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- Produced ? Japan
- Mount Pentax Screw (M42)
- Focal length 85-205mm
- Aperture range f3.8-22
- Focal range 2m to infinity
- Filter thread 58mm
- Weight 1lb, 12.9oz (819.3g)
- Aperture blades 6
- two-touch
- built-in shade
- A-M switch
Overview
One of my ‘forgotten’ lenses, I found it when I was cataloguing my collection. I don’t remember buying it, so I suspect it must have come in a kit with another camera I purchased somewhere along the way. Long and heavy, it strikes me as the kind of lens you’d flaunt if you were trying to compensate for a shortcoming, if you know what I mean.*
BUT it turns out that it’s quite good as a user. Build quality is excellent, focusing and zooming is very smooth, the large popup hood a delight. And — always the most important part — it takes quite nice pictures. I’ve never been one to use this focal range much but this could become a favorite for sporting events….
Usage
The A-M switch puts it in Auto aperture or Manual (stop-down) mode. Zoom with one ring and focus with the other; there is a third knurled grip to help steady the lens while you do either so it isn’t tempted to turn out of the mount.
*when at near focus and with the hood extended, it’s over 9 inches long!