Pentax 20-40mm DC WR Limited and Q 08 Wide Zoom Officially Announced

JinDesu · 11-06-2013, 07:49 PM

Originally posted by Ayoh

The other DA limiteds also face these design objectives and constraints and are within the $400-600 mark

Compared to the other lenses in the limited series range, this lens seems a bit overpriced. It would be hard to convince the buyer at $1000.

Minus DC... WR... zoom...

Alizarine · 11-06-2013, 07:51 PM

Here are some pro's and cons I'm seeing

CONs:
1. It's ridiculously expensive. One could get a constant-aperture DA* 16-50 for that price
2. It's slow. While f2.8 at 17mm is OK, f4 at 40mm is... a whole stop slower than the DA40.
3. It's variable aperture... for a Limited.

PROs
1. It's still a Limited, and if expectations are met, IQ must be good
2. It's WR, from semi-wide to semi-mid-telephoto (prolly good for street, or just everyday use). Great for walkarounds
3. It's got silent, fast focusing with the reliable DC motor, which is absent in each and every other Limited lens.
4. It's a small and light lens, ideal for shooting all day.
5. Introductory prices are usually set really, really high. In a year or so, hopefully it will stabilize for around $200~$250 less.

What I really am sad about is the intro price of the Q's 08 lens. It certainly will kill sales, perhaps even in Japan where the Q is most well-received.

alamo5000 · 11-06-2013, 07:51 PM

I don't want a zoom, but if others do that's fine. I want 1 lens. Just one.

DA LIMITED 28mm f2.8.

JinDesu · 11-06-2013, 07:53 PM

Originally posted by Alizarine

Here are some pro's and cons I'm seeing

CONs:
1. It's ridiculously expensive. One could get a constant-aperture DA* 16-50 for that price
2. It's slow. While f2.8 at 17mm, f4 at 40mm is... a whole stop slower than the DA40.
3. It's variable aperture... for a Limited.

PROs
1. It's still a Limited, and if expectations are met, IQ must be good
2. It's WR, from semi-wide to semi-mid-telephoto (prolly good for street, or just everyday use). Great for
3. It's got silent, fast focusing with the reliable DC motor, which is absent in each and every other Limited lens.
4. It's a small and light lens, ideal for shooting all day.
5. Introductory prices are usually set really, really high. In a year or so, hopefully it will stabilize for around $200~$250 less.

What I really am sad about is the intro price of the Q's 08 lens. It certainly will kill sales, perhaps even in Japan where the Q is most well-received.

In consideration, I expect it's price to drop per the Pentax-introducing-stupidly-high-price method, so in a month or two it'll compare much more favorably.

But yeah, that Q 08 lens is quite the killjoy. I was looking forward to it, but $500!?!

abacus07 · 11-06-2013, 07:59 PM

Originally posted by giu.behringer

$999 for a 30 to 60mm equivalent (???) without constant aperture? I'd rather go for the 16-50 2.8 for a bit more, which I already find way too overpriced.

This is almost like comparing the DA14 and the DA15. Different lenses and despite being slower the DA15 is far more popular and it's also better for some applications. Nothing wrong with the DA16-50 or the DA14 but everyone's preferences aren't the same.

For me all the DA20-40 has to do is match the 16-50 IQ (within its range obviously) and I would easily buy it first. It's at the very top of my list and nothing is even close to it currently.

lytrytyr · 11-06-2013, 08:01 PM

Originally posted by Ayoh

The other DA limiteds also face these design objectives and constraints and are within the $400-600 mark

But the DA 21 Ltd has bad astigmatism wide open.
We'll have to see how the zoom fares.

**jpzk** · 11-06-2013, 08:14 PM

Originally posted by jpzk

I look at it this way:

1. It is, after all, a "Limited" lens.
2. It has new (better?) coating.
3. It is weather sealed ! Something a few members were hoping for .... and it's there.
4. It is very compact.
5. DC autofocus

Only "field" tests will tell us how it performs and what final rendition it will give, either on a K3, K5 (Incl. II and IIs) or even a K7 ... etc.

I would hope for some "spectacular" results ... we shall see.

Cheers.

JP

Originally posted by Alizarine

Here are some pro's and cons I'm seeing

CONs:
1. It's ridiculously expensive. One could get a constant-aperture DA* 16-50 for that price
2. It's slow. While f2.8 at 17mm is OK, f4 at 40mm is... a whole stop slower than the DA40.
3. It's variable aperture... for a Limited.

PROs
1. It's still a Limited, and if expectations are met, IQ must be good
2. It's WR, from semi-wide to semi-mid-telephoto (prolly good for street, or just everyday use). Great for walkarounds
3. It's got silent, fast focusing with the reliable DC motor, which is absent in each and every other Limited lens.
4. It's a small and light lens, ideal for shooting all day.
5. Introductory prices are usually set really, really high. In a year or so, hopefully it will stabilize for around $200~$250 less.

What I really am sad about is the intro price of the Q's 08 lens. It certainly will kill sales, perhaps even in Japan where the Q is most well-received.

I almost thought you'd stolen my post !

But I do agree with you about the high launching price though, and that like anything else "what goes up ... must [eventually] come down"

Cheers!
JP

Fl_Gulfer · 11-06-2013, 08:41 PM

If It Is better than the 16-50 it will be worth the money, of coarse the 16-50 is a crappy lens anyway, I thought the Tamron 17-50 was a much better lens.
And the price will be down to 750.00 by January unless it blows the doors off other lenses in it's range. Just remember the Limited lenses are some of the best on the market.

richard balonglong · 11-06-2013, 08:45 PM

$999 for the Pentax 20-40mm???
Nice! I was expecting like $1,900-2,300 for its first release price...
Now, I'm in deep dilemma if I'm going to buy a DA*16-50mm or this DA Limited WR 20-40mm... -_-'

JinDesu · 11-06-2013, 08:48 PM

Originally posted by richard balonglong

$999 for the Pentax 20-40mm???
Nice! I was expecting like $1,900-2,300 for its first release price...
Now, I'm in deep dilemma if I'm going to buy a DA*16-50mm or this DA Limited WR 20-40mm... -_-'

Well fortunately, if u were expecting $2,300, then you can now just buy both.

richard balonglong · 11-06-2013, 08:59 PM

Originally posted by JinDesu

Well fortunately, if u were expecting $2,300, then you can now just buy both.

Hehe... If my expectation was true (about the price), I won't buy it. But, the price is far from my (negative?) expectations, and that's a good thing...

Alizarine · 11-06-2013, 09:07 PM

Originally posted by jpzk

I almost thought you'd stolen my post !
But I do agree with you about the high launching price though, and that like anything else "what goes up ... must [eventually] come down"

Cheers!
JP

just read your post now (only read page 1 when I posted haha our thoughts are almost the same!), I guess itemizing things are an instinct for some. But I'm glad someone else sees the good stuff about this lens

though am still not a fan of Pentax's intro price scheme!

DownToEarth · 11-06-2013, 09:23 PM

As a very proud owner of the FA 20-35, I am quite intrigued by the new 20-40mm. If it has any of the magic of the FA 20-35, with WR...this lens might be a hit.

bibz · 11-06-2013, 09:33 PM

I enjoy carrying my k30 with the m28 2.8 on it, just wished it was a little wider at times. This should make a brilliant wr/autofocus replacement.

**filoxophy** · 11-06-2013, 09:43 PM

I see this as a DA Limited in terms of build quality and (hopefully) IQ. But IMHO, size and ergo (variable aperture, different filter threads) were the main casualties.

As the first Limited Zoom, it can be whatever Ricoh wants it to be (of course), but I was hoping for 49mm filters, fixed aperture (3.2? 3.5?), and slightly smaller size, sans WR and DC.

I will admit I know nothing about camera optics and lens design. Obviously this is what Ricoh thought was the best compromise between price, performance, etc etc.

In the end, I cheer this lens and hope I can put together the funds to buy it.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Q/08 Wide Zoom Rumor Post	monochrome	Pentax Q	91	12-29-2013 11:12 AM
Official info about the new 08 wide zoom for Q	StigVidar	Pentax News and Rumors	81	11-16-2013 11:06 PM
HD Pentax 55-300mm WR Officially Announced	Adam	Pentax News and Rumors	53	10-15-2013 11:00 AM
Pentax HD lens series officially announced for Switzerland and Germany	RKKS08	Pentax News and Rumors	9	09-14-2013 12:04 AM
Pentax 560mm, 18-270mm, and DFA 645 90mm Macro Officially Announced	Adam	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	5	09-11-2012 05:58 AM

11-06-2013, 07:49 PM	#46
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Originally posted by Ayoh The other DA limiteds also face these design objectives and constraints and are within the $400-600 mark Compared to the other lenses in the limited series range, this lens seems a bit overpriced. It would be hard to convince the buyer at $1000. Minus DC... WR... zoom...

11-06-2013, 07:51 PM	#47
Alizarine Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Manila Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,185	Here are some pro's and cons I'm seeing CONs: 1. It's ridiculously expensive. One could get a constant-aperture DA* 16-50 for that price 2. It's slow. While f2.8 at 17mm is OK, f4 at 40mm is... a whole stop slower than the DA40. 3. It's variable aperture... for a Limited. PROs 1. It's still a Limited, and if expectations are met, IQ must be good 2. It's WR, from semi-wide to semi-mid-telephoto (prolly good for street, or just everyday use). Great for walkarounds 3. It's got silent, fast focusing with the reliable DC motor, which is absent in each and every other Limited lens. 4. It's a small and light lens, ideal for shooting all day. 5. Introductory prices are usually set really, really high. In a year or so, hopefully it will stabilize for around $200~$250 less. What I really am sad about is the intro price of the Q's 08 lens. It certainly will kill sales, perhaps even in Japan where the Q is most well-received.

11-06-2013, 07:51 PM	#48
alamo5000 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 2,962	I don't want a zoom, but if others do that's fine. I want 1 lens. Just one. DA LIMITED 28mm f2.8.

11-06-2013, 07:53 PM	#49
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Originally posted by Alizarine Here are some pro's and cons I'm seeing CONs: 1. It's ridiculously expensive. One could get a constant-aperture DA* 16-50 for that price 2. It's slow. While f2.8 at 17mm, f4 at 40mm is... a whole stop slower than the DA40. 3. It's variable aperture... for a Limited. PROs 1. It's still a Limited, and if expectations are met, IQ must be good 2. It's WR, from semi-wide to semi-mid-telephoto (prolly good for street, or just everyday use). Great for 3. It's got silent, fast focusing with the reliable DC motor, which is absent in each and every other Limited lens. 4. It's a small and light lens, ideal for shooting all day. 5. Introductory prices are usually set really, really high. In a year or so, hopefully it will stabilize for around $200~$250 less. What I really am sad about is the intro price of the Q's 08 lens. It certainly will kill sales, perhaps even in Japan where the Q is most well-received. In consideration, I expect it's price to drop per the Pentax-introducing-stupidly-high-price method, so in a month or two it'll compare much more favorably. But yeah, that Q 08 lens is quite the killjoy. I was looking forward to it, but $500!?!

11-06-2013, 07:59 PM	#50
abacus07 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Taiwan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,075	Originally posted by giu.behringer $999 for a 30 to 60mm equivalent (???) without constant aperture? I'd rather go for the 16-50 2.8 for a bit more, which I already find way too overpriced. This is almost like comparing the DA14 and the DA15. Different lenses and despite being slower the DA15 is far more popular and it's also better for some applications. Nothing wrong with the DA16-50 or the DA14 but everyone's preferences aren't the same. For me all the DA20-40 has to do is match the 16-50 IQ (within its range obviously) and I would easily buy it first. It's at the very top of my list and nothing is even close to it currently.

11-06-2013, 08:01 PM	#51
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by Ayoh The other DA limiteds also face these design objectives and constraints and are within the $400-600 mark But the DA 21 Ltd has bad astigmatism wide open. We'll have to see how the zoom fares.

11-06-2013, 08:14 PM	#52
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	Originally posted by jpzk I look at it this way: 1. It is, after all, a "Limited" lens. 2. It has new (better?) coating. 3. It is weather sealed ! Something a few members were hoping for .... and it's there. 4. It is very compact. 5. DC autofocus Only "field" tests will tell us how it performs and what final rendition it will give, either on a K3, K5 (Incl. II and IIs) or even a K7 ... etc. I would hope for some "spectacular" results ... we shall see. Cheers. JP Originally posted by Alizarine Here are some pro's and cons I'm seeing CONs: 1. It's ridiculously expensive. One could get a constant-aperture DA* 16-50 for that price 2. It's slow. While f2.8 at 17mm is OK, f4 at 40mm is... a whole stop slower than the DA40. 3. It's variable aperture... for a Limited. PROs 1. It's still a Limited, and if expectations are met, IQ must be good 2. It's WR, from semi-wide to semi-mid-telephoto (prolly good for street, or just everyday use). Great for walkarounds 3. It's got silent, fast focusing with the reliable DC motor, which is absent in each and every other Limited lens. 4. It's a small and light lens, ideal for shooting all day. 5. Introductory prices are usually set really, really high. In a year or so, hopefully it will stabilize for around $200~$250 less. What I really am sad about is the intro price of the Q's 08 lens. It certainly will kill sales, perhaps even in Japan where the Q is most well-received. I almost thought you'd stolen my post ! But I do agree with you about the high launching price though, and that like anything else "what goes up ... must [eventually] come down" Cheers! JP

11-06-2013, 08:41 PM	#53
Fl_Gulfer Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Florida Gulfer Photos: Albums Posts: 3,054	If It Is better than the 16-50 it will be worth the money, of coarse the 16-50 is a crappy lens anyway, I thought the Tamron 17-50 was a much better lens. And the price will be down to 750.00 by January unless it blows the doors off other lenses in it's range. Just remember the Limited lenses are some of the best on the market.

11-06-2013, 08:45 PM	#54
richard balonglong Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Baguio City, Philippines Photos: Gallery Posts: 350	$999 for the Pentax 20-40mm??? Nice! I was expecting like $1,900-2,300 for its first release price... Now, I'm in deep dilemma if I'm going to buy a DA*16-50mm or this DA Limited WR 20-40mm... -_-'

11-06-2013, 08:48 PM	#55
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Originally posted by richard balonglong $999 for the Pentax 20-40mm??? Nice! I was expecting like $1,900-2,300 for its first release price... Now, I'm in deep dilemma if I'm going to buy a DA*16-50mm or this DA Limited WR 20-40mm... -_-' Well fortunately, if u were expecting $2,300, then you can now just buy both.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

11-06-2013, 08:59 PM	#56
richard balonglong Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Baguio City, Philippines Photos: Gallery Posts: 350	Originally posted by JinDesu Well fortunately, if u were expecting $2,300, then you can now just buy both. Hehe... If my expectation was true (about the price), I won't buy it. But, the price is far from my (negative?) expectations, and that's a good thing...

11-06-2013, 09:07 PM	#57
Alizarine Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Manila Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,185	Originally posted by jpzk I almost thought you'd stolen my post ! But I do agree with you about the high launching price though, and that like anything else "what goes up ... must [eventually] come down" Cheers! JP just read your post now (only read page 1 when I posted haha our thoughts are almost the same!), I guess itemizing things are an instinct for some. But I'm glad someone else sees the good stuff about this lens though am still not a fan of Pentax's intro price scheme!

11-06-2013, 09:23 PM	#58
DownToEarth New Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 15	As a very proud owner of the FA 20-35, I am quite intrigued by the new 20-40mm. If it has any of the magic of the FA 20-35, with WR...this lens might be a hit.

11-06-2013, 09:33 PM	#59
bibz Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Newcastle, AU! Posts: 276	I enjoy carrying my k30 with the m28 2.8 on it, just wished it was a little wider at times. This should make a brilliant wr/autofocus replacement.

11-06-2013, 09:43 PM	#60
filoxophy Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,132	I see this as a DA Limited in terms of build quality and (hopefully) IQ. But IMHO, size and ergo (variable aperture, different filter threads) were the main casualties. As the first Limited Zoom, it can be whatever Ricoh wants it to be (of course), but I was hoping for 49mm filters, fixed aperture (3.2? 3.5?), and slightly smaller size, sans WR and DC. I will admit I know nothing about camera optics and lens design. Obviously this is what Ricoh thought was the best compromise between price, performance, etc etc. In the end, I cheer this lens and hope I can put together the funds to buy it.