Pentax Objectif reflex Smc DA 200 mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM (Tropicalisé)

Good Points: Premium construction and image quality Improvement Points: Could warrant a hot shoe mounting plate for use with a tripod as this glass is weighty. Balance is great when paired with my Pentax K1 and K3 bodies. Not so when mounted on KP body. Focuses fast and produces stunning images. Very versatile lense and a must have for my growing collection

Although marked as a DA* cropped sensor lens, this lens covers full-frame very sharply, even in the corners, without evident vignetting. I tested this lens at f/8, which I would expect to use outdoors, the primary use for a long-tele lens in any event, so I have no data about its sharpness near maximum aperture. It's a heavy lens, of course, with a mostly metal construction, 77mm filter size, and weather resistant. Overall construction seems excellent and there was no trace of decentering or poor assembly in my copy.

Although listed as a DA* lens, the 200 covers the entire K-1 full-frame sharply, basically to the limits of the 36MP sensor. No evident FF vignetting. The CA is visible, as reported by many, but readily fixable in Lightroom or ACR. Lightroom has a good profile for this lens. My copy from BH seemed very well-aligned, with no noticeable decentering. The metal body is very stout, but the overly large hood included by Pentax is ridiculous and too bulky to carry in my Pelican case - I'm getting a $7 collapsible rubber hood along with my 77mm filter set.

This lens is larger than expected, it actually dwarfs the camera, but it performs beautifully. The view through the view finder is bright and crystal clear and makes manual focusing a breeze with the mat focusing screen. The pictures it produces are crisp with excellent detail and color. The lens hood, like others have mentioned is a little odd..... Don't really like the snap-lock action.... a little stiff for me. Focusing is quick and quiet and accurate, the first SDM focusing lens I've owned. I use primarily for sporting events so the auto focus really doesn't come into play that much, manual focus most of the time. I really like this lens and am glad I purchased it. If the SDM motor holds out, this lens will be one of my favorites.

Good Points: I've used this lens with & without the 1.4x HD converter. The images everytime have been pin-sharp & incredibly detailed. Focusing is very quick as well using the Pentax K-3ll. Improvement Points: None that I have come across so far.