Why so slow Pentax?

s.randy · 09-28-2011, 03:17 PM

Originally posted by RonHendriks1966

Well Pentax FA*85mm/f1.4 is rather exceptable at f1.4 and gets great at f1.8. So if you have coins to spend, then find one of those lenses.

Personally I think that DA*55mm/f1.4 is great too.

Hahaha I can't even afford the stuff that I'm complaining Pentax doesn't offer anyway

Or I would try to get a FA 85 1.4!

Seems like the DA55 has a lot of focusing complaints, makes me nervous...

Adam · 09-28-2011, 03:17 PM

Just buy Sigma lenses, there's almost twice as many of those readily available than Pentax lenses

**Ash** · 09-28-2011, 03:18 PM

kenafein touches on the niche Pentax has forged with their compact, lightweight yet quality products. Throughout their history, Pentax has been keen to be more minimalistic and refreshingly different, yet maintaining optical and build quality in all their products. Such a sacrifice in size necessitates a slight compromise on speed, but that's why there are third party lens manufacturers - to cater for those who don't want to compromise on speed.

UWA lenses are difficult to produce fast and small - it's usually one or the other. Hence the 15 ltd being f/4 - its advantage over the DA 12-24 f/4 for example is simply size (but the metal build is also a plus). The DA 10-17 is a special offering also, being small, great quality and filling the APS-C frame (i.e. not circular). And there are many more examples...

In any case, sensor technology is capturing the photography world's attention, and with better performance at higher and higher ISOs there is less of a 'need' for lens speed. DoF control is always good to have in certain situations, but few situations actually need lenses faster than say the FA ltd series.

s.randy · 09-28-2011, 03:21 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Just buy Sigma lenses, there's almost twice as many of those readily available than Pentax lenses

I would probably but I already have the DA40 so that just makes me want the DA21 and the DA70 for the Ltd. prime spread.

If I was to do it all over I'd probably go for the Sigma 30/50/85

Reportage · 09-28-2011, 03:25 PM

for what i do, 10-20mm and 24-70mm easily.

And then looking at 120-300mm f/2.8 for my sports trinity.

Just that at the time, dont really see any body compare with the K20D and even now...dont really justify a body upgrade. Unless the new model has dual SD slot and flip lcd.

However looking at the mirrorless cameras, i am very intrigued.

einstrigger · 09-28-2011, 03:28 PM

Originally posted by s.randy

Hahaha I can't even afford the stuff that I'm complaining Pentax doesn't offer anyway

Or I would try to get a FA 85 1.4!

Yup, a lot of people who cite lack of speed don't cite the other...which is lack of funds. Sure Nikon offers a 24mm f/1.4 and Canon has an 85mm f/1.2, but do you have pockets deep enough to afford them? At least that what I tell people who have lens envy. But of course, having them be available yet out of reach is in some ways better then having them not available at all

s.randy · 09-28-2011, 03:29 PM

Originally posted by einstrigger

Yup, a lot of people who cite lack of speed don't cite the other...which is lack of funds. Sure Nikon offers a 24mm f/1.4 and Canon has an 85mm f/1.2, but do you have pockets deep enough to afford them? At least that what I tell people who have lens envy. But of course, having them be available yet out of reach is in some ways better then having them not available at all

Exactly

RioRico · 09-28-2011, 03:38 PM - **1 Like**

And of course after the Ricoh takeover, Everything Might Change! Maybe... maybe all sorts of stuff, I won't list specific fantasies now. But if Ricoh follows through on their pledge to make Pentax a major player, I think we'll see a major expansion of the lens lineup, maybe even a re-entry of Tokina into Pentax mount. Unfortunately, I won't be able to afford any of it. Ratz...

**Digitalis** · 09-28-2011, 04:13 PM

Originally posted by s.randy

if money wasn't issue I'd probably have a Canon 5D and 50 1.2L

or a Leica M9 with a noctilux 50mm f/0.95 - which is a combination that really shifts the paradigm of what "low light" photography really is.

**Just1MoreDave** · 09-28-2011, 04:14 PM

Originally posted by s.randy

I know this has probably been discussed many times on here but why the hell doesn't Pentax make faster lenses?? Give me more options in the 1.4-1.8 range!!

Sigmas 20mm is 1.8 the DA21 is 3.2 C'mon

An observation: Lots of people have the DA 21. I have read comments from maybe two Pentax users about the Sigma 20/1.8. Their series of 20, 24 and 28 should be extremely popular for Pentax users, because this is a gap in the Pentax line, they are fast lenses, prices are reasonable, specs are nice. It does not seem to be.

kenafein · 09-28-2011, 04:41 PM

Originally posted by RioRico

Unfortunately, I won't be able to afford any of it. Ratz...

What you don't want to sell 100 lenses to fund a Tokina 11-16/2.8?

RioRico · 09-28-2011, 05:48 PM

Originally posted by kenafein

What you don't want to sell 100 lenses to fund a Tokina 11-16/2.8?

Well, if it was an 8-24/2.8, I might think about that...

steve1307 · 09-28-2011, 05:59 PM

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

An observation: Lots of people have the DA 21. I have read comments from maybe two Pentax users about the Sigma 20/1.8. Their series of 20, 24 and 28 should be extremely popular for Pentax users, because this is a gap in the Pentax line, they are fast lenses, prices are reasonable, specs are nice. It does not seem to be.

Yes, I was thinking the same thing.

There is no "Sigma f1.8 wide prime pumps my 'nads " thread in the lens club section is there?

I dont think I have ever seen a Sigma 20, 24 or 28mm ever

In the review section here
DA 21 = 43 reviews, Sigma 20 = 5 reviews, Sigma 24 = 4, Sigma 28 = 4

Even at B&H website comments on the DA21 and the Kmount Sigmas
DA 21 = 27 reviews, Sigma 20 = 4 reviews, Sigma 24 = 2 reviews, Sigma 28 = 2 reviews

Same for the Nikon and Canon mounts
These 3 Sigmas f1.8 are far less popular than the "slower" manufacturer options which are f2.8. they are also less popular than the hyper expensive 24mm f1.4's which Cinon & Nakon produce. Hell, even the T&S lenses are more popular than the 3 Sigmas.

Photozone only tested one of these, the 20mm 1.8.
Sigma AF 20mm f/1.8 EX - Review / Test Report

Could it be that they are crap until about f3.2 anyway, they are massive and plasticky and the 77 or 82mm filters cost a bomb? Just sayin'

s.randy · 09-28-2011, 06:21 PM

When I originally made this thread the Sigma 20 f1.8 was the last lens that I saw before I went off. When it comes to wider angled lenses I wouldn't be as picky in reality 3.2 is plenty, its the DA70 f2.4 that irks me mainly, that one should be f1.4 instead!! That would be so awesome but then again it'd be a grand at least for it probably

DaveHolmes · 09-28-2011, 06:24 PM

Originally posted by RickyFromVegas

FA501.4 is like a girlfriend you can't help but to love despite the mood swings.

She's beautiful and a sharp cookie alright... But sometimes you need to give her a little space :-)

09-28-2011, 03:17 PM	#17
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Just buy Sigma lenses, there's almost twice as many of those readily available than 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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09-28-2011, 03:17 PM	#16
s.randy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Seattle, Wa Posts: 177 Original Poster	Originally posted by RonHendriks1966 Well Pentax FA85mm/f1.4 is rather exceptable at f1.4 and gets great at f1.8. So if you have coins to spend, then find one of those lenses. Personally I think that DA55mm/f1.4 is great too. Hahaha I can't even afford the stuff that I'm complaining Pentax doesn't offer anyway Or I would try to get a FA 85 1.4! Seems like the DA55 has a lot of focusing complaints, makes me nervous...

09-28-2011, 03:18 PM	#18
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	kenafein touches on the niche Pentax has forged with their compact, lightweight yet quality products. Throughout their history, Pentax has been keen to be more minimalistic and refreshingly different, yet maintaining optical and build quality in all their products. Such a sacrifice in size necessitates a slight compromise on speed, but that's why there are third party lens manufacturers - to cater for those who don't want to compromise on speed. UWA lenses are difficult to produce fast and small - it's usually one or the other. Hence the 15 ltd being f/4 - its advantage over the DA 12-24 f/4 for example is simply size (but the metal build is also a plus). The DA 10-17 is a special offering also, being small, great quality and filling the APS-C frame (i.e. not circular). And there are many more examples... In any case, sensor technology is capturing the photography world's attention, and with better performance at higher and higher ISOs there is less of a 'need' for lens speed. DoF control is always good to have in certain situations, but few situations actually need lenses faster than say the FA ltd series.

09-28-2011, 03:21 PM	#19
s.randy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Seattle, Wa Posts: 177 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam Just buy Sigma lenses, there's almost twice as many of those readily available than Pentax lenses I would probably but I already have the DA40 so that just makes me want the DA21 and the DA70 for the Ltd. prime spread. If I was to do it all over I'd probably go for the Sigma 30/50/85

09-28-2011, 03:25 PM	#20
Reportage Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 739	for what i do, 10-20mm and 24-70mm easily. And then looking at 120-300mm f/2.8 for my sports trinity. Just that at the time, dont really see any body compare with the K20D and even now...dont really justify a body upgrade. Unless the new model has dual SD slot and flip lcd. However looking at the mirrorless cameras, i am very intrigued.

09-28-2011, 03:28 PM	#21
einstrigger Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Sacramento, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 728	Originally posted by s.randy Hahaha I can't even afford the stuff that I'm complaining Pentax doesn't offer anyway Or I would try to get a FA 85 1.4! Yup, a lot of people who cite lack of speed don't cite the other...which is lack of funds. Sure Nikon offers a 24mm f/1.4 and Canon has an 85mm f/1.2, but do you have pockets deep enough to afford them? At least that what I tell people who have lens envy. But of course, having them be available yet out of reach is in some ways better then having them not available at all

09-28-2011, 03:29 PM	#22
s.randy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Seattle, Wa Posts: 177 Original Poster	Originally posted by einstrigger Yup, a lot of people who cite lack of speed don't cite the other...which is lack of funds. Sure Nikon offers a 24mm f/1.4 and Canon has an 85mm f/1.2, but do you have pockets deep enough to afford them? At least that what I tell people who have lens envy. But of course, having them be available yet out of reach is in some ways better then having them not available at all Exactly

09-28-2011, 03:38 PM - 1 Like	#23
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	And of course after the Ricoh takeover, Everything Might Change! Maybe... maybe all sorts of stuff, I won't list specific fantasies now. But if Ricoh follows through on their pledge to make Pentax a major player, I think we'll see a major expansion of the lens lineup, maybe even a re-entry of Tokina into Pentax mount. Unfortunately, I won't be able to afford any of it. Ratz...

09-28-2011, 04:13 PM	#24
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by s.randy if money wasn't issue I'd probably have a Canon 5D and 50 1.2L or a Leica M9 with a noctilux 50mm f/0.95 - which is a combination that really shifts the paradigm of what "low light" photography really is.

09-28-2011, 04:14 PM	#25
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by s.randy I know this has probably been discussed many times on here but why the hell doesn't Pentax make faster lenses?? Give me more options in the 1.4-1.8 range!! Sigmas 20mm is 1.8 the DA21 is 3.2 C'mon An observation: Lots of people have the DA 21. I have read comments from maybe two Pentax users about the Sigma 20/1.8. Their series of 20, 24 and 28 should be extremely popular for Pentax users, because this is a gap in the Pentax line, they are fast lenses, prices are reasonable, specs are nice. It does not seem to be.

09-28-2011, 04:41 PM	#26
kenafein Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Southern California Photos: Albums Posts: 4,082	Originally posted by RioRico Unfortunately, I won't be able to afford any of it. Ratz... What you don't want to sell 100 lenses to fund a Tokina 11-16/2.8?

09-28-2011, 05:48 PM	#27
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by kenafein What you don't want to sell 100 lenses to fund a Tokina 11-16/2.8? Well, if it was an 8-24/2.8, I might think about that...

09-28-2011, 05:59 PM	#28
steve1307 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,130	Originally posted by Just1MoreDave An observation: Lots of people have the DA 21. I have read comments from maybe two Pentax users about the Sigma 20/1.8. Their series of 20, 24 and 28 should be extremely popular for Pentax users, because this is a gap in the Pentax line, they are fast lenses, prices are reasonable, specs are nice. It does not seem to be. Yes, I was thinking the same thing. There is no "Sigma f1.8 wide prime pumps my 'nads " thread in the lens club section is there? I dont think I have ever seen a Sigma 20, 24 or 28mm ever In the review section here DA 21 = 43 reviews, Sigma 20 = 5 reviews, Sigma 24 = 4, Sigma 28 = 4 Even at B&H website comments on the DA21 and the Kmount Sigmas DA 21 = 27 reviews, Sigma 20 = 4 reviews, Sigma 24 = 2 reviews, Sigma 28 = 2 reviews Same for the Nikon and Canon mounts These 3 Sigmas f1.8 are far less popular than the "slower" manufacturer options which are f2.8. they are also less popular than the hyper expensive 24mm f1.4's which Cinon & Nakon produce. Hell, even the T&S lenses are more popular than the 3 Sigmas. Photozone only tested one of these, the 20mm 1.8. Sigma AF 20mm f/1.8 EX - Review / Test Report Could it be that they are crap until about f3.2 anyway, they are massive and plasticky and the 77 or 82mm filters cost a bomb? Just sayin'

09-28-2011, 06:21 PM	#29
s.randy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Seattle, Wa Posts: 177 Original Poster	When I originally made this thread the Sigma 20 f1.8 was the last lens that I saw before I went off. When it comes to wider angled lenses I wouldn't be as picky in reality 3.2 is plenty, its the DA70 f2.4 that irks me mainly, that one should be f1.4 instead!! That would be so awesome but then again it'd be a grand at least for it probably

09-28-2011, 06:24 PM	#30
DaveHolmes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 1,501	Originally posted by RickyFromVegas FA501.4 is like a girlfriend you can't help but to love despite the mood swings. She's beautiful and a sharp cookie alright... But sometimes you need to give her a little space :-)