Pentax lags in 3rd party FF lens availability

Paul the Sunman · 06-30-2016, 06:44 PM

A quick check on B&H shows 34 off-brand FF lenses available for Pentax K-mount. For comparison, there are 110 for Canon and 111 for Nikon.

I believe this is a major inhibitor for general uptake of the K1. Intrinsically, it's an excellent camera, but why buy into the Pentax FF eco-system with such limited (and often ageing) 3rd party support? The new Pentax FF zooms are great, though expensive and large. They won't suit everyone, or cover every need.

So, perhaps PF members would like to nominate which 3rd party FF lens they would be most keen to see in K-mount (that is not already available). I'll start the ball rolling with the Sigma 150-600 Sport (yeh, I know, large and expensive).

Last edited by Paul the Sunman; 06-30-2016 at 07:52 PM.

Imp · 06-30-2016, 07:06 PM

Tamron 70-200 f/2.8, new version.

& Sigma 50-100 f/1.8, although its not FF

**stemked** · 06-30-2016, 07:08 PM

From what I've read, the K1 isn't going to be a star body for telephoto images largely because the FPS is so slow, it simply can't match the competition for wildlife or sports. Ergo this body really shines as a landscape and astrological camera due to pixel shift. So wide water proof primes water, hopefully affordable, would be what I would want. I have the old 20mm f2.8 A and a Russian 15mm fisheye as well as 24mm f2.8A. I'm not sure how they will perform on the K1 so I am reluctant to lay down $1800 even if it IS a bargain FF body.

pakinjapan · 06-30-2016, 07:17 PM

Originally posted by stemked

... wide water proof primes water, hopefully affordable, would be what I would want.

Me too! more new wide WR :sharp: primes from Pentax and or 3rd party will be very nice.

VoiceOfReason · 06-30-2016, 07:20 PM - **1 Like**

I'd like to see the Sigma 150-600 or the Tamron 150-600 since I only have a lack in the 450+ mm range on ff. Ohh, and it does wonderfully with my lenses. It can take a so-so lens and give you more than you expected.

stevebrot · 06-30-2016, 07:40 PM

Originally posted by Imp

Tamron 70-200 f/2.8, new version

Me too...

Steve

**Digitalis** · 06-30-2016, 07:55 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

A quick check on B&H shows 34 off-brand FF lenses available for Pentax K-mount. For comparison, there are 110 for Canon and 111 for Nikon.

oh sure there are a plethora of third party lenses on offer for Nikon F and Canon EF mount, the problem is that 90% of them are complete crap. Do you want third party lensmakers to release nothing but crap for pentax? I certainly don't. Pentax has done well in choosing the lenses to re-badge. In a similar way to the Leica SL and the Leica S* - the Pentax K-1 has a small number of lenses but each lens performs at least as well or exceeds the level of performance of its competitors.

*neither of which have ANY third party lenses on the table.

rawr · 06-30-2016, 08:09 PM

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

A quick check on B&H

You probably should have begun the discussion with a reference to this set of charts that beholder3 has been maintaining, instead of just B&H:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/169-pentax-full-frame/313830-current-pent...w-picture.html

But yes, personally the Tamron 150-600 would be nice in K-mount, as would the Sigma 24-105. Both not amazing FF lenses, but are well priced and good at their job.

I also want Yongnuo and Godox to release some P-TTL radio triggers and flashes, but that's a different discussion ...

Paul the Sunman · 06-30-2016, 08:19 PM

Originally posted by Digitalis

oh sure there are a plethora of third party lenses on offer for Nikon F and Canon EF mount, the problem is that 90% of them are complete crap. Do you want third party lensmakers to release nothing but crap for pentax? I certainly don't. Pentax has done well in choosing the lenses to re-badge. In a similar way to the Leica SL and the Leica S* - the Pentax K-1 has a small number of lenses but each lens performs at least as well or exceeds the level of performance of its competitors.

*neither of which have ANY third party lenses on the table.

"Crap" by a professional's measure may be "perfectly acceptable" to many amateurs. And choice.

**lithedreamer** · 06-30-2016, 08:42 PM

Originally posted by stemked

From what I've read, the K1 isn't going to be a star body for telephoto images largely because the FPS is so slow, it simply can't match the competition for wildlife or sports. Ergo this body really shines as a landscape and astrological camera due to pixel shift. So wide water proof primes water, hopefully affordable, would be what I would want. I have the old 20mm f2.8 A and a Russian 15mm fisheye as well as 24mm f2.8A. I'm not sure how they will perform on the K1 so I am reluctant to lay down $1800 even if it IS a bargain FF body.

Have you looked at the Irix 15mm (Blackstone)? Totally weathersealed. Around $525 for the partially sealed plastic version; $773 for the fully sealed aluminum version. Same optics in both.

Adam · 06-30-2016, 08:51 PM

As long as Pentax users continue showing support for third-party lens makers (and growing support for full-frame lens offerings) I'm sure more lenses will become available over time.

**Bruce Clark** · 06-30-2016, 09:09 PM

Originally posted by VoiceOfReason

I'd like to see the Sigma 150-600 or the Tamron 150-600 since I only have a lack in the 450+ mm range on ff. Ohh, and it does wonderfully with my lenses. It can take a so-so lens and give you more than you expected.

+1 on this.

I have emailed both companies and received replies to the effect that they don't consider it economical at the moment.

osv · 06-30-2016, 09:15 PM

Originally posted by lithedreamer

Have you looked at the Irix 15mm (Blackstone)? Totally weathersealed. Around $525 for the partially sealed plastic version; $773 for the fully sealed aluminum version. Same optics in both.

they are offering it in canikon and pentax mounts so far, but not sony.

made in korea tho, i wonder if it's just a rehashed samyang.

Paul the Sunman · 06-30-2016, 10:05 PM

Originally posted by osv

they are offering it in canikon and pentax mounts so far, but not sony.

made in korea tho, i wonder if it's just a rehashed samyang.

There's a very positive preliminary review on Lenstip. They do look interesting. "Neutrino coating" though .... groan.

Barry Pearson · 06-30-2016, 11:58 PM

Originally posted by stemked

From what I've read, the K1 isn't going to be a star body for telephoto images largely because the FPS is so slow, it simply can't match the competition for wildlife or sports. .

I've been using the K-1 for action photography a lot over the last 2 months, with long lenses, and I rate it as very good at least.

(I've shot over 14,500 frames, mostly at airshows, motorsports, some bird-locations, etc. I normally use the D FA 150-450mm lens for "things in flight", and the D FA 70-200mm lens for motorsports).

In my review of the K-1 "in the field", I provided this set of links to relevant photos.

Here are over 80 photos I uploaded after a recent airshow (in miserable weather!)

What does "it simply can't match the competition for wildlife or sports" actually mean? What cameras is it being compared with?
Specialist cameras costing vastly more, such as the Canon 1Dx-series or the Nikon D4/5?
Or is it being compared with cameras in the same price range? Such as ......?

After all, if the comparison is with the top-tier specialist cameras, the vast majority of Canons and Nikons sold can't match them either!

06-30-2016, 06:44 PM	#1
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,847	Pentax lags in 3rd party FF lens availability A quick check on B&H shows 34 off-brand FF lenses available for Pentax K-mount. For comparison, there are 110 for Canon and 111 for Nikon. I believe this is a major inhibitor for general uptake of the K1. Intrinsically, it's an excellent camera, but why buy into the Pentax FF eco-system with such limited (and often ageing) 3rd party support? The new Pentax FF zooms are great, though expensive and large. They won't suit everyone, or cover every need. So, perhaps PF members would like to nominate which 3rd party FF lens they would be most keen to see in K-mount (that is not already available). I'll start the ball rolling with the Sigma 150-600 Sport (yeh, I know, large and expensive). Last edited by Paul the Sunman; 06-30-2016 at 07:52 PM.

06-30-2016, 07:08 PM	#3
stemked Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Indianapolis Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 527	From what I've read, the K1 isn't going to be a star body for telephoto images largely because the FPS is so slow, it simply can't match the competition for wildlife or sports. Ergo this body really shines as a landscape and astrological camera due to pixel shift. So wide water proof primes water, hopefully affordable, would be what I would want. I have the old 20mm f2.8 A and a Russian 15mm fisheye as well as 24mm f2.8A. I'm not sure how they will perform on the K1 so I am reluctant to lay down $1800 even if it IS a bargain FF body. Last edited by stemked; 06-30-2016 at 07:26 PM.

06-30-2016, 08:51 PM	#11
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	As long as Pentax users continue showing support for third-party lens makers (and growing support for full-frame lens offerings) I'm sure more lenses will become available over time. 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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06-30-2016, 07:06 PM	#2
Imp Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Washington, DC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,749	Tamron 70-200 f/2.8, new version. & Sigma 50-100 f/1.8, although its not FF

06-30-2016, 07:17 PM	#4
pakinjapan Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,041	Originally posted by stemked ... wide water proof primes water, hopefully affordable, would be what I would want. Me too! more new wide WR :sharp: primes from Pentax and or 3rd party will be very nice.

06-30-2016, 07:20 PM - 1 Like	#5
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	I'd like to see the Sigma 150-600 or the Tamron 150-600 since I only have a lack in the 450+ mm range on ff. Ohh, and it does wonderfully with my lenses. It can take a so-so lens and give you more than you expected.

06-30-2016, 07:40 PM	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Imp Tamron 70-200 f/2.8, new version Me too... Steve

06-30-2016, 07:55 PM - 2 Likes	#7
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by Paul the Sunman A quick check on B&H shows 34 off-brand FF lenses available for Pentax K-mount. For comparison, there are 110 for Canon and 111 for Nikon. oh sure there are a plethora of third party lenses on offer for Nikon F and Canon EF mount, the problem is that 90% of them are complete crap. Do you want third party lensmakers to release nothing but crap for pentax? I certainly don't. Pentax has done well in choosing the lenses to re-badge. In a similar way to the Leica SL and the Leica S* - the Pentax K-1 has a small number of lenses but each lens performs at least as well or exceeds the level of performance of its competitors. *neither of which have ANY third party lenses on the table.

06-30-2016, 08:09 PM	#8
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by Paul the Sunman A quick check on B&H You probably should have begun the discussion with a reference to this set of charts that beholder3 has been maintaining, instead of just B&H: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/169-pentax-full-frame/313830-current-pent...w-picture.html But yes, personally the Tamron 150-600 would be nice in K-mount, as would the Sigma 24-105. Both not amazing FF lenses, but are well priced and good at their job. I also want Yongnuo and Godox to release some P-TTL radio triggers and flashes, but that's a different discussion ...

06-30-2016, 08:19 PM	#9
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,847 Original Poster	Originally posted by Digitalis oh sure there are a plethora of third party lenses on offer for Nikon F and Canon EF mount, the problem is that 90% of them are complete crap. Do you want third party lensmakers to release nothing but crap for pentax? I certainly don't. Pentax has done well in choosing the lenses to re-badge. In a similar way to the Leica SL and the Leica S* - the Pentax K-1 has a small number of lenses but each lens performs at least as well or exceeds the level of performance of its competitors. *neither of which have ANY third party lenses on the table. "Crap" by a professional's measure may be "perfectly acceptable" to many amateurs. And choice.

06-30-2016, 08:42 PM	#10
lithedreamer Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,799	Originally posted by stemked From what I've read, the K1 isn't going to be a star body for telephoto images largely because the FPS is so slow, it simply can't match the competition for wildlife or sports. Ergo this body really shines as a landscape and astrological camera due to pixel shift. So wide water proof primes water, hopefully affordable, would be what I would want. I have the old 20mm f2.8 A and a Russian 15mm fisheye as well as 24mm f2.8A. I'm not sure how they will perform on the K1 so I am reluctant to lay down $1800 even if it IS a bargain FF body. Have you looked at the Irix 15mm (Blackstone)? Totally weathersealed. Around $525 for the partially sealed plastic version; $773 for the fully sealed aluminum version. Same optics in both.

06-30-2016, 09:09 PM	#12
Bruce Clark Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Ocean Grove, Victoria Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,458	Originally posted by VoiceOfReason I'd like to see the Sigma 150-600 or the Tamron 150-600 since I only have a lack in the 450+ mm range on ff. Ohh, and it does wonderfully with my lenses. It can take a so-so lens and give you more than you expected. +1 on this. I have emailed both companies and received replies to the effect that they don't consider it economical at the moment.

06-30-2016, 09:15 PM	#13
osv Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: So Cal Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,080	Originally posted by lithedreamer Have you looked at the Irix 15mm (Blackstone)? Totally weathersealed. Around $525 for the partially sealed plastic version; $773 for the fully sealed aluminum version. Same optics in both. they are offering it in canikon and pentax mounts so far, but not sony. made in korea tho, i wonder if it's just a rehashed samyang.

06-30-2016, 10:05 PM	#14
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,847 Original Poster	Originally posted by osv they are offering it in canikon and pentax mounts so far, but not sony. made in korea tho, i wonder if it's just a rehashed samyang. There's a very positive preliminary review on Lenstip. They do look interesting. "Neutrino coating" though .... groan.

06-30-2016, 11:58 PM	#15
Barry Pearson Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Stockport Posts: 964	Originally posted by stemked From what I've read, the K1 isn't going to be a star body for telephoto images largely because the FPS is so slow, it simply can't match the competition for wildlife or sports. . I've been using the K-1 for action photography a lot over the last 2 months, with long lenses, and I rate it as very good at least. (I've shot over 14,500 frames, mostly at airshows, motorsports, some bird-locations, etc. I normally use the D FA 150-450mm lens for "things in flight", and the D FA 70-200mm lens for motorsports). In my review of the K-1 "in the field", I provided this set of links to relevant photos. Here are over 80 photos I uploaded after a recent airshow (in miserable weather!) What does "it simply can't match the competition for wildlife or sports" actually mean? What cameras is it being compared with? Specialist cameras costing vastly more, such as the Canon 1Dx-series or the Nikon D4/5? Or is it being compared with cameras in the same price range? Such as ......? After all, if the comparison is with the top-tier specialist cameras, the vast majority of Canons and Nikons sold can't match them either!