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Konica Hexanon AR 200 mm / F4
Konica Hexanon AR 200 mm / F4
Konica Hexanon AR 200 mm / F4
Lens dataThe Hexanon 200 mm / F4 is a late addiction to the Konica lens line-up. In the early 80s, it supplanted the 200 mm lenses offered so far, the 
Hexanon AR 200 mm / F3.5, and the Hexar AR 200 mm / F4. Different from these, it has a smallest aperture 22, so that the exposure capabilities of the newer bodies could be used to full extent.
Because the Hexanon AR 200 mm / F4 was added late, there were no subsequent changes made to this lens. All lenses of this type have the rubberized focusing ring, a smallest aperture 22, and the green AE mark.
The Hexanon AR 200 mm / F4 came with a standard Konica front cap and a leather case.
Konica Hexanon AR
200 mm / F4
lens cap
Konica Hexanon AR
200 mm / F4
leather case
The different optical construction allowed for much more compact dimensions and much lighter weight. Of all 200 mm Konica SLR lenses, the Hexanon AR 200 mmm / F4 is by far the smallest and lightest. In addition, it can – different from the Hexanon AR 200 mm / F3.5 – use the 55 mm filters common with most Konica lenses.
Unfortunately, the price was a slower speed and a slightly inferior image quality. Although the Hexanon AR 200 mm / F4 is visibly sharper than the Hexar AR 200 mm / F4, it does not quite reach the outstanding image quality of the Hexanon AR 200 mm / F3.5. The faster predecessor produces sharper images. All in all, the Hexanon AR 200 mm / F4 is still a good lens however, rendering distortion-free, contrasty images with good colour rendition and satisfying sharpness.
Which of the two Hexanon 200 mm lenses you prefer is a matter of taste. If the emphasis is on sharpness, the Hexanon AR 200 mm / F3.5 is the better choice. If the emphasis is on small size, weight savings, and handiness with a still good image quality, you should go for the newer Hexanon AR 200 mm / F4.
Like with most telephoto lenses and their big and not recessed front elements, the consequent use of a lens hood is recommended for the Hexanon AR 200 mm / F4 to avoid loss of contrast due to stray light. It provides a built-in lens shade, which is a bit shallow to provide adequate protection. With a deeper third-party lens hood, better results can be achieved.
Because it was only offered for a relatively short time, the Hexanon AR 200 mm / F4 is not found as easily. It is only being offered once in a while – prices are adequate, it is mostly sold for slightly less than the Hexanon AR 200 mm / F3.5.
Size comparison of different 200 mm lenses
(from left to right):
Hexanon 200 mm / 1:3.5 Preset
Hexanon 200 mm / 1:3.5 EE (first version)
Hexanon AR 200 mm / F3.5 (EE/AE versions)
Hexanon AR 200 mm / F4
Hexar AR 200 mm / F4
Lens data
| Angle of view: | 12° |
| Construction: | 5 elements in 5 groups |
| Aperture: | Fully automatic AE, smallest aperture 22 |
| Closest focusing: | 2.5 m (8 ft 23/8") |
| Filter thread: | 55 mm |
| Length (at ∞): | 121 mm (43/4") |
| Weight: | 515 g (1 lb 21/8 oz) |
| Lens hood: | built-in |
| Lens diagram: |  |
More pages on the Konica Hexanon and Hexar lenses:
Main page | Lens overview | 
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