New Lenses Announcement (K and Q mount)

**monochrome** · 02-08-2012, 07:08 AM

Regarding the XS lenses and the K-01 - I'm thinking in the context of an entire new line of cameras and lenses that targets a market Pentax hasn't developed before. Look for consistent technology application, utility, design and branding. What do emerging wealthy buy globally? What do developd market emerging 20's and 30's buy?

Some K-0x technology will transfer in both directions, some won't. IOW, DA lenses will play well on a K-0x, DA-XS lenses might not play well on cameras with a mirror box.

If they won't look, for a modded mount on the K-0x line of bodies and the XS lenses. If the rear elements do project into the mirror box I will be surprised if there isn't a delimiter of some sort that prevents mounting an XS lens to a mirrored body. Perhaps a pin or tab that only mates to a hole on the K-0x mount or different length blade on the mount of the lens that only fits a new mount.

Would that be a KAF3 mount?

Last edited by monochrome; 02-08-2012 at 07:29 AM.

Asahiflex · 02-08-2012, 07:53 AM

Originally posted by Clavius

An autofocus mirrorlens?! With only f5.6? That would be an engineering miracle. Let's hope it IS a mirror lens.

It isn't.

**crewl1** · 02-08-2012, 08:27 AM

Originally posted by Caat

Also I should say that although the discussion has been couched in terms of DA* versus DA. DA* immediately adds an expectation of a certain leve of performance, cost and features but it's perfectly possible for DA lens to be very good.

The 'DA' 55-300 gets decent reviews of it's IQ, and the 'DA' 18-135 is both WR and has a DC motor for quiet focusing, so I am hopeful the DA only designation does not imply a sub par lens. Plus, I don't know of any Pentax primes that are slouches

JinDesu · 02-08-2012, 08:50 AM

Da 35 F2.4 is great. Same with the 35mm macro

DA 15 is astounding. Same with the DA 12-24.

DA 16-45 has often been comparable to the 16-50 (which could just be the 16-50's fault)

gazonk · 02-08-2012, 08:56 AM

Originally posted by crewl1

The 'DA' 55-300 gets decent reviews of it's IQ, and the 'DA' 18-135 is both WR and has a DC motor for quiet focusing, so I am hopeful the DA only designation does not imply a sub par lens.

Maybe they're even preparing a new line of "superior" lenses? After all the DA* designation will forever be hampered by all the SDM faults of the 16-50 and the 50-135. And I must say I'm not really convinced by the optical qualities of the 16-50, I'm pretty happy with my 16-45 and don't see that the 16-50 would really provide much of an IQ upgrade. The 50-135 (and I guess also all the other DA* lenses) seems like a very fine lens optically, but I think it's a bit sad that the "superior" standard zoom really isn't better.

ogl · 02-08-2012, 09:06 AM

Originally posted by gazonk

Maybe they're even preparing a new line of "superior" lenses? After all the DA* designation will forever be hampered by all the SDM faults of the 16-50 and the 50-135. And I must say I'm not really convinced by the optical qualities of the 16-50, I'm pretty happy with my 16-45 and don't see that the 16-50 would really provide much of an IQ upgrade. The 50-135 (and I guess also all the other DA* lenses) seems like a very fine lens optically, but I think it's a bit sad that the "superior" standard zoom really isn't better.

No doubt. XS is new line of lenses for K-0* system. I think - K-02 will be better in some ways than K-01 and maybe a bit smaller.
Anyway, the body dimensions with the smallest pancakes in the world is secondary...

**monochrome** · 02-08-2012, 09:14 AM

Originally posted by ogl

No doubt. XS is new line of lenses for K-0* system. I think - K-02 will be better in some ways than K-01 and maybe a bit smaller.
Anyway, the body dimensions with the smallest pancakes in the world is secondary...

Yeah - Won't it be cool if Pentax marketing hook is MILC bodies have interchangeable lenses, and even with the K-mount register distance a K-0* line camera will be smaller with an XS lens mounted than a competitor's APSc with their lens mounted?

HockeyDad · 02-08-2012, 09:20 AM

There's a lot in this thread from more experienced users and I just wanted to throw in my two cents as a newbie. I'm very excited by the DA 50 f/1.8! Assuming performance and pricing similar to the 35mm f/2.4, count me in line to buy one. I have a few manual 50s and I have grown to really like the focal length. I've had my eye out for used FA 50s for a little bit but I can't wait to see what this new lens is all about. You know they made it with newbies in mind and speaking as a newbie... Thanks! It's exactly what I was hoping for.

Alizarine · 02-08-2012, 09:30 AM

Originally posted by HockeyDad

I'm very excited by the DA 50 f/1.8! Assuming performance and pricing similar to the 35mm f/2.4, count me in line to buy one. I have a few manual 50s and I have grown to really like the focal length. I've had my eye out for used FA 50s for a little bit but I can't wait to see what this new lens is all about.

Same here. I find it great that somehow Pentax thought about the new Pentax users they got with the K-x and the K-r (and of course their more powerful brothers). Hopefully there's also a 24-70/ 28-80 in the works... well, according to the lens roadmap!

thibs · 02-08-2012, 09:59 AM

The 50-135 is not a very fine lens, it is a jewel

audiobomber · 02-08-2012, 10:14 AM

Originally posted by Alizarine

Hopefully there's also a 24-70/ 28-80 in the works... well, according to the lens roadmap!

I don't see that lens on the roadmap. The DA* zoom on the roadmap extends below 20mm and above 80mm.

konraDarnok · 02-08-2012, 10:28 AM

Originally posted by audiobomber

I don't see that lens on the roadmap. The DA* zoom on the roadmap extends below 20mm and above 80mm.

I'm kinda interested to see what the super zoom is. I had a 18-250mm which I rather liked. I sold it for speed, but the K-5 doesn't really need speed.

v5planet · 02-08-2012, 10:55 AM

My oh my, that new XS lens is very, very interesting indeed. Unlike the 40XS it has a delicious DA Ltd green trim ring on it...

I'm quite interested to know what the FL / aperture on that puppy is. The K-0x line looks more compelling every day.

Mareket · 02-08-2012, 11:17 AM

I tried matching it to another limited judging by the steps on the focus ring and it looks like it's recycled the focus ring and body from the 40mm limited. It's got the exact same focus markings and all that. Obviously it's not another 40mm though... Intriguing. Also it's quite a long lens design judging by the protruding rear tube...

HockeyDad · 02-08-2012, 11:20 AM

Originally posted by Alizarine

Hopefully there's also a 24-70/ 28-80 in the works...

I could certainly find a use for an f/2.8 variety of something in that neighborhood but I really don't see that as being priced low enough for newbies to take a chance on. Now, if they introduce something similar to the now discontinued 18-250mm and price it right, I could see a newbie grabbing one of those as their very first lens "investment" to replace their kit lens and then using primes like the 35mm and/or 50mm for "special" images. They'd have a really nice overall kit for a beginner that wouldn't break the bank and would take quite a while to grow out of. Then later, as they figure out how they shoot and what they like to shoot, they'll be more ready to spend the "big money" on big aperture zooms or crazy long primes.

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02-08-2012, 07:08 AM	#106
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Regarding the XS lenses and the K-01 - I'm thinking in the context of an entire new line of cameras and lenses that targets a market Pentax hasn't developed before. Look for consistent technology application, utility, design and *branding. What do emerging wealthy buy globally? What do developd market emerging 20's and 30's buy? Some K-0x technology will transfer in both directions, some won't. IOW, DA lenses will play well on a K-0x, DA-XS lenses might not play well on cameras with a mirror box. If they won't look, for a modded mount on the K-0x line of bodies and the XS lenses. If the rear elements do project into the mirror box I will be surprised if there isn't a delimiter of some sort that prevents mounting an XS lens to a mirrored body. Perhaps a pin or tab that only mates to a hole on the K-0x mount or different length blade on the mount of the lens that only fits a new mount. Would that be a KAF3 mount? Last edited by monochrome; 02-08-2012 at 07:29 AM.*

02-08-2012, 07:53 AM	#107
Asahiflex Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Netherlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,795	Originally posted by Clavius An autofocus mirrorlens?! With only f5.6? That would be an engineering miracle. Let's hope it IS a mirror lens. It isn't.

02-08-2012, 08:27 AM	#108
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Originally posted by Caat Also I should say that although the discussion has been couched in terms of DA* versus DA. DA* immediately adds an expectation of a certain leve of performance, cost and features but it's perfectly possible for DA lens to be very good. The 'DA' 55-300 gets decent reviews of it's IQ, and the 'DA' 18-135 is both WR and has a DC motor for quiet focusing, so I am hopeful the DA only designation does not imply a sub par lens. Plus, I don't know of any Pentax primes that are slouches

02-08-2012, 08:50 AM	#109
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Da 35 F2.4 is great. Same with the 35mm macro DA 15 is astounding. Same with the DA 12-24. DA 16-45 has often been comparable to the 16-50 (which could just be the 16-50's fault)

02-08-2012, 08:56 AM	#110
gazonk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oslo area, Norway Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,746	Originally posted by crewl1 The 'DA' 55-300 gets decent reviews of it's IQ, and the 'DA' 18-135 is both WR and has a DC motor for quiet focusing, so I am hopeful the DA only designation does not imply a sub par lens. Maybe they're even preparing a new line of "superior" lenses? After all the DA* designation will forever be hampered by all the SDM faults of the 16-50 and the 50-135. And I must say I'm not really convinced by the optical qualities of the 16-50, I'm pretty happy with my 16-45 and don't see that the 16-50 would really provide much of an IQ upgrade. The 50-135 (and I guess also all the other DA* lenses) seems like a very fine lens optically, but I think it's a bit sad that the "superior" standard zoom really isn't better.

02-08-2012, 09:06 AM	#111
ogl Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sankt Peterburg Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,382	Originally posted by gazonk Maybe they're even preparing a new line of "superior" lenses? After all the DA* designation will forever be hampered by all the SDM faults of the 16-50 and the 50-135. And I must say I'm not really convinced by the optical qualities of the 16-50, I'm pretty happy with my 16-45 and don't see that the 16-50 would really provide much of an IQ upgrade. The 50-135 (and I guess also all the other DA* lenses) seems like a very fine lens optically, but I think it's a bit sad that the "superior" standard zoom really isn't better. No doubt. XS is new line of lenses for K-0* system. I think - K-02 will be better in some ways than K-01 and maybe a bit smaller. Anyway, the body dimensions with the smallest pancakes in the world is secondary...

02-08-2012, 09:14 AM	#112
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by ogl No doubt. XS is new line of lenses for K-0* system. I think - K-02 will be better in some ways than K-01 and maybe a bit smaller. Anyway, the body dimensions with the smallest pancakes in the world is secondary... Yeah - Won't it be cool if Pentax marketing hook is MILC bodies have interchangeable lenses, and even with the K-mount register distance a K-0* line camera will be smaller with an XS lens mounted than a competitor's APSc with their lens mounted?

02-08-2012, 09:20 AM	#113
HockeyDad Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Michigan Posts: 482	There's a lot in this thread from more experienced users and I just wanted to throw in my two cents as a newbie. I'm very excited by the DA 50 f/1.8! Assuming performance and pricing similar to the 35mm f/2.4, count me in line to buy one. I have a few manual 50s and I have grown to really like the focal length. I've had my eye out for used FA 50s for a little bit but I can't wait to see what this new lens is all about. You know they made it with newbies in mind and speaking as a newbie... Thanks! It's exactly what I was hoping for.

02-08-2012, 09:30 AM	#114
Alizarine Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Manila Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,185	Originally posted by HockeyDad I'm very excited by the DA 50 f/1.8! Assuming performance and pricing similar to the 35mm f/2.4, count me in line to buy one. I have a few manual 50s and I have grown to really like the focal length. I've had my eye out for used FA 50s for a little bit but I can't wait to see what this new lens is all about. Same here. I find it great that somehow Pentax thought about the new Pentax users they got with the K-x and the K-r (and of course their more powerful brothers). Hopefully there's also a 24-70/ 28-80 in the works... well, according to the lens roadmap!

02-08-2012, 09:59 AM	#115
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	The 50-135 is not a very fine lens, it is a jewel

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02-08-2012, 10:14 AM	#116
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by Alizarine Hopefully there's also a 24-70/ 28-80 in the works... well, according to the lens roadmap! I don't see that lens on the roadmap. The DA* zoom on the roadmap extends below 20mm and above 80mm.

02-08-2012, 10:28 AM	#117
konraDarnok Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Photos: Albums Posts: 969	Originally posted by audiobomber I don't see that lens on the roadmap. The DA* zoom on the roadmap extends below 20mm and above 80mm. I'm kinda interested to see what the super zoom is. I had a 18-250mm which I rather liked. I sold it for speed, but the K-5 doesn't really need speed.

02-08-2012, 10:55 AM	#118
v5planet Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Seattle Photos: Albums Posts: 1,915	My oh my, that new XS lens is very, very interesting indeed. Unlike the 40XS it has a delicious DA Ltd green trim ring on it... I'm quite interested to know what the FL / aperture on that puppy is. The K-0x line looks more compelling every day.

02-08-2012, 11:17 AM	#119
Mareket Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Chester Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 719	I tried matching it to another limited judging by the steps on the focus ring and it looks like it's recycled the focus ring and body from the 40mm limited. It's got the exact same focus markings and all that. Obviously it's not another 40mm though... Intriguing. Also it's quite a long lens design judging by the protruding rear tube...

02-08-2012, 11:20 AM	#120
HockeyDad Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Michigan Posts: 482	Originally posted by Alizarine Hopefully there's also a 24-70/ 28-80 in the works... I could certainly find a use for an f/2.8 variety of something in that neighborhood but I really don't see that as being priced low enough for newbies to take a chance on. Now, if they introduce something similar to the now discontinued 18-250mm and price it right, I could see a newbie grabbing one of those as their very first lens "investment" to replace their kit lens and then using primes like the 35mm and/or 50mm for "special" images. They'd have a really nice overall kit for a beginner that wouldn't break the bank and would take quite a while to grow out of. Then later, as they figure out how they shoot and what they like to shoot, they'll be more ready to spend the "big money" on big aperture zooms or crazy long primes.