[robjmitchell]

Like the DFA*50 is to FF, this is the first of a new generation of APS-C star lenses. While some might have wished they would re-do the 16-50 first, this lens fills a spot that is open and has been for a long time. I suspect once this lens is launched the replacements for the DA*16-50 and the DA*50-135 will follow in good time. They will use the knowledge gained designing and building this lens to design a new 16-50, 50-135 and 60-250. When finished (which will be years), they will have 11mm to 250mm in pro level, modern star glass.

People forget that Canon and Nikon do not have a trinity of pro quality APS-C zooms and instead try to jawbone their consumers into upgrading to FF. Getting the 11-18, 16-50 with new optics and 50-135 with new motor to the market for the release of the K3 replacement would be quite high on Ricoh’s priority list. If they can get the IQ of the 11-18 and new 16-50 to the same level as their top flight * lenses then they will have an extremely competive APS-C pro system.

[jatrax]

If they can get the IQ of the 11-18 and new 16-50 to the same level as their top flight * lenses then they will have an extremely competive APS-C pro system.

^^^ Yep!!

[clackers]

The 11-18*, DA20-40 Ltd and DA*50-135 would make a sensational combination, IMHO...

[monochrome]

The "problem" with this and other high quality lenses is that they are designed for wide apertures, because "some" people have a need for that.
I wonder if there isn't a market for lenses of the same quality, but smaller aperture, and consequentially smaller size and price.

Generally, the Limited Lenses in both formats are designed to fill that niche. I’m not sure how in-lens focus motors will alter the size of the pancakes though.

[monochrome]

People forget that Canon and Nikon do not have a trinity of pro quality APS-C zooms and instead try to jawbone their consumers into upgrading to FF. Getting the 11-18, 16-50 with new optics and 50-135 with new motor to the market for the release of the K3 replacement would be quite high on Ricoh’s priority list. If they can get the IQ of the 11-18 and new 16-50 to the same level as their top flight * lenses then they will have an extremely competive APS-C pro system.

Perhapss it isn’t as much developing the camera itself that’s holding up the next APSc flagship as it is the lenses . . .

[UncleVanya]

Like the DFA*50 is to FF, this is the first of a new generation of APS-C star lenses. While some might have wished they would re-do the 16-50 first, this lens fills a spot that is open and has been for a long time. I suspect once this lens is launched the replacements for the DA*16-50 and the DA*50-135 will follow in good time. They will use the knowledge gained designing and building this lens to design a new 16-50, 50-135 and 60-250. When finished (which will be years), they will have 11mm to 250mm in pro level, modern star glass.

While I can see improving the 16-50 optically, I have difficulty seeing optical improvement for the 50-135 or 60-250. I can imagine improvements in the focusing motors. I think the DA 60-250 will be dropped. Its role will bw supplanted by the new FF 70-200 f4. The existing 60-250 is already nearly full frame, as are most of the high grade fasrter telephoto lenses that Pentax makes i don't see cost or weight savings. Look to micro 4/3 to see that the format of the sensor is a small factor in size for high quality fast telephoto optics, the major size savings in m4/3 are due to a 2x crop factor and short registration distances. Look at the m43 200 and 300mm large aperture optics, these are as large or larger than ff or apsc telephoto lenses with similar aperture. I don't see Pentax wasting time on a replacement for the 60-250 despite the extra range it offers over a 70-200 f4. This will be even more likely if they can reduce the focus breathing issue to a minimal amount making the 200mm end more useful at short range than the existing lens.

[ogl]

While I can see improving the 16-50 optically, I have difficulty seeing optical improvement for the 50-135 or 60-250. I can imagine improvements in the focusing motors. I think the DA 60-250 will be dropped. Its role will bw supplanted by the new FF 70-200 f4. .

60-250 and 70-200 are different focal ranges. I'm afraid 60-250 could be better optically than Tamron's version. No any sense to discontinue 60-250...

[Kunzite]

What Tamron's version? Tamron doesn't have a 70-200 f/4, and they won't have one anytime soon as they have a 70-210 f/4.

[dafbp]

If you go f4 you get the DA15 Limited or DA12-24.

I thought of those, but don't think they're in the same league, image and build quality(WR) wise.
A review comparing those 3 would be very interesting...

[ogl]

What Tamron's version? Tamron doesn't have a 70-200 f/4, and they won't have one anytime soon as they have a 70-210 f/4.

There is no DFA70-200/4 or 70-210/4. Nothing to discuss.

[clackers]

I thought of those, but don't think they're in the same league, image and build quality(WR) wise.
A review comparing those 3 would be very interesting...

No, neither are Star lenses.

Historically, Star lenses are bigger, better IQ, faster and more expensive.

So there will always be a need for the smaller but still pricey Limiteds, and for most people, the DA series, which are cost effective.

[UncleVanya]

60-250 and 70-200 are different focal ranges. I'm afraid 60-250 could be better optically than Tamron's version. No any sense to discontinue 60-250...

If an f4 FF lens in the 70-200 range is created it doesn't seem viable to have both assuming a redesign of sdm in the 60-250. While the range is different, with focus breathing the current lens can seem quite a bit shorter than 200 so the range advantage is only present at longer distances. I love my 60-250 and would be happy to see it continue to be offered particularly if a version with a speedier focus motor is introduced. But with limited resources I'm skeptical.

[jatrax]

While I can see improving the 16-50 optically, I have difficulty seeing optical improvement for the 50-135 or 60-250. I can imagine improvements in the focusing motors.

Agree on the 50-135 and 60-250, but they really, really need faster focusing motors. Actually I really liked the 16-50 optically as well and never understood the complaints others had. Maybe I had a 'good' copy or maybe for my purposes the supposed flaws were not visible.

I have read a number of posts with the opinion that the 60-250 will not be replaced. I hope that is not true as it is a special lens and something Pentax has that no one else does. But with limited resources and the 70-200 announced I am afraid that is the case. Just too many other things to do with a limited budget.

[UncleVanya]

Pentax hasn't said the 60-250 will be discontinued or changed so it is just rumor and opinion. (Mine included)

[jatrax]

Pentax hasn't said the 60-250 will be discontinued or changed so it is just rumor and opinion. (Mine included)

Yep. Just speculation on my part as well. But a '*' line up from 11mm to 250mm of new fast glass for dedicated APS-C would be a really nice part of the line.