Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

wed7 · 02-14-2017, 10:51 PM

The A*85/1.4 and the A*135/1.4

Rumor: Sigma to Release 14mm f/1.8 and 135mm f/1.8 ART Lenses This Year

Becuase I don't think Sigma will provide these in K-mount too.

Last edited by wed7; 02-14-2017 at 11:03 PM.

pakinjapan · 02-14-2017, 10:54 PM

I don't know. Keep an eye for the upcoming CP+. IMO, it is also a good idea if people to keep asking them on their FB page too.

Adam · 02-15-2017, 12:03 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by wed7

The A*85/1.4 and the A*135/1.4

Rumor: Sigma to Release 14mm f/1.8 and 135mm f/1.8 ART Lenses This Year

Becuase I don't think Sigma will provide these in K-mount too.

I don't see any reason why they'd re-use those old optical designs. We need something new, with high optical performance.

I wouldn't be surprised if one of the roadmapped lenses ended up being an 85mm.

x4rd · 02-15-2017, 12:36 AM

Originally posted by wed7

Will Pentax revive its A* lenes?

Because we still need those 40+ years optical design? Please....

Jonathan Mac · 02-15-2017, 01:33 AM

DFA* lenses could sell well now that the K1 is out, but I think they should release new versions of the DA* lenses with upgraded optical designs and AF first, to help dispel the rather poor reputation of the modern * lenses.

fsge · 02-15-2017, 05:36 AM - **3 Likes**

FA* 200 macro is the one to update

**UncleVanya** · 02-15-2017, 08:25 AM - **1 Like**

Even today the A* 85 has a special place in my heart. The way it renders is different from the FA* that followed it. The A* 135 1.8 has a great following as well. It is hard to dismiss these as fourty year old out of date curiousities. The FA 77 limited optical design is much like the A* 85 and is still well respected.

I would love to see designs that used these as their inspiration and starting point.

northcoastgreg · 02-15-2017, 09:55 AM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

I think they should release new versions of the DA* lenses with upgraded optical designs and AF first, to help dispel the rather poor reputation of the modern * lenses.

The only DA* lens with a "poor" reputation is the DA* 16-50 --- and opinion on the lens is mostly confined to a few Pentax stalwarts, who are not even in full agreement on the merit of the lens (some actually really like it). Most of the other DA* lenses are very well regarded in terms of the optics. The biggest issue is the SDM, which seems to have a high fail rate in the DA* 16-50 and the DA* 50-135, and is a bit slow across the board. While it would be nice to see the motors updated in all the DA* offerings (and possibly new versions of the DA* 16-50 and DA* 200), filling out the FF lineup has to take precedence. At least with the APS-C lineup many options exist, not only with the star lenses, but impressive non-star lenses and third-party offerings. The FF line-up doesn't even feature a single OEM prime lens that isn't screwdrive AF. Plus DFA lenses are likely to be more profitable, as it's easier to sell them with healthy margins. A new DA* 16-50 would, if it were to improve on the old version, be rather pricey for an APS-C lens. I'm not sure Pentax would make any money on it.

**onlineflyer** · 02-15-2017, 10:19 AM

Originally posted by fsge

FA* 200 macro is the one to update

^^^^ This.

I don't need any more lenses, other than a 200mm macro. Heck, it can even be manual focus, cause who need af on a macro.

BrianR · 02-15-2017, 10:55 AM

All my nickels, dimes and quarters already go into a bin marked "DFA*200mm macro fund". If it's ever actually announced, it's ramen noodle time to speed up the process.

It would be nice to make it weather sealed (I guess it would need to be for the *). Otherwise, I'm not sure it needs any changes. From its reputation improving the optics might be a tall order.

clawhammer · 02-15-2017, 09:02 PM

Quote:

It would be nice to make it weather sealed (I guess it would need to be for the *). Otherwise, I'm not sure it needs any changes. From its reputation improving the optics might be a tall order.

Do you really want to ruin a stellar reputation by subjecting it to the modern internet frenzy?

wed7 · 02-16-2017, 02:37 AM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

Even today the A* 85 has a special place in my heart. The way it renders is different from the FA* that followed it. The A* 135 1.8 has a great following as well. It is hard to dismiss these as fourty year old out of date curiousities. The FA 77 limited optical design is much like the A* 85 and is still well respected.

I would love to see designs that used these as their inspiration and starting point.

This is what I had on my mind when I posted the thread, reproduction of the said lenses. (together with the A*200)

Slap DC/PLM motor, renew HD coatings add WR and boom, we can have great lenses again. These FLs are not that specialized like those of super telephotos that are somehow very costly to produce (i.e. 250-600, 600/4 etc.)

**UncleVanya** · 02-16-2017, 07:51 AM

Originally posted by wed7

This is what I had on my mind when I posted the thread, reproduction of the said lenses. (together with the A*200)

Slap DC/PLM motor, renew HD coatings add WR and boom, we can have great lenses again. These FLs are not that specialized like those of super telephotos that are somehow very costly to produce (i.e. 250-600, 600/4 etc.)

To be fair those designs may have room for improvement- and they may have more costly designs than what could be created today. It is unknown to me if the coating changes would work or if the lens arrangement would be appropriate for autofocus.

But I can dream.

**onlineflyer** · 02-16-2017, 10:08 AM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

To be fair those designs may have room for improvement- and they may have more costly designs than what could be created today. It is unknown to me if the coating changes would work or if the lens arrangement would be appropriate for autofocus.

But I can dream.

Who needs autofocus on a 200mm macro?

**Pål Jensen** · 02-16-2017, 02:50 PM - **2 Likes**

Actually, I find AF very useful on my 200 macro lens. The question is; who needs AF in a wide angle lens?

02-14-2017, 10:51 PM	#1
wed7 Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 1,421	*Will Pentax revive its A lenes?** The A85/1.4 and the A135/1.4 Rumor: Sigma to Release 14mm f/1.8 and 135mm f/1.8 ART Lenses This Year Becuase I don't think Sigma will provide these in K-mount too. Last edited by wed7; 02-14-2017 at 11:03 PM.

02-15-2017, 12:03 AM - 2 Likes	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by wed7 The A85/1.4 and the A135/1.4 Rumor: Sigma to Release 14mm f/1.8 and 135mm f/1.8 ART Lenses This Year Becuase I don't think Sigma will provide these in K-mount too. I don't see any reason why they'd re-use those old optical designs. We need something new, with high optical performance. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the roadmapped lenses ended up being an 85mm. 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:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Will a lens from the Pentax ME Super fit a Pentax K1000	Lucyjc	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	7	11-12-2015 05:31 AM
Ricoh Imaging will announce a new stage for its products	Uluru	General Photography	16	08-19-2014 03:44 PM
When will K5 use its AF Assist Light?	Kill-K	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	4	11-04-2010 04:44 PM
if there will be a FF pentax - will pentax enforce a reduced image from DA40 ?	deejjjaaaa	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	7	08-20-2008 05:19 AM
Did I revive these, or are they a total loss?	m8o	Photo Critique	11	02-01-2008 04:31 AM

02-14-2017, 10:54 PM	#2
pakinjapan Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,041	I don't know. Keep an eye for the upcoming CP+. IMO, it is also a good idea if people to keep asking them on their FB page too.

02-15-2017, 12:36 AM	#4
x4rd Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 241	Originally posted by wed7 Will Pentax revive its A* lenes? Because we still need those 40+ years optical design? Please....

02-15-2017, 01:33 AM	#5
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,911	DFA* lenses could sell well now that the K1 is out, but I think they should release new versions of the DA* lenses with upgraded optical designs and AF first, to help dispel the rather poor reputation of the modern * lenses.

02-15-2017, 05:36 AM - 3 Likes	#6
fsge Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Genf Posts: 1,138	FA* 200 macro is the one to update

02-15-2017, 08:25 AM - 1 Like	#7
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,467	Even today the A* 85 has a special place in my heart. The way it renders is different from the FA* that followed it. The A* 135 1.8 has a great following as well. It is hard to dismiss these as fourty year old out of date curiousities. The FA 77 limited optical design is much like the A* 85 and is still well respected. I would love to see designs that used these as their inspiration and starting point.

02-15-2017, 09:55 AM	#8
northcoastgreg Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,175	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac I think they should release new versions of the DA* lenses with upgraded optical designs and AF first, to help dispel the rather poor reputation of the modern * lenses. The only DA* lens with a "poor" reputation is the DA* 16-50 --- and opinion on the lens is mostly confined to a few Pentax stalwarts, who are not even in full agreement on the merit of the lens (some actually really like it). Most of the other DA* lenses are very well regarded in terms of the optics. The biggest issue is the SDM, which seems to have a high fail rate in the DA* 16-50 and the DA* 50-135, and is a bit slow across the board. While it would be nice to see the motors updated in all the DA* offerings (and possibly new versions of the DA* 16-50 and DA* 200), filling out the FF lineup has to take precedence. At least with the APS-C lineup many options exist, not only with the star lenses, but impressive non-star lenses and third-party offerings. The FF line-up doesn't even feature a single OEM prime lens that isn't screwdrive AF. Plus DFA lenses are likely to be more profitable, as it's easier to sell them with healthy margins. A new DA* 16-50 would, if it were to improve on the old version, be rather pricey for an APS-C lens. I'm not sure Pentax would make any money on it.

02-15-2017, 10:19 AM	#9
onlineflyer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: NW Ohio Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,094	Originally posted by fsge FA* 200 macro is the one to update ^^^^ This. I don't need any more lenses, other than a 200mm macro. Heck, it can even be manual focus, cause who need af on a macro.

02-15-2017, 10:55 AM	#10
BrianR Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,332	All my nickels, dimes and quarters already go into a bin marked "DFA200mm macro fund". If it's ever actually announced, it's ramen noodle time to speed up the process. It would be nice to make it weather sealed (I guess it would need to be for the ). Otherwise, I'm not sure it needs any changes. From its reputation improving the optics might be a tall order.

02-15-2017, 09:02 PM	#11
clawhammer Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Logan, Utah Photos: Gallery Posts: 971	Quote: It would be nice to make it weather sealed (I guess it would need to be for the *). Otherwise, I'm not sure it needs any changes. From its reputation improving the optics might be a tall order. Do you really want to ruin a stellar reputation by subjecting it to the modern internet frenzy?

02-16-2017, 02:37 AM	#12
wed7 Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 1,421 Original Poster	Originally posted by UncleVanya Even today the A* 85 has a special place in my heart. The way it renders is different from the FA* that followed it. The A* 135 1.8 has a great following as well. It is hard to dismiss these as fourty year old out of date curiousities. The FA 77 limited optical design is much like the A* 85 and is still well respected. I would love to see designs that used these as their inspiration and starting point. This is what I had on my mind when I posted the thread, reproduction of the said lenses. (together with the A*200) Slap DC/PLM motor, renew HD coatings add WR and boom, we can have great lenses again. These FLs are not that specialized like those of super telephotos that are somehow very costly to produce (i.e. 250-600, 600/4 etc.)

02-16-2017, 07:51 AM	#13
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,467	Originally posted by wed7 This is what I had on my mind when I posted the thread, reproduction of the said lenses. (together with the A*200) Slap DC/PLM motor, renew HD coatings add WR and boom, we can have great lenses again. These FLs are not that specialized like those of super telephotos that are somehow very costly to produce (i.e. 250-600, 600/4 etc.) To be fair those designs may have room for improvement- and they may have more costly designs than what could be created today. It is unknown to me if the coating changes would work or if the lens arrangement would be appropriate for autofocus. But I can dream.

02-16-2017, 10:08 AM	#14
onlineflyer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: NW Ohio Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,094	Originally posted by UncleVanya To be fair those designs may have room for improvement- and they may have more costly designs than what could be created today. It is unknown to me if the coating changes would work or if the lens arrangement would be appropriate for autofocus. But I can dream. Who needs autofocus on a 200mm macro?

02-16-2017, 02:50 PM - 2 Likes	#15
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	Actually, I find AF very useful on my 200 macro lens. The question is; who needs AF in a wide angle lens?