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12-16-2016, 10:00 AM   #31
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QuoteOriginally posted by dcshooter Quote
The screw drive is for the focus system, and has been bypassable for years (SDM, DC, etc.). The aperture mechanism is a completely different lever-based system, which it's pretty trivial to design a linkage to. In fact, Nikon and Sony A still use similar mechanical aperture couplings, and Sigma's still making lenses for them, so I doubt it's much of a factor in Sigma's decision not to make new Pentax mount lenses. It's simply a matter of tiny marketshare.
Hey dcshooter, why do you think Ricoh decided to move away from mechanical aperture couplings?

12-16-2016, 10:31 AM   #32
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I don't believe that Pentax won't bother develop and offer some serious fast tele or super tele lenses just because it has a small share as a photographic brand. That also means it's not a real option for the pro photographers and... would stay with its small market share. How do you want to grow your users base when no pro lens offerings exist to compete with the big players? Most of the K-1 reviews included the comment that there are not many contemporary FF lenses in Pentax arsenal as a con. Moreover when you have a tool like the K-1 and the following FFs that shine it's a pitty not to have the lenses to reveal the cameras' potential.

I know that Pentax market share was greater at that time but I would love to know how many of those 600/4, 400/2.8 and 250-600/5.6 pro lenses were sold during their production years. My guess is that a new DFA 600/4 for example would eventually find its way to many of the old FA users and it will attract more sales from some of the newer K-1 owners while definitely will attract much attention making a clear statement about how serious Ricoh is when it says that has plans of making Pentax brand glorious again.
12-16-2016, 11:02 AM   #33
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QuoteOriginally posted by redpit Quote
I don't believe that Pentax won't bother develop and offer some serious fast tele or super tele lenses just because it has a small share as a photographic brand. That also means it's not a real option for the pro photographers and... would stay with its small market share. How do you want to grow your users base when no pro lens offerings exist to compete with the big players? Most of the K-1 reviews included the comment that there are not many contemporary FF lenses in Pentax arsenal as a con. Moreover when you have a tool like the K-1 and the following FFs that shine it's a pitty not to have the lenses to reveal the cameras' potential.

I know that Pentax market share was greater at that time but I would love to know how many of those 600/4, 400/2.8 and 250-600/5.6 pro lenses were sold during their production years. My guess is that a new DFA 600/4 for example would eventually find its way to many of the old FA users and it will attract more sales from some of the newer K-1 owners while definitely will attract much attention making a clear statement about how serious Ricoh is when it says that has plans of making Pentax brand glorious again.
Besides wildlife photographers, who needs these long, fast lenses? Wouldn't those photographers be dissatisfied with
Pentax's AF performance if the old FA glass, and the DA* 200, 300 and DFA 150-450 aren't enough? Maybe it'd be smarter to bring out some first-party, weathersealed tilt-shift lens for architecture, or some other niche that's completely neglected and relatively easily served.
12-16-2016, 11:54 AM   #34
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QuoteOriginally posted by dcshooter Quote
The screw drive is for the focus system, and has been bypassable for years (SDM, DC, etc.). The aperture mechanism is a completely different lever-based system, which it's pretty trivial to design a linkage to. In fact, Nikon and Sony A still use similar mechanical aperture couplings, and Sigma's still making lenses for them, so I doubt it's much of a factor in Sigma's decision not to make new Pentax mount lenses. It's simply a matter of tiny marketshare.
I know that screw drive system is for focusing, but it add another obsticle to design where in Nikon and Canon it more electricaly controled, aperture and focusing.

12-16-2016, 02:08 PM   #35
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QuoteOriginally posted by dcshooter Quote
I repeat, Nikon still has a mechanical aperture lever on their lenses, just like Pentax:



The only ones that are different are the E lenses, which make up only a small part of their lineup. Current Sigma lenses, including the ART series use mechanical levers.
Thanks for the info. I thought that both Canon and Nikon use electronic aperture. I saw video posted here somewhere here in PF where Sigma CEO explains why there are less lens produced for Pentax mount and the biggest obstacle is market share, which is understandable.
12-16-2016, 03:08 PM   #36
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What do you think about D FA* 2.8 300 + D FA converter 1.4x ?
Maybe the best solution for all?
Than we have both,a sports 300 and a not to fat 4.0 400 range.
Best regards
12-16-2016, 03:47 PM   #37
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QuoteOriginally posted by asahi man Quote
What do you think about D FA* 2.8 300 + D FA converter 1.4x ?
Maybe the best solution for all?
Than we have both,a sports 300 and a not to fat 4.0 400 range.
Best regards
I think it would be cool
But how many Pentaxians are willing to shell out $6000 (current price of Nikon 300mm + 1.4 TC)?

12-16-2016, 03:53 PM   #38
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But what will cost the * 4.0 400?
So you have 2 lenses with a great area of use.
12-16-2016, 05:40 PM   #39
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QuoteOriginally posted by cleaverx Quote
Pentax coming out with electronically control aperture lens
QuoteOriginally posted by cleaverx Quote
. That might encourage the lens makers like Sigma and maybe even Tamron starting to make more lenses

...I'll take the Vegas odds on that happening.
12-16-2016, 05:45 PM   #40
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QuoteOriginally posted by cali92rs Quote
Probably a lot more realistic is a 400mm f5.6
I totally agree that a 400 f5.6 is far more realistic in the current market. My gut feeling is that a DFA 300 f2.8 is a more likely addition to the lens lineup. That is a much more common standard "pro" lens that Pentax really needs if they intend to compete for pro sports market share against Canon and Nikon. They would likely make and sell many more 300's and economies of scale would make the cost to us much more attainable compared with the likely $ of a 400 f4.

A 300 f2.8 + 1.4X TC => 420mm f/4 and would give you almost exactly what you want. I'd buy that combo but not the standalone 400 f4.
12-16-2016, 06:10 PM   #41
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QuoteOriginally posted by Digitalis Quote
...I'll take the Vegas odds on that happening.
Unfortunately, you are probably right. Odds are very slim. But it is nice to dream :-)).
12-16-2016, 06:22 PM   #42
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QuoteOriginally posted by JeffB Quote
I totally agree that a 400 f5.6 is far more realistic in the current market. My gut feeling is that a DFA 300 f2.8 is a more likely addition to the lens lineup. That is a much more common standard "pro" lens that Pentax really needs if they intend to compete for pro sports market share against Canon and Nikon. They would likely make and sell many more 300's and economies of scale would make the cost to us much more attainable compared with the likely $ of a 400 f4.

A 300 f2.8 + 1.4X TC => 420mm f/4 and would give you almost exactly what you want. I'd buy that combo but not the standalone 400 f4.
A 300 2.8 with a matched 2x TC would be even better, 600 ƒ5.6, 900 APS-c mm.
12-16-2016, 09:51 PM   #43
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I'm still in the dark grey ages with my M 400/5.6. I would love a DA 400/5.6 with updated coatings and elements. Of course, DA* 300/4 + HD 1.7x already covers that and I do happen to have the AFA 1.7x that I have used on the M ....
12-17-2016, 04:57 AM   #44
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QuoteOriginally posted by asahi man Quote
What do you think about D FA* 2.8 300 + D FA converter 1.4x ?
Maybe the best solution for all?
Than we have both,a sports 300 and a not to fat 4.0 400 range.
Best regards
The 300/2.8 lens is more popular and will attract more attention and sales but doesn't give me more reach than my DFA 150-450, so I would be interested either in something longer or the DFA converter. As I think Norm said it would be interested though a DFA 2x converter on this DFA* and the IQ it would offer at 600/5.6... But we still make assumptions here, so I just wait and see
12-17-2016, 05:24 PM - 1 Like   #45
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QuoteOriginally posted by UserAccessDenied Quote
If you're looking at the top models : The Nikon 500mm F4 is $10,296 and the Canon 400mm F2.8 is $9,999...
The Canon 400mm F4 is $6899.

Sigma even makes an 800mm F5.6 for $6500.

There are features in these lenses than raise the price point. It's not just that 400/4 and 500/4 are the same price point across the board.

you'd assume a 400/4 would be less expensive than a 400/2.8 or a 500/4 with the same exact features.
I don't know of any camera maker offering a prime in that range and speed that is not at least nudging $7K. That was the initial price on the DA 560 as well. I would not assume a cheap prime. If Sigma keeps making Pentax mount lenses, that would be the best bet.
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