[nosnoop]

Updated: Here's the official Press Release:
Pentax Imaging - Pentax Press Release

triple_kazier found this new Pentax Press release:

Akam.no - Nye objektiver, digitalt mellomformat og blits fra Pentax



200mm and 300mm now become DA*!
A change in design of the 60-250mm f/4 - a tripod collar is added.

A new limited lens: 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited.


And a new entry flash AF-200FG:


Does not seem to have AF Assist though.

These lenses and flash and the 645D (now 31MP) will be showcased in PMA.

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Last edited by nosnoop; 02-21-2007 at 04:51 PM. Reason: Official Release update

[Alvin]

Pentax pulling out the "Big Guns".

The little flash is their answer to the Nikon entry flash but it doesn't appear to have bounce feature, like the Nikon.

[Adam]

Thanks for posting the news! Looks like more strange marketing decisions... :ugh:

The macro looks nice, but why make a 35mm when 50mm already seems too short? The 200mm is again redundant because similar FF versions exist, but I'm actually looking forward the 300mm because of the improved speed.

[Alvin]

Thanks for posting the news! Looks like more strange marketing decisions... :ugh:

The macro looks nice, but why make a 35mm when 50mm already seems too short? The 200mm is again redundant because similar FF versions exist, but I'm actually looking forward the 300mm because of the nice speed.

Mo,

Wasn't there rumor that the FF lenses would be soon discontinued, so the introduction of this lens would make sense in this case?

[nosnoop]

The macro looks nice, but why make a 35mm when 50mm already seems too short?

But isn't it for the exact same reason why we had the 50mm f/2.8 Macro in the film old days?

The 200mm is again redundant because similar FF versions exist

As Alvin said, I think the old version will be discontinued. In addition, this would have weather/dust sealing and it has SDM.

[FotoPete]

LBA...Lens Beauty Appreciation...because I'm broke. haha

Nice to see that they remodeled the 60-250mm to include a tripod mount. Its too bad the 50-135/f2.8 only converts to a 75-202 and not start that at focal length to begin with. I think most people will find the lens a bit too short.

What do you guys think of the projected cost? $899 for the 16-50 and $999 for the 50-135.

[Alvin]

What do you guys think of the projected cost? $899 for the 16-50 and $999 for the 50-135.

50-135 would work for me, but $999?!? Whoa, I'll be having to save up for a LONG time! Like I said somewhere else here on a similar thread - counting my pennies!

[Adam]

But isn't it for the exact same reason why we had the 50mm f/2.8 Macro in the film old days?

True, but the fact that it's short remains

As Alvin said, I think the old version will be discontinued. In addition, this would have weather/dust sealing and it has SDM.

The FA* 200/2.8 has already been discontinued, unfortunately. It boasts a better build over the DA*, and that fact that it also works on film would make it much more valuable (to me) than the DA*. Sure, weather sealing is nice, but this whole SDM thing is just a marketing stunt...

[Alvin]

The FA* 200/2.8 has already been discontinued, unfortunately. It boasts a better build over the DA*, and that fact that it also works on film would make it much more valuable (to me) than the DA*. Sure, weather sealing is nice, but this whole SDM thing is just a marketing stunt...

Having not seen an FA* lens, I will agree with you there based on what I've read. If the focusing speed of the SDM is slower or comparable to focus speed using the old system, then yes, the only thing going for it would be the weather sealing.

Reading your comments in earlier threads, I'm beginning to question the optics - will the lens series at least hold a candle to the fabled FA* in terms of image quality?

[-=JoN=-]

cant wait, cant wait, cant wait.

hopefully i can track it down.....when it is out.

the IQ should be good, but, they dont make things like they used to, so...

[Adam]

Reading your comments in earlier threads, I'm beginning to question the optics - will the lens series at least hold a candle to the fabled FA* in terms of image quality?

Hopefully...this is why I believe that Pentax decided to employ a larger (1.3x crop) image circle instead of the standard 1.5x.

Oh, and I forgot to add: what happened to upcoming D-FA full-frame lenses!??

[RBellavance]

Mo,

Wasn't there rumor that the FF lenses would be soon discontinued, so the introduction of this lens would make sense in this case?

Yes and no, IMHO. f/2.8 is a full step slower than f/2.0, so the just announced 35mm macro lens is not a direct replacement. Nor can it be considered a "fast normal prime".

Maybe it's time I really started hunting for a FA 35/2...

[FotoPete]

50-135 would work for me, but $999?!? Whoa, I'll be having to save up for a LONG time! Like I said somewhere else here on a similar thread - counting my pennies!

I think you can easily buy a 70-200 Sigma EX for that much already.

As for focusing speed, evolution gave us eyes most sensitive to wavelengths of peak emission from the sun. and wrists that enable a spectacular range of movement.

[-=JoN=-]

I think you can easily buy a 70-200 Sigma EX for that much already.

As for focusing speed, evolution gave us eyes most sensitive to wavelengths of peak emission from the sun. and wrists that enable a spectacular range of movement.

easy? sold out still in most places....
selling point for me on the new DA*'s is the SDM (well one selling point)

[Adam]

Mo,

Wasn't there rumor that the FF lenses would be soon discontinued, so the introduction of this lens would make sense in this case?

But why stop producing them? If the FA series were still in production, we wouldn't have any trouble finding lenses...