Pentax Announces New DLSR Lenses

**Adam** · 01-24-2008, 03:23 PM

Today, Pentax announced two new lenses and confirmed the release date of three others which were announced in mid-2007.

The SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited will ship in April, 2008, priced at $500. Pentax writes that this lens, like the current Limited lenses, will feature a metal barrel as well as 1:1 magnification. Also, the SMC Pentax-DA* 200mm F2.8 ED [IF] SDM and 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM lenses will both be available in March, 2008, and prices at $1100 and $1300, respectively.

Thirdly, Pentax confirmed the production of the SMC Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED consumer zoom and projects its release date to be May, 2008, priced at $400.

Finally, a new and improved version of the 18-55mm kit lens, badged as "SMC Pentax-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL II" will be available in March 2008; it will ship with the new K200D and K20D SLRs. All 5 of the above lenses will feature Pentax's new quick-shift focusing system, allowing for easy MF, as well as the Pentax SP coating which protects the front element from dust and scratches.

GSk · 01-24-2008, 10:51 PM

Are there any news about the 60-250mm f/4 lens announced almost a year ago? I was certain that news about that lens would be revealed. If I have to wait forever I'd rather buy Tamron's new 70-200mm f/2.8

Jodokast96 · 01-25-2008, 07:12 AM

It's been pushed back a little. Apparently they have something new in store for it.

*KFrog* · 01-25-2008, 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by Adam

The SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited will ship in April, 2008, priced at $500. Pentax writes that this lens, like the current Limited lenses, will feature a metal barrel as well as 1:1 magnification.

It figures. The one I'm most interested in will be the last one out

*m8o* · 03-05-2008, 08:50 AM

To bring back an on-topic thread instead of starting a new one. ... to anyone in the peanut gallery in the know:

Has it been established for sure what the "something special" is or will be that Pentax has in store for the 60-250mm f/4 yet? Is it use of a fast[er] hypersonic ring motor? something else?

I'm really curious. I find I have a definite hole in my lens coverage range for what I'm learning to be my "shooting style" and requirements. This lens will cover that. With the advent of the K20D's high ISO performance comes change in philosophy for me, that I'm seriously considering a "f/4" for the telephoto zoom range I need, and this being my 1st DA* lens. With this lens hopefully having superior performance (please keep purple fringing and CAs down Pentax) and -- over the Sigma and Tamron still both in contention -- weather sealing (... well, if the 55mm f/1.4 is super duper fast focusing, that'll be a possibility for me too.)

We'll surely only know about the control of CAs and fringing, and control of QA, once it's shipping and been tested. But what the "something special" is no doubt circulating[ed]. Please share if you know.

dopeytree · 03-18-2008, 09:55 AM

Originally Posted by Jodokast96

It's been pushed back a little. Apparently they have something new in store for it.

I wish they'd vocal these points and share what's happening I mean they must know its been delayed etc, people don't like being kept in the dark

Although it does give me time to save up! lol

Ian Mc · 05-27-2008, 04:00 PM

Just wonder whether with Pentax alliance with Tokina whether there is anything in the wind about a 400mm lens for Pentax SLRs?
This is the minimum for wildlife photographers.

Jonson PL · 05-29-2008, 04:18 AM

Originally Posted by Ian Mc

Just wonder whether with Pentax alliance with Tokina whether there is anything in the wind about a 400mm lens for Pentax SLRs?
This is the minimum for wildlife photographers.

Summer should see an update to the roadmap, and closer to PhotoKina.

Else there is the Sigma 500/4.5 in Pentax mount

*m8o* · 05-29-2008, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by Ian Mc

Just wonder whether with Pentax alliance with Tokina whether there is anything in the wind about a 400mm lens for Pentax SLRs?
This is the minimum for wildlife photographers.

It all depends on how close your subjects are to be found. I do personally think 300mm is the minimum. In many [most] instances however you can't get long enough or fast enough, but there will be plenty who will argue that. Yes, I'm a Sigma long glass luv'r myself. My ideal would be their 120-300mm f/2.8 so I could use it with the 2x TC and still have good "range" to zoom in and out depending on the distance and size of the subject, but they only make the prime in Pentax mount. Being @ 600mm out on safari was a must sometimes, and a handicap other times.