[RioRico]

I'll suggest that new primes in the 110-200mm range are pretty much a dead issue for crop-sensor cameras. That range is well covered by fast-enough zooms. Longer primes are desirable because longer faster zooms become huge and exorbitant. But that range just seems to be nearly a dead zone, with few offerings now. Why build something that won't be bought?

[vicentesagredo]

Nothing is wrong with them really...I already have a DA 70mm ltd. I wouldnt mind a 100mm, but I would prefer a 135mm or 150mm.
I have looked all over for a FA 135mm, but no one wants to sell them

Pentax Autofocus 135 F2.8 SMC FA INTERNAL FOCUS (52) WITH CAPS 35MM SLR AUTO FOCUS TELEPHOTO LENS - KEH.com

[RonHendriks1966]

I'll suggest that new primes in the 110-200mm range are pretty much a dead issue for crop-sensor cameras. That range is well covered by fast-enough zooms. Longer primes are desirable because longer faster zooms become huge and exorbitant. But that range just seems to be nearly a dead zone, with few offerings now. Why build something that won't be bought?

Again, a DA*135mm/f2.0 would be a different matter I think!

[RioRico]

Again, a DA*135mm/f2.0 would be a different matter I think!

I look through the latest B&H catalog and I see that Canon and Nikon each have one 135/2, and Canon has a 135/2.8 (soft focus). No prices listed. Sony has a 135/2.8 and Zeiss' 135/1.8, each well over US$1k. Sigma has a 150/2.8 macro, but no 135. Tamron, Tokina, Samyang, Pentax have nothing there. Olympus has nothing comparable. All these lensmakers, scores of lenses -- and just 3 fast and one specialty 135's, all of which seem to be FF.

So I think it's fair to say that these makers just don't see market demand for 135mm on crop-sensor cameras. Maybe Ricoh's bean-counters read different numbers. Maybe they know of a hidden demand, and will push a DA*135/2. But I doubt it. NOTE: The FOV equivalent of 135mm on FF would be 85-90mm on APS-C. Everybody has a fast 85. That's obviously a lucrative spot.

[Pentaxor]

I look through the latest B&H catalog and I see that Canon and Nikon each have one 135/2, and Canon has a 135/2.8 (soft focus). No prices listed. Sony has a 135/2.8 and Zeiss' 135/1.8, each well over US$1k. Sigma has a 150/2.8 macro, but no 135. Tamron, Tokina, Samyang, Pentax have nothing there. Olympus has nothing comparable. All these lensmakers, scores of lenses -- and just 3 fast and one specialty 135's, all of which seem to be FF.

So I think it's fair to say that these makers just don't see market demand for 135mm on crop-sensor cameras. Maybe Ricoh's bean-counters read different numbers. Maybe they know of a hidden demand, and will push a DA*135/2. But I doubt it. NOTE: The FOV equivalent of 135mm on FF would be 85-90mm on APS-C. Everybody has a fast 85. That's obviously a lucrative spot.

the thing is, Samyang, Tokina and Tamron don't have cameras to offer.Olympus atleast is compatible with the Sigma 150 before they abandoned their 4/3 dslr system. I can't speak the same with m4/3 since the system is fairly new and is still have to fill their lens lineup, however we see people adapting SLR telephoto lenses on m4/3 cameras . and the Sigma system has the 150mm. so basically, Pentax is the only crop sensor camera brand that doesn't offer a prime lens at that range. I don't believe it has something to do with no market demand for that specific focal length due to sensor size. but rather the commitment of the brand to produce such lens. in fact, it has been forever that Pentax users were looking for an FA135 successor (so glad I got myself one of the old FA). if FOV was really an issue and judging by FOV equivalence need, Pentax don't have a new fast 85mm to offer as well. it took another 3rd party manufacturer to build one for Pentax. there are a lot of certain focal length lenses that are missing badly for Pentax, not just the 135 or 85. we can also include a 60/2 and the much needed 28/2 lenses for that matter.

[rvannatta]

Again, a DA*135mm/f2.0 would be a different matter I think!

agreed. The 50-135 SDM is almost as small as the FA 135 and they both feature f/2.8 (but much heavier). there are also consumer zooms that walk all over this focal length. While I grew up believing that primes were much better, it is fairly hard to demonstrate that life long prejudice when the zoom is the DA* 50-135.

At some point IQ is 'good enough', and the upward march of usable ISO numbers has diminished the value of optically fast glass.

[Pentaxor]

agreed. The 50-135 SDM is almost as small as the FA 135 and they both feature f/2.8 (but much heavier). there are also consumer zooms that walk all over this focal length. While I grew up believing that primes were much better, it is fairly hard to demonstrate that life long prejudice when the zoom is the DA* 50-135.

At some point IQ is 'good enough', and the upward march of usable ISO numbers has diminished the value of optically fast glass.

you are completely mistaken if you think that both lenses are almost equal in size. the FA135 is significantly shorter or smaller than the DA* zoom (almost half). it is more like a compact telephoto lens if you ask me. also, the DA* zoom is at it's weakest at the 135mm. on the otherhand, it does improve a lot at slower apertures which is very good for those who don't need the extra speed (still a great performer if you ask me). of course, this does not only restrict the need for aperture speed for exposure but DOF as well.

the DA* zoom brings focal length flexibility for the cost of weight and size, while the FA135 prime brings compactness and close-focusing capability. Yes, the MFD of the FA135 is great and also gives the much needed flexibility. people shouldn't overlook how useful and advantageous having such shooting range. having said that, having a macro would even make it more flexible. that is why I got my eye on the Sigma 150 and could be a possible replacement for the FA135. although I could lose the compactness in that regard.

[TOUGEFC]

you are completely mistaken if you think that both lenses are almost equal in size. the FA135 is significantly shorter or smaller than the DA* zoom (almost half). it is more like a compact telephoto lens if you ask me. also, the DA* zoom is at it's weakest at the 135mm. on the otherhand, it does improve a lot at slower apertures which is very good for those who don't need the extra speed (still a great performer if you ask me). of course, this does not only restrict the need for aperture speed for exposure but DOF as well.

the DA* zoom brings focal length flexibility for the cost of weight and size, while the FA135 prime brings compactness and close-focusing capability. Yes, the MFD of the FA135 is great and also gives the much needed flexibility. people shouldn't overlook how useful and advantageous having such shooting range. having said that, having a macro would even make it more flexible. that is why I got my eye on the Sigma 150 and could be a possible replacement for the FA135. although I could lose the compactness in that regard.

Well said! +1 rep not only is the FA significantly shorter, its almost half the weight too!

[TOUGEFC]

So I think it's fair to say that these makers just don't see market demand for 135mm on crop-sensor cameras. Maybe Ricoh's bean-counters read different numbers. Maybe they know of a hidden demand, and will push a DA*135/2. But I doubt it. NOTE: The FOV equivalent of 135mm on FF would be 85-90mm on APS-C. Everybody has a fast 85. That's obviously a lucrative spot.

NOTE: The FOV equivalent of 200mm on FF would be 135mm on APS-C

[dankoBanana]

as I've already said, I don't thing a DA* 135 f2 would be appealing to a lot of people to justify its making. and its heavy "me too" lens and we know that's not the Pentax way
but an APS-C, compact, 120-135mm f2.4-2-8 DA Limited would be unique across brands. something a person could easily carry with their DA 15, 40, 70. I would be VERY interested in something like that.

the FA 135 f2.8 design looks great. update it for digital, if possible make it more compact by reducing the image circle for APS-C and make the body like the DFA 100 WR macro and I think we have a winner

[RonHendriks1966]

as I've already said, I don't thing a DA* 135 f2 would be appealing to a lot of people to justify its making. and its heavy "me too" lens and we know that's not the Pentax way
but an APS-C, compact, 120-135mm f2.4-2-8 DA Limited would be unique across brands. something a person could easily carry with their DA 15, 40, 70. I would be VERY interested in something like that.

the FA 135 f2.8 design looks great. update it for digital, if possible make it more compact by reducing the image circle for APS-C and make the body like the DFA 100 WR macro and I think we have a winner

Well bringing out a 135mm/f2.8 would damage sales for DA*50-135mm I think. So bringing a new lens would be the best to think off what new lens would have it's place on it's own.

That is why I thought about the gap between 77mm and 200mm (leaving the macro out) and how this could be filled. I called this in the survey https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/146454-wich-le...r-d-money.html the Long Portrait category. For that 5 choices came to the survey bringing each there own niche: DA*85mm/f1.4; DA-L 90mm/f2.8; DA 100mm/f2.4 Ltd.; FA 105mm/f1.9 Ltd. and DA*135mm/f2.0. So expanding the FA and DA Limited series at a logical next step. Going from 70mm -> 100mm and 77mm -> 105mm brings a new perspective without making a new gap in an excisting lensline. On the long end, a 135mm/f2.0 would make a new lens in line with other hi-end primes

• DA*55mm/f1.4 (=84mm to film on APS-C)
• DA*85mm/f1.4 (=130mm to film on APS-C) (not in production yet)
• DA*135mm/f2.0 (=206mm to film on APS-C) (not in production yet)
• DA*200mm/f2.8 (=306mm to film on APS-C)
• DA*300mm/f4 (=458mm to film on APS-C)

Where each lens is about the next step in full format.

On the short side this would mean a 35mm/f1.4, but there we have FA 31mm/f1.8 to fil that gap.

[dankoBanana]

Well bringing out a 135mm/f2.8 would damage sales for DA*50-135mm I think. So bringing a new lens would be the best to think off what new lens would have it's place on it's own.

I don't agree
people who want a zoom will want a zoom. but to differentiate the products, make the prime less long. 110mm? 120? and not to fast (f2.4-2.8).
damn it, I want my compact DA Limited telephoto

[akanarya]

This isn't a pentax lens, but it might end up being a beast: Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro Lens 106109 B&H Photo

seems realy a beast!

[falconeye]

I was just on Sigma's site last week looking at that lens and there was no mention of a pentax mount for it. Hopefully it will be coming out in the pentax mount and that it is not a mistake on the B&H site...

B&H listing is here:
-> Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro Lens 106109 B&H Photo

It was originally listed on the Sigma site and Sigma had acknowledged a K-mount version at one point but then "crawfished" and took that off their site. I wonder if the Sigma boys heard the Hoya boys were going to sell Pentax.

Sigma USA doesn't list the PA mount (did it ever do so)? But Sigma Germany does and always did:
-> 150mm F2.8 EX DG MAKRO OS HSM: SIGMA Deutschland GmbH

However, Sigma Germany doesn't do so yet in their online shop.

Nevertheless, I have a quote for the Sigma lens backed up by Sigma Germany who said (back in April) that the Pentax version would be later but will be (in September this year). They gave my dealer a price.

Today, I checked with Sigma Germany again (I phoned them). They assured me that Sigma Germany will sell the lens in Pentax mount but that they cannot speak for the US. They promised to cross-check with their US colleagues and keep me updated.

[rvannatta]

you are completely mistaken if you think that both lenses are almost equal in size. the FA135 is significantly shorter or smaller than the DA* zoom (almost half). it is more like a compact telephoto lens if you ask me. also, the DA* zoom is at it's weakest at the 135mm. on the otherhand, it does improve a lot at slower apertures which is very good for those who don't need the extra speed (still a great performer if you ask me). of course, this does not only restrict the need for aperture speed for exposure but DOF as well.

the DA* zoom brings focal length flexibility for the cost of weight and size, while the FA135 prime brings compactness and close-focusing capability. Yes, the MFD of the FA135 is great and also gives the much needed flexibility. people shouldn't overlook how useful and advantageous having such shooting range. having said that, having a macro would even make it more flexible. that is why I got my eye on the Sigma 150 and could be a possible replacement for the FA135. although I could lose the compactness in that regard.

I may have put my foot in it some.... I lined up my FA 100 Macro with the 50-135
and found them to be similar but on review it looks like the FA 135 is smaller. Likewise It isn't that I wouldn't buy a 135 if available. Indeed I recently attempted to--was second high bidder on the last one to be offered on Ebay--a couple weeks ago.

However I have found that it is possible to take some adequate photos
with the the 50-135--- at 135