[CarlJF]

From Asahiman, on the other site:

Next also old DA* lenses with new motor and electronics.

Maybe official information September.

Maybe the long awaited successor of the DA* 16-50 2.8 is just around the corner...

[ogl]

I think it will be DA*200/2.8 and DA*300/4 first of all

We have now 6 lenses
DA*55/1.4, DA*200/2.8 and DA*300/4
DA*50-135/2.8, DA*60-250/4, DA*16-50/2.8

[mee]

From Asahiman, on the other site:


Maybe the long awaited successor of the DA* 16-50 2.8 is just around the corner...

That could be nice.. esp if they are targeting old SDM lenses.

However I think that lens, in particular, needs a new optical formula. It is fairly soft at f/2.8 and has a lot of CA or purple fringing that I'm not sure HD coatings can really mitigate.

Throw on new coatings and a new drive system onto the 50-135 f/2.8 and that would be like a whole new lens though!

If anything, I find 'news' such as this is interesting in showing Ricoh seem to be trying something.. I mean at least that rumor is out there.. that there is one saying "we're trying."

[thibs]

First, Da*200 is optically old (FA*200) and will, IMHO, be replaced.
Second, DA*200 and 300 are FF lenses. If they are upgraded, they will be labeled DFA*. IMO of course

[Ishpuini]

Well, I wouldn't mind an upgrade to my first generation DA*16-50/2.8. It has served me well over the years, and is continuing to do so after I did an SDM to screwdrive conversion last year. However, it took a few hits along the way, which means it's slightly decentered now. I know how to work around this, but would prefer not to.

No reason for a replacement for my DA*50-135/2.8 however. It took just as many (or even more) hits as the 16-50 but is still in excellent shape (also converted to screw drive mind you).

Wim

[jatrax]

Logical next step after the DA*11-18 f/2.8. That would give them a modern, professional lineup of APS-C dedicated glass.

I would like to see a new DFA*60-250 f/4 as well.

[Erictator]

I think it will be DA*200/2.8 and DA*300/4 first of all

We have now 6 lenses
DA*55/1.4, DA*200/2.8 and DA*300/4
DA*50-135/2.8, DA*60-250/4, DA*16-50/2.8

I sincerely love my DA*300/4 optically, but the focus speed is a bit... umm... well... you know.

If they do new coatings and KAF4 motor, maybe WR, I'd be in hog heaven, as long as the price isn't insane.
Eric

[CarlJF]

I would like to see a new DFA*60-250 f/4 as well.

I wonder if the 70-200 f/4 on the new roadmap could just be this replacement. Yes, 50mm are lost, but if the focus breathing is well controled it could still offer a better practical reach in most situations than the 60-250...

[jatrax]

I wonder if the 70-200 f/4 on the new roadmap could just be this replacement. Yes, 50mm are lost, but if the focus breathing is well controled it could still offer a better practical reach in most situations than the 60-250...

Perhaps. I had the same thought. Personally I hope not as the 60-250 was enough different to be sort of 'Pentax' rather than just another 70-200. But you are correct, with the focus breathing of the 60-250 in many cases it is not longer than 200mm anyway.
It is however a stellar lens that with a new, faster motor would still fit right in with the DA* line.

I think they have the 70-200 f/4 as a DFA lens? Not DFA*?

[Kunzite]

Yes, as a D FA.
Perhaps Ricoh Imaging just can't make a D FA version from the 60-250:
- with a high quality image, even in the corners
- keeping the weight and size in check
- being able to sell it significantly cheaper than the 70-200

[sungibr]

If it's true, I hope they first release the 16-50 mkII.

By now, I think Ricoh already have a good selection of telephoto lenses. Now they need to replace the standard zooms, specially the 16-50, because of the infamous problems of the past that still stains their reputations up till now.
Plus, with the DA* 11-18 on the verge of release, and the need to replace the K3II, they will get professionally covered, wide to telephoto, thus, will appeal more to the enthusiast/semi-pro market, wich is who they need to get attention from.

[ogl]

I sincerely love my DA*300/4 optically, but the focus speed is a bit... umm... well... you know.

If they do new coatings and KAF4 motor, maybe WR, I'd be in hog heaven, as long as the price isn't insane.
Eric

DA* means AW lenses. All DA* lenses are All Weather. Why WR?

[jatrax]

When you think about it, I would really hate to be the person in charge of deciding what to do next at Ricoh>Pentax. There is so much work to do. APS-C lenses, APS-C cameras, FF lens, FF cameras, 645 lenses, 645 cameras, GR, Q. And only so many resources, people and capital.

In a few minutes of work I could make a list of projects for Pentax that would take decades to complete. And that with no introduction of anything new, just what needs updated or added to the system as it is now. Truly a daunting task that I suspect many of the "I want it now" posters have no concept of.

[Erictator]

DA* means AW lenses. All DA* lenses are All Weather. Why WR?

Well, I dunno... I thought the WR with the red o-ring on the mount was a better seal than the AW... kinda like spash proof vs/ water resistant vs/ water--proof (of which I don't think any are WP)

To be honest, I really don't take my lenses out in the pouring rain, but I do live in the humid tropics, and get caught in the beginning of a shower or thick heavy wet fog, and sometimes end up in a dusty beach area. I always felt that anything that kept water out would probably help keep out moisture and fungus and dust too... I could be totally wrong, but I like it anyway.
Eric

[Mistral75]

Well, I dunno... I thought the WR with the red o-ring on the mount was a better seal than the AW... kinda like spash proof vs/ water resistant vs/ water--proof (of which I don't think any are WP)

(...)

In Pentaxland, AW is superior to WR.