Originally posted by northcoastgreg I'm not sure I understand this. So if Ricoh came out with an FF wide angle zoom, that would strongly appeal to APS-C users as well? Are we sure of that? Because when Ricoh gets around to introducing that DFA 70-300 f4.5.6 that's on the roadmap, the DFA zoom line-up will consist of four telephoto zooms, two standard zooms, and one wide-angle zoom. Why is the DFA zoom line-up shaping up to be so telephoto centric? I think there's an obvious explanation. Ricoh may feel reluctant to introduce lenses that would appeal only (or primarily) to their much smaller FF user base. Not many APS-C users are going to buy an expensive (and if they're any good they're expensive) FF wide angle zoom, when they can get cheaper APS-C lenses that cover the same focal range. But APS-C users may be interested in any of the DFA telephoto zooms. Ricoh has even gone so far as to try to make a sales pitch to APS-C users regarding the new DFA 70-210 on their website introducing the lens.
What I mean is, from my perspective of a full frame user, it will be great to see an affordable wide-angle zoom with variable f-stops that goes to 16, whether that's possible or not - I am not debating that. I don't even mind if the widest goes to 20, I just want 24mm covered and I am only saying I am wishing for it. It's evident that such an 'affordable' zoom range is missing in the FF line, given that that there is supposed work on a 50-300 or 70-300, plus the 28-105, and given that you have a premium wide for aps-c now and affordable ones that reach 16 as well. Maybe a FF wide angle is deserving of that too?
My logic is, should that wide zoom go to 16mm, I would happily buy an APS-C body as well, granted it will be a smaller and lighter body, and my zoom lens collection would consist of a range from 16 to 300. But if such hypothetical wide zoom is created for the D FA line, and if it only goes to 18 or 20, I won't be incredibly interested in an aps-c body. Just my own logic and preference - the best of both worlds.
What I did not mean is that a Full Frame wide-angle, variable F-Stop that goes to 16 will be of an immediate interest to APS-C users. But out of curiosity, how much more expensive do you imagine it to be so that it puts them off? $1,296.00? As much as the current star aps-c wide zoom or the FF 15-30?