Originally posted by boriscleto
Why does everyone assume it is a DA* quality lens? It is listed as a DA on the roadmap and it is variable aperture.
Just wishful thinking on my part. I'm hoping for a quality longer lens than the DA*300 with comparable quality and sharpness. If the new telephoto is "just a DA" then I'll go with the DA*300 along with the new TC for a nice birding lens, just a little short on reach

I suspect that a moderately priced DA 135-380 lens well sell more than a DA* version which will make Ricoh more money and I understand that. I've just been hoping for a nice quality lens that's longer than the DA*300 but not costing $3,500 like the Sigma 2.8. I'm afraid that maybe Ricoh got soured on expensive long lenses after their experience with the 560mm telescope....

And maybe there isn't any practical middle ground between wildly expensive long telephoto lenses and inexpensive slow lenses?? Or maybe the "middle" market isn't there