Originally posted by BigMackCam Dave, a genuine question with no underlying motive... Do you think the existing DA lens line-up can last another decade, in terms of optical performance?
I ask, because I'm using (all of) the DA Limited range (even the 20-40 that both you and I had concerns about), plus others - the DA*60-250, HD DA55-300 (screw-drive), DA35 and DA50 "plastic fantastic", D FA100/2.8 Macro WR, and more - and I see nothing significant in these lenses that I would wish to change even on a "better" body. OK, the SDM motor on the DA* series... but otherwise, they seem great to me. But then, I realise other folks have different preferences and priorities.
Some of the glass I'm happy with is over 50 years old, so clearly my own requirements and expectations differ from many folks. Of course, I'm not silly enough to think that certain aspects of lenses have improved... But in numerous cases, I don't see the improvements as essential, though they might be desirable.
I'm interested to know what really needs to change, and what transformation that will bring to the photographer. I'm absolutely prepared to accept there's a need for change and improvement...
Well that is an interesting question. What in the current lineup could be in portfolio for the coming decade?
First of all......Let's think of what Pentax should be as a brand.
- This is about aps-c, so mainly about the consumer and prosumer. This is about people who are interested in photography, have some or a lot of skills or are willing to learn.
- Pentax's strong site is being small, lightweight, roboust and can handle the outside invironment.
- Pentax is a brand that delivers good on the "bang for the buck" challenge.
- bla
So anything about lenses or camera's in portfolio now that doesn't deliver on this, has to go or be replaced or altered. We are talking about the time span from today until december 31th 2029. So time is on our side.
So how about that catalogue of lenses for aps-c:
- DA prime lenses: 14mm/f2.8, 35mm/f2.4, 40mm/f2.8 XS, 50mm/f1.8
- DA-L lenses: not on the list, but maybe still in a kit with a camera
- DA zoom lenses: 12-24mm, 16-85mm, 18-50mm, 18-55mm wr, 18-135mm, 18-270mm, 50-200mm, 55-300mm PLM, 55-300mm wr
- DA* prime lenses: 55mm/f1.4, *200mm/f2.8, *300mm/f4, 560mm/f5.6
- DA* zoom lenses: 11-18mm/f2.8, 16-50mm/f2.8, 50-135mm/f2.8, 60-250mm/f4
- DA Ltd lenses: 15mm, 20-40mm DC WR, 21mm, 40mm, 70mm
- FA (Ltd) lenses: 31mm, 43mm, 77mm, 50mm/f1.4
- Macro lenses: da 35mm Ltd, d-fa 50mm, d-fa 100mm
- D-FA (*) prime lenses: 35mm/f2, *50mm/f1.4
- D-FA (*) zoom lenses: 15-30mm/f2.8, 24-70mm/f2.8, 28-150mm, *70-200mm/f2.8, 150-450mm
- Fisheye lens: 10-17mm
So that are many lenses. But they also are all over the place when it comes to specs.
What should every lens be in 2030?
- HD coating
- in lens motor
- WR
- Kaf4 (body controle aperture)
- high quality glass for hi pixelcount on sensors
So I would say that a lot of lenses need an update or replacement.
- smc coating on a lot of lenses
- only one Kaf4 lens
- lots of lenses without any SDM, DC or PLM motor
- lenses with no wr
- quality issues, I name old SDM, chromatic aberations with 16-50 and some other lenses, plastic mount on lenses, slow focusing lenses like 50-135 and 60-250.
There is enough work. Some lenses might be replaced by the same but updated lens or replaced by a lens that gives a simular experience.
Enough for discussion I guess.