HD Pentax-D FA 70-210mm f/4 ED SDM WR

**Serkevan** · 01-20-2020, 01:03 PM

They might have tweaked something here and there (aside from the obvious HD coatings). Honestly, the Tamron looks like a great lens and the flare issues will be improved because the Pentax sauce is great there. It's just that the introduction price seems too high, 150-200 or so less (so still another 200-250 above the Tamron's MSRP) would have made it more reasonable I would say...

---------- Post added 01-20-20 at 01:03 PM ----------

Originally posted by sundown

Is it sharp

?

If it's exactly like the Tamron, yes. Very. Across the frame actually - great lens in that regard.

biz-engineer · 01-20-2020, 01:13 PM

IF this is a Tamron rebadge, it's good because there are a lot of reviews out there, so it's easy to know how sharp is the lens, specifications etc..
So if this 70-210 is a Tamron with Pentax style, together with the D-FA 28-105 makes a great light weight landscape kit.

Mistral75 · 01-20-2020, 01:17 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by RGlasel

8 posts in and no mention that Pentax is introducing their Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD copycat for $400 more than what the Tamron original in F mount is listed for (and is on sale for another $200 less -$599- at the moment), without including OIS and not offering a 5 year warranty.:) I have to assume this means that there was an in-house project that has either been shelved or redirected, surely there would not have been teasing about something like this for about 18 months if the original plan was to have Tamron build it with Ricoh imaging coatings and o-rings.

I agree with you. It smells like R&D budget cut, either (i) impacting the Pentax projects or (ii) caused to the D FA 70-200mm f/4 project by another Pentax project experiencing a budget overrun or (iii) both.

biz-engineer · 01-20-2020, 01:20 PM - **2 Likes**

Price.... if this is a Tamron base, obviously there were costs involved in customizing the lens for Pentax (lens firmware for the k mount, aperture control, coatings?, external body, weather sealing, VC modification etc etc), there is no free lunch...

repaap · 01-20-2020, 01:21 PM

Must say that I’m also a wee a bit surprised, if it Is rebadge. Just because it has been in making for so long..not that it would not be good/great lens. Dunno what is going on at their workshop. Rumour was that this thing postboned that * prime lens line/over took it in production line.

And it is not that I was going to buy it anyway, because I do have that 70-200/2.8, which I do like.

That said, I really like my 15-30/2.8. And I still think that Ricoh did right to have them as rebadges(that and 24-70, which I don’t own either).

Riddler · 01-20-2020, 01:22 PM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

Price.... if this is a Tamron base, obviously there were costs involved in customizing the lens for Pentax (lens firmware for the k mount, aperture control, coatings?, external body, weather sealing, VC modification etc etc), there is no free lunch...

Fair enough
But still expensive

Reed · 01-20-2020, 01:22 PM

Originally posted by Mistral75

I agree with you. It smells like R&D budget cut, either (i) impacting the Pentax projects or (ii) caused to the D FA 70-200mm f/4 project by another Pentax project experiencing a budget overrun or (iii) both.

Or they decided that Tokina is obsolete and too slow. Tamron is more modern and very good performer in all aspects.

Blooming Soul · 01-20-2020, 01:22 PM

KAF3 or KAF4 mount?

**Serkevan** · 01-20-2020, 01:24 PM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

Price.... if this is a Tamron base, obviously there were costs involved in customizing the lens for Pentax (lens firmware for the k mount, aperture control, coatings?, external body, weather sealing, VC modification etc etc), there is no free lunch...

The Tamron is already weather sealed; the VC modification I would assume involves "fixing" the lens group in place and that's more or less it. I doubt firmware, coatings and aperture control took two years to develop (which is about as long as the lens has been on the roadmap, IIRC?)

biz-engineer · 01-20-2020, 01:25 PM

Originally posted by repaap

And it is not that I was going to buy it anyway, because I do have that 70-200/2.8, which I do like.

Originally posted by repaap

Just because it has been in making for so long

I bet they waited for until now because... a D-FA *85 and D-FA 70-210 f4 can replace a D-FA *70-200 f2.8, some folks may sell their D-FA*70-200 f2.8 used, to finance the purchase of a D-FA 70-210 and D-FA 85, which works if the D-FA 70-210 and D-FA 85 are released close to each other in time.

Mistral75 · 01-20-2020, 01:26 PM

Originally posted by Riddler

70 210 tamron for Canon 400 euro. For Pentax euro 1100. (...)

€1,199 actually, €1,200 rounded.

The RRP at launch of the Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD was €799, €800 rounded.

If the rumoured RRP of the Pentax lens is confirmed, it will be 50% more expensive than the Tamron.

sundown · 01-20-2020, 01:28 PM

I guess this one will come with a free tripod collar, reading that the Tamron one costs an extra 129 in respective currencies. I guess come holiday seasons it will drop to 799-899 in Europe gdp/eur. Kind of exciting looks to be very sharp. I'd rather buy this one than Fuji FX 50-140/2.8 for landscapes

(in my case).

biz-engineer · 01-20-2020, 01:29 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Serkevan

he Tamron is already weather sealed; the VC modification I would assume involves "fixing" the lens group in place and that's more or less it.

easy easy... except when you change the design you have to make sure the whole thing performs at least as well as before the chance, you have to make sure the parts numbers are fine, inventory of parts, factory instructions, reliability is still Ok with the modified design etc. That's the why third parties stopped supporting Pentax when the quantities were insufficient, there is an extra cost related to customization of the base lens for various mounts and tastes.

**beachgardener** · 01-20-2020, 01:30 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Mistral75

Other sources rather indicate that it would be a Pentax version of the very good Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD, the firm having bought the rights to the optical formula with a 'high-end' manufacturing based on Pentax specifications and high quality lens elements.'

Optical formula is one thing, did Pentax make their own lenses for this formula and other specifications? Thus a difference in cost.

Anyway, happy times, many people asked for this lens.

Mistral75 · 01-20-2020, 01:30 PM

Originally posted by RGlasel

it is virtually impossible to change manufacturing tolerances for the same tooling, and even more difficult to selectively improve quality without setting up an extra production line. Selective downgrading in manufacturing happens all the time, sometimes it is as simple as lowering the QA standards at final inspection (so the scrap rate is lower), but the reverse never.

(...)

Do you mean that increasing the QA standards at final inspection (so the scrap rate is higher, which has an obvious impact on unit cost) won't lead to improved average quality?

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01-20-2020, 01:03 PM	#31
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	They might have tweaked something here and there (aside from the obvious HD coatings). Honestly, the Tamron looks like a great lens and the flare issues will be improved because the Pentax sauce is great there. It's just that the introduction price seems too high, 150-200 or so less (so still another 200-250 above the Tamron's MSRP) would have made it more reasonable I would say... ---------- Post added 01-20-20 at 01:03 PM ---------- Originally posted by sundown Is it sharp ? If it's exactly like the Tamron, yes. Very. Across the frame actually - great lens in that regard.

01-20-2020, 01:13 PM	#32
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,232	IF this is a Tamron rebadge, it's good because there are a lot of reviews out there, so it's easy to know how sharp is the lens, specifications etc.. So if this 70-210 is a Tamron with Pentax style, together with the D-FA 28-105 makes a great light weight landscape kit.

01-20-2020, 01:17 PM - 1 Like	#33
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 7,527 Original Poster	Originally posted by RGlasel 8 posts in and no mention that Pentax is introducing their Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD copycat for $400 more than what the Tamron original in F mount is listed for (and is on sale for another $200 less -$599- at the moment), without including OIS and not offering a 5 year warranty.:) I have to assume this means that there was an in-house project that has either been shelved or redirected, surely there would not have been teasing about something like this for about 18 months if the original plan was to have Tamron build it with Ricoh imaging coatings and o-rings. I agree with you. It smells like R&D budget cut, either (i) impacting the Pentax projects or (ii) caused to the D FA 70-200mm f/4 project by another Pentax project experiencing a budget overrun or (iii) both.

01-20-2020, 01:20 PM - 2 Likes	#34
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,232	Price.... if this is a Tamron base, obviously there were costs involved in customizing the lens for Pentax (lens firmware for the k mount, aperture control, coatings?, external body, weather sealing, VC modification etc etc), there is no free lunch...

01-20-2020, 01:21 PM	#35
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Must say that I’m also a wee a bit surprised, if it Is rebadge. Just because it has been in making for so long..not that it would not be good/great lens. Dunno what is going on at their workshop. Rumour was that this thing postboned that * prime lens line/over took it in production line. And it is not that I was going to buy it anyway, because I do have that 70-200/2.8, which I do like. That said, I really like my 15-30/2.8. And I still think that Ricoh did right to have them as rebadges(that and 24-70, which I don’t own either).

01-20-2020, 01:22 PM	#36
Riddler Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2019 Posts: 250	Originally posted by biz-engineer Price.... if this is a Tamron base, obviously there were costs involved in customizing the lens for Pentax (lens firmware for the k mount, aperture control, coatings?, external body, weather sealing, VC modification etc etc), there is no free lunch... Fair enough But still expensive

01-20-2020, 01:22 PM	#37
Reed Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Warsaw Photos: Gallery Posts: 638	Originally posted by Mistral75 I agree with you. It smells like R&D budget cut, either (i) impacting the Pentax projects or (ii) caused to the D FA 70-200mm f/4 project by another Pentax project experiencing a budget overrun or (iii) both. Or they decided that Tokina is obsolete and too slow. Tamron is more modern and very good performer in all aspects.

01-20-2020, 01:22 PM	#38
Blooming Soul New Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Vladimir Photos: Gallery Posts: 4	KAF3 or KAF4 mount?

01-20-2020, 01:24 PM	#39
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	Originally posted by biz-engineer Price.... if this is a Tamron base, obviously there were costs involved in customizing the lens for Pentax (lens firmware for the k mount, aperture control, coatings?, external body, weather sealing, VC modification etc etc), there is no free lunch... The Tamron is already weather sealed; the VC modification I would assume involves "fixing" the lens group in place and that's more or less it. I doubt firmware, coatings and aperture control took two years to develop (which is about as long as the lens has been on the roadmap, IIRC?)

01-20-2020, 01:25 PM	#40
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,232	Originally posted by repaap And it is not that I was going to buy it anyway, because I do have that 70-200/2.8, which I do like. Originally posted by repaap Just because it has been in making for so long I bet they waited for until now because... a D-FA 85 and D-FA 70-210 f4 can replace a D-FA 70-200 f2.8, some folks may sell their D-FA*70-200 f2.8 used, to finance the purchase of a D-FA 70-210 and D-FA 85, which works if the D-FA 70-210 and D-FA 85 are released close to each other in time.

01-20-2020, 01:26 PM	#41
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 7,527 Original Poster	Originally posted by Riddler 70 210 tamron for Canon 400 euro. For Pentax euro 1100. (...) €1,199 actually, €1,200 rounded. The RRP at launch of the Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD was €799, €800 rounded. If the rumoured RRP of the Pentax lens is confirmed, it will be 50% more expensive than the Tamron.

01-20-2020, 01:28 PM	#42
sundown Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 588	I guess this one will come with a free tripod collar, reading that the Tamron one costs an extra 129 in respective currencies. I guess come holiday seasons it will drop to 799-899 in Europe gdp/eur. Kind of exciting looks to be very sharp. I'd rather buy this one than Fuji FX 50-140/2.8 for landscapes (in my case).

01-20-2020, 01:29 PM - 1 Like	#43
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,232	Originally posted by Serkevan he Tamron is already weather sealed; the VC modification I would assume involves "fixing" the lens group in place and that's more or less it. easy easy... except when you change the design you have to make sure the whole thing performs at least as well as before the chance, you have to make sure the parts numbers are fine, inventory of parts, factory instructions, reliability is still Ok with the modified design etc. That's the why third parties stopped supporting Pentax when the quantities were insufficient, there is an extra cost related to customization of the base lens for various mounts and tastes.

01-20-2020, 01:30 PM - 1 Like	#44
beachgardener Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,842	Originally posted by Mistral75 Other sources rather indicate that it would be a Pentax version of the very good Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD, the firm having bought the rights to the optical formula with a 'high-end' manufacturing based on Pentax specifications and high quality lens elements.' Optical formula is one thing, did Pentax make their own lenses for this formula and other specifications? Thus a difference in cost. Anyway, happy times, many people asked for this lens.

01-20-2020, 01:30 PM	#45
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 7,527 Original Poster	Originally posted by RGlasel it is virtually impossible to change manufacturing tolerances for the same tooling, and even more difficult to selectively improve quality without setting up an extra production line. Selective downgrading in manufacturing happens all the time, sometimes it is as simple as lowering the QA standards at final inspection (so the scrap rate is lower), but the reverse never. (...) Do you mean that increasing the QA standards at final inspection (so the scrap rate is higher, which has an obvious impact on unit cost) won't lead to improved average quality?