Re: Bargain Pentax "People" zoom for crop sensors
On Thu, Aug 30, 2018 at 5:32 PM J.C. O'Connell wrote: > are you talking about the smc pentax A 35-105 F3.5? Yes. > that lens is outstanding but its big and > heavy and built like a tank but has no AF. Yes. As I said: > > ... Heavier & a bit more expensive, but faster, a wider zoom > > range, & really solid construction. I have a few other lenses but find > > I use almost exclusively the 21mm & the 35-105. It is heavy, but I'd say worth it. With it & the 21 Limited I almost never need anything else. YMMV. Here's the Pentax Forums review: https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-A-35-105mm-F3.5-Zoom-Lens.html -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Bargain Pentax "People" zoom for crop sensors
are you talking about the smc pentax A 35-105 F3.5? that lens is outstanding but its big and heavy and built like a tank but has no AF. otherwise the smc F 35-105 is a f4-F5.6 lens that is slower than the smc-F 35-70 F3.5-4.5. On Thu, 30 Aug 2018 16:56:27 -0400, Sandy Harris wrote: I have the 35-70 & like it, but later got the 35-105 F3.5 which is even better. Heavier & a bit more expensive, but faster, a wider zoom range, & really solid construction. I have a few other lenses but find I use almost exclusively the 21mm & the 35-105. On Thu, Aug 30, 2018 at 12:43 PM J.C. O'Connell wrote: well, mine is in nice shape. Keh had one for less in ugly condition but I didnt want that. yes, it seems the build quality went down in general with each new lens series but there were exceptions along the way of course. jco On Thu, 30 Aug 2018 09:08:40 -0400, P. J. Alling wrote: > I've been using one for years, it's pretty good for a compact standard > zoom. My only issue with it is it seems downright cheap, (build quality > that is), compared to it's stablemate the F 70-210 f4.0~5.6. IIRC I > paid $35 US for my copy, but I've seen the at KEH for 10 dollars less, > probably in better condition than the one I have. > > > On 8/30/2018 2:10 AM, J.C. O'Connell wrote: >> Reading the lens reviews in Pentax forums, I came across an interesting >> lens I just had to buy as >> the cost is absurdly low (under $45 shipped ). It also has the >> distinction of being the smallest >> zoom lens Pentax ever made ( it's barely larger than a F50mm F1.4 ). >> And it has a built in macro mode >> which gives a usable 1:4 magnification @ 70mm. It has an aperture ring >> with the "A" setting for autoexposure on DSLRs and AF too. >> >> What lens am I referring to? The smc Pentax-F 35-70mm F3.5-F4.5 I call >> it a "People" lens >> on a crop sensor as the equiv. focal range is 53-105mm, perfect for >> full body shots or small groups >> to individuals and head shot portraits. Ideal for an all in one family >> portrait lens. >> >> While I havent done extensive critical testing yet, initial snapshots >> show outstanding sharpness and contrast throughout the range, very >> minor and easily correctable CA, and no PF to speak of, at least >> stopped down a little. AF is snappy and accurate, even indoors on my >> K-5IIs. No distortion even at 35mm. >> >> As an example of the typical sharpness, Ive posted a macro pic: >> >> https://www.jchriso.com/temp/35-70macro,jpg >> > -- J.C. O'Connell hifis...@gate.net - Using Opera's mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- J.C. O'Connell hifis...@gate.net - Using Opera's mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Bargain Pentax "People" zoom for crop sensors
I have the 35-70 & like it, but later got the 35-105 F3.5 which is even better. Heavier & a bit more expensive, but faster, a wider zoom range, & really solid construction. I have a few other lenses but find I use almost exclusively the 21mm & the 35-105. On Thu, Aug 30, 2018 at 12:43 PM J.C. O'Connell wrote: > > well, mine is in nice shape. Keh had one for less in ugly condition but I > didnt want that. > yes, it seems the build quality went down in general with each new lens > series but there were > exceptions along the way of course. > jco > > > On Thu, 30 Aug 2018 09:08:40 -0400, P. J. Alling > wrote: > > > I've been using one for years, it's pretty good for a compact standard > > zoom. My only issue with it is it seems downright cheap, (build quality > > that is), compared to it's stablemate the F 70-210 f4.0~5.6. IIRC I > > paid $35 US for my copy, but I've seen the at KEH for 10 dollars less, > > probably in better condition than the one I have. > > > > > > On 8/30/2018 2:10 AM, J.C. O'Connell wrote: > >> Reading the lens reviews in Pentax forums, I came across an interesting > >> lens I just had to buy as > >> the cost is absurdly low (under $45 shipped ). It also has the > >> distinction of being the smallest > >> zoom lens Pentax ever made ( it's barely larger than a F50mm F1.4 ). > >> And it has a built in macro mode > >> which gives a usable 1:4 magnification @ 70mm. It has an aperture ring > >> with the "A" setting for autoexposure on DSLRs and AF too. > >> > >> What lens am I referring to? The smc Pentax-F 35-70mm F3.5-F4.5 I call > >> it a "People" lens > >> on a crop sensor as the equiv. focal range is 53-105mm, perfect for > >> full body shots or small groups > >> to individuals and head shot portraits. Ideal for an all in one family > >> portrait lens. > >> > >> While I havent done extensive critical testing yet, initial snapshots > >> show outstanding sharpness and contrast throughout the range, very > >> minor and easily correctable CA, and no PF to speak of, at least > >> stopped down a little. AF is snappy and accurate, even indoors on my > >> K-5IIs. No distortion even at 35mm. > >> > >> As an example of the typical sharpness, Ive posted a macro pic: > >> > >> https://www.jchriso.com/temp/35-70macro,jpg > >> > > > > > -- > J.C. O'Connell > hifis...@gate.net > - > Using Opera's mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/ > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
RE: when $30 for a smc pentax a 50mm F1.2 is $30 too much
How does anyone get to abuse a lens to that extent! John (in Rome for now) -Original Message- From: PDML On Behalf Of J.C. O'Connell Sent: Thursday, 30 August 2018 4:49 AM To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List Subject: when $30 for a smc pentax a 50mm F1.2 is $30 too much https://www.ebay.com/itm/302863345961 -- J.C. O'Connell hifis...@gate.net - Using Opera's mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Bargain Pentax "People" zoom for crop sensors
well, mine is in nice shape. Keh had one for less in ugly condition but I didnt want that. yes, it seems the build quality went down in general with each new lens series but there were exceptions along the way of course. jco On Thu, 30 Aug 2018 09:08:40 -0400, P. J. Alling wrote: I've been using one for years, it's pretty good for a compact standard zoom. My only issue with it is it seems downright cheap, (build quality that is), compared to it's stablemate the F 70-210 f4.0~5.6. IIRC I paid $35 US for my copy, but I've seen the at KEH for 10 dollars less, probably in better condition than the one I have. On 8/30/2018 2:10 AM, J.C. O'Connell wrote: Reading the lens reviews in Pentax forums, I came across an interesting lens I just had to buy as the cost is absurdly low (under $45 shipped ). It also has the distinction of being the smallest zoom lens Pentax ever made ( it's barely larger than a F50mm F1.4 ). And it has a built in macro mode which gives a usable 1:4 magnification @ 70mm. It has an aperture ring with the "A" setting for autoexposure on DSLRs and AF too. What lens am I referring to? The smc Pentax-F 35-70mm F3.5-F4.5 I call it a "People" lens on a crop sensor as the equiv. focal range is 53-105mm, perfect for full body shots or small groups to individuals and head shot portraits. Ideal for an all in one family portrait lens. While I havent done extensive critical testing yet, initial snapshots show outstanding sharpness and contrast throughout the range, very minor and easily correctable CA, and no PF to speak of, at least stopped down a little. AF is snappy and accurate, even indoors on my K-5IIs. No distortion even at 35mm. As an example of the typical sharpness, Ive posted a macro pic: https://www.jchriso.com/temp/35-70macro,jpg -- J.C. O'Connell hifis...@gate.net - Using Opera's mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: GESO: Signs of Spring
Quite interesting. Dan Matyola http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/danieljmatyola On Thu, Aug 30, 2018 at 5:55 AM Alan C wrote: > The Knoppiesdoorn (Knobthorn) trees are the first of the thorny Acacias > to bloom each year in the Lowveld. Although the English name exists, it > is virtually never used. Scroll R for the other 3 images at closer > distances. The last indicates how the trees get their name. Some years > ago a parachutist landed in one just up the road. It took ages to get > him out & the 'chute canopy was in tatters. > > https://www.flickr.com/photos/wisselstroom/44360706971/ > > All with the K5. First 3 with the HD 5-300, the 4th with the F 35-105 Macro > > Alan C > > --- > This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. > https://www.avast.com/antivirus > > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and > follow the directions. > -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: GESO: Signs of Spring
Ouch!! On 8/30/2018 4:54 AM, Alan C wrote: The Knoppiesdoorn (Knobthorn) trees are the first of the thorny Acacias to bloom each year in the Lowveld. Although the English name exists, it is virtually never used. Scroll R for the other 3 images at closer distances. The last indicates how the trees get their name. Some years ago a parachutist landed in one just up the road. It took ages to get him out & the 'chute canopy was in tatters. https://www.flickr.com/photos/wisselstroom/44360706971/ All with the K5. First 3 with the HD 5-300, the 4th with the F 35-105 Macro Alan C --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus -- Paul Sorenson Studio1941 Sooner or later "different" scares people. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: PESO: black drongo juvenile
On Wed, 29 Aug 2018 09:56:41 -0700 Jack Davis wrote: > Another excellent image, Subash! thank you Jack. and every one else who had a look. :) > > On Aug 29, 2018, at 7:45 AM, Daniel J. Matyola > > wrote: > > > > I like the aggressive stare. > > Black animals are difficult to photograph. > > > > Dan Matyola > > http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/danieljmatyola > > > > > >> On Wed, Aug 29, 2018 at 10:14 AM Subash Jeyan > >> wrote: > >> > >> a photo from an early morning birding session yesterday. someone > >> who clearly thought that i was trespassing: > >> > >> http://something-feathered.in/2018/08/29/black-drongo-juvenile/ > >> > >> comments appreciated. i hope i am not flooding the list with bird > >> photos. > >> -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Bargain Pentax "People" zoom for crop sensors
I've been using one for years, it's pretty good for a compact standard zoom. My only issue with it is it seems downright cheap, (build quality that is), compared to it's stablemate the F 70-210 f4.0~5.6. IIRC I paid $35 US for my copy, but I've seen the at KEH for 10 dollars less, probably in better condition than the one I have. On 8/30/2018 2:10 AM, J.C. O'Connell wrote: Reading the lens reviews in Pentax forums, I came across an interesting lens I just had to buy as the cost is absurdly low (under $45 shipped ). It also has the distinction of being the smallest zoom lens Pentax ever made ( it's barely larger than a F50mm F1.4 ). And it has a built in macro mode which gives a usable 1:4 magnification @ 70mm. It has an aperture ring with the "A" setting for autoexposure on DSLRs and AF too. What lens am I referring to? The smc Pentax-F 35-70mm F3.5-F4.5 I call it a "People" lens on a crop sensor as the equiv. focal range is 53-105mm, perfect for full body shots or small groups to individuals and head shot portraits. Ideal for an all in one family portrait lens. While I havent done extensive critical testing yet, initial snapshots show outstanding sharpness and contrast throughout the range, very minor and easily correctable CA, and no PF to speak of, at least stopped down a little. AF is snappy and accurate, even indoors on my K-5IIs. No distortion even at 35mm. As an example of the typical sharpness, Ive posted a macro pic: https://www.jchriso.com/temp/35-70macro,jpg -- America wasn't founded so that we could all be better. America was founded so we could all be anything we damn well please. - P.J. O'Rourke -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: GESO: Signs of Spring
Yeah, that was my guess, Alan. :-) J Sent from my iPhone > On Aug 30, 2018, at 4:24 AM, Alan C wrote: > > Sorry, typo - HD 55-300. > > Alan C > >> On 30-Aug-18 12:35 PM, J.C. O'Connell wrote: >> nice shots, which 300mm lens? >> jco >> >>> On Thu, 30 Aug 2018 05:54:36 -0400, Alan C wrote: >>> >>> The Knoppiesdoorn (Knobthorn) trees are the first of the thorny Acacias to >>> bloom each year in the Lowveld. Although the English name exists, it is >>> virtually never used. Scroll R for the other 3 images at closer distances. >>> The last indicates how the trees get their name. Some years ago a >>> parachutist landed in one just up the road. It took ages to get him out & >>> the 'chute canopy was in tatters. >>> >>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/wisselstroom/44360706971/ >>> >>> All with the K5. First 3 with the HD 5-300, the 4th with the F 35-105 Macro >>> >>> Alan C >>> >>> --- >>> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. >>> https://www.avast.com/antivirus > > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: GESO: Signs of Spring
Sorry, typo - HD 55-300. Alan C On 30-Aug-18 12:35 PM, J.C. O'Connell wrote: nice shots, which 300mm lens? jco On Thu, 30 Aug 2018 05:54:36 -0400, Alan C wrote: The Knoppiesdoorn (Knobthorn) trees are the first of the thorny Acacias to bloom each year in the Lowveld. Although the English name exists, it is virtually never used. Scroll R for the other 3 images at closer distances. The last indicates how the trees get their name. Some years ago a parachutist landed in one just up the road. It took ages to get him out & the 'chute canopy was in tatters. https://www.flickr.com/photos/wisselstroom/44360706971/ All with the K5. First 3 with the HD 5-300, the 4th with the F 35-105 Macro Alan C --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: GESO: Signs of Spring
nice shots, which 300mm lens? jco On Thu, 30 Aug 2018 05:54:36 -0400, Alan C wrote: The Knoppiesdoorn (Knobthorn) trees are the first of the thorny Acacias to bloom each year in the Lowveld. Although the English name exists, it is virtually never used. Scroll R for the other 3 images at closer distances. The last indicates how the trees get their name. Some years ago a parachutist landed in one just up the road. It took ages to get him out & the 'chute canopy was in tatters. https://www.flickr.com/photos/wisselstroom/44360706971/ All with the K5. First 3 with the HD 5-300, the 4th with the F 35-105 Macro Alan C --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus -- J.C. O'Connell hifis...@gate.net - Using Opera's mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: GESO: Signs of Spring
Excellent detail and interesting history, Alan. J Sent from my iPhone > On Aug 30, 2018, at 2:54 AM, Alan C wrote: > > The Knoppiesdoorn (Knobthorn) trees are the first of the thorny Acacias to > bloom each year in the Lowveld. Although the English name exists, it is > virtually never used. Scroll R for the other 3 images at closer distances. > The last indicates how the trees get their name. Some years ago a parachutist > landed in one just up the road. It took ages to get him out & the 'chute > canopy was in tatters. > > https://www.flickr.com/photos/wisselstroom/44360706971/ > > All with the K5. First 3 with the HD 5-300, the 4th with the F 35-105 Macro > > Alan C > > --- > This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. > https://www.avast.com/antivirus > > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
GESO: Signs of Spring
The Knoppiesdoorn (Knobthorn) trees are the first of the thorny Acacias to bloom each year in the Lowveld. Although the English name exists, it is virtually never used. Scroll R for the other 3 images at closer distances. The last indicates how the trees get their name. Some years ago a parachutist landed in one just up the road. It took ages to get him out & the 'chute canopy was in tatters. https://www.flickr.com/photos/wisselstroom/44360706971/ All with the K5. First 3 with the HD 5-300, the 4th with the F 35-105 Macro Alan C --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Bargain Pentax "People" zoom for crop sensors-sample portrait
OK, the 35-105 is a great performer too, but what makes this 35-70 so much fun is how tiny it is and the tiny price they sell for, great value. jco On Thu, 30 Aug 2018 05:42:01 -0400, Alan C wrote: Yes, it is impressive. I have the F 35-105 which is pretty good as a walk-around lens too. An example: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wisselstroom/44312596672/ These are three of our latest bunch of Development runners. Alan C On 30-Aug-18 09:35 AM, J.C. O'Connell wrote: heres a link to a decent portrait/snapshot from the pentax forum lens review section: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5530/11767760666_7a968e5192_b.jpg --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus -- J.C. O'Connell hifis...@gate.net - Using Opera's mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Bargain Pentax "People" zoom for crop sensors-sample portrait
Yes, it is impressive. I have the F 35-105 which is pretty good as a walk-around lens too. An example: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wisselstroom/44312596672/ These are three of our latest bunch of Development runners. Alan C On 30-Aug-18 09:35 AM, J.C. O'Connell wrote: heres a link to a decent portrait/snapshot from the pentax forum lens review section: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5530/11767760666_7a968e5192_b.jpg --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Bargain Pentax "People" zoom for crop sensors-pic of lens itself
heres a pic of the lens itself, its so damn small its like a normal prime: https://www.jchriso.com/temp/35-70lens.jpg -- J.C. O'Connell hifis...@gate.net - Using Opera's mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Bargain Pentax "People" zoom for crop sensors-sample portrait
heres a link to a decent portrait/snapshot from the pentax forum lens review section: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5530/11767760666_7a968e5192_b.jpg -- J.C. O'Connell hifis...@gate.net - Using Opera's mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
September PUG - Last Call
G'day all I'll be closing submissions on Saturday evening 1 September, Sydney time. Theme: Tilted As usual submit here: http://pug.komkon.org/submit/ Full Submission Guidelines here: http://pug.komkon.org/general/autosubmit.html -- Cheers Brian ++ Brian Walters Western Sydney Australia http://lyons-ryan.org/southernlight/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Bargain Pentax "People" zoom for crop sensors
On Thu, 30 Aug 2018 02:14:02 -0400, wrote: There was a typo. Dot not comma thanks for the heads up, jco https://www.jchriso.com/temp/35-70macro.jpg -- J.C. O'Connell hifis...@gate.net - Using Opera's mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Bargain Pentax "People" zoom for crop sensors, fixed link
On Thu, 30 Aug 2018 02:10:42 -0400, J.C. O'Connell wrote: Reading the lens reviews in Pentax forums, I came across an interesting lens I just had to buy as the cost is absurdly low (under $45 shipped ). It also has the distinction of being the smallest zoom lens Pentax ever made ( it's barely larger than a F50mm F1.4 ). And it has a built in macro mode which gives a usable 1:4 magnification @ 70mm. It has an aperture ring with the "A" setting for autoexposure on DSLRs and AF too. What lens am I referring to? The smc Pentax-F 35-70mm F3.5-F4.5 I call it a "People" lens on a crop sensor as the equiv. focal range is 53-105mm, perfect for full body shots or small groups to individuals and head shot portraits. Ideal for an all in one family portrait lens. While I havent done extensive critical testing yet, initial snapshots show outstanding sharpness and contrast throughout the range, very minor and easily correctable CA, and no PF to speak of, at least stopped down a little. AF is snappy and accurate, even indoors on my K-5IIs. No distortion even at 35mm. As an example of the typical sharpness, Ive posted a macro pic: https://www.jchriso.com/temp/35-70macro.jpg -- J.C. O'Connell hifis...@gate.net - Using Opera's mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.