RICOH ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF HD PENTAX-D FA★50mm F1.4 SDM AW STAR-SERIES LENS

BobSpot · 07-27-2018, 01:41 PM

It would be interesting if DXOMARK will test it to see the comparison with the Sigma and Milvus. Would be a real game changer for Sony Canon users to be adopting a Pentax lens

**pres589** · 07-27-2018, 02:02 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by BobSpot

Would be a real game changer for Sony Canon users to be adopting a Pentax lens

Game changer for them to adapt a Pentax lens and not have an aperture lever to hack off. Hope they buy them by the dozen so Ricoh can fund development of the lenses I told them to in my long-winded emails.

aurele · 07-27-2018, 02:24 PM

Originally posted by pres589

Game changer for them to adapt a Pentax lens and not have an aperture lever to hack off. Hope they buy them by the dozen so Ricoh can fund development of the lenses I told them to in my long-winded emails.

It would suppose adapter get updated to use the KAF4 and electronic aperture.

BobSpot · 07-27-2018, 02:36 PM

Originally posted by pres589

Game changer for them to adapt a Pentax lens and not have an aperture lever to hack off

I see the KAF4 as a big step forward The KAF3 lens with the lever cannot be used on my Sigma, but K mount lenses with out the lever work fine on both cameras so for me the new mount is making Pentax lenses much more attractive again.

Zygonyx · 07-27-2018, 02:41 PM

Sooo, i had the opportunity to put my hand on this lens today, and to compare it quickly with my like new SMC DA*55/1.4

Here are my first-hand findings :

1- really heavy, solid built and also very handy , whilst the older DA* might get a litle bit more of a softer build materials (and has no super aero-bright nor HD coatings)

2- pretty qwicker AF speed, though not that faster in AF lock, due to the higher moment of force (K-1 in fw 1.5) and despite slightly shorter distance span (less graduations an AF rotation angle)

3- top of the notch resolution even @ the widest aperture. The DA* poorly compares here (f/1.4), and this is worst near it's minimum focus distance (respectively 40 and 45cm) and getting off center

4- "same" AF lock and potential irregular F/B focus issues

5- very comparable bokeh and colour rendering in interior daylight

6- better vignetting result with the DFA*, though this aspect is not really a problem with DA* if you dont need the highest quality file-corners.

So basically, and not pre-empting forth-comming deeper comparisons, if you are not reluctant with "overload", and need the full K-1 resolution with the "best-in class" rendering, get this new lens.
If you cope for general use and/or compressed images, also not using that frequently ultra-wide apertures for ultra-crisp images, the DA* still keeps some arguments, even in FF mode (landscaping, mid-aperture portraits, …).

nzondlo · 07-27-2018, 02:48 PM

Got mine this morning. I'm already ready for a 35mm or 28mm version. I think Ricoh should go that route immediately instead of the 85.

JPT · 07-27-2018, 06:35 PM - **4 Likes**

Originally posted by ffking

You might be right - I don't know - but, being English myself, I know that some cultures - very much including my own - are prone to cautionary understatement, and that's how I read it.

Exactly. Exaggeration's crude and misleading, so I tend towards understatement. Also, I'm trying to be clear that that ranking is not proof of anything, just a positive indication that online sales are going well.

It's amazing how you can post something that seems overwhelmingly positive and wake up the next morning being called a "naysayer".

BobSpot · 07-27-2018, 07:24 PM

Originally posted by pres589

Game changer for them to adapt a Pentax lens and not have an aperture lever to hack off. Hope they buy them by the dozen so Ricoh can fund development of the lenses I told them to in my long-winded emails.

The lack of any way of physically adjusting the aperture on Kaf4 lenses is a major restrain on both older Pentax bodies as well as on other camera brands. With only electronic aperture control the lens will not appeal to a wide range of users. It is really dedicated to late model Pentax cameras.

bobmaxja · 07-27-2018, 07:27 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by BobSpot

The lack of any way of physically adjusting the aperture on Kaf4 lenses is a major restrain on both older Pentax bodies as well as on other camera brands. With only electronic aperture control the lens will not appeal to a wide range of users. It is really dedicated to late model Pentax cameras.

Pentax to the contrary finally leave the old prehistoric world to the 21 st century. Yes peoples who want to use old glass or new glass on old body will be left in the cold but for me they already have many choice of old glass. Too bad for you...

dcpropilot · 07-27-2018, 07:39 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by bobmaxja

Pentax to the contrary finally leave the old prehistoric world to the 21 st century. Yes peoples who want to use old glass or new glass on old body will be left in the cold but for me they already have many choice of old glass. Too bad for you...

Exactly

A brand new K-S1 or K-50 can be purchased new for $400, and a used K-3 and K-3ii are pretty inexpensive right now which both have KAF4. If you prefer not to upgrade, there are plenty of APS-C lens options for any pre-2013 Pentax DSLRs.

**monochrome** · 07-27-2018, 08:22 PM

Originally posted by dcpropilot

Exactly

A brand new K-S1 or K-50 can be purchased new for $400, and a used K-3 and K-3ii are pretty inexpensive right now which both have KAF4. If you prefer not to upgrade, there are plenty of APS-C lens options for any pre-2013 Pentax DSLRs.

I doubt many people will want to buy a $1,200 lens for a $400 K-S1.

dcpropilot · 07-27-2018, 08:26 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by monochrome

I doubt many people will want to buy a $1,200 lens for a $400 K-S1.

Probably not, but there are options.

**monochrome** · 07-27-2018, 08:45 PM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by BobSpot

The lack of any way of physically adjusting the aperture on Kaf4 lenses is a major restrain on both older Pentax bodies as well as on other camera brands. With only electronic aperture control the lens will not appeal to a wide range of users. It is really dedicated to late model Pentax cameras.

This is kind of a disingenuous objection. I just don’t think there are very many people who would pay $1,200 for a fast fifty to use with a body older than a K-3. And what other brand of camera accepts K-mount lenses?

The first body to omit the aperture lever actuator or screw drive motor will signal Pentax has broken with the past, and it won’t happen any time soon.

sunny16 · 07-27-2018, 09:18 PM

Originally posted by monochrome

I doubt many people will want to buy a $1,200 lens for a $400 K-S1.

If only Pentax could offer a firmware update that would allow the camera to do a different "light show" depending on which lens you mount.

aurele · 07-28-2018, 01:45 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by BobSpot

The lack of any way of physically adjusting the aperture on Kaf4 lenses is a major restrain on both older Pentax bodies as well as on other camera brands. With only electronic aperture control the lens will not appeal to a wide range of users. It is really dedicated to late model Pentax cameras.

The goal of Pentax is to sell things. They won't create a lense for people who don't buy any new body because they use film, or old IstD.
At some point people have to realise that a legacy is great. But a company can't live in the past.

I'm very happy that Pentax create this amazing lense, and plan to create more. They made an incredible FF body. And an amazing KP body.
Future is forward, not in the "side mirror".

07-27-2018, 02:41 PM	#695
Zygonyx Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ile de France Posts: 4,033	Sooo, i had the opportunity to put my hand on this lens today, and to compare it quickly with my like new SMC DA55/1.4 Here are my first-hand findings : 1- really heavy, solid built and also very handy , whilst the older DA might get a litle bit more of a softer build materials (and has no super aero-bright nor HD coatings) 2- pretty qwicker AF speed, though not that faster in AF lock, due to the higher moment of force (K-1 in fw 1.5) and despite slightly shorter distance span (less graduations an AF rotation angle) 3- top of the notch resolution even @ the widest aperture. The DA* poorly compares here (f/1.4), and this is worst near it's minimum focus distance (respectively 40 and 45cm) and getting off center 4- "same" AF lock and potential irregular F/B focus issues 5- very comparable bokeh and colour rendering in interior daylight 6- better vignetting result with the DFA, though this aspect is not really a problem with DA if you dont need the highest quality file-corners. So basically, and not pre-empting forth-comming deeper comparisons, if you are not reluctant with "overload", and need the full K-1 resolution with the "best-in class" rendering, get this new lens. If you cope for general use and/or compressed images, also not using that frequently ultra-wide apertures for ultra-crisp images, the DA* still keeps some arguments, even in FF mode (landscaping, mid-aperture portraits, …). Last edited by Zygonyx; 07-27-2018 at 03:06 PM.

07-27-2018, 07:39 PM - 2 Likes	#700
dcpropilot Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Vermont Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 941	Originally posted by bobmaxja Pentax to the contrary finally leave the old prehistoric world to the 21 st century. Yes peoples who want to use old glass or new glass on old body will be left in the cold but for me they already have many choice of old glass. Too bad for you... Exactly A brand new K-S1 or K-50 can be purchased new for $400, and a used K-3 and K-3ii are pretty inexpensive right now which both have KAF4. If you prefer not to upgrade, there are plenty of APS-C lens options for any pre-2013 Pentax DSLRs. Last edited by dcpropilot; 07-27-2018 at 07:58 PM.

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07-27-2018, 01:41 PM	#691
BobSpot Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Victoria Posts: 46	It would be interesting if DXOMARK will test it to see the comparison with the Sigma and Milvus. Would be a real game changer for Sony Canon users to be adopting a Pentax lens

07-27-2018, 02:02 PM - 1 Like	#692
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,531	Originally posted by BobSpot Would be a real game changer for Sony Canon users to be adopting a Pentax lens Game changer for them to adapt a Pentax lens and not have an aperture lever to hack off. Hope they buy them by the dozen so Ricoh can fund development of the lenses I told them to in my long-winded emails.

07-27-2018, 02:24 PM	#693
aurele Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Paris, France Photos: Albums Posts: 3,217	Originally posted by pres589 Game changer for them to adapt a Pentax lens and not have an aperture lever to hack off. Hope they buy them by the dozen so Ricoh can fund development of the lenses I told them to in my long-winded emails. It would suppose adapter get updated to use the KAF4 and electronic aperture.

07-27-2018, 02:36 PM	#694
BobSpot Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Victoria Posts: 46	Originally posted by pres589 Game changer for them to adapt a Pentax lens and not have an aperture lever to hack off I see the KAF4 as a big step forward The KAF3 lens with the lever cannot be used on my Sigma, but K mount lenses with out the lever work fine on both cameras so for me the new mount is making Pentax lenses much more attractive again.

07-27-2018, 02:48 PM	#696
nzondlo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 186	Got mine this morning. I'm already ready for a 35mm or 28mm version. I think Ricoh should go that route immediately instead of the 85.

07-27-2018, 06:35 PM - 4 Likes	#697
JPT Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,821	Originally posted by ffking You might be right - I don't know - but, being English myself, I know that some cultures - very much including my own - are prone to cautionary understatement, and that's how I read it. Exactly. Exaggeration's crude and misleading, so I tend towards understatement. Also, I'm trying to be clear that that ranking is not proof of anything, just a positive indication that online sales are going well. It's amazing how you can post something that seems overwhelmingly positive and wake up the next morning being called a "naysayer".

07-27-2018, 07:24 PM	#698
BobSpot Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Victoria Posts: 46	Originally posted by pres589 Game changer for them to adapt a Pentax lens and not have an aperture lever to hack off. Hope they buy them by the dozen so Ricoh can fund development of the lenses I told them to in my long-winded emails. The lack of any way of physically adjusting the aperture on Kaf4 lenses is a major restrain on both older Pentax bodies as well as on other camera brands. With only electronic aperture control the lens will not appeal to a wide range of users. It is really dedicated to late model Pentax cameras.

07-27-2018, 07:27 PM - 2 Likes	#699
bobmaxja Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Laval, Quebec Canada Posts: 2,171	Originally posted by BobSpot The lack of any way of physically adjusting the aperture on Kaf4 lenses is a major restrain on both older Pentax bodies as well as on other camera brands. With only electronic aperture control the lens will not appeal to a wide range of users. It is really dedicated to late model Pentax cameras. Pentax to the contrary finally leave the old prehistoric world to the 21 st century. Yes peoples who want to use old glass or new glass on old body will be left in the cold but for me they already have many choice of old glass. Too bad for you...

07-27-2018, 08:22 PM	#701
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by dcpropilot Exactly A brand new K-S1 or K-50 can be purchased new for $400, and a used K-3 and K-3ii are pretty inexpensive right now which both have KAF4. If you prefer not to upgrade, there are plenty of APS-C lens options for any pre-2013 Pentax DSLRs. I doubt many people will want to buy a $1,200 lens for a $400 K-S1.

07-27-2018, 08:26 PM - 1 Like	#702
dcpropilot Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Vermont Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 941	Originally posted by monochrome I doubt many people will want to buy a $1,200 lens for a $400 K-S1. Probably not, but there are options.

07-27-2018, 08:45 PM - 3 Likes	#703
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by BobSpot The lack of any way of physically adjusting the aperture on Kaf4 lenses is a major restrain on both older Pentax bodies as well as on other camera brands. With only electronic aperture control the lens will not appeal to a wide range of users. It is really dedicated to late model Pentax cameras. This is kind of a disingenuous objection. I just don’t think there are very many people who would pay $1,200 for a fast fifty to use with a body older than a K-3. And what other brand of camera accepts K-mount lenses? The first body to omit the aperture lever actuator or screw drive motor will signal Pentax has broken with the past, and it won’t happen any time soon.

07-27-2018, 09:18 PM	#704
sunny16 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Maryland, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 309	Originally posted by monochrome I doubt many people will want to buy a $1,200 lens for a $400 K-S1. If only Pentax could offer a firmware update that would allow the camera to do a different "light show" depending on which lens you mount.

07-28-2018, 01:45 AM - 3 Likes	#705
aurele Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Paris, France Photos: Albums Posts: 3,217	Originally posted by BobSpot The lack of any way of physically adjusting the aperture on Kaf4 lenses is a major restrain on both older Pentax bodies as well as on other camera brands. With only electronic aperture control the lens will not appeal to a wide range of users. It is really dedicated to late model Pentax cameras. The goal of Pentax is to sell things. They won't create a lense for people who don't buy any new body because they use film, or old IstD. At some point people have to realise that a legacy is great. But a company can't live in the past. I'm very happy that Pentax create this amazing lense, and plan to create more. They made an incredible FF body. And an amazing KP body. Future is forward, not in the "side mirror".