Why Pentax doesnt come out with DA* 70-200mm 2.8 DA* 24-70mm 2.8

Gigahz · 03-01-2010, 10:04 PM

Why Pentax doesnt come out with DA* 70-200mm 2.8 DA* 24-70mm 2.8

Why?

ozzi-paul · 03-01-2010, 10:20 PM

Considering how popular the 70-200 f2.8 zooms are you would think they would get one made, I think they would sell pretty easily. I just got the Sigma version but would have wanted the Pentax if they had one. They need to look at what people want and what is popular I think, then maybe they will get some more sales. Part of the reason why people sometimes stay away from Pentax is because they don't have the range of lenses that canikon have.

PrimeObjectif · 03-01-2010, 10:21 PM

Because Pentax doesn't make 35mm cameras or full-frame DSLRs anymore. The DA* 16-50 and 50-135 on APS-C cameras (all of Pentax's DSLRs) are like having a 24-70 and 70-200 on a 35mm film or full-frame camera.

ozzi-paul · 03-01-2010, 10:26 PM

They may have a similar zoom length when the crop factor is applied on the APS-C sensor but I got the 70-200mm for the extra length, 105-300mm f2.8.

**Ash** · 03-01-2010, 11:05 PM

Yeah, the thinking is as per PrimeObjectif, but I do also find the extra FL in the 70-200 from Tamron giving me the edge in framing events such as weddings or sports.

Arpe · 03-01-2010, 11:18 PM

Originally posted by PrimeObjectif

Because Pentax doesn't make 35mm cameras or full-frame DSLRs anymore. The DA* 16-50 and 50-135 on APS-C cameras (all of Pentax's DSLRs) are like having a 24-70 and 70-200 on a 35mm film or full-frame camera.

But we don't want the "equivalent", we want the real thing, the actual magnification that 200mm gives us on our cameras. Also a 1.4x TC that are just oh so useful on a 70-200.

This lens, or lack thereof, is the one thing that makes my eyes wander to the big 2. But I like my K-7, the size the weight, the weather-sealing, and I'd love to stick a faster focussing 70-200 on it (so if a new 70-200 has the same old SDM on it they can forget that too!).

pinholecam · 03-01-2010, 11:42 PM

Originally posted by Arpe

But we don't want the "equivalent", we want the real thing, the actual magnification that 200mm gives us on our cameras. Also a 1.4x TC that are just oh so useful on a 70-200.

This lens, or lack thereof, is the one thing that makes my eyes wander to the big 2. But I like my K-7, the size the weight, the weather-sealing, and I'd love to stick a faster focussing 70-200 on it (so if a new 70-200 has the same old SDM on it they can forget that too!).

Agree. I for one am greedy

I would want and need 70-200mm at f2.8 not an 'equivalent' FOV.
Anyway, it does seem that there is a gap for Pentax after 50-135/2.8. Yes, there is 60-250, but thats f4 and makes a difference under low light and indoors. Hope they fill this gap soon.

CWyatt · 03-01-2010, 11:51 PM

I personally think the 16-50 is a great focal length. It has one or two mm extra on the wide end compared to any other manufacturer. Unfortunately, some competing lens might have better sharpness wide open and across the whole frame. I do use a 24-60 Sigma which I find to be a nice length zoom, but increasingly wish for wider on the APS-C.

I also think the 60-250 is a great focal length.

Granted, I don't have these lenses at the moment. 60-250 in the pipeline though.

snostorm · 03-01-2010, 11:53 PM

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

Jasvox · 03-01-2010, 11:54 PM

I have a feeling if lenses in those foal lengths are released, they will be badged as FA's not DA's and we can look for a full frame digital camera from Pentax on the shelves.

Jason

GoremanX · 03-02-2010, 12:02 AM

Originally posted by pinholecam

Agree. I for one am greedy

I would want and need 70-200mm at f2.8 not an 'equivalent' FOV.

Then get one! There's a perfectly good Sigma 70-200mm F2.8, and a slightly cheaper Tamron 70-200mm F2.8. It's not like the choices aren't there, they're just not made by Pentax (yet). Those two lenses have excellent IQ, and the Sigma even has HSM focusing, which puts SDM to shame.

pinholecam · 03-02-2010, 12:22 AM

Originally posted by GoremanX

Then get one! There's a perfectly good Sigma 70-200mm F2.8, and a slightly cheaper Tamron 70-200mm F2.8. It's not like the choices aren't there, they're just not made by Pentax (yet). Those two lenses have excellent IQ, and the Sigma even has HSM focusing, which puts SDM to shame.

No faith in Sigma. My 28-200 fell apart in 4yrs. Brand new 10-20 was very badly front focused new out of box (needed a 2wk fix; chalking in an extra 3k shutter counts on my brand new K7

). Very bad pricing here in Singapore where i am.
I did try a Sigma (older non HSM version) that was on sale 2nd hand. I was not convinced by that particular copy. At f2.8 it was softer than my 55-200 at 190mm/f4.5, and only matched it when stop down to the same f stop. I attribute that particular performance to that lens rather than to all Sigma 70-200s since there have been so many excellent photos from it online.

Most suggestions online point to Tamron. I'm considering it, but again, pricing here is bad. I'm too shaken by my experience with the Sigma 10-20 to consider an online purchase.

Right now, I am trying to live with K135/2.5 and then (big gap) F*300/4.5. I do prefer SMC for the color and contrast, the build quality and *ahem* support the lens/camera company that I prefer.

Gigahz · 03-02-2010, 12:33 AM

Originally posted by pinholecam

No faith in Sigma. My 28-200 fell apart in 4yrs. Brand new 10-20 was very badly front focused new out of box (needed a 2wk fix; chalking in an extra 3k shutter counts on my brand new K7

). Very bad pricing here in Singapore where i am.
I did try a Sigma (older non HSM version) that was on sale 2nd hand. I was not convinced by that particular copy. At f2.8 it was softer than my 55-200 at 190mm/f4.5, and only matched it when stop down to the same f stop. I attribute that particular performance to that lens rather than to all Sigma 70-200s since there have been so many excellent photos from it online.

Most suggestions online point to Tamron. I'm considering it, but again, pricing here is bad. I'm too shaken by my experience with the Sigma 10-20 to consider an online purchase.

Right now, I am trying to live with K135/2.5 and then (big gap) F*300/4.5. I do prefer SMC for the color and contrast, the build quality and *ahem* support the lens/camera company that I prefer.

Very well said..

I want to support Pentax

LeDave · 03-02-2010, 12:36 AM

Because they have the DA* 16-50 and DA* 50-135. Unless they do make one it'd be a DFA 24-70 and 70-200 WR.

GoremanX · 03-02-2010, 12:41 AM

Originally posted by Gigahz

Very well said..

I want to support Pentax

Why do you want to support a company that continues to foist SDM upon us? A company that insists that a 1 year warranty is sufficient for a $1000+ lens? A company that feels it's ok to give consumers in Canada a 2 year warranty for the exact same product manufactured in the exact same place?

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my DA* 50-135mm, but the day that SDM fails (and it will, it's inevitable), I know I'll be seething mad and will regret having wasted my money on it. With any luck, Pentax will come up with a worthy successor to SDM before mine fails, and then I can sell my DA* 50-135mm and buy whatever replaces it in the lineup. In the meantime, I intend to speak with my money; Pentax will not receive another dime from me for a product with SDM, regardless of focal length.

Now a Limited lens, that's another story

03-01-2010, 10:04 PM	#1
Gigahz Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Singapore Posts: 100	*Why Pentax doesnt come out with DA 70-200mm 2.8 DA* 24-70mm 2.8** Why Pentax doesnt come out with DA* 70-200mm 2.8 DA* 24-70mm 2.8 Why?

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03-01-2010, 10:20 PM	#2
ozzi-paul Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: N/E Victoria, Australia, on the mighty Murray River. Photos: Albums Posts: 141	Considering how popular the 70-200 f2.8 zooms are you would think they would get one made, I think they would sell pretty easily. I just got the Sigma version but would have wanted the Pentax if they had one. They need to look at what people want and what is popular I think, then maybe they will get some more sales. Part of the reason why people sometimes stay away from Pentax is because they don't have the range of lenses that canikon have.

03-01-2010, 10:21 PM	#3
PrimeObjectif Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: New York Photos: Albums Posts: 599	Because Pentax doesn't make 35mm cameras or full-frame DSLRs anymore. The DA* 16-50 and 50-135 on APS-C cameras (all of Pentax's DSLRs) are like having a 24-70 and 70-200 on a 35mm film or full-frame camera.

03-01-2010, 10:26 PM	#4
ozzi-paul Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: N/E Victoria, Australia, on the mighty Murray River. Photos: Albums Posts: 141	They may have a similar zoom length when the crop factor is applied on the APS-C sensor but I got the 70-200mm for the extra length, 105-300mm f2.8.

03-01-2010, 11:05 PM	#5
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Yeah, the thinking is as per PrimeObjectif, but I do also find the extra FL in the 70-200 from Tamron giving me the edge in framing events such as weddings or sports.

03-01-2010, 11:18 PM	#6
Arpe Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,452	Originally posted by PrimeObjectif Because Pentax doesn't make 35mm cameras or full-frame DSLRs anymore. The DA* 16-50 and 50-135 on APS-C cameras (all of Pentax's DSLRs) are like having a 24-70 and 70-200 on a 35mm film or full-frame camera. But we don't want the "equivalent", we want the real thing, the actual magnification that 200mm gives us on our cameras. Also a 1.4x TC that are just oh so useful on a 70-200. This lens, or lack thereof, is the one thing that makes my eyes wander to the big 2. But I like my K-7, the size the weight, the weather-sealing, and I'd love to stick a faster focussing 70-200 on it (so if a new 70-200 has the same old SDM on it they can forget that too!).

03-01-2010, 11:42 PM	#7
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,706	Originally posted by Arpe But we don't want the "equivalent", we want the real thing, the actual magnification that 200mm gives us on our cameras. Also a 1.4x TC that are just oh so useful on a 70-200. This lens, or lack thereof, is the one thing that makes my eyes wander to the big 2. But I like my K-7, the size the weight, the weather-sealing, and I'd love to stick a faster focussing 70-200 on it (so if a new 70-200 has the same old SDM on it they can forget that too!). Agree. I for one am greedy I would want and need 70-200mm at f2.8 not an 'equivalent' FOV. Anyway, it does seem that there is a gap for Pentax after 50-135/2.8. Yes, there is 60-250, but thats f4 and makes a difference under low light and indoors. Hope they fill this gap soon.

03-01-2010, 11:51 PM	#8
CWyatt Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,291	I personally think the 16-50 is a great focal length. It has one or two mm extra on the wide end compared to any other manufacturer. Unfortunately, some competing lens might have better sharpness wide open and across the whole frame. I do use a 24-60 Sigma which I find to be a nice length zoom, but increasingly wish for wider on the APS-C. I also think the 60-250 is a great focal length. Granted, I don't have these lenses at the moment. 60-250 in the pipeline though.

03-01-2010, 11:53 PM	#9
snostorm Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago suburb, IL, USA Posts: 1,535	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 FA80-200/2.8 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 DA50-135 and DA60-250. There would, of course, be some who would (and currently do for the FA80-200) 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

03-01-2010, 11:54 PM	#10
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107	I have a feeling if lenses in those foal lengths are released, they will be badged as FA's not DA's and we can look for a full frame digital camera from Pentax on the shelves. Jason

03-02-2010, 12:02 AM	#11
GoremanX Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Georgia, VT Photos: Albums Posts: 1,657	Originally posted by pinholecam Agree. I for one am greedy I would want and need 70-200mm at f2.8 not an 'equivalent' FOV. Then get one! There's a perfectly good Sigma 70-200mm F2.8, and a slightly cheaper Tamron 70-200mm F2.8. It's not like the choices aren't there, they're just not made by Pentax (yet). Those two lenses have excellent IQ, and the Sigma even has HSM focusing, which puts SDM to shame.

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03-02-2010, 12:22 AM	#12
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,706	Originally posted by GoremanX Then get one! There's a perfectly good Sigma 70-200mm F2.8, and a slightly cheaper Tamron 70-200mm F2.8. It's not like the choices aren't there, they're just not made by Pentax (yet). Those two lenses have excellent IQ, and the Sigma even has HSM focusing, which puts SDM to shame. No faith in Sigma. My 28-200 fell apart in 4yrs. Brand new 10-20 was very badly front focused new out of box (needed a 2wk fix; chalking in an extra 3k shutter counts on my brand new K7 ). Very bad pricing here in Singapore where i am. I did try a Sigma (older non HSM version) that was on sale 2nd hand. I was not convinced by that particular copy. At f2.8 it was softer than my 55-200 at 190mm/f4.5, and only matched it when stop down to the same f stop. I attribute that particular performance to that lens rather than to all Sigma 70-200s since there have been so many excellent photos from it online. Most suggestions online point to Tamron. I'm considering it, but again, pricing here is bad. I'm too shaken by my experience with the Sigma 10-20 to consider an online purchase. Right now, I am trying to live with K135/2.5 and then (big gap) F300/4.5. I do prefer SMC for the color and contrast, the build quality and ahem* support the lens/camera company that I prefer.

03-02-2010, 12:33 AM	#13
Gigahz Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Singapore Posts: 100 Original Poster	Originally posted by pinholecam No faith in Sigma. My 28-200 fell apart in 4yrs. Brand new 10-20 was very badly front focused new out of box (needed a 2wk fix; chalking in an extra 3k shutter counts on my brand new K7 ). Very bad pricing here in Singapore where i am. I did try a Sigma (older non HSM version) that was on sale 2nd hand. I was not convinced by that particular copy. At f2.8 it was softer than my 55-200 at 190mm/f4.5, and only matched it when stop down to the same f stop. I attribute that particular performance to that lens rather than to all Sigma 70-200s since there have been so many excellent photos from it online. Most suggestions online point to Tamron. I'm considering it, but again, pricing here is bad. I'm too shaken by my experience with the Sigma 10-20 to consider an online purchase. Right now, I am trying to live with K135/2.5 and then (big gap) F300/4.5. I do prefer SMC for the color and contrast, the build quality and ahem* support the lens/camera company that I prefer. Very well said.. I want to support Pentax

03-02-2010, 12:36 AM	#14
LeDave Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Minneapolis - St. Paul Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,067	Because they have the DA* 16-50 and DA* 50-135. Unless they do make one it'd be a DFA 24-70 and 70-200 WR.

03-02-2010, 12:41 AM	#15
GoremanX Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Georgia, VT Photos: Albums Posts: 1,657	Originally posted by Gigahz Very well said.. I want to support Pentax Why do you want to support a company that continues to foist SDM upon us? A company that insists that a 1 year warranty is sufficient for a $1000+ lens? A company that feels it's ok to give consumers in Canada a 2 year warranty for the exact same product manufactured in the exact same place? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my DA* 50-135mm, but the day that SDM fails (and it will, it's inevitable), I know I'll be seething mad and will regret having wasted my money on it. With any luck, Pentax will come up with a worthy successor to SDM before mine fails, and then I can sell my DA* 50-135mm and buy whatever replaces it in the lineup. In the meantime, I intend to speak with my money; Pentax will not receive another dime from me for a product with SDM, regardless of focal length. Now a Limited lens, that's another story