Rumours of HD Pentax-D FA 50-300mm f/4.5-5.6/6.3

repaap · 05-17-2019, 09:48 AM

Originally posted by 5r82

I'm not sure if anyone mentioned it already but the existing DA HD 55-300 f4-5.8 screw drive is almost full frame. There is slight vignetting though. Some of it can can be corrected. It vignettes the most without possibility to correct somewhere in the 100mm range, I don't remember. I use this lens on K-1 and it can make good photos. I assume Ricoh will do small mods to this lens optical design and with new motor it will work well. I hope it is PLM. But even DC motor and it will be Ok. Great travel lens with 28-105 if it is on par with this lens optically.

Umm, no. Small tweak is not going to work. I have DA 55-300 WR and I have used it also with K-1. It is usable from 55-70 and from 130-250 ish. But edges are far from being good(it is good enough). I'm sure that it is going to be more than just little adjustment. If you want corner to corner sharpness with 55-300+K-1 in FF mode, it won't do that at any focal lenght that. you want to crop a bit. I have DFA*70-200 and I would not go back.

normhead · 05-18-2019, 10:40 AM

Originally posted by repaap

Umm, no. Small tweak is not going to work. I have DA 55-300 WR and I have used it also with K-1. It is usable from 55-70 and from 130-250 ish. But edges are far from being good(it is good enough). I'm sure that it is going to be more than just little adjustment. If you want corner to corner sharpness with 55-300+K-1 in FF mode, it won't do that at any focal lenght that. you want to crop a bit. I have DFA*70-200 and I would not go back.

I'm not sure modifying existing designs is even a thing. Each element requires a certain amount of space based on it's diameter. Start increasing the size of the elements and everything else is going out of whack. It's probably better to start from scratch in many circumstances.

repaap · 05-18-2019, 10:48 AM

Originally posted by normhead

I'm not sure modifying existing designs is even a thing. Each element requires a certain amount of space based on it's diameter. Start increasing the size of the elements and everything else is going out of whack. It's probably better to start from scratch in many circumstances.

I do agree

even if it is going tobe consumer lens, it needs to be good. just like 28-105.

**Rondec** · 05-18-2019, 01:21 PM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by normhead

I'm not sure modifying existing designs is even a thing. Each element requires a certain amount of space based on it's diameter. Start increasing the size of the elements and everything else is going out of whack. It's probably better to start from scratch in many circumstances.

I'm always amused by how simple a thing people think lens design is. "A simple tweak" is never just that simple. It's more akin to taking your vehicle to the dealer and asking if they can install a bigger windshield. The reality is that the lens body, motor and all the parts have to work together to produce good results. It isn't really the optical design part that takes so much time -- more the part where they figure out the engineering and manufacturing portions of it, turn out a few lenses and tweak the process a little more.

That doesn't mean that Pentax isn't going to come out with a 70-300 variable aperture zoom, but I doubt they will use an existing APS-C lens as a starting place.

**jatrax** · 05-18-2019, 07:54 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Rondec

but I doubt they will use an existing APS-C lens as a starting place.

Despite years of posts stating all Pentax needs to do is tweak an existing design to make it (Choose one: FF, faster, use a new motor, use an in lens motor, take pictures of unicorns) Pentax has in every case I am aware of started from scratch to make a new lens to modern design specs. As you say, tweaking a design that is antiquated and was built using antiquated methods and materials is really a non-starter. Much simpler to just start over and design it to be built on the equipment and with the materials in use today.

**monochrome** · 05-18-2019, 09:30 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by jatrax

Despite years of posts stating all Pentax needs to do is tweak an existing design to make it (Choose one: FF, faster, use a new motor, use an in lens motor, take pictures of unicorns) Pentax has in every case I am aware of started from scratch to make a new lens to modern design specs. As you say, tweaking a design that is antiquated and was built using antiquated methods and materials is really a non-starter. Much simpler to just start over and design it to be built on the equipment and with the materials in use today.

I would bet a dime to a dollar the reason Pentax can keep running batches of the FA Limiteds has to do with the comparatively high use of hand work (per the recent video) and thus less dependence on machines that might no longer even exist - and that they continue to run batches of the original lenses because ‘simple’ updates such as weather seals or internal focus motors would be start-from-scratch redesigns, not simple updates (and then they would be new lenses, not the Princesses).

Youtu.be

**suraswami** · 05-20-2019, 03:31 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by monochrome

I would bet a dime to a dollar the reason Pentax can keep running batches of the FA Limiteds has to do with the comparatively high use of hand work (per the recent video) and thus less dependence on machines that might no longer even exist - and that they continue to run batches of the original lenses because ‘simple’ updates such as weather seals or internal focus motors would be start-from-scratch redesigns, not simple updates (and then they would be new lenses, not the Princesses).

Limited Lens - until it sees the light

At some point the Princess need to marry a charming Prince and bring us more Prince and Princesses right? Otherwise the line will end!!

**monochrome** · 05-20-2019, 04:13 PM

Originally posted by suraswami

At some point the Princess need to marry a charming Prince and bring us more Prince and Princesses right? Otherwise the line will end!!

I believe one of the long term planning themes is extending the Limited line of lenses. That does not necessarily mean the Princesses will be refreshed. It does mean their design ethic will be extended to other focal lengths.

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05-17-2019, 09:48 AM	#91
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Originally posted by 5r82 I'm not sure if anyone mentioned it already but the existing DA HD 55-300 f4-5.8 screw drive is almost full frame. There is slight vignetting though. Some of it can can be corrected. It vignettes the most without possibility to correct somewhere in the 100mm range, I don't remember. I use this lens on K-1 and it can make good photos. I assume Ricoh will do small mods to this lens optical design and with new motor it will work well. I hope it is PLM. But even DC motor and it will be Ok. Great travel lens with 28-105 if it is on par with this lens optically. Umm, no. Small tweak is not going to work. I have DA 55-300 WR and I have used it also with K-1. It is usable from 55-70 and from 130-250 ish. But edges are far from being good(it is good enough). I'm sure that it is going to be more than just little adjustment. If you want corner to corner sharpness with 55-300+K-1 in FF mode, it won't do that at any focal lenght that. you want to crop a bit. I have DFA*70-200 and I would not go back.

05-18-2019, 10:40 AM	#92
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by repaap Umm, no. Small tweak is not going to work. I have DA 55-300 WR and I have used it also with K-1. It is usable from 55-70 and from 130-250 ish. But edges are far from being good(it is good enough). I'm sure that it is going to be more than just little adjustment. If you want corner to corner sharpness with 55-300+K-1 in FF mode, it won't do that at any focal lenght that. you want to crop a bit. I have DFA*70-200 and I would not go back. I'm not sure modifying existing designs is even a thing. Each element requires a certain amount of space based on it's diameter. Start increasing the size of the elements and everything else is going out of whack. It's probably better to start from scratch in many circumstances.

05-18-2019, 10:48 AM	#93
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Originally posted by normhead I'm not sure modifying existing designs is even a thing. Each element requires a certain amount of space based on it's diameter. Start increasing the size of the elements and everything else is going out of whack. It's probably better to start from scratch in many circumstances. I do agree even if it is going tobe consumer lens, it needs to be good. just like 28-105.

05-18-2019, 01:21 PM - 3 Likes	#94
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,663	Originally posted by normhead I'm not sure modifying existing designs is even a thing. Each element requires a certain amount of space based on it's diameter. Start increasing the size of the elements and everything else is going out of whack. It's probably better to start from scratch in many circumstances. I'm always amused by how simple a thing people think lens design is. "A simple tweak" is never just that simple. It's more akin to taking your vehicle to the dealer and asking if they can install a bigger windshield. The reality is that the lens body, motor and all the parts have to work together to produce good results. It isn't really the optical design part that takes so much time -- more the part where they figure out the engineering and manufacturing portions of it, turn out a few lenses and tweak the process a little more. That doesn't mean that Pentax isn't going to come out with a 70-300 variable aperture zoom, but I doubt they will use an existing APS-C lens as a starting place.

05-18-2019, 07:54 PM - 2 Likes	#95
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by Rondec but I doubt they will use an existing APS-C lens as a starting place. Despite years of posts stating all Pentax needs to do is tweak an existing design to make it (Choose one: FF, faster, use a new motor, use an in lens motor, take pictures of unicorns) Pentax has in every case I am aware of started from scratch to make a new lens to modern design specs. As you say, tweaking a design that is antiquated and was built using antiquated methods and materials is really a non-starter. Much simpler to just start over and design it to be built on the equipment and with the materials in use today.

05-20-2019, 03:31 PM - 2 Likes	#97
suraswami Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 419	Originally posted by monochrome I would bet a dime to a dollar the reason Pentax can keep running batches of the FA Limiteds has to do with the comparatively high use of hand work (per the recent video) and thus less dependence on machines that might no longer even exist - and that they continue to run batches of the original lenses because ‘simple’ updates such as weather seals or internal focus motors would be start-from-scratch redesigns, not simple updates (and then they would be new lenses, not the Princesses). Limited Lens - until it sees the light At some point the Princess need to marry a charming Prince and bring us more Prince and Princesses right? Otherwise the line will end!!

05-20-2019, 04:13 PM	#98
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by suraswami At some point the Princess need to marry a charming Prince and bring us more Prince and Princesses right? Otherwise the line will end!! I believe one of the long term planning themes is extending the Limited line of lenses. That does not necessarily mean the Princesses will be refreshed. It does mean their design ethic will be extended to other focal lengths.