HD PENTAX-DA★11-18mm F2.8ED DC AW

**ramseybuckeye** · 01-31-2019, 09:26 PM - **2 Likes**

I hope I'm not duplicating this but here is a link to the Special website for this lens. Looks like a stellar lens. I am surprised that it has a mechanical aperture mechanism so it can be used with older cameras like the K-5, and complete a star zoom trio with the 16-50 and 50-135.

mee · 01-31-2019, 09:36 PM

It looks gorgeous imo. Perhaps development started before KAF4? Whatever the reason, it is nice to be supported on older bodies.

I don't like the wording on that page though about the trio of lenses. To me, that implies the DA* 16-50 SDM and 50-135 SDM are not getting revisions to either coatings or motor designs.

There was a rumor on the forums awhile back about those two lenses possibly seeing a refresh this year. I'm not so sure about that anymore..

**twilhelm** · 01-31-2019, 09:51 PM - **3 Likes**

Couldn't help myself, I placed my pre-order today...

Sandy Hancock · 01-31-2019, 10:01 PM - **2 Likes**

I might be putting my DFA15-30 on the market soon.

This is smaller, lighter, takes filters, it's warmable, and it's a *real* Pentax

**pjv** · 01-31-2019, 10:01 PM

Originally posted by twilhelm

Couldn't help myself, I placed my pre-order today...

Looking forward to your thoughts on this beautiful lens, and some of your images from it Tony.

**monochrome** · 01-31-2019, 10:06 PM

Hate to say it but I’m holding out for the 85 and sticking with the HD Limited 20-40 for the KP.

I’ve said right along if they actually release this lens I expect a flagship APSc to follow and eventually new *16-50/2.8 and *50-135/2.8 at the *11-18/2.8 standard.

superdave · 02-01-2019, 01:53 AM - **1 Like**

I am very interested too but I never shoot at F/2.8 and so I prefer to wait for field review to see it this new lens is better than the 12-24 @ f/8 in order to justify a such purchase... How much can I ask for my 12-24mm? 500€ ?

Originally posted by monochrome

and eventually new *16-50’2.8 and *50-135/2.8 at the *11-18/2.8 standard.

I hope too, they need to renew the 16-50 in priority and not a small refresh, a totally new lens. If they can do that, they will have the best APS-C lineup, except Fuji may be...

biz-engineer · 02-01-2019, 03:52 AM

I'm always amazed by how the Star* glass optics render images. There is no other equivalent with other brands. SDM failures put me off in the past. But now the newly designed lens hopefully get rid of this old SDM reliability, it's all good. My DFA*70-200 render amazing on the K1, I love it. The only thing that holds me from buying the DA*11-18 is that I don't have any apsc camera anymore and I have the 15-30 for the K1. Looking forward to the new DFA*85 (I hope the 85 will be a Star* lens). Shall there also be a DFA*20mm (with aerobright coatings), I'd also get it. To me, the Pentax Star* lenses sort of bring images into Leica like territory but with the Pentax colors and at Pentax prices.

**aslyfox** · 02-01-2019, 04:01 AM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

I'm always amazed by how the Star* glass optics render images. There is no other equivalent with other brands. SDM failures put me off in the past. But now the newly designed lens hopefully get rid of this old SDM reliability, it's all good. My DFA*70-200 render amazing on the K1, I love it. The only thing that holds me from buying the DA*11-18 is that I don't have any apsc camera anymore and I have the 15-30 for the K1. Looking forward to the new DFA*85 (I hope the 85 will be a Star* lens). Shall there also be a DFA*20mm (with aerobright coatings), I'd also get it. To me, the Pentax Star* lenses sort of bring images into Leica like territory but with the Pentax colors and at Pentax prices.

have you or the other posters here who are clearly fans of the Pentax * lens seen or posted in this thread?

Pentax * lenses do they live up to the reputation and why - Page 5 - PentaxForums.com

I know Monochrome has

your knowledge and opinions would be a nice addition to it.

Lev · 02-01-2019, 04:48 AM

Originally posted by mee

It looks gorgeous imo. Perhaps development started before KAF4? Whatever the reason, it is nice to be supported on older bodies.

I don't like the wording on that page though about the trio of lenses. To me, that implies the DA* 16-50 SDM and 50-135 SDM are not getting revisions to either coatings or motor designs.

There was a rumor on the forums awhile back about those two lenses possibly seeing a refresh this year. I'm not so sure about that anymore..

Seems like Ricoh is happy with this trio. Strange... I think Ricoh would get more money by just refreshing these two rather than adding another one. I would do everything to buy refreshed 16-50 and 50-135!

**Rondec** · 02-01-2019, 06:40 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Lev

Seems like Ricoh is happy with this trio. Strange... I think Ricoh would get more money by just refreshing these two rather than adding another one. I would do everything to buy refreshed 16-50 and 50-135!

I have a couple of thoughts here. First of all, Pentax is focused on filling out the full frame line up. That will include DFA *35 and 85, along with a prosumer 70-300, 20-ish mm prime, and fisheye zoom and maybe some other stuff. That is enough work for them without re-doing old lenses. Second, there is probably a decent amount of stock floating around right now and Ricoh would risk being unable to move it if they gave an indication that they were coming out with updated 16-50 and 50-135 lenses.

The 11-18 is a clear indication though, that Pentax is planning to continue high end APS-C and will continue to release top end lenses for it. It was the one lens that was missing more than any others from the line up -- the ultra wide, weather sealed, f2.8 optic.

If I were going to guess, I would say that pentax will update both the 16-50 and 50-135, but that that update will happen a couple of years from now, say, 2021 at the earliest.

Kunzite · 02-01-2019, 06:47 AM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

But now the newly designed lens hopefully get rid of this old SDM reliability

Hopefully? You can't possibly not know it's a DC lens, thus a completely different type of motor.

wstruth · 02-01-2019, 07:01 AM

The more I read about it, the more tempting it sounds. I loved the 12-24 that I had but sold. But, I sold it because I did not use it that much. I'm up for a big purchase later this year but not sure what it will be yet. The rumored 70-200 F4 is also tempting me along with the GR3. I checked out the link to the special website for the 11-18 and it looks like it will be a great lens, on par with or besting the 12-24 but, I'll wait for the reviews on the 11-18.

**FozzFoster** · 02-01-2019, 07:30 AM

$1899.95 CAD at McBain Camera in Alberta, Canada

...maybe one day...

Pentax DA 11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW HD Lens | McBain Camera Canada

a guy can have dreams, right?

**jpzk** · 02-01-2019, 09:55 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Rondec

The 11-18 is a clear indication though, that Pentax is planning to continue high end APS-C and will continue to release top end lenses for it. It was the one lens that was missing more than any others from the line up -- the ultra wide, weather sealed, f2.8 optic.

Which also (probably) means that there will be a K3 successor?

This lens sure is tempting!

01-31-2019, 09:26 PM - 2 Likes	#1
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,049	HD PENTAX-DA★11-18mm F2.8ED DC AW I hope I'm not duplicating this but here is a link to the Special website for this lens. Looks like a stellar lens. I am surprised that it has a mechanical aperture mechanism so it can be used with older cameras like the K-5, and complete a star zoom trio with the 16-50 and 50-135.

01-31-2019, 10:06 PM	#6
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Hate to say it but I’m holding out for the 85 and sticking with the HD Limited 20-40 for the KP. I’ve said right along if they actually release this lens I expect a flagship APSc to follow and eventually new 16-50/2.8 and 50-135/2.8 at the 11-18/2.8 standard. Last edited by monochrome; 02-01-2019 at 07:05 AM.*

02-01-2019, 04:01 AM	#9
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,342	Originally posted by biz-engineer I'm always amazed by how the Star* glass optics render images. There is no other equivalent with other brands. SDM failures put me off in the past. But now the newly designed lens hopefully get rid of this old SDM reliability, it's all good. My DFA70-200 render amazing on the K1, I love it. The only thing that holds me from buying the DA11-18 is that I don't have any apsc camera anymore and I have the 15-30 for the K1. Looking forward to the new DFA85 (I hope the 85 will be a Star lens). Shall there also be a DFA20mm (with aerobright coatings), I'd also get it. To me, the Pentax Star lenses sort of bring images into Leica like territory but with the Pentax colors and at Pentax prices. have you or the other posters here who are clearly fans of the Pentax * lens seen or posted in this thread? Pentax * lenses do they live up to the reputation and why - Page 5 - PentaxForums.com I know Monochrome has your knowledge and opinions would be a nice addition to it. Last edited by aslyfox; 02-01-2019 at 04:06 AM.

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01-31-2019, 09:36 PM	#2
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	It looks gorgeous imo. Perhaps development started before KAF4? Whatever the reason, it is nice to be supported on older bodies. I don't like the wording on that page though about the trio of lenses. To me, that implies the DA* 16-50 SDM and 50-135 SDM are not getting revisions to either coatings or motor designs. There was a rumor on the forums awhile back about those two lenses possibly seeing a refresh this year. I'm not so sure about that anymore..

01-31-2019, 09:51 PM - 3 Likes	#3
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	Couldn't help myself, I placed my pre-order today...

01-31-2019, 10:01 PM - 2 Likes	#4
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,661	I might be putting my DFA15-30 on the market soon. This is smaller, lighter, takes filters, it's warmable, and it's a real Pentax

01-31-2019, 10:01 PM	#5
pjv Proudly Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,671	Originally posted by twilhelm Couldn't help myself, I placed my pre-order today... Looking forward to your thoughts on this beautiful lens, and some of your images from it Tony.

02-01-2019, 01:53 AM - 1 Like	#7
superdave Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 213	I am very interested too but I never shoot at F/2.8 and so I prefer to wait for field review to see it this new lens is better than the 12-24 @ f/8 in order to justify a such purchase... How much can I ask for my 12-24mm? 500€ ? Originally posted by monochrome and eventually new 16-50’2.8 and 50-135/2.8 at the *11-18/2.8 standard. I hope too, they need to renew the 16-50 in priority and not a small refresh, a totally new lens. If they can do that, they will have the best APS-C lineup, except Fuji may be...

02-01-2019, 03:52 AM	#8
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,135	I'm always amazed by how the Star* glass optics render images. There is no other equivalent with other brands. SDM failures put me off in the past. But now the newly designed lens hopefully get rid of this old SDM reliability, it's all good. My DFA70-200 render amazing on the K1, I love it. The only thing that holds me from buying the DA11-18 is that I don't have any apsc camera anymore and I have the 15-30 for the K1. Looking forward to the new DFA85 (I hope the 85 will be a Star lens). Shall there also be a DFA20mm (with aerobright coatings), I'd also get it. To me, the Pentax Star lenses sort of bring images into Leica like territory but with the Pentax colors and at Pentax prices.

02-01-2019, 04:48 AM	#10
Lev Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia Posts: 1,066	Originally posted by mee It looks gorgeous imo. Perhaps development started before KAF4? Whatever the reason, it is nice to be supported on older bodies. I don't like the wording on that page though about the trio of lenses. To me, that implies the DA* 16-50 SDM and 50-135 SDM are not getting revisions to either coatings or motor designs. There was a rumor on the forums awhile back about those two lenses possibly seeing a refresh this year. I'm not so sure about that anymore.. Seems like Ricoh is happy with this trio. Strange... I think Ricoh would get more money by just refreshing these two rather than adding another one. I would do everything to buy refreshed 16-50 and 50-135!

02-01-2019, 06:40 AM - 1 Like	#11
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 26,046	Originally posted by Lev Seems like Ricoh is happy with this trio. Strange... I think Ricoh would get more money by just refreshing these two rather than adding another one. I would do everything to buy refreshed 16-50 and 50-135! I have a couple of thoughts here. First of all, Pentax is focused on filling out the full frame line up. That will include DFA *35 and 85, along with a prosumer 70-300, 20-ish mm prime, and fisheye zoom and maybe some other stuff. That is enough work for them without re-doing old lenses. Second, there is probably a decent amount of stock floating around right now and Ricoh would risk being unable to move it if they gave an indication that they were coming out with updated 16-50 and 50-135 lenses. The 11-18 is a clear indication though, that Pentax is planning to continue high end APS-C and will continue to release top end lenses for it. It was the one lens that was missing more than any others from the line up -- the ultra wide, weather sealed, f2.8 optic. If I were going to guess, I would say that pentax will update both the 16-50 and 50-135, but that that update will happen a couple of years from now, say, 2021 at the earliest.

02-01-2019, 06:47 AM	#12
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,099	Originally posted by biz-engineer But now the newly designed lens hopefully get rid of this old SDM reliability Hopefully? You can't possibly not know it's a DC lens, thus a completely different type of motor.

02-01-2019, 07:01 AM	#13
wstruth Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: at my kitchen table Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,292	The more I read about it, the more tempting it sounds. I loved the 12-24 that I had but sold. But, I sold it because I did not use it that much. I'm up for a big purchase later this year but not sure what it will be yet. The rumored 70-200 F4 is also tempting me along with the GR3. I checked out the link to the special website for the 11-18 and it looks like it will be a great lens, on par with or besting the 12-24 but, I'll wait for the reviews on the 11-18.

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02-01-2019, 07:30 AM	#14
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,378	$1899.95 CAD at McBain Camera in Alberta, Canada ...maybe one day... Pentax DA 11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW HD Lens \| McBain Camera Canada a guy can have dreams, right?

02-01-2019, 09:55 AM - 1 Like	#15
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,250	Originally posted by Rondec The 11-18 is a clear indication though, that Pentax is planning to continue high end APS-C and will continue to release top end lenses for it. It was the one lens that was missing more than any others from the line up -- the ultra wide, weather sealed, f2.8 optic. Which also (probably) means that there will be a K3 successor? This lens sure is tempting!