What (feasible) lens is missing from Pentax's lineup?

MikePerham · 07-04-2009, 07:31 AM

Originally posted by asw66

I'd really like to see a 12mm rectilinear prime, as small and fast as possible.

The 12mm prime you mention is a good starting point. They are currently missing the lenses at the extreems of the focal length range. So a 12mm prime in the DA* series and also a wide zoom, perhaps a 11-16 f/2.8 and the talked about 400 f/4.0 along with a couple of TC's.

Pentax also need to fill in their macro lenses to replace the DFA lenses now in the line up. That is a 70mm and perhaps a 135 to replace the 100 and 200 macro's from the 35mm film days. Personally, I would love to see a 60-120 true macro zoom - I have always envied Nikon their 70-180 macro lens.

apemen · 07-04-2009, 07:34 AM

135mm and 400mm please.

brecklundin · 07-04-2009, 07:54 AM - **1 Like**

A dedicated macro like the MP-E 65mm which is a 1x-5x macro only lens. I am not sure anyone other than Canon makes such a lens. But it's an amazing tool for those of us who enjoy macro.

kitkat · 07-04-2009, 07:45 PM

Originally posted by asw66

I'd really like to see a 12mm rectilinear prime, as small and fast as possible.

For reference, here is a/the Pentax Lens Development Roadmap:
http://www.pentax.jp/english/imaging/digital/lens/roadmap.pdf

SuperAkuma · 07-04-2009, 08:03 PM

Originally posted by kitkat

For reference, here is a/the Pentax Lens Development Roadmap:
http://www.pentax.jp/english/imaging/digital/lens/roadmap.pdf

I would be happy if they would just update there roadmap.

kitkat · 07-05-2009, 04:58 AM

Originally posted by SuperAkuma

I would be happy if they would just update there roadmap.

Hi SuperAkuma. What Pentax-designed lenses are not shown? Perhaps this roadmap shows only Pentax-designed lenses, not those designed by Tamron and others.

Bart · 07-05-2009, 05:28 AM

Originally posted by and

DA* 11-16 f2.8 based on the tokina lens...

Seconded !

GeneV · 07-05-2009, 09:20 AM

A sharp, compact 18mm F/2.8. I miss my sharp, little M 28mm 2.8 from film days. I don't want to buy a zoom that weighs a pound and is the size of a mayonaise jar to get this FOV and aperture which filled so many of my slides.

Psynema · 07-05-2009, 09:22 AM

70-200mm 2.8 would be nice...F Sigma

A 2.8 fisheye zoom would also be nice...10-20mm range at 2.8 so we don't have to buy Sigma's version.

wlachan · 07-05-2009, 12:30 PM

Practically speaking, I think the existing lens lineup is quite allright. DA11-16/2.8 to replace the DA12-24/4 perhaps, or adding a compact 135mm, but either are essential I consider. I doubt anything from 400mm upward would sale. What I think Pentax really need is to improve their lens QC, optically alignment and SDM reliability. Personally I went for Canon EF-S 17-55/2.8 & EF70-200/4L IS instead of DA*16-50/2.8 & DA*50-135/2.8 last year and never regret for a moment after observating the ongoing SDM issues. I buy Pentax primes w/o hesitation but not their existing zooms.

Arpe · 07-05-2009, 05:32 PM

There are lots of Sigma 70-200/f2.8 being sold, so that is missing.

And of course a 1.4x TC SDM.

Mr. The Guy · 07-05-2009, 10:32 PM

Originally posted by asw66

I'd really like to see a 12mm rectilinear prime, as small and fast as possible.

28mm DA* Prime. Something weather-sealed between 21 and 35.

Andi Lo · 07-05-2009, 10:52 PM

Originally posted by PentHassyKon

Based on lenses they've already done in MF:

50mm 1.2
85mm 1.4
135mm 1.8
200mm 2.5

These 4 come to mind quite readily, who knows why they don't just reissue them. Heck, I bet some of us wouldn't mind them being MF

As to why pentax dont "just reissue" old lenses, I think it's because Pentax is relatively small company and can't keep as many lenses as they wish in production, thus only the best sellers and newer lenses are kept. I actually suspect that the DA 14 will be gone soon since there's so much overlap in that range now...

I think what's really missing right now is just DA* 200mm macro and DA*11-16 (for 2.8) really. Not a big fan of 135mm in APS-C. As the FOV replacement for 135mm we already have the Tamron 90mm

FA 35 needs to be reissued as DA 35/2, but I think I'll cut them some slack since we already have the wonderful DA 35/2.8. I think DA 28/30/35/ pancake with DA 40 AF and IQ performance would be great, though. Closer to normal and with pancake functionality. On the other hand this would kill the sales of DA 40...

50mm/1.2 would be neat but the market will be really limited if it's priced like the DA*55 (people would prefer the cheap but already good FA 50). Isn't the A50/1.2 still "made to order" in Japan anyway? There's your 1.2 still in production. For the 200/2.5, we already have a 200/2.8... is a half-stop that much different at 200mm? I know half stop is significant DOF difference at lower lengths but not so sure on telephoto.

Also maybe the DA*85mm (for sealing and SDM, lengthwise there's already FA 77),

In the long run, what's missing will be a full frame sensor moreso than lenses.

JHfwp · 07-05-2009, 10:56 PM

Agree about the 135. Same with the 300 2.8 or even a 400 2.8, if they can offer zero % interest loans & 72 mo. financing. Aside from that, a 24 and/or 28mm FA Limited.

desousa · 07-06-2009, 02:32 AM

I agree a Pentax really needs to look at building a nice 400mm or 500mm.

07-04-2009, 07:31 AM	#16
MikePerham Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Prince George, BC Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 642	What (feasible) lens is missing from Pentax's lineup? Originally posted by asw66 I'd really like to see a 12mm rectilinear prime, as small and fast as possible. The 12mm prime you mention is a good starting point. They are currently missing the lenses at the extreems of the focal length range. So a 12mm prime in the DA* series and also a wide zoom, perhaps a 11-16 f/2.8 and the talked about 400 f/4.0 along with a couple of TC's. Pentax also need to fill in their macro lenses to replace the DFA lenses now in the line up. That is a 70mm and perhaps a 135 to replace the 100 and 200 macro's from the 35mm film days. Personally, I would love to see a 60-120 true macro zoom - I have always envied Nikon their 70-180 macro lens.

07-05-2009, 10:32 PM	#27
Mr. The Guy Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Vilcabamba, Loja Posts: 216	*Wide DA Prime** Originally posted by asw66 I'd really like to see a 12mm rectilinear prime, as small and fast as possible. 28mm DA* Prime. Something weather-sealed between 21 and 35.

07-05-2009, 10:52 PM	#28
Andi Lo Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 2,924	Originally posted by PentHassyKon Based on lenses they've already done in MF: 50mm 1.2 85mm 1.4 135mm 1.8 200mm 2.5 These 4 come to mind quite readily, who knows why they don't just reissue them. Heck, I bet some of us wouldn't mind them being MF As to why pentax dont "just reissue" old lenses, I think it's because Pentax is relatively small company and can't keep as many lenses as they wish in production, thus only the best sellers and newer lenses are kept. I actually suspect that the DA 14 will be gone soon since there's so much overlap in that range now... I think what's really missing right now is just DA* 200mm macro and DA11-16 (for 2.8) really. Not a big fan of 135mm in APS-C. As the FOV replacement for 135mm we already have the Tamron 90mm FA 35 needs to be reissued as DA 35/2, but I think I'll cut them some slack since we already have the wonderful DA 35/2.8. I think DA 28/30/35/ pancake with DA 40 AF and IQ performance would be great, though. Closer to normal and with pancake functionality. On the other hand this would kill the sales of DA 40... 50mm/1.2 would be neat but the market will be really limited if it's priced like the DA55 (people would prefer the cheap but already good FA 50). Isn't the A50/1.2 still "made to order" in Japan anyway? There's your 1.2 still in production. For the 200/2.5, we already have a 200/2.8... is a half-stop that much different at 200mm? I know half stop is significant DOF difference at lower lengths but not so sure on telephoto. Also maybe the DA85mm (for sealing and SDM, lengthwise there's already FA 77), In the long run, what's missing will be a full frame sensor moreso than lenses. Last edited by Andi Lo; 07-05-2009 at 11:07 PM.*

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07-04-2009, 07:34 AM	#17
apemen Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ankara, TURKEY Posts: 181	135mm and 400mm please.

07-04-2009, 07:54 AM - 1 Like	#18
brecklundin Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,674	A dedicated macro like the MP-E 65mm which is a 1x-5x macro only lens. I am not sure anyone other than Canon makes such a lens. But it's an amazing tool for those of us who enjoy macro.

07-04-2009, 07:45 PM	#19
kitkat Forum Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Kanata, Ontario, Canada Posts: 85	Originally posted by asw66 I'd really like to see a 12mm rectilinear prime, as small and fast as possible. For reference, here is a/the Pentax Lens Development Roadmap: http://www.pentax.jp/english/imaging/digital/lens/roadmap.pdf

07-04-2009, 08:03 PM	#20
SuperAkuma Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 445	Originally posted by kitkat For reference, here is a/the Pentax Lens Development Roadmap: http://www.pentax.jp/english/imaging/digital/lens/roadmap.pdf I would be happy if they would just update there roadmap.

07-05-2009, 04:58 AM	#21
kitkat Forum Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Kanata, Ontario, Canada Posts: 85	Originally posted by SuperAkuma I would be happy if they would just update there roadmap. Hi SuperAkuma. What Pentax-designed lenses are not shown? Perhaps this roadmap shows only Pentax-designed lenses, not those designed by Tamron and others.

07-05-2009, 05:28 AM	#22
Bart Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: WW community of Pentax users Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,646	Originally posted by and DA* 11-16 f2.8 based on the tokina lens... Seconded !

07-05-2009, 09:20 AM	#23
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	A sharp, compact 18mm F/2.8. I miss my sharp, little M 28mm 2.8 from film days. I don't want to buy a zoom that weighs a pound and is the size of a mayonaise jar to get this FOV and aperture which filled so many of my slides.

07-05-2009, 09:22 AM	#24
Psynema Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 136	70-200mm 2.8 would be nice...F Sigma A 2.8 fisheye zoom would also be nice...10-20mm range at 2.8 so we don't have to buy Sigma's version.

07-05-2009, 12:30 PM	#25
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	Practically speaking, I think the existing lens lineup is quite allright. DA11-16/2.8 to replace the DA12-24/4 perhaps, or adding a compact 135mm, but either are essential I consider. I doubt anything from 400mm upward would sale. What I think Pentax really need is to improve their lens QC, optically alignment and SDM reliability. Personally I went for Canon EF-S 17-55/2.8 & EF70-200/4L IS instead of DA16-50/2.8 & DA50-135/2.8 last year and never regret for a moment after observating the ongoing SDM issues. I buy Pentax primes w/o hesitation but not their existing zooms.

07-05-2009, 05:32 PM	#26
Arpe Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,452	There are lots of Sigma 70-200/f2.8 being sold, so that is missing. And of course a 1.4x TC SDM.

07-05-2009, 10:56 PM	#29
JHfwp Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 876	Agree about the 135. Same with the 300 2.8 or even a 400 2.8, if they can offer zero % interest loans & 72 mo. financing. Aside from that, a 24 and/or 28mm FA Limited.

07-06-2009, 02:32 AM	#30
desousa New Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Trinidad Posts: 2	I agree a Pentax really needs to look at building a nice 400mm or 500mm.