Pentax Lens Price Hike - Here we go again!

MMVIII · 05-02-2013, 05:02 PM

Originally posted by fast50

Exactly - this thread should be "Pentax USA price hike".

xactly², as far as I can understand, that nobody might be happy about price rises, this brings the US-prices on the level that has been there for most other parts of the world. And as far as I have concluded from the responses of others, of course not including the VAT in the compared country too; why is that so hard to understand for some here?

Regarding all this (sometimes understandable) frustrated postings facepalming because of PRIC USA - wouldn't it make sense to give them an extra place in the forum? Just a friendly suggestion...

Biro · 05-02-2013, 09:10 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by MMVIII

xactly², as far as I can understand, that nobody might be happy about price rises, this brings the US-prices on the level that has been there for most other parts of the world. And as far as I have concluded from the responses of others, of course not including the VAT in the compared country too; why is that so hard to understand for some here?

Regarding all this (sometimes understandable) frustrated postings facepalming because of PRIC USA - wouldn't it make sense to give them an extra place in the forum? Just a friendly suggestion...

Why is it hard to understand? Because none of these lenses are new, the development costs have been recovered for a while and production has been moved out of Japan to Vietnam (where labor is far cheaper and quality control is spottier). In other words, these lenses are not worth the new prices and most Pentaxians have enough sense to know when they're being hosed.

As I wrote in an earlier post in this string, I was one of those defending the actions of Pentax - even in the U.S. But now it's pretty obvious this is simply a money grab. Pentax has done nothing to enhance the perceived value of its products. They simply hiked the price and many of us who have been quite loyal through Pentax's darkest days don't like it and aren't afraid to say so.

I'm sorry prices are so high in the EU. I'm not being sarcastic. I really am sorry about that. Canada has had to deal with higher prices as well. But most of these lenses aren't worth what Pentax USA is now asking for them - particularly the DA* 16-50. I believe many heretofore loyal Pentaxians will be voting with their wallets and pocketbooks.

twitch · 05-02-2013, 09:32 PM

Originally posted by Biro

Why is it hard to understand? Because none of these lenses are new, the development costs have been recovered for a while and production has been moved out of Japan to Vietnam (where labor is far cheaper and quality control is spottier). In other words, these lenses are not worth the new prices and most Pentaxians have enough sense to know when they're being hosed.

As I wrote in an earlier post in this string, I was one of those defending the actions of Pentax - even in the U.S. But now it's pretty obvious this is simply a money grab. Pentax has done nothing to enhance the perceived value of its products. They simply hiked the price and many of us who have been quite loyal through Pentax's darkest days don't like it and aren't afraid to say so.

I'm sorry prices are so high in the EU. I'm not being sarcastic. I really am sorry about that. Canada has had to deal with higher prices as well. But most of these lenses aren't worth what Pentax USA is now asking for them - particularly the DA* 16-50. I believe many heretofore loyal Pentaxians will be voting with their wallets and pocketbooks.

Got to agree. The rate of lens releases from Pentax that are new designs or real improvements to existing ones (rather than plastic version of old designs) has been pathetic for a few years now.

I'm struggling to think of any recent ones other than the irrelevant 560mm.

**Aristophanes** · 05-03-2013, 03:05 AM

50/1.8 is new.

Docrwm · 05-03-2013, 03:26 AM

Originally posted by Aristophanes

50/1.8 is new.

The 35/2.4 is new as well. Problem is that the two of them are reworks, in cheaper form, of existing designs.

Jean Poitiers · 05-03-2013, 03:31 AM

Originally posted by cali92rs

So now the lenses are overpriced in all countries...great

My thought as well ... prices have increased some here in France, from what I can see via a quick pricing research ... J

bossa · 05-03-2013, 03:34 AM

I don't think any Nikon lenses have plastic mounts do they? The more I read about Pentax here the more I feel like they are winding down.. perhaps Ricoh thought they were getting something else for their money. I bought a 31mm LTD four weeks ago and it arrived yesterday and it has a scratch on the edge of an internal element.... I am awaiting a replacement (even though this lens is pin sharp) simply because if I ever want to sell it I want to maximize the sale.

gazonk · 05-03-2013, 04:15 AM

Originally posted by bossa

I don't think any Nikon lenses have plastic mounts do they?

Oh come on, the DA35/2.4 actually has a quite nice feel to it, feels more well built than e.g. the Canon 50/1.8 "plastic fantastic". It's a huge step up from the kit lens, a true gem for e.g. students on a small budget.

TOUGEFC · 05-03-2013, 04:21 AM

Originally posted by gazonk

Oh come on, the DA35/2.4 actually has a quite nice feel to it, feels more well built than e.g. the Canon 50/1.8 "plastic fantastic". It's a huge step up from the kit lens, a true gem for e.g. students on a small budget.

Compare it too the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G

, (Metal mount, fast quiet AF motor, sealed , faster, quick-shift, cheaper and better built, it even comes with a lens hood and pouch!)

bossa · 05-03-2013, 04:22 AM

Originally posted by gazonk

Oh come on, the DA35/2.4 actually has a quite nice feel to it, feels more well built than e.g. the Canon 50/1.8 "plastic fantastic". It's a huge step up from the kit lens, a true gem for e.g. students on a small budget.

I didn't mention Canon.

gazonk · 05-03-2013, 04:44 AM

Originally posted by TOUGEFC

Compare it too the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G

, (Metal mount, fast quiet AF motor, sealed , faster, quick-shift, cheaper and better built, it even comes with a lens hood and pouch!)

You do have a point, but...:

AF is definitely less noisy with the Nikkor - but is it faster? (Photozone: "However, allthough it's sonic wave driven, the AF is not really a speed demon.")
The Nikkor is sealed? I don't think so - just sealed in the way the DA17-70 is sealed (at the mount).
The price difference is small.

And the DA35 scores some points, too: It has less CA and weighs a LOT less.
- AND it seems to be fully FF compatible (the Nikkor is not)!

gazonk · 05-03-2013, 04:46 AM

Originally posted by bossa

I didn't mention Canon.

So Canon is "winding down" too?

zbrueningsen · 05-03-2013, 04:49 AM

The DA 35 2.4 is an extremely good lens for its cost. Toughefc - I am a huge fan of your work (and you are the reason I will get the DA 55 and the FA 77), but let's be honest. If Pentax made a FF you wouldn't have just said that about Nikon. We are FF away from the best system in the world for cost ratio.

cali92rs · 05-03-2013, 04:58 AM

Originally posted by zbrueningsen

We are FF away from the best system in the world for cost ratio.

How is this true? Nikon makes a lot of lenses that are still in production, that are AF, which are cheaper than Pentax's APS-C offerings.

TOUGEFC · 05-03-2013, 04:59 AM

Originally posted by gazonk

You do have a point, but...:

AF is definitely less noisy with the Nikkor - but is it faster? (Photozone: "However, allthough it's sonic wave driven, the AF is not really a speed demon.")
The Nikkor is sealed? I don't think so - just sealed in the way the DA17-70 is sealed (at the mount).
The price difference is small.

And the DA35 scores some points, too: It has less CA and weighs a LOT less.
- AND it seems to be fully FF compatible (the Nikkor is not)!

The Nikon works pretty good on full frame

-

Produces better bokeh too, has 7 rounded blades (DAL35mm has 6 straight blades)

Originally posted by gazonk

but is it faster?

When I said faster I was refering to the large aperture, so yes, f/1.8 vs f/2.4 (I know what I would rather!!

)

I never said its AF speed was faster, I said "it has fast quiet AF motor"

05-03-2013, 03:26 AM	#170
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by Aristophanes 50/1.8 is new. The 35/2.4 is new as well. Problem is that the two of them are reworks, in cheaper form, of existing designs. Last edited by Docrwm; 05-03-2013 at 04:37 AM.

05-03-2013, 04:59 AM	#180
TOUGEFC Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,561	Originally posted by gazonk You do have a point, but...: AF is definitely less noisy with the Nikkor - but is it faster? (Photozone: "However, allthough it's sonic wave driven, the AF is not really a speed demon.") The Nikkor is sealed? I don't think so - just sealed in the way the DA17-70 is sealed (at the mount). The price difference is small. And the DA35 scores some points, too: It has less CA and weighs a LOT less. - AND it seems to be fully FF compatible (the Nikkor is not)! The Nikon works pretty good on full frame - Produces better bokeh too, has 7 rounded blades (DAL35mm has 6 straight blades) Originally posted by gazonk but is it faster? When I said faster I was refering to the large aperture, so yes, f/1.8 vs f/2.4 (I know what I would rather!! ) I never said its AF speed was faster, I said "it has fast quiet AF motor" Last edited by TOUGEFC; 05-03-2013 at 05:07 AM.

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05-02-2013, 05:02 PM	#166
MMVIII Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: EU Posts: 1,121	Originally posted by fast50 Exactly - this thread should be "Pentax USA price hike". xactly², as far as I can understand, that nobody might be happy about price rises, this brings the US-prices on the level that has been there for most other parts of the world. And as far as I have concluded from the responses of others, of course not including the VAT in the compared country too; why is that so hard to understand for some here? Regarding all this (sometimes understandable) frustrated postings facepalming because of PRIC USA - wouldn't it make sense to give them an extra place in the forum? Just a friendly suggestion...

05-02-2013, 09:10 PM - 2 Likes	#167
Biro Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,200	Originally posted by MMVIII xactly², as far as I can understand, that nobody might be happy about price rises, this brings the US-prices on the level that has been there for most other parts of the world. And as far as I have concluded from the responses of others, of course not including the VAT in the compared country too; why is that so hard to understand for some here? Regarding all this (sometimes understandable) frustrated postings facepalming because of PRIC USA - wouldn't it make sense to give them an extra place in the forum? Just a friendly suggestion... Why is it hard to understand? Because none of these lenses are new, the development costs have been recovered for a while and production has been moved out of Japan to Vietnam (where labor is far cheaper and quality control is spottier). In other words, these lenses are not worth the new prices and most Pentaxians have enough sense to know when they're being hosed. As I wrote in an earlier post in this string, I was one of those defending the actions of Pentax - even in the U.S. But now it's pretty obvious this is simply a money grab. Pentax has done nothing to enhance the perceived value of its products. They simply hiked the price and many of us who have been quite loyal through Pentax's darkest days don't like it and aren't afraid to say so. I'm sorry prices are so high in the EU. I'm not being sarcastic. I really am sorry about that. Canada has had to deal with higher prices as well. But most of these lenses aren't worth what Pentax USA is now asking for them - particularly the DA* 16-50. I believe many heretofore loyal Pentaxians will be voting with their wallets and pocketbooks.

05-02-2013, 09:32 PM	#168
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	Originally posted by Biro Why is it hard to understand? Because none of these lenses are new, the development costs have been recovered for a while and production has been moved out of Japan to Vietnam (where labor is far cheaper and quality control is spottier). In other words, these lenses are not worth the new prices and most Pentaxians have enough sense to know when they're being hosed. As I wrote in an earlier post in this string, I was one of those defending the actions of Pentax - even in the U.S. But now it's pretty obvious this is simply a money grab. Pentax has done nothing to enhance the perceived value of its products. They simply hiked the price and many of us who have been quite loyal through Pentax's darkest days don't like it and aren't afraid to say so. I'm sorry prices are so high in the EU. I'm not being sarcastic. I really am sorry about that. Canada has had to deal with higher prices as well. But most of these lenses aren't worth what Pentax USA is now asking for them - particularly the DA* 16-50. I believe many heretofore loyal Pentaxians will be voting with their wallets and pocketbooks. Got to agree. The rate of lens releases from Pentax that are new designs or real improvements to existing ones (rather than plastic version of old designs) has been pathetic for a few years now. I'm struggling to think of any recent ones other than the irrelevant 560mm.

05-03-2013, 03:05 AM	#169
Aristophanes Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Rankin Inlet, Nunavut Photos: Albums Posts: 3,948	50/1.8 is new.

05-03-2013, 03:31 AM	#171
Jean Poitiers Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,076	Originally posted by cali92rs So now the lenses are overpriced in all countries...great My thought as well ... prices have increased some here in France, from what I can see via a quick pricing research ... J

05-03-2013, 03:34 AM	#172
bossa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Adelaide Posts: 4,546	I don't think any Nikon lenses have plastic mounts do they? The more I read about Pentax here the more I feel like they are winding down.. perhaps Ricoh thought they were getting something else for their money. I bought a 31mm LTD four weeks ago and it arrived yesterday and it has a scratch on the edge of an internal element.... I am awaiting a replacement (even though this lens is pin sharp) simply because if I ever want to sell it I want to maximize the sale.

05-03-2013, 04:15 AM	#173
gazonk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oslo area, Norway Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,746	Originally posted by bossa I don't think any Nikon lenses have plastic mounts do they? Oh come on, the DA35/2.4 actually has a quite nice feel to it, feels more well built than e.g. the Canon 50/1.8 "plastic fantastic". It's a huge step up from the kit lens, a true gem for e.g. students on a small budget.

05-03-2013, 04:21 AM	#174
TOUGEFC Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,561	Originally posted by gazonk Oh come on, the DA35/2.4 actually has a quite nice feel to it, feels more well built than e.g. the Canon 50/1.8 "plastic fantastic". It's a huge step up from the kit lens, a true gem for e.g. students on a small budget. Compare it too the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G , (Metal mount, fast quiet AF motor, sealed , faster, quick-shift, cheaper and better built, it even comes with a lens hood and pouch!)

05-03-2013, 04:22 AM	#175
bossa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Adelaide Posts: 4,546	Originally posted by gazonk Oh come on, the DA35/2.4 actually has a quite nice feel to it, feels more well built than e.g. the Canon 50/1.8 "plastic fantastic". It's a huge step up from the kit lens, a true gem for e.g. students on a small budget. I didn't mention Canon.

05-03-2013, 04:44 AM	#176
gazonk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oslo area, Norway Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,746	Originally posted by TOUGEFC Compare it too the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G , (Metal mount, fast quiet AF motor, sealed , faster, quick-shift, cheaper and better built, it even comes with a lens hood and pouch!) You do have a point, but...: AF is definitely less noisy with the Nikkor - but is it faster? (Photozone: "However, allthough it's sonic wave driven, the AF is not really a speed demon.") The Nikkor is sealed? I don't think so - just sealed in the way the DA17-70 is sealed (at the mount). The price difference is small. And the DA35 scores some points, too: It has less CA and weighs a LOT less. - AND it seems to be fully FF compatible (the Nikkor is not)!

05-03-2013, 04:46 AM	#177
gazonk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oslo area, Norway Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,746	Originally posted by bossa I didn't mention Canon. So Canon is "winding down" too?

05-03-2013, 04:49 AM	#178
zbrueningsen Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Nebraska Photos: Albums Posts: 902	The DA 35 2.4 is an extremely good lens for its cost. Toughefc - I am a huge fan of your work (and you are the reason I will get the DA 55 and the FA 77), but let's be honest. If Pentax made a FF you wouldn't have just said that about Nikon. We are FF away from the best system in the world for cost ratio.

05-03-2013, 04:58 AM	#179
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,354	Originally posted by zbrueningsen We are FF away from the best system in the world for cost ratio. How is this true? Nikon makes a lot of lenses that are still in production, that are AF, which are cheaper than Pentax's APS-C offerings.