Ordering "new" FA* lenses

-Spooky- · 04-01-2011, 08:19 PM

Hello everybody,

I'm new to participation in this forum. I was wondering how one would go about ordering FA* lenses with weather sealing? I have read elsewhere on this forum that this is an option, but I have not found anything in my searches that indicates how one would go about this. My apologies if this is already covered in a separate thread (I tried to find the answer before asking).

v5planet · 04-01-2011, 08:32 PM

Well the FA* lenses have long since been discontinued, and were manufactured before Pentax started incorporating weather sealing at all, I believe. Pentax's current line of DA* lenses are, unless I'm mistaken, ALL weather-sealed, and done so by default. Don't have to order them in any special way.

Adam · 04-01-2011, 08:35 PM

FA* lenses are (unfortunately) out of production. DA* lenses are weather-sealed, and you can buy them at B&H, here:

Pentax DA* lens

For a complete list of DA* lenses, see our database:

DA* Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Pentax Lens Database

-Spooky- · 04-01-2011, 08:47 PM

Does "discontinued/out of production" mean that there is no longer an option for a built to order 300/2.8 or 600/4 even without weather sealing?

Adam · 04-01-2011, 09:14 PM

Definitely not for the 300/2.8, but you can call Pentax and ask about the 600.

Sigma makes a nice 300/2.8 that you can buy: Sigma 300mm f/2.8 EX DG Autofocus Lens for Pentax 195109 B&H

Apart from that, ebay is a good option for used Pentax lenses.

**Ash** · 04-01-2011, 11:36 PM

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you're a serious telephoto photographer.
What you'd be after are the DA* lenses since none of the FA* lenses are weather resistant.
With bodies like the K-5, the need for f/2.8 at 300mm+ focal lengths are becoming less justifiable.

(OK, I know it's not quite as straight forward as that)
We're waiting for Pentax to come out with their DA* super telephoto range of lenses...
In the meantime, they're quite amenable to special orders of lenses such as the 600/4 and 250-600.
Enjoy the forum.

Class A · 04-03-2011, 04:28 AM

Originally posted by Ash

We're waiting for Pentax to come out with their DA* super telephoto range of lenses...

Who is "we"?

I wouldn't hold my breath waiting...

Originally posted by Ash

In the meantime, they're quite amenable to special orders of lenses such as the 600/4 and 250-600.

In the meantime one can also look at what third-party lens manufacturers such as Tamron and Sigma have to offer.

**dadipentak** · 04-03-2011, 04:43 AM

Originally posted by Class A

Who is "we"?
I wouldn't hold my breath waiting...

Me, Ash and several others. We're easy to recognize--blue faces from lack of oxygen.

04-01-2011, 08:19 PM	#1
-Spooky- Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 140	*Ordering "new" FA lenses** Hello everybody, I'm new to participation in this forum. I was wondering how one would go about ordering FA* lenses with weather sealing? I have read elsewhere on this forum that this is an option, but I have not found anything in my searches that indicates how one would go about this. My apologies if this is already covered in a separate thread (I tried to find the answer before asking).

04-01-2011, 08:35 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	FA* lenses are (unfortunately) out of production. DA* lenses are weather-sealed, and you can buy them at B&H, here: Pentax DA* lens For a complete list of DA* lenses, see our database: DA* Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Pentax Lens Database Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

04-01-2011, 09:14 PM	#5
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Definitely not for the 300/2.8, but you can call Pentax and ask about the 600. Sigma makes a nice 300/2.8 that you can buy: Sigma 300mm f/2.8 EX DG Autofocus Lens for Pentax 195109 B&H Apart from that, ebay is a good option for used Pentax lenses. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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04-01-2011, 08:32 PM	#2
v5planet Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Seattle Photos: Albums Posts: 1,915	Well the FA* lenses have long since been discontinued, and were manufactured before Pentax started incorporating weather sealing at all, I believe. Pentax's current line of DA* lenses are, unless I'm mistaken, ALL weather-sealed, and done so by default. Don't have to order them in any special way.

04-01-2011, 08:47 PM	#4
-Spooky- Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 140 Original Poster	Does "discontinued/out of production" mean that there is no longer an option for a built to order 300/2.8 or 600/4 even without weather sealing?

04-01-2011, 11:36 PM	#6
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you're a serious telephoto photographer. What you'd be after are the DA* lenses since none of the FA* lenses are weather resistant. With bodies like the K-5, the need for f/2.8 at 300mm+ focal lengths are becoming less justifiable. (OK, I know it's not quite as straight forward as that) We're waiting for Pentax to come out with their DA* super telephoto range of lenses... In the meantime, they're quite amenable to special orders of lenses such as the 600/4 and 250-600. Enjoy the forum.

04-03-2011, 04:28 AM	#7
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by Ash We're waiting for Pentax to come out with their DA* super telephoto range of lenses... Who is "we"? I wouldn't hold my breath waiting... Originally posted by Ash In the meantime, they're quite amenable to special orders of lenses such as the 600/4 and 250-600. In the meantime one can also look at what third-party lens manufacturers such as Tamron and Sigma have to offer.

04-03-2011, 04:43 AM	#8
dadipentak Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,590	Originally posted by Class A Who is "we"? I wouldn't hold my breath waiting... Me, Ash and several others. We're easy to recognize--blue faces from lack of oxygen.

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