the important values. However, it's >much more about the weight of a lens than of its filter thread >diameter - the latter has never been a factor of any importance for >me, as well as any person I know (not just Pentaxians), when deciding >what lenses to buy...
The compact size, low weight and 58 mm filter thread was the main reason for me to switch from the Tokina to the Pentax 28-105. My FA 135 f/2.8 has 58mm filter thread too. 62mm isn't used by Pentax. Pentax uses 49 - 52 - 58 and 67. I have a 58mm Pentax SMC Skylight filter.
A chain is as strong as its weakest link...
Then you probably would do better with another brand, since it can't be healthy to feel fear when using Pentax products. You feel fear, Bojidar has expressed that he felt cold shivers around his back. Come on, what's the problem? Is this a kind of virus or something that spreading among Pentaxians? :-)
Best wishes, Roland
_________________________________________________________________
