How much did these cost when they were "reasonable"?

scottax1 · 11-06-2007, 05:37 AM

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How much did these cost when they were "reasonable"?

smc Pentax FA Star 80-200mm f/2.8 ED IF Excellent+ - (eBay item 150178358943 end time Nov-11-07 22:30:00 PST)

Or were they ever?

Inquiring minds and all that . . .

Scottax1

rdrum76 · 11-06-2007, 05:50 AM

someone please answer because I have only seen crazy lens inflation due to the K10D and no new big glass

Hope-flea Hoya willput on a lens road map and stick to it, instead of sticking it to us

vievetrick · 11-06-2007, 05:58 AM

Not sure but that seems like a decent price now. I found something from 1999 in a google search had it listed for $1700 so I would think that is not bad. A few here on the board have this and I am sure willing to share what they spent. (unless there wives watch the board)

roscot · 11-06-2007, 06:02 AM

I believe the last price new - about 4 years ago now was US$1495.00. Since it has been discontinued, I have not seen it below the last new price. It has been above US$2000 for the last 18months or so.

Supply and Demand:
Supply = 0 demand = 100%

rdrum76 · 11-06-2007, 07:00 AM

Low supply of lenses Destroys any Depreciation loss

It seems that a NEW in the BOX, never used lens [not factoring lack of use as a negative] would costs substantially more than its original costs of 5-10 years ago

Unless you need the $$$, NEVER sell a Pentax lens; it will either hold or even appreciate in value

The upcoming year will be interesting IF Hoya puts out 300, 400, 500 and 600 lenses at less than N or C prices

**tranq78** · 11-06-2007, 07:59 AM

The one that's for sale right now is at a reasonable price, if that's what you are asking. The seller seems to be motivated.

Don't forget that this lens is also internal zoom & internal focus. It does add to the size, weight & cost.

scottax1 · 11-06-2007, 10:42 AM

Originally posted by tranq78

The one that's for sale right now is at a reasonable price, if that's what you are asking. The seller seems to be motivated.

Don't forget that this lens is also internal zoom & internal focus. It does add to the size, weight & cost.

Perhaps when compared to other options currently available for Pentax, but not when we look at Nikon and Canon. Both offer similar options with internal mechanisms that are available used for about half the price of this Pentax.

When I switched to Pentax I was aware of the limited availability of long glass but prices seem like they are really skyrocketing recently. This makes sense because the new Pentax bodies are attracting a lot of buyers which increases demand. But as much as I like SR and the ability to easily use "vintage" lenses, these increased costs may offset (for me) the advantages I found in Pentax. As nice as the K10D is, it needs the right glass to make pix I want to make. For less than the price of this Pentax lens one can buy a buy a new comparable Nikon or Canon with VR/IS.

YMMV/Scottax1

TaoMaas · 11-06-2007, 11:07 AM

If I remember right, the more exotic lenses from Pentax have always cost a bit more than similar offerings from Nikon or Canon. I always assumed it was because the Big 2 were able to sell more of those types of lenses to professional photographers than Pentax. When the third party manufacturers quit making fast glass in the Pentax mount, that helped drive the prices for used lenses even higher. Hopefully things will level out if Pentax can expand their lens line like they hope to do.

Groundloop · 11-06-2007, 03:12 PM

Originally posted by rdrum76

The upcoming year will be interesting IF Hoya puts out 300, 400, 500 and 600 lenses at less than N or C prices

Consider me on the waiting list for a 300mm f4, with a good quality 1.4x converter.

Matjazz · 11-07-2007, 02:45 AM

Mind that this lens costed more than Canon, Nikon, Sigma... equivalent. I remember seeing FA* 80-200/2.8 on Pentax UK site with a refered price of 2999£. However the lens was no longer in production and hard to get new at that time and prices on ebay went up to 1000£ max.

kenyee · 11-07-2007, 07:59 AM

Makes me wonder why I shouldn't just get a D40x and a Nikon 80-200/2.8 lens...the combo would be less than just this Pentax FA* lens :-P

**NaClH2O** · 11-07-2007, 01:28 PM

Originally posted by Groundloop

Consider me on the waiting list for a 300mm f4, with a good quality 1.4x converter.

There is one on the "in transit inventory" on KEH. They come up fairly frequently there, I got mine late last winter for slightly under 300 usd.

NaCl(only major detraction is no tripod mount)H2O

Groundloop · 11-07-2007, 04:43 PM

Originally posted by NaClH2O

There is one on the "in transit inventory" on KEH. They come up fairly frequently there, I got mine late last winter for slightly under 300 usd.

NaCl(only major detraction is no tripod mount)H2O

Thanks, I'll keep an eye on that!

Though I was referring to a DA 300mm (which hopefully won't cost an arm and a leg - when they finally start shipping). I assume the one on the way to KEH is a K series, since that's the only reasonably priced/common Pentax 300mm available, except of course for M42 mount.

I mentioned to a C@$%N using friend that I was looking to pick up a 300mm, and when he asked "Why?" I just said, "So that I can make a tripod mount for it!"

He completely understood.

scottax1 · 11-12-2007, 05:10 AM

Final auction price was US$2,248.55.

FWIW (literally!)/Scottax1

scottax1 · 11-13-2007, 04:42 AM

Same seller just listed another one. Thought it might be a relist, but the S/N is different. He must have a garage full of 'em. So much for limited supply!

smc Pentax FA Star 80-200mm f/2.8 ED IF Excellent+ - (eBay item 150178358943 end time Nov-11-07 22:30:00 PST)

The white gloves are a nice touch . . .

Scottax1

11-06-2007, 05:37 AM	#1
scottax1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Motown, USA Posts: 190	How much did these cost when they were "reasonable"? Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. How much did these cost when they were "reasonable"? smc Pentax FA Star 80-200mm f/2.8 ED IF Excellent+ - (eBay item 150178358943 end time Nov-11-07 22:30:00 PST) Or were they ever? Inquiring minds and all that . . . Scottax1

11-12-2007, 05:10 AM	#14
scottax1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Motown, USA Posts: 190 Original Poster	Follow-up Final auction price was US$2,248.55. FWIW (literally!)/Scottax1

11-13-2007, 04:42 AM	#15
scottax1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Motown, USA Posts: 190 Original Poster	Another one! Same seller just listed another one. Thought it might be a relist, but the S/N is different. He must have a garage full of 'em. So much for limited supply! smc Pentax FA Star 80-200mm f/2.8 ED IF Excellent+ - (eBay item 150178358943 end time Nov-11-07 22:30:00 PST) The white gloves are a nice touch . . . Scottax1

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11-06-2007, 05:50 AM	#2
rdrum76 Inactive Account Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 221	someone please answer because I have only seen crazy lens inflation due to the K10D and no new big glass Hope-flea Hoya willput on a lens road map and stick to it, instead of sticking it to us

11-06-2007, 05:58 AM	#3
vievetrick Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Easthampton - Massachusetts - USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,183	Not sure but that seems like a decent price now. I found something from 1999 in a google search had it listed for $1700 so I would think that is not bad. A few here on the board have this and I am sure willing to share what they spent. (unless there wives watch the board)

11-06-2007, 06:02 AM	#4
roscot Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Virginia Beach VA USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,363	I believe the last price new - about 4 years ago now was US$1495.00. Since it has been discontinued, I have not seen it below the last new price. It has been above US$2000 for the last 18months or so. Supply and Demand: Supply = 0 demand = 100%

11-06-2007, 07:00 AM	#5
rdrum76 Inactive Account Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 221	Low supply of lenses Destroys any Depreciation loss It seems that a NEW in the BOX, never used lens [not factoring lack of use as a negative] would costs substantially more than its original costs of 5-10 years ago Unless you need the $$$, NEVER sell a Pentax lens; it will either hold or even appreciate in value The upcoming year will be interesting IF Hoya puts out 300, 400, 500 and 600 lenses at less than N or C prices

11-06-2007, 07:59 AM	#6
tranq78 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,005	The one that's for sale right now is at a reasonable price, if that's what you are asking. The seller seems to be motivated. Don't forget that this lens is also internal zoom & internal focus. It does add to the size, weight & cost.

11-06-2007, 10:42 AM	#7
scottax1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Motown, USA Posts: 190 Original Poster	Originally posted by tranq78 The one that's for sale right now is at a reasonable price, if that's what you are asking. The seller seems to be motivated. Don't forget that this lens is also internal zoom & internal focus. It does add to the size, weight & cost. Perhaps when compared to other options currently available for Pentax, but not when we look at Nikon and Canon. Both offer similar options with internal mechanisms that are available used for about half the price of this Pentax. When I switched to Pentax I was aware of the limited availability of long glass but prices seem like they are really skyrocketing recently. This makes sense because the new Pentax bodies are attracting a lot of buyers which increases demand. But as much as I like SR and the ability to easily use "vintage" lenses, these increased costs may offset (for me) the advantages I found in Pentax. As nice as the K10D is, it needs the right glass to make pix I want to make. For less than the price of this Pentax lens one can buy a buy a new comparable Nikon or Canon with VR/IS. YMMV/Scottax1

11-06-2007, 11:07 AM	#8
TaoMaas Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,574	If I remember right, the more exotic lenses from Pentax have always cost a bit more than similar offerings from Nikon or Canon. I always assumed it was because the Big 2 were able to sell more of those types of lenses to professional photographers than Pentax. When the third party manufacturers quit making fast glass in the Pentax mount, that helped drive the prices for used lenses even higher. Hopefully things will level out if Pentax can expand their lens line like they hope to do.

11-06-2007, 03:12 PM	#9
Groundloop Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 236	Originally posted by rdrum76 The upcoming year will be interesting IF Hoya puts out 300, 400, 500 and 600 lenses at less than N or C prices Consider me on the waiting list for a 300mm f4, with a good quality 1.4x converter.

11-07-2007, 02:45 AM	#10
Matjazz Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: EU/Slovenia Photos: Gallery Posts: 774	Mind that this lens costed more than Canon, Nikon, Sigma... equivalent. I remember seeing FA* 80-200/2.8 on Pentax UK site with a refered price of 2999£. However the lens was no longer in production and hard to get new at that time and prices on ebay went up to 1000£ max.

11-07-2007, 07:59 AM	#11
kenyee Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston, PRofMA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,026	Makes me wonder why I shouldn't just get a D40x and a Nikon 80-200/2.8 lens...the combo would be less than just this Pentax FA* lens :-P

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11-07-2007, 01:28 PM	#12
NaClH2O Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bronx NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,631	Originally posted by Groundloop Consider me on the waiting list for a 300mm f4, with a good quality 1.4x converter. There is one on the "in transit inventory" on KEH. They come up fairly frequently there, I got mine late last winter for slightly under 300 usd. NaCl(only major detraction is no tripod mount)H2O

11-07-2007, 04:43 PM	#13
Groundloop Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 236	Originally posted by NaClH2O There is one on the "in transit inventory" on KEH. They come up fairly frequently there, I got mine late last winter for slightly under 300 usd. NaCl(only major detraction is no tripod mount)H2O Thanks, I'll keep an eye on that! Though I was referring to a DA 300mm (which hopefully won't cost an arm and a leg - when they finally start shipping). I assume the one on the way to KEH is a K series, since that's the only reasonably priced/common Pentax 300mm available, except of course for M42 mount. I mentioned to a C@$%N using friend that I was looking to pick up a 300mm, and when he asked "Why?" I just said, "So that I can make a tripod mount for it!" He completely understood.