FA* Long Glass Replacements?

JML69 · 12-16-2015, 09:33 AM

According to the Lens Database Pentax made the following long lenses in the past and according to the reviews these were awesome choices 12 plus years ago.

It just seems like they have not done much with prime long lenses since 2004 and today's replacements are either slower or do not have the reach. Yes, that could be considered "nitpicking" and something is better than nothing but I would think if they were made once, they could be tweaked for today's market.

FA* 200mm F4 Macro was made from 2000-2004. There is nothing being made currently in 200mm Macro.
FA* 300mm F2.8 was made from 1994-2004. Current DA* 300mm F4 is in production.
FA* 400mm F5.6 was made from 1997-2004. There is nothing being made currently in 400mm.
FA* 600mm F4 was made from 1991-2004. Current DA 560mm F5.6 is in production.
FA* 250-600 F5.6 was made from 1991-2004. Current D FA 150-450 F5.6 is in production.

What are your thoughts?

bertwert · 12-16-2015, 09:36 AM

Originally posted by JML69

What are your thoughts?

They could do with more super-tele lenses.
This thread shows all the current super-tele available in K mount: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/307822-supe...es-pentax.html

**UncleVanya** · 12-16-2015, 09:48 AM

Originally posted by JML69

According to the Lens Database Pentax made the following long lenses in the past and according to the reviews these were awesome choices 12 plus years ago.

It just seems like they have not done much with prime long lenses since 2004 and today's replacements are either slower or do not have the reach. Yes, that could be considered "nitpicking" and something is better than nothing but I would think if they were made once, they could be tweaked for today's market.

FA* 200mm F4 Macro was made from 2000-2004. There is nothing being made currently in 200mm Macro.
FA* 300mm F2.8 was made from 1994-2004. Current DA* 300mm F4 is in production.
FA* 400mm F5.6 was made from 1997-2004. There is nothing being made currently in 400mm.
FA* 600mm F4 was made from 1991-2004. Current DA 560mm F5.6 is in production.
FA* 250-600 F5.6 was made from 1991-2004. Current D FA 150-450 F5.6 is in production.

What are your thoughts?

In addition the move to APSC dropped the need to about 1.5x smaller lenses in terms of focal length. Today shooting a 200mm on a K3 you have the field of view of the 300 f2.8. The 300 f/4 is very similar in fov to a 450mm, the 150-450 when used on a K3 gives the same kind of results as the 250-600.

But with the FF this picture changes.

enoeske · 12-16-2015, 09:59 AM

There is the DA 560mm for your APS-C needs and the DFA 150-450mm which works great on the APS-C now and is compatible with the FF when it comes.

**jrpower10** · 12-16-2015, 10:16 AM

They could, and they might if there is sufficient demand. Right now Pentax's market share is relatively small and as such demand for these big, expensive lenses probably wouldn't justify the cost of setting up production lines, and selling them "on demand" would be cost prohibitive to buyers. I'm assuming that Pentax only drops lenses from the line-up when demand falls to the point that they can't make money on them (would seem to be the correct business decision).

A better near-term solution is to work with third-party lens makers to try to increase support for k-mount. If the new FF helps increase market share down the road then Pentax might consider re-introducing these lenses. My guess is they'll focus on bigger sellers first, though, such as updates to the limiteds and maybe reintroduce some lenses that would sell well with FF, such as 85 and 135mm primes, and maybe some wide angle primes like the 20 and 24mm primes. Super telephotos beyond the 150-450 are probably still a ways out.

normhead · 12-16-2015, 10:50 AM

Pentax and possibilities for long glass is truly depressing. But I can't afford it anyway, so it doesn't take long to lighten up. I can't afford the old A glass 400 ƒ2.8. Imagine the cost of a new ring motor, weather sealed, fast AF lens of that size. As an uneducated guess, I'd think at least $10k, maybe as much as $15k. I guess i could sell a one of my cars.

bertwert · 12-16-2015, 11:05 AM

Originally posted by normhead

As an uneducated guess, I'd think at least $10k, maybe as much as $15k.

I would look at Canon/Nikon prices and base of that. (and $1000 less because it's Pentax)

Originally posted by normhead

I guess i could sell a one of my cars.

Well you only need one car, but you need lots of lenses

Imp · 12-16-2015, 11:33 AM

Originally posted by normhead

I guess i could sell a one of my cars.

worth it

**jrpower10** · 12-16-2015, 11:56 AM

Originally posted by normhead

I guess i could sell a one of my cars.

I still have 2 kidneys

JML69 · 12-16-2015, 12:57 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by jrpower10

I still have 2 kidneys

I like my Canadian Spirits to much to part with a Kidney, however I have two Adult Children.....

BrianR · 12-16-2015, 01:34 PM

Put me down for an updated DFA*200mm macro. If I start saving today I should be ready to buy one in about 5 or 6 years.

As much as I may drool over some of that gigantic FA* glass, I think reality would set in at the price tag and upon first lifting it. I'd love more to be available for those interested in the big guns though

bertwert · 12-16-2015, 01:36 PM

Originally posted by BrianR

If I start saving today I should be ready to buy one in about 5 or 6 years.

Actually thinking about it, if you put aside $50 a week ($2500 a year) for this lens, shouldn't be much more than a year or two. Sigma 180 and Nikon 200 macro are both under $2000.

**clackers** · 12-16-2015, 03:48 PM

Originally posted by JML69

Yes, that could be considered "nitpicking" and something is better than nothing but I would think if they were made once, they could be tweaked for today's market.

I would have thought today's market was too small to recoup costs, JML.

Sigma and Tamron think so - their 150-600mm lenses are not available in K mount.

Venom3300 · 12-17-2015, 11:43 AM

Pentax probably can't afford to produce these since their market share is so small. They just can't make enough sells right now to justify them.

But the catch 22 is that without these lenses in the lineup, it's difficult to convince pros to invest in the system. So if they want to be a serious player, they can't really afford not to either.

**clackers** · 12-17-2015, 11:54 AM

Originally posted by Venom3300

But the catch 22 is that without these lenses in the lineup, it's difficult to convince pros to invest in the system. So if they want to be a serious player, they can't really afford not to either.

I don't think they want to be a 'me too' volume DSLR producer, Vernon. That's not working for Canon and Nikon as their profits plunge and employees are laid off.

They only need some good offerings in the very long department, and the 560mm, 150-450 and 300+TC are that.

Sony offer a heap of lenses in the 50mm or less category for E-mount but nothing more than 200mm.

12-16-2015, 09:33 AM	#1
JML69 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: FL Posts: 172	*FA Long Glass Replacements?** According to the Lens Database Pentax made the following long lenses in the past and according to the reviews these were awesome choices 12 plus years ago. It just seems like they have not done much with prime long lenses since 2004 and today's replacements are either slower or do not have the reach. Yes, that could be considered "nitpicking" and something is better than nothing but I would think if they were made once, they could be tweaked for today's market. FA* 200mm F4 Macro was made from 2000-2004. There is nothing being made currently in 200mm Macro. FA* 300mm F2.8 was made from 1994-2004. Current DA* 300mm F4 is in production. FA* 400mm F5.6 was made from 1997-2004. There is nothing being made currently in 400mm. FA* 600mm F4 was made from 1991-2004. Current DA 560mm F5.6 is in production. FA* 250-600 F5.6 was made from 1991-2004. Current D FA 150-450 F5.6 is in production. What are your thoughts?

12-16-2015, 01:36 PM	#12
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,172	Originally posted by BrianR If I start saving today I should be ready to buy one in about 5 or 6 years. Actually thinking about it, if you put aside $50 a week ($2500 a year) for this lens, shouldn't be much more than a year or two. Sigma 180 and Nikon 200 macro are both under $2000. Last edited by bertwert; 12-16-2015 at 01:42 PM.

12-17-2015, 11:54 AM	#15
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by Venom3300 But the catch 22 is that without these lenses in the lineup, it's difficult to convince pros to invest in the system. So if they want to be a serious player, they can't really afford not to either. I don't think they want to be a 'me too' volume DSLR producer, Vernon. That's not working for Canon and Nikon as their profits plunge and employees are laid off. They only need some good offerings in the very long department, and the 560mm, 150-450 and 300+TC are that. Sony offer a heap of lenses in the 50mm or less category for E-mount but nothing more than 200mm. Last edited by clackers; 12-17-2015 at 01:08 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Nature Getting out the long glass for Summer	wildman	Post Your Photos!	4	04-12-2015 06:50 PM
Glass: long and heavy.......	John Kovarik	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	2	10-17-2008 02:33 PM
For Sale - Sold: Long Glass cheep!	Skorzen	Sold Items	3	06-23-2008 09:11 PM
Fast, long glass recommendation needed	colonialgirl	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	11	04-01-2008 09:21 AM
Long (slow?) glass for birds	hinckc	Post Your Photos!	27	01-26-2008 02:58 PM

12-16-2015, 09:36 AM	#2
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,172	Originally posted by JML69 What are your thoughts? They could do with more super-tele lenses. This thread shows all the current super-tele available in K mount: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/307822-supe...es-pentax.html

12-16-2015, 09:48 AM	#3
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,445	Originally posted by JML69 According to the Lens Database Pentax made the following long lenses in the past and according to the reviews these were awesome choices 12 plus years ago. It just seems like they have not done much with prime long lenses since 2004 and today's replacements are either slower or do not have the reach. Yes, that could be considered "nitpicking" and something is better than nothing but I would think if they were made once, they could be tweaked for today's market. FA* 200mm F4 Macro was made from 2000-2004. There is nothing being made currently in 200mm Macro. FA* 300mm F2.8 was made from 1994-2004. Current DA* 300mm F4 is in production. FA* 400mm F5.6 was made from 1997-2004. There is nothing being made currently in 400mm. FA* 600mm F4 was made from 1991-2004. Current DA 560mm F5.6 is in production. FA* 250-600 F5.6 was made from 1991-2004. Current D FA 150-450 F5.6 is in production. What are your thoughts? In addition the move to APSC dropped the need to about 1.5x smaller lenses in terms of focal length. Today shooting a 200mm on a K3 you have the field of view of the 300 f2.8. The 300 f/4 is very similar in fov to a 450mm, the 150-450 when used on a K3 gives the same kind of results as the 250-600. But with the FF this picture changes.

12-16-2015, 09:59 AM	#4
enoeske Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Surprise, Az Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,136	There is the DA 560mm for your APS-C needs and the DFA 150-450mm which works great on the APS-C now and is compatible with the FF when it comes.

12-16-2015, 10:16 AM	#5
jrpower10 Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Richland, Washington, USA Posts: 935	They could, and they might if there is sufficient demand. Right now Pentax's market share is relatively small and as such demand for these big, expensive lenses probably wouldn't justify the cost of setting up production lines, and selling them "on demand" would be cost prohibitive to buyers. I'm assuming that Pentax only drops lenses from the line-up when demand falls to the point that they can't make money on them (would seem to be the correct business decision). A better near-term solution is to work with third-party lens makers to try to increase support for k-mount. If the new FF helps increase market share down the road then Pentax might consider re-introducing these lenses. My guess is they'll focus on bigger sellers first, though, such as updates to the limiteds and maybe reintroduce some lenses that would sell well with FF, such as 85 and 135mm primes, and maybe some wide angle primes like the 20 and 24mm primes. Super telephotos beyond the 150-450 are probably still a ways out.

12-16-2015, 10:50 AM	#6
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Pentax and possibilities for long glass is truly depressing. But I can't afford it anyway, so it doesn't take long to lighten up. I can't afford the old A glass 400 ƒ2.8. Imagine the cost of a new ring motor, weather sealed, fast AF lens of that size. As an uneducated guess, I'd think at least $10k, maybe as much as $15k. I guess i could sell a one of my cars.

12-16-2015, 11:05 AM	#7
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,172	Originally posted by normhead As an uneducated guess, I'd think at least $10k, maybe as much as $15k. I would look at Canon/Nikon prices and base of that. (and $1000 less because it's Pentax) Originally posted by normhead I guess i could sell a one of my cars. Well you only need one car, but you need lots of lenses

12-16-2015, 11:33 AM	#8
Imp Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Washington, DC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,749	Originally posted by normhead I guess i could sell a one of my cars. worth it

12-16-2015, 11:56 AM	#9
jrpower10 Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Richland, Washington, USA Posts: 935	Originally posted by normhead I guess i could sell a one of my cars. I still have 2 kidneys

12-16-2015, 12:57 PM - 1 Like	#10
JML69 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: FL Posts: 172 Original Poster	Originally posted by jrpower10 I still have 2 kidneys I like my Canadian Spirits to much to part with a Kidney, however I have two Adult Children.....

12-16-2015, 01:34 PM	#11
BrianR Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,332	Put me down for an updated DFA200mm macro. If I start saving today I should be ready to buy one in about 5 or 6 years. As much as I may drool over some of that gigantic FA glass, I think reality would set in at the price tag and upon first lifting it. I'd love more to be available for those interested in the big guns though

12-16-2015, 03:48 PM	#13
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by JML69 Yes, that could be considered "nitpicking" and something is better than nothing but I would think if they were made once, they could be tweaked for today's market. I would have thought today's market was too small to recoup costs, JML. Sigma and Tamron think so - their 150-600mm lenses are not available in K mount.

12-17-2015, 11:43 AM	#14
Venom3300 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 714	Pentax probably can't afford to produce these since their market share is so small. They just can't make enough sells right now to justify them. But the catch 22 is that without these lenses in the lineup, it's difficult to convince pros to invest in the system. So if they want to be a serious player, they can't really afford not to either.