Limited lenses

**hjoseph7** · 03-08-2016, 01:23 PM

Will Pentax continue in the tradition of making Limited lenses now that the K-1 is out ? The last limited lens made was the Pentax 20-40mm and although it is a very good lens it does not have the heft of the other limited lenses.

TaoMaas · 03-08-2016, 01:41 PM

If they made a bunch of them, they wouldn't be "Limited", now would they?

Sorry...I couldn't resist.

That's actually a very good question since the original Limited lenses were full-frame lenses.

Na Horuk · 03-08-2016, 01:53 PM

Originally posted by hjoseph7

Will Pentax continue in the tradition of making Limited lenses now that the K-1 is out ? The last limited lens made was the Pentax 20-40mm and although it is a very good lens it does not have the heft of the other limited lenses.

You mean "heft" metaphorically, right? Compared to DA limited lenses, it is much bigger/heavier. Its a fairly good lens, despite not achieving cult status like some of the limited lenses did. But it is relatively small for a "normal zoom"
Anyway, I think the label "limited" is here to stay. Maybe new ones will be more similar to the FA limited series, or maybe more like the DA limited pancakes, or maybe even like the DA limited zoom. I think nobody knows the answer right now. Pentax is busy with DFA standard zooms and DFA* zoom right now, we don't know what comes next. But if the K-1 sells well, there will be more additions to the lens lineup

Parallax · 03-08-2016, 02:02 PM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

or maybe even like the DA limited zoom.

I hope they don't make something like a "FA Limited 35-70 2.8"
If they did i'd have to have it and a K-1 (that I don't currently plan on buying) to put it on.

Na Horuk · 03-08-2016, 02:06 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Parallax

I hope they don't make something like a "FA Limited 35-70 2.8" If they did i'd have to have it and a K-1 (that I don't currently plan on buying) to put it on.

Oh yeah. I hope they keep three lines of lenses:
a) *: fast aperture, big lens, maximum quality, silent AF, and all features like QS, AW
b) Limited: relatively slow aperture, but sharp, deep contrasts, compact design, wonderful character
c) No designation: This is for the other lenses that fill the lineup, but don't fit either of the above philosophies.

But I fear zoom lenses are unavoidable, because the IQ of many zoom lenses is practically the same as some primes. I love primes, but zooms have come a long way

waterfall · 03-08-2016, 02:41 PM

Well the DA20-40 is same width and length as the FA31, and weights two ounces less. Not a boat anchor, but a lens with respectable size and weight. Aluminum barrel, well made. What do you mean by "heft"?

**BigMackCam** · 03-08-2016, 02:44 PM

Yes, I was a little confused by the "heft" thing, too... I have all of the DA Limiteds in my collection, and the DA20-40 feels very much the same - bigger and heavier, in fact, and certainly of equal build quality - as the primes... Optically it certainly has its own character, with rendering that is somewhat different to the rest of the gang, but (in my view) it's excellent - and it has plenty of fans...

**mattb123** · 03-08-2016, 02:54 PM

I think the point of the Limited lenses was to keep them small(ish) so that will keep them generally not hefty.

I suspect we will see a refresh of the FA line with modern coatings. I wouldn't be surprised if they wind up being something like HD D-FA Limited as the new digital full frame designation as we have seen elsewhere.
But this is speculation...

**Des** · 03-08-2016, 04:22 PM

There are 6 K-mount lenses on the Pentax 2016 roadmap: 2016 Pentax Full Frame Lens Roadmaps - CP+ 2016 | PentaxForums.com

There are five DFA lenses on the roadmap:
- Wide angle prime
- Large aperture standard prime
- Large aperture medium telephoto prime
- Large aperture ultra-wide angle prime
- Fisheye zoom
Since the main objective (pardon the pun) is new lenses for the K-1, I read these as references to FF focal lengths (e.g. 50 f1.4 for the large aperture standard prime). None of them is specified as a Limited lens. They don't sound like updates of the FA Limiteds (e.g. the FA 31 wouldn't fall into any of these descriptions).

There is only one DA lens on the roadmap, a wide-angle zoom (presumably an eventual replacement for the DA 12-24). No sign of a new Limited there.

Ricoh might detour from the roadmap, so to speak, but it seems unlikely this year or next.

Imp · 03-08-2016, 04:28 PM

the HD limiteds were not roadmapped, there could still be an FA limited update.

**BigMackCam** · 03-08-2016, 04:33 PM

Originally posted by Des

There is only one DA lens on the roadmap, a wide-angle zoom (presumably an eventual replacement for the DA 12-24). No sign of a new Limited there.

Ricoh might detour from the roadmap, so to speak, but it seems unlikely this year or next.

Ricoh have been honest about their limited resources. I doubt if we'll see much new on APS-C - lens or camera-wise - for a little while. Maybe the odd thing here and there, but nothing earth-shattering. They will understandably have to focus on getting the K1 and supporting lens portfolio to maturity. That's fine by me... I think we're pretty well supported with APS-C lenses right now, and the K3 / K3II - whilst well-established - are hardly long-in-the-tooth just yet

Na Horuk · 03-08-2016, 05:13 PM

But we see a lot of new users coming to this forum since 645Z and even more with K-1 announcement. I think K-1 will sell well, and lenses will follow.

**Des** · 03-08-2016, 06:16 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Na Horuk

But we see a lot of new users coming to this forum since 645Z and even more with K-1 announcement. I think K-1 will sell well, and lenses will follow.

There's no place for that kind of optimism around here.

---------- Post added 03-09-16 at 12:20 PM ----------

Originally posted by Na Horuk

Pentax is busy with DFA standard zooms and DFA* zoom right now, we don't know what comes next.

Originally posted by BigMackCam

Ricoh have been honest about their limited resources. I doubt if we'll see much new on APS-C - lens or camera-wise - for a little while.

Yes, I read the CP interview the same way: Ricoh threw a lot of resources at the K-1, and the next priority will be to expand the DFA lens range.

APS-C users will reap benefits from the new DFA lenses anyway.

**PKMike** · 03-08-2016, 08:04 PM

Originally posted by Des

There's no place for that kind of optimism around here.

Yes, leave us not forget "Pentax is doomed." Right?

**Rondec** · 03-09-2016, 04:03 AM

Of course Pentax will continue to make limited lenses, the only question is if they make a bunch of new ones. Hard to say. I would expect an update of the FA limiteds eventually with HD coatings, quick shift and maybe weather sealing.

The reason there haven't been any new limited lenses recently is that the line up is pretty full -- 15, 21, 31, 35, 40, 43, 70, and 77. Getting any longer than that and you get a lens like the DFA 100 macro WR -- small for what it is, but too big to really fit the Pentax mystique.

03-08-2016, 01:23 PM	#1
hjoseph7 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,047	Limited lenses Will Pentax continue in the tradition of making Limited lenses now that the K-1 is out ? The last limited lens made was the Pentax 20-40mm and although it is a very good lens it does not have the heft of the other limited lenses.

03-08-2016, 06:16 PM - 2 Likes	#13
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	Originally posted by Na Horuk But we see a lot of new users coming to this forum since 645Z and even more with K-1 announcement. I think K-1 will sell well, and lenses will follow. There's no place for that kind of optimism around here. ---------- Post added 03-09-16 at 12:20 PM ---------- Originally posted by Na Horuk Pentax is busy with DFA standard zooms and DFA* zoom right now, we don't know what comes next. Originally posted by BigMackCam Ricoh have been honest about their limited resources. I doubt if we'll see much new on APS-C - lens or camera-wise - for a little while. Yes, I read the CP interview the same way: Ricoh threw a lot of resources at the K-1, and the next priority will be to expand the DFA lens range. APS-C users will reap benefits from the new DFA lenses anyway. Last edited by Des; 03-08-2016 at 06:23 PM.

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03-08-2016, 01:41 PM	#2
TaoMaas Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,574	If they made a bunch of them, they wouldn't be "Limited", now would they? Sorry...I couldn't resist. That's actually a very good question since the original Limited lenses were full-frame lenses.

03-08-2016, 01:53 PM	#3
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Originally posted by hjoseph7 Will Pentax continue in the tradition of making Limited lenses now that the K-1 is out ? The last limited lens made was the Pentax 20-40mm and although it is a very good lens it does not have the heft of the other limited lenses. You mean "heft" metaphorically, right? Compared to DA limited lenses, it is much bigger/heavier. Its a fairly good lens, despite not achieving cult status like some of the limited lenses did. But it is relatively small for a "normal zoom" Anyway, I think the label "limited" is here to stay. Maybe new ones will be more similar to the FA limited series, or maybe more like the DA limited pancakes, or maybe even like the DA limited zoom. I think nobody knows the answer right now. Pentax is busy with DFA standard zooms and DFA* zoom right now, we don't know what comes next. But if the K-1 sells well, there will be more additions to the lens lineup

03-08-2016, 02:02 PM	#4
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,332	Originally posted by Na Horuk or maybe even like the DA limited zoom. I hope they don't make something like a "FA Limited 35-70 2.8" If they did i'd have to have it and a K-1 (that I don't currently plan on buying) to put it on.

03-08-2016, 02:06 PM - 1 Like	#5
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Originally posted by Parallax I hope they don't make something like a "FA Limited 35-70 2.8" If they did i'd have to have it and a K-1 (that I don't currently plan on buying) to put it on. Oh yeah. I hope they keep three lines of lenses: a) *: fast aperture, big lens, maximum quality, silent AF, and all features like QS, AW b) Limited: relatively slow aperture, but sharp, deep contrasts, compact design, wonderful character c) No designation: This is for the other lenses that fill the lineup, but don't fit either of the above philosophies. But I fear zoom lenses are unavoidable, because the IQ of many zoom lenses is practically the same as some primes. I love primes, but zooms have come a long way

03-08-2016, 02:41 PM	#6
waterfall Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Northern Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,812	Well the DA20-40 is same width and length as the FA31, and weights two ounces less. Not a boat anchor, but a lens with respectable size and weight. Aluminum barrel, well made. What do you mean by "heft"?

03-08-2016, 02:44 PM	#7
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,674	Yes, I was a little confused by the "heft" thing, too... I have all of the DA Limiteds in my collection, and the DA20-40 feels very much the same - bigger and heavier, in fact, and certainly of equal build quality - as the primes... Optically it certainly has its own character, with rendering that is somewhat different to the rest of the gang, but (in my view) it's excellent - and it has plenty of fans...

03-08-2016, 02:54 PM	#8
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,872	I think the point of the Limited lenses was to keep them small(ish) so that will keep them generally not hefty. I suspect we will see a refresh of the FA line with modern coatings. I wouldn't be surprised if they wind up being something like HD D-FA Limited as the new digital full frame designation as we have seen elsewhere. But this is speculation...

03-08-2016, 04:22 PM	#9
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	There are 6 K-mount lenses on the Pentax 2016 roadmap: 2016 Pentax Full Frame Lens Roadmaps - CP+ 2016 \| PentaxForums.com There are five DFA lenses on the roadmap: - Wide angle prime - Large aperture standard prime - Large aperture medium telephoto prime - Large aperture ultra-wide angle prime - Fisheye zoom Since the main objective (pardon the pun) is new lenses for the K-1, I read these as references to FF focal lengths (e.g. 50 f1.4 for the large aperture standard prime). None of them is specified as a Limited lens. They don't sound like updates of the FA Limiteds (e.g. the FA 31 wouldn't fall into any of these descriptions). There is only one DA lens on the roadmap, a wide-angle zoom (presumably an eventual replacement for the DA 12-24). No sign of a new Limited there. Ricoh might detour from the roadmap, so to speak, but it seems unlikely this year or next.

03-08-2016, 04:28 PM	#10
Imp Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Washington, DC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,749	the HD limiteds were not roadmapped, there could still be an FA limited update.

03-08-2016, 04:33 PM	#11
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,674	Originally posted by Des There is only one DA lens on the roadmap, a wide-angle zoom (presumably an eventual replacement for the DA 12-24). No sign of a new Limited there. Ricoh might detour from the roadmap, so to speak, but it seems unlikely this year or next. Ricoh have been honest about their limited resources. I doubt if we'll see much new on APS-C - lens or camera-wise - for a little while. Maybe the odd thing here and there, but nothing earth-shattering. They will understandably have to focus on getting the K1 and supporting lens portfolio to maturity. That's fine by me... I think we're pretty well supported with APS-C lenses right now, and the K3 / K3II - whilst well-established - are hardly long-in-the-tooth just yet

03-08-2016, 05:13 PM	#12
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	But we see a lot of new users coming to this forum since 645Z and even more with K-1 announcement. I think K-1 will sell well, and lenses will follow.

03-08-2016, 08:04 PM	#14
PKMike Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 628	Originally posted by Des There's no place for that kind of optimism around here. Yes, leave us not forget "Pentax is doomed." Right?

03-09-2016, 04:03 AM	#15
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	Of course Pentax will continue to make limited lenses, the only question is if they make a bunch of new ones. Hard to say. I would expect an update of the FA limiteds eventually with HD coatings, quick shift and maybe weather sealing. The reason there haven't been any new limited lenses recently is that the line up is pretty full -- 15, 21, 31, 35, 40, 43, 70, and 77. Getting any longer than that and you get a lens like the DFA 100 macro WR -- small for what it is, but too big to really fit the Pentax mystique.