> The SMCP A70-210/4 Macro is excellent, although I found the lens a > bit heavy/bulky for my uses. I have no experience with the Takumar > alternative.
Same here, except for the "heavy/bulky" part -<g>. I have heard/read that the Takumar, which is not SMC, suffers a bit from flare and is a bit lower in contrast, but is actually a pretty good zoom for the money (assuming that you get a good deal on one). However, I don't think that the A 70-210/4 costs quite as much as it used to, and sometimes a good deal can be had on this quality zoom lens. Fred
