Originally posted by Wheatfield The 77 is more likely to be discontinued than the 70. When/if that happens, 77m lenses will go up in value as people who have been fence sitting panic buy them before they can't be had.
Which is funny. The 77 is a nice lens, it may even be better than the 70 (I don't think so but others do), but it certainly isn't enough better to deserve the cult status that it enjoys.
I personally already think that the price it goes for is a little silly. 780 + tax ... jesus. I'm not going to say it isn't worth it... but I do think that the older price scheme made sense. I would splurge on the FA 77 if it was the old price. Now I think it would be plain irresponsible.
I actually think Pentax created the legendary status by purposely pricing those primes out of reach for most people. What the best lens out there? The one I can't afford
. Seriously though, by pricing these lenses at such a high mark, they become a sought-after luxury item. It's no longer about performance, it's about prestige. Pentax wins too, because it still costs the same amount to make each lens. Granted, the Canon 85 1.2 is what, 2 grand? So taken in perspective the 77 is a good deal.
Hey, whatever it takes to keep paying R&D to supply us with nice new designs
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