The newer lens is also a bit flimsier, though, especially since it extends quite a bit when zoomed out to 105mm. The power zoom is a wonderfully solid zoom lens for a modern autofocus one.
I sold my example of the newest version and picked up an excellent sample of the power zoom because I missed its solidity and because the power zoom version balances so nicely on the PZ-1/PZ-1p. But I've since picked up an MZ-5n, a much smaller camera body, and then I recently got a used but EX example of the 24-90. It's light and slightly flimsy like the newest 28-105, but in my opinion the image quality and the 24mm focal length make up for the build quality shortcomings.
I will be listing my EX+ power zoom 28-105 for sale later this morning, complete with caps and an off-brand hard case, if anyone is interested.
Joe
Stan Halpin wrote:
IIRC, the $357 one is the PZ (Power Zoom) version, the original one (which I own.) Considered to be a very good lens though I have gotten spoiled by faster lenses. The silver $189 version was made by Tamron and is ok but not great. The $199 version is a newer Pentax version which is also ok but probably not up to the quality of the original.
I have owned the PZ and the Tamron-built one. The PZ is much better and would be my suggestion. The current 28-105 version is the 28-105/3.2-4.5 and seems to be a good performer - better thann the Tamron-built but not as good as the PZ. I haven't used it yet, but someone (who ownes it) told me that it has very good contrast and sharpness.
If I were buying today, I would probably choose either (1) a 77mm Ltd or the FA 85/1.4; (2) the PZ version of the zoom; (3) the FA 24-90 zoom.
Today I would suggest the 24-90, too. Why? Before the *istD I would have suggested the PZ. But now I have also used it on my *istD. And here it doesn't perform as good as on my MZ-5n. But the 24-90 is very good on the *istD (and the MZ-5n). As the 24-90 was designed togethert with the MZ-S and its digital sibling, it might be that Pentax has taken requirements of a digital camera into account.
Cheres Heiko
