Originally posted by AGWoodard Ignoring the Limited debate, because there are other fine lenses that I believe compete quite nicely with them in IQ,
Let's talk abut In Body SR -
Most L glass or pro glass from the other two have built in IS or VR, at the SAME price Pentax is now charging while NOT having those features.
In Body SR was the big deal back when they came out with it because a lens would be cheaper because you didn't have to have an IS or VR system in each one. Remember? They stepped right in that one didn't they?
But you are right. At the current lens pricing policy, the lack of a full system of lenses, the lack of basic accessories, and no forward advancement to FF, there really isn't a good reason to stay with Pentax anymore.
I've been on the fence waiting for both a long lens and a FF body for a while now. Neither have come to fruition, and the new 560 - well, it doesn't seem to be a serious contender, though time will tell. But my guess is, it won't have any better IQ than a Bigma. And at a premium price now.
I'll probably wait for a used D700, or 5DMkII and then make the jump. It's really not personal or emotional, there just isn't any compelling reason to stay a Pentaxian anymore.
If this was the much touted "Plan" Pentax had for me, all I can do is thank them for giving me the nudge.
My query about the Limiteds are very specific to them, as opposed to other primes, due to the unique qualities - most are very small and relatively slow, and all have top-notch build quality and some even have that elusive "pixie-dust", so there is not really much direct comparison in Canikonland. There are alternative that are "just as good", but the Limiteds are simply a unique flavor that may not matter to some (most) people. I know of several Canon shooters who have a Pentax solely to shoot with Limiteds.
IIRC, at the time of introduction the non-IS/VR lenses were cheaper than their IS/VR counterparts. Like many other technologies, once in-lens IS/VR became mainstream and cheaper to produce, it was easier and more cost-effective for 3rd parties to include it in all mounts for a specific lens. And anyway, I was more pointing Pentax in-body SR toward the use of legacy glass. I mean, I have a stabilized Sigma 170-500 lens for 1/3 the price of what Canikonians can get. Also, many Canikon primes lack IS/VR. IMO, Pentax did us a real solid there.
But anyway... yeah, there really does seem to be a lot of merit to your idea of waiting awhile, and moving to a used FF. Like you, I'm not particularly sentimental about the camera equipment. I can extol the virtues of the Pentax system, but I can do so for the other systems, too