[creampuff]

Read the official press release here:

Pentax Imaging - Pentax Press Release

Announced price of US$599.95 from July 08
Seems a little steep but it will probably take a while before it comes down to more sensible levels. I dare not imagine what the price of the DA 60-250 will be like... eek.

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Last edited by Buddha Jones; 06-03-2008 at 06:19 PM.

[AML]

That's far to expensive for such a lens. I cannot see Pentax selling a lot of these at that price point when you can get the Sigma 17-70 for in the $300 range. What are they thinking.

[Torphoto]

The $599 is msrp, it should street at $400 which will be a good thing, if it's performance is better or equal to the sigma then it might justify a higher price.

Now that the 17-70 is out, lets pray the 60-260 comes with it or very shortly after at the $1g mark. Pentax it better be a good compeditor to the Canon 70-200 F4 L / Sigma 100-300 F4 as that is exactly what we need and NOW!

[creampuff]

That's far to expensive for such a lens. I cannot see Pentax selling a lot of these at that price point when you can get the Sigma 17-70 for in the $300 range. What are they thinking.

Actually the MRSP of the Sigma is US$590 but the street price is certainly much lower. The same will likely happen with the Pentax. Unless one has to be an early adopter and wants to pay close to MRSP, it might be prudent to wait a bit.

An important consideration is that the Sigma is a variable aperture design and doesn't have SDM. Plus Sigma QC can vary a bit. Just want to wait for some test images to see whether it can trump my trusty DA 16-45mm.

[Art Vandelay II]

Announced price of US$599.95 from July 08

Ouch! That hurts. I was hoping for something in the $400-450 range. Hopefully retailers will cut a bit off. That's pushing it for a non-star lens.

If you're buying a new camera you can actually get the DA* 16-50 f/2.8 for $560 now after rebate.

$600 is just a bit much for a lens like this though. I understand image stabilized lenses being more, but this is just a standard SDM/HSM/USM (choose your favorite acronym) lens. Especially when you compare the price to something like the Canon 70-200 f/4 (non-OS version); it can be had for $550...and that's with the "Canon markup". Plus, the new Sigma 18-125mm HSM is selling for only $400.

Well damn. I really wanted this lens too, but I don't know if I can justify $600.

[creampuff]

Looking at the focusing ring, the focus throw looks pretty short, so I would imagine AF focus would be pretty instantaneous. It might be tricky to fine focus manually though.

[Arpe]

An important consideration is that the Sigma is a variable aperture design ...

Most of the focal length of the Sigma is f4 or faster, a good reason to get the Sigma if you can't decide.

[Canada_Rockies]

Looking at the focusing ring, the focus throw looks pretty short, so I would imagine AF focus would be pretty instantaneous. It might be tricky to fine focus manually though.

And, I understand, the lens does not have the quick shift focus feature.

[Arpe]

Interesting stuff at the bottom of that release

Due to issues of cost, development timeframe and other factors, in the future, PENTAX lenses will either support SDM focusing or body-based focusing, but not both.

Q: How can I tell if a lens is SDM-only?

A: To determine if a lens is SDM focusing only, check the mount specification. If it describes the mount as “KAF3” then the lens is SDM-only.

[omega leader]

Plus Sigma QC can vary a bit.

Just like Pentax with the 16-50mm, everyone has their off days. Sigma is a very different company quality wise than even ten years ago.

[CSoars]

And, I understand, the lens does not have the quick shift focus feature.

3rd paragraph in the original post's link

"It also features a Quick-shift Focus System that allows instant switching from auto to manual focus with a turn of the focus ring."

It has the same focusing ring as the FA J series, and the DA zooms.

[lbam]

Interesting stuff at the bottom of that release

" This lens is compatible with the K20D, K200D, K100D Super and K10D (with Ver. 1.30 or later firmware installed) and later PENTAX DSLR camera bodies. When mounted on other camera bodies, the focus mode is automatically switched to manual.



Developed specifically for PENTAX digital SLRs,** this 17-70mm lens also features PENTAX SP (Super Protect) coating that protects the exposed lens elements and repels dust, water and grease. It also features a Quick-shift Focus System that allows instant switching from auto to manual focus with a turn of the focus ring.

**SDM-only focusing lens may be used with non-SDM PENTAX DSLR bodies in manual focus mode. "

[Lance B]

Looking at the focusing ring, the focus throw looks pretty short, so I would imagine AF focus would be pretty instantaneous. It might be tricky to fine focus manually though.

I agree. I am not a fan of short focus throws as it means that even AF can be/is compromised.

[Lance B]

I really do want and hope that this lens is a good one. This is the sort of zoom lens focal range that would be very appealing to most users, especially those who would be requiring a lens for holiday shooting purposes. Matched with a tele zoom and a super wide angle and you have a great compact kit for holidays when you need to go light.

[heatherslightbox]

Unless the DA17-70 blows the Sigma 17-70 out of the water in terms of IQ, I'm keeping my Sigma 17-70. Once the Pentax version is out, I'd like to see a head-to-head comparison between the two.

That 2.8 on the wide end of the Sigma has come in handy for me at times.
I just wish they would make a 17-70 with a constant 2.8 aperture--THAT, I would pay $500+ for, as I love the 17-70 range.

Heather