I think that there has been more than one version of the 200mm lens, and that the most recent update was only a few years ago. I think the latest version and the penultimate version look very similar (modern style housing, etc.).

I have found a used 200mm lens for sale, and am keen to find out if it is the latest version. Does anyone know of any way of telling which version it is? If it helps, the serial number is 8527683. Any views on the quality of the different versions of this lens would also be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

-- Ed Hurst (bullmoo@hotmail.com), January 23, 2002

Answers

Ed, I have an 8528xxx serial # 200mm and it is the Pentax. I bought it in either late '89 or early '90. As far as I've seen, there are only two versions. The Takumar is a 4 element type.

-- Steve Rasmussen (srasmuss@flash.net), January 24, 2002.

Ed,

The latest version of this lens uses a 77mm filter...I think the older ones used a smaller size.

I have the latest version and it is a great performer. It's a wonderful lens for headshots, too...it focuses as close as 5 feet or so. That's another major difference between the newer and older versions of this lens - the older ones couldn't focus nearly as close as the newer ones.

Other than the difference in close-focusing distance, I've heard that the older version also performs very well - and can be picked up for considerably less $$$.

-- Scott Whitford (swhitford@msn.com), January 23, 2002.

Old Style: Labeled Takumar Sliding lens hood built around end of barrel 120mm length, 902g wt, 67mm filter size 5 elements/4 groups Minimum aperture f22, minimum focus 2.5m, 26deg fov

New Style: Labeled Pentax Extended (past front element) barrel functions as hood 135mm length, 795g wt, 77mm filter size 5 elements/5 groups Minimum aperture f32, minimum focus 1.5m, 25deg fov

The different versions are fairly easy to identify. In addition to the above, the Pentax version has a rubber grip surface on the focus ring. I knew that anal retentive data collection would come in handy sooner or later. Hope that helps.

-- Cbuck Bernards (clb@hevanet.com), January 23, 2002.

Many thanks for your help!

I was under the impression that there are two versions with the modern style housing (including rubber focusing grip and larger filter) - which implies that this cannot be used to identify the latest version.

However, this impression could be based on nothing! Please correct me if I'm wrong!

Thanks again, Ed.

-- Ed Hurst (BullMoo@hotmail.com), January 24, 2002.