Hi Jens,
I am a great fan of this lens. I have owned
three. One broke when I dropped it, so I bought
a replacement *and* a spare. <g>
The lens is almost unique among Pentax zooms, in
that it offers excellent sharpness, low
distortion throughout the zoom range and very
smooth bokeh. This is a rare combination.
It also offers a useful close focusing facility -
not exactly "Macro" but that's what Pentax call
it.
The only downside to this lens, if any, is that
it is not a true zoom, but a vari-focal lens. The
point of focus varies considerably through the
zoom range. I found this alarming at first, but
the second example I bought was exactly the same.
Even if you zoom by only a small amount, it is
essential that you re-focus. You will soon get
used to it.
The lens works extremely well as a portrait lens
in the 75~105mm range on film and in the 50~70mm
range on the *ist D. Being an A lens it operates
in all exposure modes on the *ist D and gives
accurate exposures.
As I said, I am a great fan. I judge a lens only
by its results, and in my opinion, this is a fine
optical design.
I previously owned an SMC Pentax-M 45-125mm f/4.
I bought this lens because of several strong
recommendations. However, I have to say that the
SMC Pentax-A 35-105mm f/3.5 is a far superior
optic, with much lower distortion and exceptional
bokeh for a zoom lens.
The 45-125mm is sharp, but it distorts badly and
the bokeh is relatively harsh. I think you will
be very happy with a 35-105mm f/3.5.
Regards,
Colin
> -------------- Original Message
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>
> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2006 21:42:33 +0100
> From: "Jens Bladt" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: <pentax-discuss@pdml.net>
> Subject: SMC Pentax-A 3.5 35-135mm - comments,
> please
> Message-ID:
>
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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>
> I spotted one of these at a local auction (ends
> February 12th), which
> normally won't go too high (limited amount of
> potential buyers). Rather
> rare, isn't it?
> Any comments on the performance of this lens is
> greatly appreciated, please.
> It's a very nice focal length for portraits on
> the D, isn't it (equivalent
> to 52-202mm on 135 film)?
>
> BTW:
> This guy is also selling a Tokina 80-200 F 4.5.
> I sold one of these
> recently. Since I already owned a F 70-210mm, I
> didn't keep it. BTW: It's an
> excellent performer, utilizing a "macro"
> function.
> Regards
> Jens
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