Originally posted by eddie1960 While I agree they need all of that, to launch a FF and get in the game they don't need everything, the most important are 24-70 2.8, 70-200 2.8, TC, there are already a number of acceptible primes (FA LTD, FA50, DFA100 and probably the 200 and 300) A number of the holes are also temporarily able to be covered off through 3rd party (Sigma)
So really 2 zooms are the initial launch issue. Lower price f4 zooms need to follow pretty quickly (or it could launch the other way round since 2.8 is available in sigma) All future FA lenses though need to be WR. it will be a long time before a FF body that isn't WR exists (if ever) so there is no reason all the lenses should not be made to the standard. FF isn't a camera driven by kit sales though a value kit is a necessity (24-105 4.0 w/ body)
They'll need a wide at launch, ideally a 14-24 flagship, or a 16-35. Copy Nikon. Pick one. Do it right.. A super-wide can wait. But bracketing the 24mm focal length with a top-quality zoom is a must.
Also required is a 50 macro for FF. Needs to be very soon after launch. For many (like me) this is the go-to "normal" lens. In an age of pixel peeping for sharpness, these are the lenses that make talk.
Need a 28-70/4 in a compact package right away; maybe a 24-90 remake, maybe the 28-105. Not expensive lenses to make, but they cost marketing and shelf space. Consumers won't buy the body if they don't have lens options, not at FF camera body prices. Both Nikon and Canon FF sales took off when the lens development caught up.
The critical FL is 24mm both for pro and consumer, in primes and zooms. Pentax will need the equivalent of the DA 15. With the D FA 100 and the FA Ltd 77 an 85mm is not needed right away, but between 24mm and 50mm is where the weakness lies, especially at consumer grade.
They'll need an f/4ish long reach zoom also, like 100-300.
Cannot rely on Limiteds to drive sales. Too pricey. Need more budget friendly 35mm prime, maybe a 28mm, and the FA 50/1.4 needs a redesign (like the new DA 50/1.8). Keep it budget friendly or it will not drive sales. It's a good thing if consumers agonize over a 28, 35, or 50mm, along with the 43 and 31 Ltd. If consumers cannot reach up, they can still stay loyal. This is what vexes the Pentax line-up right now.
Relying on third parties is wrong. That's leaving money on the table, and dilutes the brand.
They also need a reworked flash system.