Anyone tried the new f2.8 version of the 75mm lens? If so, how do you rate it?

-- Ed Hurst (BullMoo@hotmail.com), May 08, 2002

Answers

Ed, I shot about five rolls of Velvia with the 75mm f/2.8. While I did no scientific tests, I am absolutely satisfied with this lens. It is very sharp at medium and small apertures. Sorry, no experience yet, wide open. The lens shade is a big improvement over older designs because it has a bayonet mount and can be reversed for easy transportation. In comparison, the shade for the 90mm lens requires as much space as the lens itself. In addition, the new shade is flower-shaped and has this nice polarizer window, which works quite well in practice. The ability to reach a magnification of 1:2.8 is one of the best reasons for this lens (note, the dedicated 135mm macro lens does not come as close). On the downside: (1) the lens surfaces are very close to both ends of the lens, so you have to be somewhat careful. For example, I doubt that you can attach one of the Pentax achromatic close-up lenses without scratching the front lens surface. This is the price for the small size of the lens. (2) Pentax changed the material of the bottom ring on which you hold the lens when you mount it to the camera. It used to be made of metal and is now made of plastics. I guess, other new lenses in the Pentax 67 line will have this, too. Maybe, someone else could confirm this. However, the new material still feels solid. Conclusion so far: I certainly would buy the lens again. For my taste, this lens perfectly fits between the 45mm and 165mm lenses (similar to the 24/35/85mm lens combination I used in my 35mm days). I hope this helps.

-- Joachim Inkmann (Joachim.Inkmann@gmx.de), May 10, 2002.