I did purchase one in August of this year. I basically returned it because I wanted to try the Sigma 50-500 to replace my Sigma 150-500, but the 50-500 did not function on my K-5IIS for some reason, so I ended up returning it too. Then I purchase the Pentax 16-85 to compliment my Sigma 150-500 and am satisfiied with the combination.
So, you are right, I really did have one and it was for the K series Pentax mount. It operated fine. As I mentioned before it does take nice images, but I really did not like the movement on the external part of the barrel sometimes during AF. It is not really a problem, the lens is really nice and covers a large range, but I would have liked it if it was all internal focus action.
There has been production of it obviously, and the pictures I posted are ones that I took with the lens.
Really if you are set on buying the lens, and need the best information on when it will be available for purchase, the Sigma Photo Corporation contact information is below. You can confide in them what pre-order might involve and possibly they can give you an approximate release time. If they are able to tell you a maximimum timeline, at least then if your wife ordered it for you, you would know approximately the most time you might have to wait. Supposedly, if you did pre-order, you would be one of the first to get the lens, as opposed to not pre-ordering.
I hope you and your wife have a nice Christmas, and that you get the lens you want without having to wait too long. Happy Holidays!!
Tel: 631 227-2036
Toll Free Tel: 800 896-6858
Fax: 631 585-1895
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info@sigmaphoto.com
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