New Pentax Lens Roadmap

**agkchang** · 03-08-2009, 07:15 PM

Pentax has posted a new lens development roadmap dated as March 3, 2009 @ Interchangeable Lenses : Digital Cameras : Imaging Systems Division : PENTAX

The new DA 15mm/f4 Limited shows a end of March target availability date and the DA* 60-250mm/4 with a target availability date of Spring 2009. Spring 2009 begins on Friday, March 20, 2009 until Saturday, June 20, 2009 (date can be different depending on your location. The DA* 55mm/f1.4 SDM is listed as available. However, I see that is on backorder from Adorama. The DA* 30mm and DA 1.4X SDM Rear Teleconverter that are on the 9/22/08 roadmap are on this latest roadmap.

Torphoto · 03-08-2009, 07:49 PM

They better have that da 1.4x tc back on the road map or just release it soon, we really need an sdm compatible tc soon.

wasupdoc · 03-08-2009, 07:56 PM

It's a shame there is no budget "normal" prime like there used to be in the film days. Also missing is an intermediate range zoom, something like an updated version of the 24-90 (replaces the 35-135 zooms) or 28-105. At least a version II of the 50-200. But still, we are blessed with those limited primes and the DA 15mm is a nice addition.

Blue · 03-08-2009, 08:35 PM

Does that mean they are dumping the remaining FA lenses from production? Plus, there is nothing in the pipe line that isn't already public. The 3 categories are interesting.

**agkchang** · 03-09-2009, 08:00 AM

Originally posted by agchang

Pentax has posted a new lens development roadmap dated as March 3, 2009 @ Interchangeable Lenses : Digital Cameras : Imaging Systems Division : PENTAX

The new DA 15mm/f4 Limited shows a end of March target availability date and the DA* 60-250mm/4 with a target availability date of Spring 2009. Spring 2009 begins on Friday, March 20, 2009 until Saturday, June 20, 2009 (date can be different depending on your location. The DA* 55mm/f1.4 SDM is listed as available. However, I see that is on backorder from Adorama. The DA* 30mm and DA 1.4X SDM Rear Teleconverter that are on the 9/22/08 roadmap are on this latest roadmap.

Correction on the last statement regarding DA*30mm and DA*1.4X Teleconverter. I meant to say they are missing from the latest roadmap.
http://www.pentax.jp/english/imaging/digital/lens/roadmap.pdf

asdf · 03-09-2009, 05:34 PM

Originally posted by agchang

Correction on the last statement regarding DA*30mm and DA*1.4X Teleconverter. I meant to say they are missing from the latest roadmap.
http://www.pentax.jp/english/imaging/digital/lens/roadmap.pdf

That's sad. I was actually interested in the DA*30mm. It could've been a good AF standard prime for the cropped sensor. I guess I'm stuck with SMC-A 28 f/2.8.

Miserere · 03-09-2009, 06:53 PM

Originally posted by asdf

That's sad. I was actually interested in the DA*30mm. It could've been a good AF standard prime for the cropped sensor. I guess I'm stuck with SMC-A 28 f/2.8.

I don't think this means they have been trashed, I just think Pentax has decided not to have a roadmap...like every other lens maker.

palmor · 03-09-2009, 07:32 PM

Originally posted by Miserere

I don't think this means they have been trashed, I just think Pentax has decided not to have a roadmap...like every other lens maker.

The only problem with that theory is that they still show that "DA Super Telephoto" lens on the road map but removed the other stuff.

John

**Just1MoreDave** · 03-09-2009, 08:53 PM

I think they've added ten lenses since I got my camera, counting the DA55. They have dropped at least one, the FA28. I don't know how many lenses third-party makers have added. Sure, there are a few lenses that could be added, particularily a good TC. We do have a lot more choices these days.

grun2000 · 04-26-2009, 02:23 AM

The road map is now dated March 24 2009.
Only two DFA lens.
Now includes future 645 lens.
http://www.pentax.jp/english/imaging/digital/lens/roadmap.pdf

pcarfan · 04-26-2009, 04:53 AM

I think the 645 lenses were there before...

How long does it take on average for a lens to appear here and then be released...I know there is a huge range, I think the 60-250 took some 3 years, but what about the 35mm macro ?

Can anyone give a range for when the super telephoto will hit the market...thank you....I know it is only a guesstimate, but if someone know the time it took for the various other lenses, it could be close.....

Votesh · 04-26-2009, 09:23 PM

Maybe it means they are changing the designs for the TC and 30mm so they will be compatible with a future FF sensor. A guy can dream, can't he

Originally posted by asdf

That's sad. I was actually interested in the DA*30mm. It could've been a good AF standard prime for the cropped sensor. I guess I'm stuck with SMC-A 28 f/2.8.

Andi Lo · 04-27-2009, 08:49 AM

If they really are making it compatible with FF, they better keep the FA 50... Why is it not on the map even though it's not discontinued?

edited for accuracy*

Blue · 04-27-2009, 01:44 PM

Originally posted by Andi Lo

If they really are making it compatible with FF, they better keep the FA 50... Why is it not on the mpa even though it's discontinued?

Pentax Imaging (Pentax USA, Golden Colorado) is still showing the FA 50mm f1.4 available along with the FA 31mm, FA 77mm, and FA 43mm.

Camera Lens - Official PENTAX Imaging Web Site

PENTAX FA Lens for Digital SLRs and Compacts: smc PENTAX FA 50mm F1.4

Andi Lo · 04-27-2009, 01:55 PM

Originally posted by Blue

Pentax Imaging (Pentax USA, Golden Colorado) is still showing the FA 50mm f1.4 available along with the FA 31mm, FA 77mm, and FA 43mm.

Camera Lens - Official PENTAX Imaging Web Site

PENTAX FA Lens for Digital SLRs and Compacts: smc PENTAX FA 50mm F1.4

Hmm, so now the mystery changes to: Why are the FA lenses not on the roadmap?

Especially when FA 31 is regarded as one of the best AF lenses of all time?

I think I did a typo there, I should've put FA 50 not discontinued

03-08-2009, 07:15 PM	#1
agkchang Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Glendale, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 103	New Pentax Lens Roadmap Pentax has posted a new lens development roadmap dated as March 3, 2009 @ Interchangeable Lenses : Digital Cameras : Imaging Systems Division : PENTAX The new DA 15mm/f4 Limited shows a end of March target availability date and the DA* 60-250mm/4 with a target availability date of Spring 2009. Spring 2009 begins on Friday, March 20, 2009 until Saturday, June 20, 2009 (date can be different depending on your location. The DA* 55mm/f1.4 SDM is listed as available. However, I see that is on backorder from Adorama. The DA* 30mm and DA 1.4X SDM Rear Teleconverter that are on the 9/22/08 roadmap are on this latest roadmap.

04-27-2009, 08:49 AM	#13
Andi Lo Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 2,924	If they really are making it compatible with FF, they better keep the FA 50... Why is it not on the map even though it's not discontinued? edited for accuracy* Last edited by Andi Lo; 04-27-2009 at 01:57 PM.

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03-08-2009, 07:49 PM	#2
Torphoto Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Trinidad W.I. Photos: Gallery Posts: 612	They better have that da 1.4x tc back on the road map or just release it soon, we really need an sdm compatible tc soon.

03-08-2009, 07:56 PM	#3
wasupdoc Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Idaho, USA Posts: 61	It's a shame there is no budget "normal" prime like there used to be in the film days. Also missing is an intermediate range zoom, something like an updated version of the 24-90 (replaces the 35-135 zooms) or 28-105. At least a version II of the 50-200. But still, we are blessed with those limited primes and the DA 15mm is a nice addition.

03-08-2009, 08:35 PM	#4
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Does that mean they are dumping the remaining FA lenses from production? Plus, there is nothing in the pipe line that isn't already public. The 3 categories are interesting.

03-09-2009, 08:00 AM	#5
agkchang Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Glendale, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 103 Original Poster	Originally posted by agchang Pentax has posted a new lens development roadmap dated as March 3, 2009 @ Interchangeable Lenses : Digital Cameras : Imaging Systems Division : PENTAX The new DA 15mm/f4 Limited shows a end of March target availability date and the DA* 60-250mm/4 with a target availability date of Spring 2009. Spring 2009 begins on Friday, March 20, 2009 until Saturday, June 20, 2009 (date can be different depending on your location. The DA* 55mm/f1.4 SDM is listed as available. However, I see that is on backorder from Adorama. The DA* 30mm and DA 1.4X SDM Rear Teleconverter that are on the 9/22/08 roadmap are on this latest roadmap. Correction on the last statement regarding DA30mm and DA1.4X Teleconverter. I meant to say they are missing from the latest roadmap. http://www.pentax.jp/english/imaging/digital/lens/roadmap.pdf

03-09-2009, 05:34 PM	#6
asdf Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 1,252	Originally posted by agchang Correction on the last statement regarding DA30mm and DA1.4X Teleconverter. I meant to say they are missing from the latest roadmap. http://www.pentax.jp/english/imaging/digital/lens/roadmap.pdf That's sad. I was actually interested in the DA*30mm. It could've been a good AF standard prime for the cropped sensor. I guess I'm stuck with SMC-A 28 f/2.8.

03-09-2009, 06:53 PM	#7
Miserere Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,993	Originally posted by asdf That's sad. I was actually interested in the DA*30mm. It could've been a good AF standard prime for the cropped sensor. I guess I'm stuck with SMC-A 28 f/2.8. I don't think this means they have been trashed, I just think Pentax has decided not to have a roadmap...like every other lens maker.

03-09-2009, 07:32 PM	#8
palmor Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: North of Boston, MA Posts: 798	Originally posted by Miserere I don't think this means they have been trashed, I just think Pentax has decided not to have a roadmap...like every other lens maker. The only problem with that theory is that they still show that "DA Super Telephoto" lens on the road map but removed the other stuff. John

03-09-2009, 08:53 PM	#9
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	I think they've added ten lenses since I got my camera, counting the DA55. They have dropped at least one, the FA28. I don't know how many lenses third-party makers have added. Sure, there are a few lenses that could be added, particularily a good TC. We do have a lot more choices these days.

04-26-2009, 02:23 AM	#10
grun2000 New Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 13	The road map is now dated March 24 2009. Only two DFA lens. Now includes future 645 lens. http://www.pentax.jp/english/imaging/digital/lens/roadmap.pdf

04-26-2009, 04:53 AM	#11
pcarfan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Dayton, Ohio Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,978	I think the 645 lenses were there before... How long does it take on average for a lens to appear here and then be released...I know there is a huge range, I think the 60-250 took some 3 years, but what about the 35mm macro ? Can anyone give a range for when the super telephoto will hit the market...thank you....I know it is only a guesstimate, but if someone know the time it took for the various other lenses, it could be close.....

04-26-2009, 09:23 PM	#12
Votesh Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 817	Maybe it means they are changing the designs for the TC and 30mm so they will be compatible with a future FF sensor. A guy can dream, can't he Originally posted by asdf That's sad. I was actually interested in the DA*30mm. It could've been a good AF standard prime for the cropped sensor. I guess I'm stuck with SMC-A 28 f/2.8.

04-27-2009, 01:44 PM	#14
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by Andi Lo If they really are making it compatible with FF, they better keep the FA 50... Why is it not on the mpa even though it's discontinued? Pentax Imaging (Pentax USA, Golden Colorado) is still showing the FA 50mm f1.4 available along with the FA 31mm, FA 77mm, and FA 43mm. Camera Lens - Official PENTAX Imaging Web Site PENTAX FA Lens for Digital SLRs and Compacts: smc PENTAX FA 50mm F1.4

04-27-2009, 01:55 PM	#15
Andi Lo Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 2,924	Originally posted by Blue Pentax Imaging (Pentax USA, Golden Colorado) is still showing the FA 50mm f1.4 available along with the FA 31mm, FA 77mm, and FA 43mm. Camera Lens - Official PENTAX Imaging Web Site PENTAX FA Lens for Digital SLRs and Compacts: smc PENTAX FA 50mm F1.4 Hmm, so now the mystery changes to: Why are the FA lenses not on the roadmap? Especially when FA 31 is regarded as one of the best AF lenses of all time? I think I did a typo there, I should've put FA 50 not discontinued