Some news from the Quebec city photo expo

bdery · 10-30-2015, 12:38 PM - **4 Likes**

I've just come back from a photo expo/show in Quebec city. Two Pentax/Ricoh reps, nice talks, plenty of time since I got there at the opening of the first day.

I'll post pictures (test shots mainly) later this evening if I can.

First, I got to handle the new 24-70. Wonderful build quality of course, lighter than I expected, a bit large for my taste. Focuses VERY fast, as fast as the 16-85 which is presently my reference.

Second, I got to test the 70-200!

The rep said it was a "near-final" prototype of the lens, with AF being the only difference. It was very fast already, and seemed very accurate also. The lens felt well balanced, when no camera is attached it can stand on its (large) foot without tilting. I took several test shots wide open. If AF is better on the final product, it's going to be a winner.

The rep said it would be available in a few weeks. I said I'd post this info on pentaxforums, he said "no problems"... he seemed pretty confident.

The only downside is that the lens is HUGE. And heavy. I have no problems handling my 60-250 without a tripod or other support, but with that lens it would be impossible, except in very bright sunlight for short periods of time. Price is supposed to be 2500$ CAD.

I took a few pictures of the lens with my DA40, and after testing all those DC lenses, screw-drive felt weird...

They also had the 150-450, smaller than I would have thought, and the 20-40 which I tested. It let me confirm that I chose well with the 16-85, it suits me better.

The guys there had an old but perfectly preserved Takumar lens, and it attracted a lot of attention, surprisingly. Last year they were pushing the Q, this year a lot of energy was put on the Theta.

There was a 560 mounted on a gimbal, an impressive lens, sturdy and light! AF was good even in the low light of the building, but only a K-5 was attached to it, not the best tool to really convince people the AF is top-notch.

Full frame will launch in Spring, not before, according to these guys. They didn't seem to like that...

I got to play with other products, of course. I a nutshell : Canon and Nikon still felt boring. Sony's products has a distinct "modern" look and feel to them, but I didn't like the ergonomics. Fuji's X cameras felt nice, well thought-off, a lot of customization, large EVF. The lenses felt cheap (I'm sure they aren't) and the products in general felt ok, but not as easy to handle as a Pentax.

A fun time at the show! Feel free to ask more questions.

bertwert · 10-30-2015, 12:42 PM

I wish I was on that side of the country right now ...

**jpzk** · 10-30-2015, 12:46 PM

I should have taken a day off to get there from my place: 2 hours drive away!

**grahame** · 10-30-2015, 12:47 PM

Very nice!
So they didn't exhibit the K-1(?) even under glass this time? Did you ask them what's the trick of the screen?
Anything about Q system? we need a faster prime and a better standard zoom, and a macro lens. pixel shift on Q?

**sholtzma** · 10-30-2015, 12:56 PM

I'm assuming they would not talk at all about the FF, even about the snafu of its early unveiling.

**RobA_Oz** · 10-30-2015, 01:38 PM

Thanks for the report. It's good to see that the 70-200 is close to ready. Obviously, it's a newer design, with built-in AF drive, but I'm interested to see how it stacks up against the FA*80-200/2.8, including weight-wise. The FA* lens is no lightweight, either, at 1.51 kg. Would you think this new lens is even heavier than that?

bdery · 10-30-2015, 05:20 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by jpzk

I should have taken a day off to get there from my place: 2 hours drive away!

Still going on until Sunday!

Originally posted by grahame

So they didn't exhibit the K-1(?) even under glass this time?

No, but it's a pretty small shows, I'd say. I wouldn't have expected it.

Originally posted by grahame

Did you ask them what's the trick of the screen?

Wouldn'T say

Originally posted by grahame

Anything about Q system?

didnt ask, some models on display, less than last year, they were going strong on the Theta, apparently it's already being ordered more than they expected. It's pretty large, larger than I expected.

Originally posted by sholtzma

I'm assuming they would not talk at all about the FF, even about the snafu of its early unveiling.

"It's going to be great, innovative, we can't wait to start selling it"...

Originally posted by RobA_Oz

The FA* lens is no lightweight, either, at 1.51 kg. Would you think this new lens is even heavier than that?

Considering the 60-250 is about 1,1 kg, I'd say the 70-200 is heavier than 1,5 kg. Definitely hard to handhold.

Now, for some pictures! Click on them for full-size, and please remember those are handheld, ISO 2000 on the K-3, under low light. Most shots are wide open, my Smugmug gallery will tell you all the EXIF you want to know... Center AF for all.

24-70 24mm

24-70 70mm

24-70 24mm

24-70 70mm

70-200 70mm

70-200 200mm

And last, two body shots of the 70-200 taken with the DA40.

TomTextura · 10-30-2015, 08:13 PM

Originally posted by bdery

"It's going to be great, innovative, we can't wait to start selling it"...

That's what I like to hear! Thanks for sharing.

quant2325 · 10-30-2015, 09:18 PM

Nice report...thanks! I also have the 60-250mmD* and love it, but would sell it and purchase the 70-200mm now that my kids are not playing sports every weekend. Why? It's a f/2.8, and assuming it is sharp wide open it will be a go to lens for portraits. Perhaps not if it weights THAT much, but we'll see. The size and weight is what you expect with glass that lets in so much light with the typical pro build.

bdery · 11-02-2015, 06:20 AM

Originally posted by quant2325

Perhaps not if it weights THAT much, but we'll see. The size and weight is what you expect with glass that lets in so much light with the typical pro build.

I'd say it's probably a bit heavier, but not much, than the Tamron 70-200. It's metal, so there's that. Comparable to the Nikon 70-200 from what I've seen, the main difference is that the Nikon gets narrower near the body, while the Pentax has a fixed diameter. I see it more as a sports lens (with a monopod) than a portrait lens, but that's just me. I'd choose the 50-135 for portrait myself.

totsmuyco · 11-02-2015, 06:27 AM

I think it looks big and heavy. If you want the best, you have to sacrifice something to get better performance. With this lens it's carrying more weight.

**WillWeaverRVA** · 11-02-2015, 06:41 AM

I swear, when I can afford it, I'm going to have to pick up that 24-70...

bdery · 11-02-2015, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by totsmuyco

If you want the best, you have to sacrifice something to get better performance. With this lens it's carrying more weight.

Actually, comparing it with the 60-250 (I can't believe I forgot to shoot a side by side pic) convinced me of why I like APS-C.

Originally posted by WillWeaverRVA

I swear, when I can afford it, I'm going to have to pick up that 24-70...

That one looks very exciting, especially in the studio.

pete-tarmigan · 11-02-2015, 11:05 AM

Originally posted by bdery

I've just come back from a photo expo/show in Quebec city. Two Pentax/Ricoh reps, nice talks, plenty of time since I got there at the opening of the first day.

I'll post pictures (test shots mainly) later this evening if I can.

First, I got to handle the new 24-70. Wonderful build quality of course, lighter than I expected, a bit large for my taste. Focuses VERY fast, as fast as the 16-85 which is presently my reference.

Second, I got to test the 70-200!

The rep said it was a "near-final" prototype of the lens, with AF being the only difference. It was very fast already, and seemed very accurate also. The lens felt well balanced, when no camera is attached it can stand on its (large) foot without tilting. I took several test shots wide open. If AF is better on the final product, it's going to be a winner.

The rep said it would be available in a few weeks. I said I'd post this info on pentaxforums, he said "no problems"... he seemed pretty confident.

The only downside is that the lens is HUGE. And heavy. I have no problems handling my 60-250 without a tripod or other support, but with that lens it would be impossible, except in very bright sunlight for short periods of time. Price is supposed to be 2500$ CAD.

I took a few pictures of the lens with my DA40, and after testing all those DC lenses, screw-drive felt weird...

They also had the 150-450, smaller than I would have thought, and the 20-40 which I tested. It let me confirm that I chose well with the 16-85, it suits me better.

The guys there had an old but perfectly preserved Takumar lens, and it attracted a lot of attention, surprisingly. Last year they were pushing the Q, this year a lot of energy was put on the Theta.

There was a 560 mounted on a gimbal, an impressive lens, sturdy and light! AF was good even in the low light of the building, but only a K-5 was attached to it, not the best tool to really convince people the AF is top-notch.

Full frame will launch in Spring, not before, according to these guys. They didn't seem to like that...

I got to play with other products, of course. I a nutshell : Canon and Nikon still felt boring. Sony's products has a distinct "modern" look and feel to them, but I didn't like the ergonomics. Fuji's X cameras felt nice, well thought-off, a lot of customization, large EVF. The lenses felt cheap (I'm sure they aren't) and the products in general felt ok, but not as easy to handle as a Pentax.

A fun time at the show! Feel free to ask more questions.

Thanks for the report. I'm glad to hear that Ricoh Imaging Canada is showing signs of life.

**mattb123** · 11-02-2015, 11:15 AM

I figured I had the 24-70 range covered for FF with my Tamron 28-75 but I have to say this one looks damn sexy. Tempting!

10-30-2015, 12:38 PM - 4 Likes	#1
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Some news from the Quebec city photo expo I've just come back from a photo expo/show in Quebec city. Two Pentax/Ricoh reps, nice talks, plenty of time since I got there at the opening of the first day. I'll post pictures (test shots mainly) later this evening if I can. First, I got to handle the new 24-70. Wonderful build quality of course, lighter than I expected, a bit large for my taste. Focuses VERY fast, as fast as the 16-85 which is presently my reference. Second, I got to test the 70-200! The rep said it was a "near-final" prototype of the lens, with AF being the only difference. It was very fast already, and seemed very accurate also. The lens felt well balanced, when no camera is attached it can stand on its (large) foot without tilting. I took several test shots wide open. If AF is better on the final product, it's going to be a winner. The rep said it would be available in a few weeks. I said I'd post this info on pentaxforums, he said "no problems"... he seemed pretty confident. The only downside is that the lens is HUGE. And heavy. I have no problems handling my 60-250 without a tripod or other support, but with that lens it would be impossible, except in very bright sunlight for short periods of time. Price is supposed to be 2500$ CAD. I took a few pictures of the lens with my DA40, and after testing all those DC lenses, screw-drive felt weird... They also had the 150-450, smaller than I would have thought, and the 20-40 which I tested. It let me confirm that I chose well with the 16-85, it suits me better. The guys there had an old but perfectly preserved Takumar lens, and it attracted a lot of attention, surprisingly. Last year they were pushing the Q, this year a lot of energy was put on the Theta. There was a 560 mounted on a gimbal, an impressive lens, sturdy and light! AF was good even in the low light of the building, but only a K-5 was attached to it, not the best tool to really convince people the AF is top-notch. Full frame will launch in Spring, not before, according to these guys. They didn't seem to like that... I got to play with other products, of course. I a nutshell : Canon and Nikon still felt boring. Sony's products has a distinct "modern" look and feel to them, but I didn't like the ergonomics. Fuji's X cameras felt nice, well thought-off, a lot of customization, large EVF. The lenses felt cheap (I'm sure they aren't) and the products in general felt ok, but not as easy to handle as a Pentax. A fun time at the show! Feel free to ask more questions.

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10-30-2015, 12:42 PM	#2
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	I wish I was on that side of the country right now ...

10-30-2015, 12:46 PM	#3
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	I should have taken a day off to get there from my place: 2 hours drive away!

10-30-2015, 12:47 PM	#4
grahame Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,041	Very nice! So they didn't exhibit the K-1(?) even under glass this time? Did you ask them what's the trick of the screen? Anything about Q system? we need a faster prime and a better standard zoom, and a macro lens. pixel shift on Q?

10-30-2015, 12:56 PM	#5
sholtzma Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Salisbury, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,043	I'm assuming they would not talk at all about the FF, even about the snafu of its early unveiling.

10-30-2015, 01:38 PM	#6
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,195	Thanks for the report. It's good to see that the 70-200 is close to ready. Obviously, it's a newer design, with built-in AF drive, but I'm interested to see how it stacks up against the FA80-200/2.8, including weight-wise. The FA lens is no lightweight, either, at 1.51 kg. Would you think this new lens is even heavier than that?

10-30-2015, 05:20 PM - 1 Like	#7
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357 Original Poster	Originally posted by jpzk I should have taken a day off to get there from my place: 2 hours drive away! Still going on until Sunday! Originally posted by grahame So they didn't exhibit the K-1(?) even under glass this time? No, but it's a pretty small shows, I'd say. I wouldn't have expected it. Originally posted by grahame Did you ask them what's the trick of the screen? Wouldn'T say Originally posted by grahame Anything about Q system? didnt ask, some models on display, less than last year, they were going strong on the Theta, apparently it's already being ordered more than they expected. It's pretty large, larger than I expected. Originally posted by sholtzma I'm assuming they would not talk at all about the FF, even about the snafu of its early unveiling. "It's going to be great, innovative, we can't wait to start selling it"... Originally posted by RobA_Oz The FA* lens is no lightweight, either, at 1.51 kg. Would you think this new lens is even heavier than that? Considering the 60-250 is about 1,1 kg, I'd say the 70-200 is heavier than 1,5 kg. Definitely hard to handhold. Now, for some pictures! Click on them for full-size, and please remember those are handheld, ISO 2000 on the K-3, under low light. Most shots are wide open, my Smugmug gallery will tell you all the EXIF you want to know... Center AF for all. 24-70 24mm 24-70 70mm 24-70 24mm 24-70 70mm 70-200 70mm 70-200 200mm And last, two body shots of the 70-200 taken with the DA40.

10-30-2015, 08:13 PM	#8
TomTextura Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Denver Photos: Albums Posts: 570	Originally posted by bdery "It's going to be great, innovative, we can't wait to start selling it"... That's what I like to hear! Thanks for sharing.

10-30-2015, 09:18 PM	#9
quant2325 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 205	Nice report...thanks! I also have the 60-250mmD* and love it, but would sell it and purchase the 70-200mm now that my kids are not playing sports every weekend. Why? It's a f/2.8, and assuming it is sharp wide open it will be a go to lens for portraits. Perhaps not if it weights THAT much, but we'll see. The size and weight is what you expect with glass that lets in so much light with the typical pro build.

11-02-2015, 06:20 AM	#10
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357 Original Poster	Originally posted by quant2325 Perhaps not if it weights THAT much, but we'll see. The size and weight is what you expect with glass that lets in so much light with the typical pro build. I'd say it's probably a bit heavier, but not much, than the Tamron 70-200. It's metal, so there's that. Comparable to the Nikon 70-200 from what I've seen, the main difference is that the Nikon gets narrower near the body, while the Pentax has a fixed diameter. I see it more as a sports lens (with a monopod) than a portrait lens, but that's just me. I'd choose the 50-135 for portrait myself.

11-02-2015, 06:27 AM	#11
totsmuyco Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Iloilo City Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,276	I think it looks big and heavy. If you want the best, you have to sacrifice something to get better performance. With this lens it's carrying more weight.

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11-02-2015, 06:41 AM	#12
WillWeaverRVA Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Richmond, VA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,071	I swear, when I can afford it, I'm going to have to pick up that 24-70...

11-02-2015, 10:56 AM	#13
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357 Original Poster	Originally posted by totsmuyco If you want the best, you have to sacrifice something to get better performance. With this lens it's carrying more weight. Actually, comparing it with the 60-250 (I can't believe I forgot to shoot a side by side pic) convinced me of why I like APS-C. Originally posted by WillWeaverRVA I swear, when I can afford it, I'm going to have to pick up that 24-70... That one looks very exciting, especially in the studio.

11-02-2015, 11:05 AM	#14
pete-tarmigan Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Conception Bay South, New-fun-land Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,272	Originally posted by bdery I've just come back from a photo expo/show in Quebec city. Two Pentax/Ricoh reps, nice talks, plenty of time since I got there at the opening of the first day. I'll post pictures (test shots mainly) later this evening if I can. First, I got to handle the new 24-70. Wonderful build quality of course, lighter than I expected, a bit large for my taste. Focuses VERY fast, as fast as the 16-85 which is presently my reference. Second, I got to test the 70-200! The rep said it was a "near-final" prototype of the lens, with AF being the only difference. It was very fast already, and seemed very accurate also. The lens felt well balanced, when no camera is attached it can stand on its (large) foot without tilting. I took several test shots wide open. If AF is better on the final product, it's going to be a winner. The rep said it would be available in a few weeks. I said I'd post this info on pentaxforums, he said "no problems"... he seemed pretty confident. The only downside is that the lens is HUGE. And heavy. I have no problems handling my 60-250 without a tripod or other support, but with that lens it would be impossible, except in very bright sunlight for short periods of time. Price is supposed to be 2500$ CAD. I took a few pictures of the lens with my DA40, and after testing all those DC lenses, screw-drive felt weird... They also had the 150-450, smaller than I would have thought, and the 20-40 which I tested. It let me confirm that I chose well with the 16-85, it suits me better. The guys there had an old but perfectly preserved Takumar lens, and it attracted a lot of attention, surprisingly. Last year they were pushing the Q, this year a lot of energy was put on the Theta. There was a 560 mounted on a gimbal, an impressive lens, sturdy and light! AF was good even in the low light of the building, but only a K-5 was attached to it, not the best tool to really convince people the AF is top-notch. Full frame will launch in Spring, not before, according to these guys. They didn't seem to like that... I got to play with other products, of course. I a nutshell : Canon and Nikon still felt boring. Sony's products has a distinct "modern" look and feel to them, but I didn't like the ergonomics. Fuji's X cameras felt nice, well thought-off, a lot of customization, large EVF. The lenses felt cheap (I'm sure they aren't) and the products in general felt ok, but not as easy to handle as a Pentax. A fun time at the show! Feel free to ask more questions. Thanks for the report. I'm glad to hear that Ricoh Imaging Canada is showing signs of life.

11-02-2015, 11:15 AM	#15
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,872	I figured I had the 24-70 range covered for FF with my Tamron 28-75 but I have to say this one looks damn sexy. Tempting!