farmerjim's reviews

  • Pentax 16-45mm f/4 ED AL SMC P-DA

    8 out of 10 points and recommended
    Very Sharp, smooth zoom and manual focus.
    When at 45mm the lens is at its shortest physical length. When at 16mm, the lens is at its longest physical length. For those using the internal flash, it does leave a shadow at the bottom of the image.

    Although the focus ring is at the front of the lens, it does not rotate when focusing. Circular Polarizers and Gradient Filters, as well as the included lens shade, work just find with the lens.

    reviewed November 28th, 2006 (purchased for $409)

  • Pentax 50-135mm f/2.8 ED AL IF SDM SMC DA*

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Smooth lens, great photos
    (small gripes) Weight and lack of tripod collar

    A great lens. I use this one and the 16-45 F4 as my primary lenses now.

    The operation of the lens is smooth in manual focus and zoom. It feels great when handling the lens, controls are well dampened. Balances well (all things considered) with the K10D.

    Images are outstanding.

    Autofocus (with the firmware update on the K10D) is fast and again, smooth. The lens is more than fast enough to sneak a candid or two in before discovery...only the shutter will give you away.

    Very slight chromatic distortion when the lens is wide open disappears when closed down a few steps. In my case it was only visible with dark tree branches on a very washed out bright and cloudy sky.

    Images are outstanding.

    Color rendition is great. Clear, sharp and very true to life.

    I was using the lens in a rain storm recently. The weather seals held up with no water issues at all. Waterfall mist is in its future now...

    I know I said that "Images are outstanding." many times, but negatives aside, this is a great lens and should be on many shopping lists. The lucky people who get one will not be unsatisfied.

    reviewed January 2nd, 2008 (purchased for $800)