[LoPing]

+1 here.

[Guayabero]

Buy Pentax cameras and third party lenses, problem solved.

[qinyq]

So, the problem is, why do you choose Pentax cameras....

Buy Pentax cameras and third party lenses, problem solved.

[Guayabero]

So, the problem is, why do you choose Pentax cameras....

Easy, I like Pentax cameras but not their lenses high prices.

[Danny]

I agree!!!

[ericlparker]

When I needed a different zoom lens, I purchased a Tamron product because I could not afford a Pentax lens. When I needed a fast telephoto lens I rented one because I could not afford a Pentax lens.

If this is how a company stays in business, I just don't get it!

[Paleo Pete]

I'm in, I have all vintage manual lenses, some I've had for 30 years. Main reason is new ones are too expensive...and if I do look at new, it's 3rd party. Just might stick with vintage though, they are just sooooo good...especially those nifty fifties...

[CtrlAltDel_ru]

I wanted 16-50, but I have bought Tamron 17-50/2.8
I think water/dust resistance and SDM reputation do not cost x3 price increase.
16-50* $1500 Pentax SMCP-DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED SDM Lens 21650 B&H Photo Video
17-50 $500 Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical [IF] AF016P-700 B&H

[neuropol]

I'm all in for lesser expensive lenses and camera bodies but I come from the Canon school so things already seem far less in price than what they do from the big C. I do like that IS/VR/OS is not in Pentax lenses which really seams to affect the bottom line. Personally, I've been shooting old primes and a cheap Quantaray zoom since I picked up my K-5 and I've been perfectly happy. When the time comes to finally invest in some Pentax lenses, I'll be looking for the main 3-4 options like a super wide, a normal wide zoom, telephoto and possible a modern silent focus 30/40/50. I've been doing as much research as possible and reading reviews on every thing and by all accounts, Pentax lenses seem to be spot on for sharpness from what every one says.

I think as long as cost increases are reflective of new innovations and quality improvements, then prices should be subject to change. If Legacy builds are the norm (say lens designs older than 4-5 years), then prices should reflect their age and era of design.

Canon just went through a HUGE policy reform for dealerships in that they are finally policing MAP policy for places like Big & Huge where they had been blatantly ignoring pricing scheduling which was literally killing the Mom & Pop shops across the country. Some have grumbled endlessly over this and have pointed fingers in every direction for cause ... not realizing that Canon had just intentionally been looking the other way for years on the subject.

If Pentax felt they needed to up prices to stay in line with current market value, then they should make a public announcement in regard. After Ricoh had purchased Pentax, I assume that's when this price increase actually took place, it was most likely done to try and ensure some sort of future financial success for Pentax. Has it backfired? Possibly. Did they write off the hard-core Pentaxian that won't even look at the lenses because of price? Again, possibly. But who's to say this wasn't a necessary move for them to make?

I just think, like I said, if you're going to continue to market lens designs that are years-old, then prices should match accordingly. There's no need for the price on a 4 year old lens to shoot back up to what it would have cost at release. You lose customer faith and support. A clear negative reaction. That's just simple business 101.

I'm all in for Pentax. Again, I just went and traded all of my Canon digital in for Pentax gear and I've never been happier. I look forward to throwing a Pentax Limited or DA Prime on at some point, but I, too, will always look for the best price and deal when it comes time to do this. Perhaps the target of the increase wasn't even directed at its current customer base? Perhaps Ricoh had bigger plans for the upstart of owning Pentax. I have no crystal ball to peer in to but one would hope they see the affect of the increase and re-structure accordingly.

[stever82]

+1 from me!

[TeamTi700]

I'm in too. I'll buy at the Black Friday prices, not at the current prices.

[MSM]

Count me in too. I have loved being with Pentax since 2007. I love the primes but the prices are too high. Pentax has lost it's primary (no pun intended) advantage over the competition which is value!

Sadly, even though the price dropped on the 50-135 mm, I didn'thave enough confidence in the SDM motor to warrant buying even at the lowered price. So, Pentax, lower the prices and raise the warranty of your Limited and DA* lenses to 5 years and be a leader (relative to the big 2) in at least something.

[TLS]

agree!! +1

[tinchomoyano]

Count on me too. I own two Pentax lenses: the smc DA18-55mm lens that came with my old K110D, and a D-FA 100mm f2.8 macro lens, which is a real beauty. I got a new K5 body two months ago (which has been a complete pleasure to use, especially after upgrading from my K110D) and I was thinking of getting a new Pentax DA* 15-50mm zoom lens to replace the old kit lens, but at $1500, it's just too much. At these prices, I'll go with Tamron.

[Fred flyfisher]

I'm totally a +1