Get the 70-210 f4 or wait to the new 65-300 f5.6 SR lens

repaap · 01-14-2021, 01:19 AM

I'v been looking at the very same thing. And I have DFA*70-200. Now It is not the price alone what is putting me off from 70-210/4, it is th fact that I already own one lens in that zoomrange. I'm waiting for that 60/70-300 SR to put it in use with 28-105 when I want lighter option. It should be also be with PLM motor? so it can be super fast? Who knows. 70-210 is said to be really fast focusing too thou. Not sure if the difference from f4 to 5,6 is that dramatical. they are going to be stopped down regardless. 70-200/2.8 is for situations when I know that I need that 2.8-5.6 range.

It could be in couple months, but it could be one year to have that lens available, but I'm able to wait.

**Serkevan** · 01-14-2021, 01:36 AM - **1 Like**

I have an old Tokina AF 70-210/4.5
It's sharp, has a pleasant bokeh, AF is fast and at 640 g it isn't too much of a bother to carry (I did get a 55-300 PLM for hikes because of 300mm and WR, though).
Really the only fault is that there's no aspheric elements so wide open it can have glowy highlights and some blue fringing. I found my copy for about 30€ so you don't lose a lot trying... I can add some samples once I'm back from work.

**BigMackCam** · 01-14-2021, 01:37 AM

Originally posted by repaap

It could be in couple months, but it could be one year to have that lens available, but I'm able to wait.

If it was going to be a couple of months, we'd almost certainly have heard about it by now. I would bank on waiting at least a year, perhaps (much) longer...

**Sakura** · 01-14-2021, 01:42 AM

You could also get the DA* 60-250. It is very easy converted to Full-Frame. I converted mine myself, and it is really worth every penny.

And there are a lot to be found at ebay

repaap · 01-14-2021, 01:49 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

If it was going to be a couple of months, we'd almost certainly have heard about it by now. I would bank on waiting at least a year, perhaps (much) longer...

Yes, but the thing is that we do not know. We did how ever hear about in lens SR. SO somehing has been spilled out already. I'll say less than 1 year. They do have plenty of stuf coming out all of the sudden thou.. DFA 21, DA*16-50, perhaps even 50-135 and this 60-300. Who knows, they might have been pushing these out for longer time now.

**Serkevan** · 01-14-2021, 01:58 AM

Originally posted by repaap

Yes, but the thing is that we do not know. We did how ever hear about in lens SR. SO somehing has been spilled out already. I'll say less than 1 year. They do have plenty of stuf coming out all of the sudden thou.. DFA 21, DA*16-50, perhaps even 50-135 and this 60-300. Who knows, they might have been pushing these out for longer time now.

At least two years. The shortest time from showing mockup to product release in recent times has been ~14 months.

There is not even an announcement of the lens, so not a chance of seeing it in 2021 unless something has changed a lot at Ricoh (and judging by the 16-50/2.8 PLM and DFA 21 Ltd, it hasn't).

**BigMackCam** · 01-14-2021, 02:08 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by repaap

Yes, but the thing is that we do not know. We did how ever hear about in lens SR. SO somehing has been spilled out already. I'll say less than 1 year. They do have plenty of stuf coming out all of the sudden thou.. DFA 21, DA*16-50, perhaps even 50-135 and this 60-300. Who knows, they might have been pushing these out for longer time now.

Originally posted by Serkevan

At least two years. The shortest time from showing mockup to product release in recent times has been ~14 months.

There is not even an announcement of the lens, so not a chance of seeing it in 2021 unless something has changed a lot at Ricoh (and judging by the 16-50/2.8 PLM and DFA 21 Ltd, it hasn't).

I had a one-to-one video conference session with Ricoh Imaging UK recently, and there was no mention of the 60-300. I'd say it's a good way off...

noelpolar · 01-14-2021, 02:13 AM

Bottom line.... you can't really rely on Pentax to deliver anything (new) if you have some real need that needs to be met in any reasonable time frame (say a few years). New stuff is all a bit of a lottery really... but it is fun when something comes along.

repaap · 01-14-2021, 02:26 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

I had a one-to-one video conference session with Ricoh Imaging UK recently, and there was no mention of the 60-300. I'd say it's a good way off...

Well. That’s okay for me. I can wait. All of my money is going to spent to that DFA21 and perhaps this new K-3mk 3 anyway. This should solve Biz problem too?

**volley** · 01-14-2021, 04:02 AM

Originally posted by Sakura

You could also get the DA* 60-250. It is very easy converted to Full-Frame. I converted mine myself, and it is really worth every penny.

Yes, that's also my choice.
I have mine since nearly 10 years and it is my most used lens. It has been with me on motorbike trips of thousands of km and hiking trips in remote areas. Never fails to do the job.
If I would need to replace it I'd probably just get another one.

biz-engineer · 01-14-2021, 04:43 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

Option 3 - buy a used D FA70-210 f/4 and save money, but you'll have to wait until one becomes available (compromise: time)

eh! eh!, I tried that one, a search like Pentax D-FA 70-210 on ebay , listed a lot of F 70-210, but no D-FA 70-210, except the ones new at the price of new.

**BigMackCam** · 01-14-2021, 05:16 AM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

eh! eh!, I tried that one, a search like Pentax D-FA 70-210 on ebay , listed a lot of F 70-210, but no D-FA 70-210, except the ones new at the price of new.

As I said, you will have to wait until one becomes available. I'd suggest, however, that's a considerably shorter wait than for a 60-300. Maybe place a "Wanted" listing in our Marketplace?

Still, if you're itching to move now, lack of any used D FA70-210 f/4 on eBay makes your choice even easier. You're left with four options

**jopenmx** · 01-14-2021, 05:50 AM

After having since many years the A 70-210 f/4 ( with a weight of 680 gr. ) and MF, and also the F 70-210 f/4-5,6 , both of the film era , i was really excited waiting for the new 70-210 f/4 of Pentax, a lens needed ( IMHO ) in any lens catalogue . In the meantime, back in 2016 , I´ve bought a new Tamron 70-200 f/2,8 , a wonderful and heavy lens for a price of 500 euros , of course provided with its tripod mount. Finally when Pentax released its so long awaited new 70-210 f/4 , I was really disappointed , with the weght of 891 gr., no tripod mount at all ( yes, I know the Tamron one can be used ) , and a ridiculous very expensive price of about 1000-1100 euros , for a Tamron made lens , tweaked by Pentax in some aspects as coatings , and with a price of ca. 500 euros in Canon and Nikon mount.
I will follow with my Tamron , and continue waiting for other cheaper alternatives in the range of 70-200 f/4 ( or 60-250 f/4 ) , but with almost no expectations.

**BigMackCam** · 01-14-2021, 06:03 AM

Originally posted by jopenmx

I will follow with my Tamron , and continue waiting for other cheaper alternatives in the range of 70-200 f/4 ( or 60-250 f/4 ) , but with almost no expectations.

Given the dwindling third-party support for K-mount, your options are the 70-210 f/4 new or used (and suck up the cost), modified 60-250 f/4 (and suck up the AF performance, SDM risk and mind-boggling focus breathing), or wait an unspecified time - years, perhaps years - until a 60-300 or similar is released... but it won't have fixed f/4 aperture (it'll be variable and slower). I don't believe those options are going to change any time soon...

biz-engineer · 01-14-2021, 06:10 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

but it won't have fixed f/4 aperture (it'll be variable and slower). I don't believe those options are going to change any time soon...

I don't need f4, I'd be fine with f5.6 to even f6.3, because I already have the 70-200 f2.8, so the key value for another 70-200 lens is the size and weight, like it is with the 28-105. If I had the 28-105 and a longer also light weight, also f5.6, I could carry the kit everywhere. I've once seen and handled an F 70-210, and I was amazed at how small it was, so small that it can even fit in a large pocket of a jacket/coat.

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01-14-2021, 01:19 AM	#16
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	I'v been looking at the very same thing. And I have DFA*70-200. Now It is not the price alone what is putting me off from 70-210/4, it is th fact that I already own one lens in that zoomrange. I'm waiting for that 60/70-300 SR to put it in use with 28-105 when I want lighter option. It should be also be with PLM motor? so it can be super fast? Who knows. 70-210 is said to be really fast focusing too thou. Not sure if the difference from f4 to 5,6 is that dramatical. they are going to be stopped down regardless. 70-200/2.8 is for situations when I know that I need that 2.8-5.6 range. It could be in couple months, but it could be one year to have that lens available, but I'm able to wait.

01-14-2021, 01:36 AM - 1 Like	#17
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	I have an old Tokina AF 70-210/4.5 It's sharp, has a pleasant bokeh, AF is fast and at 640 g it isn't too much of a bother to carry (I did get a 55-300 PLM for hikes because of 300mm and WR, though). Really the only fault is that there's no aspheric elements so wide open it can have glowy highlights and some blue fringing. I found my copy for about 30€ so you don't lose a lot trying... I can add some samples once I'm back from work.

01-14-2021, 01:37 AM	#18
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,695	Originally posted by repaap It could be in couple months, but it could be one year to have that lens available, but I'm able to wait. If it was going to be a couple of months, we'd almost certainly have heard about it by now. I would bank on waiting at least a year, perhaps (much) longer...

01-14-2021, 01:42 AM	#19
Sakura Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Netherlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 438	You could also get the DA* 60-250. It is very easy converted to Full-Frame. I converted mine myself, and it is really worth every penny. And there are a lot to be found at ebay

01-14-2021, 01:49 AM	#20
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Originally posted by BigMackCam If it was going to be a couple of months, we'd almost certainly have heard about it by now. I would bank on waiting at least a year, perhaps (much) longer... Yes, but the thing is that we do not know. We did how ever hear about in lens SR. SO somehing has been spilled out already. I'll say less than 1 year. They do have plenty of stuf coming out all of the sudden thou.. DFA 21, DA*16-50, perhaps even 50-135 and this 60-300. Who knows, they might have been pushing these out for longer time now.

01-14-2021, 01:58 AM	#21
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	Originally posted by repaap Yes, but the thing is that we do not know. We did how ever hear about in lens SR. SO somehing has been spilled out already. I'll say less than 1 year. They do have plenty of stuf coming out all of the sudden thou.. DFA 21, DA*16-50, perhaps even 50-135 and this 60-300. Who knows, they might have been pushing these out for longer time now. At least two years. The shortest time from showing mockup to product release in recent times has been ~14 months. There is not even an announcement of the lens, so not a chance of seeing it in 2021 unless something has changed a lot at Ricoh (and judging by the 16-50/2.8 PLM and DFA 21 Ltd, it hasn't).

01-14-2021, 02:08 AM - 1 Like	#22
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,695	Originally posted by repaap Yes, but the thing is that we do not know. We did how ever hear about in lens SR. SO somehing has been spilled out already. I'll say less than 1 year. They do have plenty of stuf coming out all of the sudden thou.. DFA 21, DA*16-50, perhaps even 50-135 and this 60-300. Who knows, they might have been pushing these out for longer time now. Originally posted by Serkevan At least two years. The shortest time from showing mockup to product release in recent times has been ~14 months. There is not even an announcement of the lens, so not a chance of seeing it in 2021 unless something has changed a lot at Ricoh (and judging by the 16-50/2.8 PLM and DFA 21 Ltd, it hasn't). I had a one-to-one video conference session with Ricoh Imaging UK recently, and there was no mention of the 60-300. I'd say it's a good way off...

01-14-2021, 02:13 AM	#23
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	Bottom line.... you can't really rely on Pentax to deliver anything (new) if you have some real need that needs to be met in any reasonable time frame (say a few years). New stuff is all a bit of a lottery really... but it is fun when something comes along.

01-14-2021, 02:26 AM	#24
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Originally posted by BigMackCam I had a one-to-one video conference session with Ricoh Imaging UK recently, and there was no mention of the 60-300. I'd say it's a good way off... Well. That’s okay for me. I can wait. All of my money is going to spent to that DFA21 and perhaps this new K-3mk 3 anyway. This should solve Biz problem too?

01-14-2021, 04:02 AM	#25
volley Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Springe Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,693	Originally posted by Sakura You could also get the DA* 60-250. It is very easy converted to Full-Frame. I converted mine myself, and it is really worth every penny. Yes, that's also my choice. I have mine since nearly 10 years and it is my most used lens. It has been with me on motorbike trips of thousands of km and hiking trips in remote areas. Never fails to do the job. If I would need to replace it I'd probably just get another one.

01-14-2021, 04:43 AM	#26
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,247 Original Poster	Originally posted by BigMackCam Option 3 - buy a used D FA70-210 f/4 and save money, but you'll have to wait until one becomes available (compromise: time) eh! eh!, I tried that one, a search like Pentax D-FA 70-210 on ebay , listed a lot of F 70-210, but no D-FA 70-210, except the ones new at the price of new.

01-14-2021, 05:16 AM	#27
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,695	Originally posted by biz-engineer eh! eh!, I tried that one, a search like Pentax D-FA 70-210 on ebay , listed a lot of F 70-210, but no D-FA 70-210, except the ones new at the price of new. As I said, you will have to wait until one becomes available. I'd suggest, however, that's a considerably shorter wait than for a 60-300. Maybe place a "Wanted" listing in our Marketplace? Still, if you're itching to move now, lack of any used D FA70-210 f/4 on eBay makes your choice even easier. You're left with four options

01-14-2021, 05:50 AM	#28
jopenmx Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: vigo Photos: Gallery Posts: 137	After having since many years the A 70-210 f/4 ( with a weight of 680 gr. ) and MF, and also the F 70-210 f/4-5,6 , both of the film era , i was really excited waiting for the new 70-210 f/4 of Pentax, a lens needed ( IMHO ) in any lens catalogue . In the meantime, back in 2016 , I´ve bought a new Tamron 70-200 f/2,8 , a wonderful and heavy lens for a price of 500 euros , of course provided with its tripod mount. Finally when Pentax released its so long awaited new 70-210 f/4 , I was really disappointed , with the weght of 891 gr., no tripod mount at all ( yes, I know the Tamron one can be used ) , and a ridiculous very expensive price of about 1000-1100 euros , for a Tamron made lens , tweaked by Pentax in some aspects as coatings , and with a price of ca. 500 euros in Canon and Nikon mount. I will follow with my Tamron , and continue waiting for other cheaper alternatives in the range of 70-200 f/4 ( or 60-250 f/4 ) , but with almost no expectations.

01-14-2021, 06:03 AM	#29
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,695	Originally posted by jopenmx I will follow with my Tamron , and continue waiting for other cheaper alternatives in the range of 70-200 f/4 ( or 60-250 f/4 ) , but with almost no expectations. Given the dwindling third-party support for K-mount, your options are the 70-210 f/4 new or used (and suck up the cost), modified 60-250 f/4 (and suck up the AF performance, SDM risk and mind-boggling focus breathing), or wait an unspecified time - years, perhaps years - until a 60-300 or similar is released... but it won't have fixed f/4 aperture (it'll be variable and slower). I don't believe those options are going to change any time soon...

01-14-2021, 06:10 AM	#30
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,247 Original Poster	Originally posted by BigMackCam but it won't have fixed f/4 aperture (it'll be variable and slower). I don't believe those options are going to change any time soon... I don't need f4, I'd be fine with f5.6 to even f6.3, because I already have the 70-200 f2.8, so the key value for another 70-200 lens is the size and weight, like it is with the 28-105. If I had the 28-105 and a longer also light weight, also f5.6, I could carry the kit everywhere. I've once seen and handled an F 70-210, and I was amazed at how small it was, so small that it can even fit in a large pocket of a jacket/coat.