If Pentax made a HD DA 28mm f/2.8 Limited......

Saltwater Images · 01-07-2018, 04:35 PM

Here is a short survey to see if the Pentax community would have an interest in such a lens.
I believe it would fill a gap in the DA Limited prime lineup...a true normal for APS-C.

Check out the short 5 question survey and results here; Copy of Pentax HD DA 28 f/2.8 Survey

6BQ5 · 01-07-2018, 05:01 PM - **1 Like**

The next many, many lenses will be some sort of FA lens since that lens will provide coverage for both FF and APS. Having such a lens that works on APS and FF would give APS shooters an "upgrade path" to FF and FF would have something to use at it's fullest potential. I think an APS-only lens would have limited impact.

Gimbeley · 01-07-2018, 05:17 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Saltwater Images

Here is a short survey to see if the Pentax community would have an interest in such a lens.
I believe it would fill a gap in the DA Limited prime lineup...a true normal for APS-C.

Check out the short 5 question survey and results here; Copy of Pentax HD DA 28 f/2.8 Survey

I'd buy it, but it needs to be weather sealed and compact (moreso than the FA 31 Limited, which is too bulky and heavy, IMO). It would be nice if it were faster than f/2.8, like a miniaturization of the FA 43mm Limited, but that may be asking too much.

**mikesbike** · 01-07-2018, 06:31 PM

Originally posted by Gimbeley

I'd buy it, but it needs to be weather sealed and compact (moreso than the FA 31 Limited, which is too bulky and heavy, IMO). It would be nice if it were faster than f/2.8, like a miniaturization of the FA 43mm Limited, but that may be asking too much.

It would be asking too much. Going wider to 28mm, while faster to imitate the 43mm f/1.9 on FF, you'd have to have as large or larger lens than the FA 31mm LTD, even though being cut for APS-C bodies. And it would be very expensive.

I am still very happy with my FA 28mm f/2.8 which I've had since film-only days.

Saltwater Images · 01-07-2018, 06:34 PM

Originally posted by 6BQ5

The next many, many lenses will be some sort of FA lens since that lens will provide coverage for both FF and APS. Having such a lens that works on APS and FF would give APS shooters an "upgrade path" to FF and FF would have something to use at it's fullest potential. I think an APS-only lens would have limited impact.

Sorry, I can't agree as Pentax is launching a new DA* 11-18 f/2.8 soon - Ricoh is demonstrating that they are still committed to the APS-C format too! The company did need to build a new ecosystem of modern full frame glass however investments in in the smaller format are needed as well for the health and viability of the K mount.

**monochrome** · 01-07-2018, 06:41 PM

Are there any D FA Limited lenses get?

A D FA28/2.8 would be fine, but the 28~105 construction standard would be sufficient. Same for a D FA35/2, D FA50/1.8, a compact D FA135/3.5 and constant f/4 medium zooms like a D FA24~90 or 105.

sqrrl · 01-07-2018, 06:59 PM

I'd prefer a cheapie lens about 18mm in the style of the 35mm 2.4 & the 50mm 1.8

6BQ5 · 01-07-2018, 07:04 PM

Originally posted by Saltwater Images

Sorry, I can't agree as Pentax is launching a new DA* 11-18 f/2.8 soon - Ricoh is demonstrating that they are still committed to the APS-C format too! The company did need to build a new ecosystem of modern full frame glass however investments in in the smaller format are needed as well for the health and viability of the K mount.

I think the upcoming D-FA 50mm and the DA 11-18mm were announced at the same time but we've only seen official sample images from the 50mm. That would tell me the 50mm is much further along. Depending on how these past holiday season sales went Ricoh could be redirecting whatever limited resources they have at the upcoming 50mm and put the 11-18mm on the back burner. Once all the higher margin FF work is done and if they don't have anything else going on then Ricoh will focus on APS again.

We saw something similar happen to the Q. Lots of bluster about an upcoming macro lens was made. Sample images were posted online. Even working protos of the lens were made and given to photographers. Then silence. Q development died a silent death. That ecosystem is frozen. How did development die? All development resources were put on the K-1 and the FF ecosystem.

normhead · 01-07-2018, 07:17 PM - **2 Likes**

28mm? We have a 28-105, and the 31 ltd. I would think a 24 or 20 would be better positioned.

Gimbeley · 01-07-2018, 07:53 PM

Originally posted by mikesbike

It would be asking too much. Going wider to 28mm, while faster to imitate the 43mm f/1.9 on FF, you'd have to have as large or larger lens than the FA 31mm LTD, even though being cut for APS-C bodies. And it would be very expensive.

How do you figure? Voigtlander did it, albeit for Leica M mount, they have a 35mm f/1.4 lens that weighs just 7 ounces and is a little over 1 inch long. When Canon scaled down their 40mm pancake lens to match APS-C, the resulting EF-S 24mm did not significantly change size or dimensions from the 40mm design, albeit both of those are f/2.8 lenses.

mnhoj · 01-07-2018, 08:08 PM

Isn't that a benefit of the short flange distance of rangefinder bodies?

**pres589** · 01-07-2018, 09:08 PM

I would think a lens in this focal length should be no bigger than the FA*24.

I am not a lens designer and don't pretend to be. But the above mention of scaling a 40mm pancake prime back to a mid-20's focal length prime without big changes in physical size seems... plausible? I mean, Canon did it with the 24mm STM prime as previously mentioned. Why couldn't a Tessar or quasi-Tessar lens arrangement like what's in Pentax's 40's work as a 24 or 26 or 28mm prime?

Kozlok · 01-07-2018, 09:25 PM

I'd go for a D FA 31 limited HD DC WR

I'm just not sure why Pentax would spend money on an APS-C 28mm, when the 31 exists.

**pres589** · 01-07-2018, 09:35 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Kozlok

I'd go for a D FA 31 limited HD DC WR

I'm just not sure why Pentax would spend money on an APS-C 28mm, when the 31 exists.

Yeah, this is why I keep talking about a 26mm f2.4 plastic built prime. For folks that want something a bit more wide than the 31, longer than the 21, and light/cheap.

I have no reason to think it will ever be made.

Gimbeley · 01-07-2018, 09:52 PM

Originally posted by Kozlok

I'd go for a D FA 31 limited HD DC WR

I'm just not sure why Pentax would spend money on an APS-C 28mm, when the 31 exists.

It costs $1000 and weighs twice as much as the average DA Limited prime. For the price, you're not getting weather sealing, you're not getting quick shift focus, AF is screwdrive only, you're not getting their most updated coatings - as you pointed out. The lens cap is also as large as a pancake lens in your pocket, if you choose to use the factory one. Also, if you can live with the crop factor, the 43mm FA Limited is half the price, so the 31 doesn't feel worth it to me.

01-07-2018, 04:35 PM	#1
Saltwater Images Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Newfoundland Photos: Gallery Posts: 501	If Pentax made a HD DA 28mm f/2.8 Limited...... Here is a short survey to see if the Pentax community would have an interest in such a lens. I believe it would fill a gap in the DA Limited prime lineup...a true normal for APS-C. Check out the short 5 question survey and results here; Copy of Pentax HD DA 28 f/2.8 Survey

01-07-2018, 06:34 PM	#5
Saltwater Images Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Newfoundland Photos: Gallery Posts: 501 Original Poster	Originally posted by 6BQ5 The next many, many lenses will be some sort of FA lens since that lens will provide coverage for both FF and APS. Having such a lens that works on APS and FF would give APS shooters an "upgrade path" to FF and FF would have something to use at it's fullest potential. I think an APS-only lens would have limited impact. Sorry, I can't agree as Pentax is launching a new DA* 11-18 f/2.8 soon - Ricoh is demonstrating that they are still committed to the APS-C format too! The company did need to build a new ecosystem of modern full frame glass however investments in in the smaller format are needed as well for the health and viability of the K mount. Last edited by Saltwater Images; 01-07-2018 at 06:36 PM. Reason: typo

01-07-2018, 09:25 PM	#13
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	I'd go for a D FA 31 limited HD DC WR I'm just not sure why Pentax would spend money on an APS-C 28mm, when the 31 exists. Last edited by Kozlok; 01-07-2018 at 09:34 PM.

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01-07-2018, 05:01 PM - 1 Like	#2
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348	The next many, many lenses will be some sort of FA lens since that lens will provide coverage for both FF and APS. Having such a lens that works on APS and FF would give APS shooters an "upgrade path" to FF and FF would have something to use at it's fullest potential. I think an APS-only lens would have limited impact.

01-07-2018, 05:17 PM - 1 Like	#3
Gimbeley Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Posts: 43	Originally posted by Saltwater Images Here is a short survey to see if the Pentax community would have an interest in such a lens. I believe it would fill a gap in the DA Limited prime lineup...a true normal for APS-C. Check out the short 5 question survey and results here; Copy of Pentax HD DA 28 f/2.8 Survey I'd buy it, but it needs to be weather sealed and compact (moreso than the FA 31 Limited, which is too bulky and heavy, IMO). It would be nice if it were faster than f/2.8, like a miniaturization of the FA 43mm Limited, but that may be asking too much.

01-07-2018, 06:31 PM	#4
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,552	Originally posted by Gimbeley I'd buy it, but it needs to be weather sealed and compact (moreso than the FA 31 Limited, which is too bulky and heavy, IMO). It would be nice if it were faster than f/2.8, like a miniaturization of the FA 43mm Limited, but that may be asking too much. It would be asking too much. Going wider to 28mm, while faster to imitate the 43mm f/1.9 on FF, you'd have to have as large or larger lens than the FA 31mm LTD, even though being cut for APS-C bodies. And it would be very expensive. I am still very happy with my FA 28mm f/2.8 which I've had since film-only days.

01-07-2018, 06:41 PM	#6
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Are there any D FA Limited lenses get? A D FA28/2.8 would be fine, but the 28~105 construction standard would be sufficient. Same for a D FA35/2, D FA50/1.8, a compact D FA135/3.5 and constant f/4 medium zooms like a D FA24~90 or 105.

01-07-2018, 06:59 PM	#7
sqrrl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Otago, New Zealand Posts: 422	I'd prefer a cheapie lens about 18mm in the style of the 35mm 2.4 & the 50mm 1.8

01-07-2018, 07:04 PM	#8
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348	Originally posted by Saltwater Images Sorry, I can't agree as Pentax is launching a new DA* 11-18 f/2.8 soon - Ricoh is demonstrating that they are still committed to the APS-C format too! The company did need to build a new ecosystem of modern full frame glass however investments in in the smaller format are needed as well for the health and viability of the K mount. I think the upcoming D-FA 50mm and the DA 11-18mm were announced at the same time but we've only seen official sample images from the 50mm. That would tell me the 50mm is much further along. Depending on how these past holiday season sales went Ricoh could be redirecting whatever limited resources they have at the upcoming 50mm and put the 11-18mm on the back burner. Once all the higher margin FF work is done and if they don't have anything else going on then Ricoh will focus on APS again. We saw something similar happen to the Q. Lots of bluster about an upcoming macro lens was made. Sample images were posted online. Even working protos of the lens were made and given to photographers. Then silence. Q development died a silent death. That ecosystem is frozen. How did development die? All development resources were put on the K-1 and the FF ecosystem.

01-07-2018, 07:17 PM - 2 Likes	#9
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	28mm? We have a 28-105, and the 31 ltd. I would think a 24 or 20 would be better positioned.

01-07-2018, 07:53 PM	#10
Gimbeley Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Posts: 43	Originally posted by mikesbike It would be asking too much. Going wider to 28mm, while faster to imitate the 43mm f/1.9 on FF, you'd have to have as large or larger lens than the FA 31mm LTD, even though being cut for APS-C bodies. And it would be very expensive. How do you figure? Voigtlander did it, albeit for Leica M mount, they have a 35mm f/1.4 lens that weighs just 7 ounces and is a little over 1 inch long. When Canon scaled down their 40mm pancake lens to match APS-C, the resulting EF-S 24mm did not significantly change size or dimensions from the 40mm design, albeit both of those are f/2.8 lenses.

01-07-2018, 08:08 PM	#11
mnhoj Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 132	Isn't that a benefit of the short flange distance of rangefinder bodies?

01-07-2018, 09:08 PM	#12
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	I would think a lens in this focal length should be no bigger than the FA*24. I am not a lens designer and don't pretend to be. But the above mention of scaling a 40mm pancake prime back to a mid-20's focal length prime without big changes in physical size seems... plausible? I mean, Canon did it with the 24mm STM prime as previously mentioned. Why couldn't a Tessar or quasi-Tessar lens arrangement like what's in Pentax's 40's work as a 24 or 26 or 28mm prime?

01-07-2018, 09:35 PM - 1 Like	#14
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	Originally posted by Kozlok I'd go for a D FA 31 limited HD DC WR I'm just not sure why Pentax would spend money on an APS-C 28mm, when the 31 exists. Yeah, this is why I keep talking about a 26mm f2.4 plastic built prime. For folks that want something a bit more wide than the 31, longer than the 21, and light/cheap. I have no reason to think it will ever be made.

01-07-2018, 09:52 PM	#15
Gimbeley Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Posts: 43	Originally posted by Kozlok I'd go for a D FA 31 limited HD DC WR I'm just not sure why Pentax would spend money on an APS-C 28mm, when the 31 exists. It costs $1000 and weighs twice as much as the average DA Limited prime. For the price, you're not getting weather sealing, you're not getting quick shift focus, AF is screwdrive only, you're not getting their most updated coatings - as you pointed out. The lens cap is also as large as a pancake lens in your pocket, if you choose to use the factory one. Also, if you can live with the crop factor, the 43mm FA Limited is half the price, so the 31 doesn't feel worth it to me.