I got this zoom not on purpose but it comes with a multiple flash package in eBay. I was not expecting much for this zoom. However, when I put it to casual testing, the sharpness stand out from this zoom. It has a 1:4 macro but the minimal focusing distance is too far as in 2 meters to be effective in close up for flowers. The sharpness seem quite consistent throughout the zoom.
Test Shots
1/30 sec, f/6.3, 150mm, iso 250, 0 Ev
cropped to get closer
1/320 sec, f/6.3, 300mm, iso 320, 0 Ev
1/320 sec, f/6.3, 300mm, iso 320, 0 Ev
1/125 sec, f/5.6, 300mm, iso 400, 0 Ev
1/60 sec, f/6.3, 200mm, iso 160, 0 Ev
1/100 sec, f/5.6, 300mm, iso 400, 0 Ev
Impressions and Notes
- Zoom has a good range from 60 to 300mm
- Sharpness surprises me from this zoom, initial test shots show quite consistent sharpness and color across the focal range
- color is decent and I don't seem to see obvious amount of CA/PF, it has MC coating in model number in front
- Macro is 1:4
- Zoom creep does happen when I hold the zoom hanging upside down
- Focusing ring is quite decent for fast focusing, close to half turn in focus throw
- Minimum Focusing Distance is about 2 meter which is too far for me for flower close up
- average in weight, easy to handle, a bit long in the barrel when extending to 300mm end
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4 comments:
I currently own the Promaster Spectrum 7 MC Auto Zoom Macro, etc. I also have a film SLR Pentax 35mm camera. I want to go digital but wood like to keep my zoom lens. Did your Promaster Lens fit on any other camer other than Pentax? Thank you so much for your help. I am lost on what to do on a small budget. - Kathy
poliey@me.com
@Kathy, my promaster comes in a Pentax K mount and hence it can be used in Pentax digital that are backward compatible to K mount. For your promaster, you have to check what mount it is compatible in 35mm slr system.
Hi in searching for what this lens is I found your site and I'm hoping you can help me..... I have a Auto Promaster SP MC zoom 1:4:5 f=80--200mm and to be perfectly honest I know nothing about it. It was in a box that I found in a storage locker and in talking to a friend that does photography have learned that it may be a very nice lens..... can you please tell me what camera it can be used with and what it does?
You have to examine the back of your lens. Without looking at the rear, I can't tell what mount your lens is in. There is usually a mount label on the back. For example, P/K stands for Pentax K mount, OM refers to Olympus, AR refers to Konica AR mount, FD/FL refers to Canon FD/FL mount and there are literally dozen type of mounts. The ideal label comes with the brand and it is easily identified as Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Minolta, Olympus etc. You really need to help yourself in finding the label at the rear portion of your lens. Hope this helps you a bit.
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