Originally posted by Gigahz Why Pentax doesnt come out with DA* 70-200mm 2.8 DA* 24-70mm 2.8
Why?
Hi GHz,
I'd say that the main reason is that a Pentax branded 70-200 wouldn't sell that well. They have the optical design -- most would probably agree that the FA*80-200/2.8 is the best in class for the mount, range, and speed . . . but you'd be talking in the high $1K to low to mid $2K price range considering the current asking prices for the DA*50-135 and DA*60-250. There would, of course, be some who would (and currently do for the FA*80-200) pay the entrance fee for the best of the best, but at over two or three times the price, most would still be choosing between the Sigma and the Tamron, IMO. Also, the Pentax version would likely be the heaviest of the three by quite a margin, so this would come into play. . .
I'm sure that many would disagree, but it's easy to spend theoretical dollars on a theoretical lens. . . If Pentax were to offer this lens, I'm sure we'd see many of these "I'd buy one" shooters starting endless threads about how the lens isn't twice as good, so isn't worth twice the price. . .or how they chose the Sigma (or Tamron) because they no longer trust SDM. . .so Pentax would be the one left holding the bag. . .
My 2¢
BTW, the AF lens I chose in this range was the Tokina 80-200/2.8 AT-X AF Pro II. At the time, it was the lightest of the bunch, sharp enough for my use (don't use this range much), and the cheapest by quite a margin -- this was after the previous model Sigma and the Tokina had been discontinued and before people started paying $1K and over for either of these used. Since their introductions, I've considered getting either the Sigma HSM or the new Tamron, but I just don't use this range enough to justify upgrading. . .
Scott