Tamron vs Pentax 28-105mm lens

[rod_dinkins]

I have a 3 year old Tamron 28-105mm f4-5.6 (IF) zoom that I use with

my Pentax film cameras. Quite pleased with the lens. I now have the

*IST DS.

But I noticed Pentax has a new lens -- Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto

SMCP-FA 28-105mm f/4-5.6 IF Autofocus Lens - Silver Priced around

$200. Read a rumor that Tamron makes this for Pentax - so perhaps it

is the same lens.

 

Has anyone compared these two lenses and is it worth while selling

the Tamron and getting the Pentax ???

[eric friedemann]

I've had this conversation with a Pentax representative who told me that although the lenses look identical- except for the badging- right down to the lens hood, Pentax made the glass and coatings for its lens.

[stemked]

Rod,

 

Actually there are three Pentax lenses in the range.

 

The old Pentax 28-105mm f4-5.6 FA (58mm filter) which has been rated as one of Pentax's sharpest zooms over this range. In fact in its day it clobbered all comes in dirct optical performance. However this lens was built for the old PZ-1p's power zoom and is VERY heavy.

 

The second generation f4-5.6 is the Tamron lens you noted and it seemed to not get particularly high reviews from Pentax users although it has full SMC coatings. Also the fact it uses 62mm filters means in Pentax line it is the odd lens out.

 

The third generation is faster f3.2-4.5 and is the lightweight of the bunch (also 58mm filters). This is my walk-about lens and I have to say I have been very pleased with it's optical performance. It is a 100% Pentax lens (just as the first), but I have never seem a subjective test compareing it to either of the other two lenses

[rod_dinkins]

Thanks for the answers it will help me make a decision. A friend has the latest Pentax 28 to 105mm lens and we will compare them.