Originally posted by blende8 ...
other:
- no tele above 500mm. It's not possible for Pentax. Unprofitable.
- no info on other lenses
- FA Limited are discontinued
- no FF in sight, definitely not in 2011, probably also not in 2012.
- perhaps there will be a 3rd party grip for the Kr.
- the high prices are defined in Japan. Pentax outside of Japan cannot change them.
- the market in the USA/Canada is a nothing to Pentax, only France and Germany count besides Japan.
Not quite the bounty of good news a Pentaxian could hope for.
The discontinuation of the FA Limiteds sucks, but lack of a FF camera for the last 6 or so years....it's a surprise, but it makes sense. Having said that, I wonder how long long the DFA 100mm macro WR lens will last?
On the telephoto end, I think it's a bad cycle that Pentax has locked itself into. They won't produce anything longer than 300mm because there's no market for it and a lot of people who consider a Pentax body perfect for wildlife won't make the move because Pentax doesn't have a sealed telephoto longer than 300mm to go with it.
As for FF, it's not really a surprise. The DA(L, *, Limited) line pretty much ensures FF won't ever be a reality. I know some lenses will work on FF, but a lot won't and Pentax isn't making any move to really change that. The 645D I think was the final nail in the coffin for FF hopes.
Again, not really great news, but not really a surprise either.