New HD DA Limited lenses

TrueFocus · 08-27-2013, 09:19 AM

I was sort of expecting some new lenses, because over here I have experienced quite a shortage in Pentax lenses in shops lately.

I really like the new design, much better than the old one. Especially I like the aperture/mm at the base. Everyone has their own taste, I guess.
Speaking of optical qualities, let's wait until some real world tests come in.

Eagle_Friends · 08-27-2013, 09:31 AM

old design looks better

**maxfield_photo** · 08-27-2013, 09:36 AM

Originally posted by Asahiflex

Sorry, I don't agree with you. While I do agree that the HD coating is better the difference just will never be noticeable on the final photo in all but the most demanding conditions. Also, the HD coating is not as good as the "Aero Bright" coating as per Pentax.

I thought it was just the opposite, HD replaced the Aero Birght coating (ABC). From the footage at... (was it CP+ a year ago?) the HD coating seemed to offer near-perfect reflection resistance. It doesn't sound like a lot, but internal reflections create veiling flair which has a significant impact on contrast, and therefore sharpness. With the rounded aperture blades, I think these new limited are going to set a new standard by which all other APS-C optics are judged.

**robbiec** · 08-27-2013, 09:37 AM - **5 Likes**

Hahaha, this place really does have some characters. Some don't like the change from green to red, others not liking the move from SMC to HD, others still complaining about an unannounced price increase and others yet complaining that the 'faithful' have not been satisfied. Hmm, are there any happy people left here? I kinda like the new font in place of the cheap looking Pentax + Lens size, I am interested to see how the rounded blades will have an effect on the returned image, improvements in coatings is also to be expected. Follow the 50 f/1.4 line for an example. No one is mentioning the revised flashes? Ohh the sky is falling, Pentax is doomed, Ricoh will rebrand us... ( bolded area is sarcasm btw)
S! and regards!

**seventysixersfan** · 08-27-2013, 09:41 AM

Originally posted by mecrox

Not necessarily. The new lenses will kindle more interest in the limited series, but if the new ones are priced too highly then demand for the first gen ones and hence prices second-hand could easily increase. Since Pentax seem to be pricing their lenses rather imaginatively these days, such a scenario isn't entirely unlikely - "great lens but at this price the real bargain is buying the older green-band examples second-hand, etc, etc."

I agree with this speculation. It all depends on how much they ask for the new limited lenses. I don't think this will depress the prices of the second-hand market for the green-band DA limited lenses, unless the optical performance is so much better, and the price of the new red-band line is not totally out of reach for people.

snake · 08-27-2013, 09:41 AM

Originally posted by maxfield_photo

With the rounded aperture blades, I think these new limited are going to set a new standard by which all other APS-C optics are judged.

I think that's a bit bold. The lenses are good, but we don't have to overdo it.

It would be nicer for Pentax to somehow come up with a fast 24 that will be a "new standard".

I can guarantee the differences will be minimal, but I'll be betting on folks like yourself that need to upgrade ASAP to get the new lenses. Then we'll have a spike in fleabay and forum marketplace listings so I could get a DA40.

Pentax should also be refining the coatings on the FA series. I know they've updated them over the years, but they still don't see to be optimized for digitial just yet.

Na Horuk · 08-27-2013, 09:42 AM - **1 Like**

What I gather from this HD is that Pentax is planning on announcing a camera with a high pixel density (higher than current cameras), which needs the best resolution. And HD coatings are part of that. But these are still APS-C lenses.
I am glad they are improving their products, shows the company is not stagnating

siamthai · 08-27-2013, 09:50 AM

Originally posted by robbiec

Hahaha, this place really does have some characters. Some don't like the change from green to red, others not liking the move from SMC to HD, others still complaining about an unannounced price increase and others yet complaining that the 'faithful' have not been satisfied. Hmm, are there any happy people left here? I kinda like the new font in place of the cheap looking Pentax + Lens size, I am interested to see how the rounded blades will have an effect on the returned image, improvements in coatings is also to be expected. Follow the 50 f/1.4 line for an example. No one is mentioning the revised flashes? Ohh the sky is falling, Pentax is doomed, Ricoh will rebrand us... ( bolded area is sarcasm btw)
S! and regards!

Look is important

Kunzite · 08-27-2013, 09:55 AM

Originally posted by maxfield_photo

I thought it was just the opposite, HD replaced the Aero Birght coating (ABC). From the footage at... (was it CP+ a year ago?) the HD coating seemed to offer near-perfect reflection resistance. It doesn't sound like a lot, but internal reflections create veiling flair which has a significant impact on contrast, and therefore sharpness. With the rounded aperture blades, I think these new limited are going to set a new standard by which all other APS-C optics are judged.

No, AeroBrightCoating is not replaced by HD; it's still reserved for their best and most expensive lenses.

infoomatic · 08-27-2013, 09:56 AM

I don't mind whethere there is a green or a red line. But I don't like that Ricoh uses its R&D and production resources for lenses that did not need an update. I would have been happier about one of the missing lenses (85/1.4, 24/1.8 ... discussed elsewhere)

snake · 08-27-2013, 10:02 AM

Originally posted by infoomatic

I don't mind whethere there is a green or a red line. But I don't like that Ricoh uses its R&D and production resources for lenses that did not need an update. I would have been happier about one of the missing lenses (85/1.4, 24/1.8 ... discussed elsewhere)

It's nearly certain these were on the cards under the previous ownership.

Even if under Ricoh, minor updates like this are relatively inexpensive, sometimes, in the case of coatings, denote new techniques, cost measures, availability of raw materials, etc.

You so know that there isn't one SMC coating for instance, right? Coatings are constantly updated, often silently.

Resources devoted to this are minimal and the production likely has been in the pipeline for at least 2 years. You know how long it takes to form and prepare glass lenses, for instance?

Kunzite · 08-27-2013, 10:06 AM

There isn't much R&D in updating the lenses with a new coating and rounded aperture. As for the production capacity, if they sells that's not exactly an issue

Raffwal · 08-27-2013, 10:07 AM

Well, it is nice that they are improving the lens coatings. But I'm sure that most users would be more enthusiastic about really new lenses.

It is also worth noting that after the endless rumors and threads of a FF camera, what Pentoh releases is updated versions of APS-C lenses.

LFLee · 08-27-2013, 10:07 AM

Ricoh can make everyone happy with this move if they sell it cheaper than the current price.

theperception2008 · 08-27-2013, 10:10 AM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

What I gather from this HD is that Pentax is planning on announcing a camera with a high pixel density (higher than current cameras), which needs the best resolution. And HD coatings are part of that. But these are still APS-C lenses.
I am glad they are improving their products, shows the company is not stagnating

Well with the D800 and then Nex 7, it showed that older lenses that were not optimized for digital exhibited flaws. This was inevitable I think as sensors get better. Maybe Pentax engineers wanted to wait on the 24mp sensors until lenses were developed to match or exceed the sensor resolution.

It makes sense now as to why Pentax held onto the 16 MP sensors for an additional 18 months in the flagship camera. About 36 months of R&D for lenses to be designed and production started.

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08-27-2013, 09:19 AM	#76
TrueFocus Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 78	I was sort of expecting some new lenses, because over here I have experienced quite a shortage in Pentax lenses in shops lately. I really like the new design, much better than the old one. Especially I like the aperture/mm at the base. Everyone has their own taste, I guess. Speaking of optical qualities, let's wait until some real world tests come in.

08-27-2013, 09:31 AM	#77
Eagle_Friends Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 971	old design looks better

08-27-2013, 09:36 AM	#78
maxfield_photo Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 1,216	Originally posted by Asahiflex Sorry, I don't agree with you. While I do agree that the HD coating is better the difference just will never be noticeable on the final photo in all but the most demanding conditions. Also, the HD coating is not as good as the "Aero Bright" coating as per Pentax. I thought it was just the opposite, HD replaced the Aero Birght coating (ABC). From the footage at... (was it CP+ a year ago?) the HD coating seemed to offer near-perfect reflection resistance. It doesn't sound like a lot, but internal reflections create veiling flair which has a significant impact on contrast, and therefore sharpness. With the rounded aperture blades, I think these new limited are going to set a new standard by which all other APS-C optics are judged.

08-27-2013, 09:37 AM - 5 Likes	#79
robbiec Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cork Photos: Albums Posts: 1,882	Hahaha, this place really does have some characters. Some don't like the change from green to red, others not liking the move from SMC to HD, others still complaining about an unannounced price increase and others yet complaining that the 'faithful' have not been satisfied. Hmm, are there any happy people left here? I kinda like the new font in place of the cheap looking Pentax + Lens size, I am interested to see how the rounded blades will have an effect on the returned image, improvements in coatings is also to be expected. Follow the 50 f/1.4 line for an example. No one is mentioning the revised flashes? Ohh the sky is falling, Pentax is doomed, Ricoh will rebrand us... ( bolded area is sarcasm btw) S! and regards!

08-27-2013, 09:41 AM	#80
seventysixersfan Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	Originally posted by mecrox Not necessarily. The new lenses will kindle more interest in the limited series, but if the new ones are priced too highly then demand for the first gen ones and hence prices second-hand could easily increase. Since Pentax seem to be pricing their lenses rather imaginatively these days, such a scenario isn't entirely unlikely - "great lens but at this price the real bargain is buying the older green-band examples second-hand, etc, etc." I agree with this speculation. It all depends on how much they ask for the new limited lenses. I don't think this will depress the prices of the second-hand market for the green-band DA limited lenses, unless the optical performance is so much better, and the price of the new red-band line is not totally out of reach for people.

08-27-2013, 09:41 AM	#81
snake Banned Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: NY/Germany Posts: 1,183	Originally posted by maxfield_photo With the rounded aperture blades, I think these new limited are going to set a new standard by which all other APS-C optics are judged. I think that's a bit bold. The lenses are good, but we don't have to overdo it. It would be nicer for Pentax to somehow come up with a fast 24 that will be a "new standard". I can guarantee the differences will be minimal, but I'll be betting on folks like yourself that need to upgrade ASAP to get the new lenses. Then we'll have a spike in fleabay and forum marketplace listings so I could get a DA40. Pentax should also be refining the coatings on the FA series. I know they've updated them over the years, but they still don't see to be optimized for digitial just yet.

08-27-2013, 09:42 AM - 1 Like	#82
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	What I gather from this HD is that Pentax is planning on announcing a camera with a high pixel density (higher than current cameras), which needs the best resolution. And HD coatings are part of that. But these are still APS-C lenses. I am glad they are improving their products, shows the company is not stagnating

08-27-2013, 09:50 AM	#83
siamthai Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Svealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 172	Originally posted by robbiec Hahaha, this place really does have some characters. Some don't like the change from green to red, others not liking the move from SMC to HD, others still complaining about an unannounced price increase and others yet complaining that the 'faithful' have not been satisfied. Hmm, are there any happy people left here? I kinda like the new font in place of the cheap looking Pentax + Lens size, I am interested to see how the rounded blades will have an effect on the returned image, improvements in coatings is also to be expected. Follow the 50 f/1.4 line for an example. No one is mentioning the revised flashes? Ohh the sky is falling, Pentax is doomed, Ricoh will rebrand us... ( bolded area is sarcasm btw) S! and regards! Look is important

08-27-2013, 09:55 AM	#84
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by maxfield_photo I thought it was just the opposite, HD replaced the Aero Birght coating (ABC). From the footage at... (was it CP+ a year ago?) the HD coating seemed to offer near-perfect reflection resistance. It doesn't sound like a lot, but internal reflections create veiling flair which has a significant impact on contrast, and therefore sharpness. With the rounded aperture blades, I think these new limited are going to set a new standard by which all other APS-C optics are judged. No, AeroBrightCoating is not replaced by HD; it's still reserved for their best and most expensive lenses.

08-27-2013, 09:56 AM	#85
infoomatic Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austria Photos: Gallery Posts: 255	I don't mind whethere there is a green or a red line. But I don't like that Ricoh uses its R&D and production resources for lenses that did not need an update. I would have been happier about one of the missing lenses (85/1.4, 24/1.8 ... discussed elsewhere)

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08-27-2013, 10:02 AM	#86
snake Banned Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: NY/Germany Posts: 1,183	Originally posted by infoomatic I don't mind whethere there is a green or a red line. But I don't like that Ricoh uses its R&D and production resources for lenses that did not need an update. I would have been happier about one of the missing lenses (85/1.4, 24/1.8 ... discussed elsewhere) It's nearly certain these were on the cards under the previous ownership. Even if under Ricoh, minor updates like this are relatively inexpensive, sometimes, in the case of coatings, denote new techniques, cost measures, availability of raw materials, etc. You so know that there isn't one SMC coating for instance, right? Coatings are constantly updated, often silently. Resources devoted to this are minimal and the production likely has been in the pipeline for at least 2 years. You know how long it takes to form and prepare glass lenses, for instance?

08-27-2013, 10:06 AM	#87
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	There isn't much R&D in updating the lenses with a new coating and rounded aperture. As for the production capacity, if they sells that's not exactly an issue

08-27-2013, 10:07 AM	#88
Raffwal Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: The North Posts: 879	Well, it is nice that they are improving the lens coatings. But I'm sure that most users would be more enthusiastic about really new lenses. It is also worth noting that after the endless rumors and threads of a FF camera, what Pentoh releases is updated versions of APS-C lenses.

08-27-2013, 10:07 AM	#89
LFLee Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,292	Ricoh can make everyone happy with this move if they sell it cheaper than the current price.

08-27-2013, 10:10 AM	#90
theperception2008 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Łódź, Poland and Riverside, California, U.S.A Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 488	Originally posted by Na Horuk What I gather from this HD is that Pentax is planning on announcing a camera with a high pixel density (higher than current cameras), which needs the best resolution. And HD coatings are part of that. But these are still APS-C lenses. I am glad they are improving their products, shows the company is not stagnating Well with the D800 and then Nex 7, it showed that older lenses that were not optimized for digital exhibited flaws. This was inevitable I think as sensors get better. Maybe Pentax engineers wanted to wait on the 24mp sensors until lenses were developed to match or exceed the sensor resolution. It makes sense now as to why Pentax held onto the 16 MP sensors for an additional 18 months in the flagship camera. About 36 months of R&D for lenses to be designed and production started.