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10-06-2022, 05:08 AM - 6 Likes   #1
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60-250mm f/4, 200mm f/2.8, 14mm f/2.8 and 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR discontinued?

From Yaotomi Camera, a large Japanese retailer, on Twitter:

QuoteOriginally posted by Yaotomi Camera:

From Ricoh Imaging.
We have received notice of the discontinuation(*) of the following lenses:
  • smc Pentax-DA 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM
  • smc Pentax-DA 200mm F2.8 ED [IF] SDM
  • smc Pentax-DA 14mm F2.8 ED [IF]
  • smc Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 macro WR
(*) 完了 = literally completion, conclusion

Source: https://twitter.com/yaotomicamera/status/1577858185821421568

My take on this, beginning by the end of the above list:
  • smc Pentax-D FA 100mm f/2.8 macro WR: Its discontinuation is to be expected since the new version is about to be announced.
    ---
  • smc Pentax-DA 14mm f/2.8 ED [IF]: Dating back to 2004 it's an old lens. With the competition of the DA 11-18mm f/2.8, I would guess they don't sell many copies anymore. Alternatively, its discontinuation could be the prelude to the launch of an HD version but I don't think so.
    ---
  • smc Pentax-DA 200mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM: Dating back to 2008 and 1993 even as far as its optical formula is concerned it's quite an old lens too. Sales might be hampered by those of the D FA 70-200mm f/2.8. Alternatively, its discontinuation could be the prelude to the launch of an HD version.
    ---
  • smc Pentax-DA 60-250mm f/4 ED [IF] SDM: Sales might be hampered by those of the D FA 70-210mm f/4. Its discontinuation could also mean that the announcement of the so-called Telephoto Zoom Lens, a.k.a. D FA 70-300mm f/4.5-5,6 SR, might be close. Alternatively, its discontinuation could be the prelude to the launch of an HD version but I don't think so.


10-06-2022, 05:22 AM - 2 Likes   #2
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Too bad about the da* 60-250, great optics, good reach and fast-ish. If it was remade with better AF and 💯 FF compatible I have no doubt that the DFA 70-200 f4 would be done.
10-06-2022, 05:42 AM   #3
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Why would they discontinue a new lens?
QuoteQuote:
smc PENTAX-DA 14mmF2.8ED[IF]
New DA lens developed specifically for PENTAX digital SLR cameras
Wide-Angle Lenses / K-mount Lenses / Lenses / Products | RICOH IMAGING

Last edited by Fogel70; 10-06-2022 at 05:51 AM.
10-06-2022, 05:44 AM - 2 Likes   #4
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The da 14 has been discontinued by all indications (at least in the USA) for a long time but still shows in the current lineup on the official page. I take all of these with a bit of skepticism as notices like these get put out frequently and then turn out to be incorrect. Only if Ricoh posts it or time validates it do I really believe it.

---------- Post added 10-06-22 at 08:51 AM ----------

Lens list for Digital single-lens reflex camera / Lens lineup/ Lenses / Products | RICOH IMAGING


Last edited by UncleVanya; 10-06-2022 at 05:51 AM.
10-06-2022, 05:52 AM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by UncleVanya Quote
The da 14 has been discontinued by all indications (at least in the USA) for a long time.
The smc Pentax-DA 14mm f/2.8 ED [IF] was still on the latest roadmap, published on the 1st of August, 2022.

10-06-2022, 05:54 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by Mistral75 Quote
The smc Pentax-DA 14mm f/2.8 ED [IF] was still on the latest roadmap, published on the 1st of August, 2022.
That’s my point (clearly badly made lol). I’m saying that it has been rumored dead and unavailable for years but officially wasn’t. Until I see Ricoh update the lists I’m skeptical.
10-06-2022, 06:21 AM - 4 Likes   #7
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The only thing likely to be higher in the new 100 macro will be the price, although maybe they'll clean up it's awkward bokeh, and speed up the AF a little, although it's already so fast it runs by focus on my K-3 and searches. Electrical drive would be cool as well but since I usually use it in MF, not as critical as some lenses.

On the other ones, I have little comment. All the DA 60-250 needs is removal of the APS-c baffle and a faster AF motor. But as Pentax is filling the space with newer lenses this is predictable. My gut feeling is, if my DA*60-250 dies, I'd replace it with the DFA 70-200, if I replace it at all.

The DA*200 was relatively obsolete when I bought it, 5 plus years ago. Mine has the most unreliable quick shift I own, impossible to use with the F 1.7x AF adapter, but that might just be mine.

I have the Rokinon 14 2.8 which covers full frame. The Pentax 14 2.8 is limited to APS-c and therefore never interested me.

I would never get rid of any of these lenses, but they are all for various reason beyond their "best before" date. Photography is not just about the "latest and greatest." Legacy lenses have place in the Pentax world. A big place.


Last edited by normhead; 10-06-2022 at 07:28 AM.
10-06-2022, 06:26 AM - 2 Likes   #8
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The 60-250, IMO, is an outstanding optic. I only hope this means that the 70-300 is close to introduction..
10-06-2022, 06:36 AM - 1 Like   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by GregL564 Quote
The 60-250, IMO, is an outstanding optic. I only hope this means that the 70-300 is close to introduction..
The DA*60-250's only real drawback is it was designed for obsolete focus systems. The newer faster focussing bodies make it obsolete. I'm still using my original K-1 and original K-3, so though I suffer from time to time, definitely not as much as those with newer equipment. I have never once in 10 years had an IQ problem with it. I still think of it as a stack of primes.

None the less, my DA* 60-250 has been largely replaced by my DA 55-300 PLM. It's a back-up lens now, used when my wife has the 55-300.

Last edited by normhead; 10-06-2022 at 06:44 AM.
10-06-2022, 07:23 AM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by normhead Quote
The only thing likely to be higher in the new 100 macro will be the price, although maybe they'll clean up it's awkward bokeh, and speed up the AF a little, although it's already so fast it runs by focus on my K-3 and searches. Electrical drive would be cool as well but since I usually use it in MF, not as critical as some lenses.
There's been some info provided about the new 100 Macro. If you are reasonably content with what you have, it might not be worth the upgrade.


Updated Roadmap: New 100mm Macro Coming - PentaxForums.com

QuoteQuote:
Features:
New optical design using expensive glass material
HD coating
Much less purple fringing than the current lens
Same size as the current lens – compactness was a design priority
Slightly more expensive than the current lens
To be released in 2022
10-06-2022, 07:42 AM   #11
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I'm not sure about the DA *200 and 60-250. I have thought for a long time that an updated focus system on the 60-250, along with whatever tweaks to make it full frame compatible, would make a lot of sense. The DA *200 has a lot of fringing (plus has SDM) and could benefit from a DFA 100 macro style optic tweak, along with a new focus system. I can't imagine Pentax not having a 200mm prime, even if they have zooms that cover that range.

As for the DA 14, that has never been a high seller. I do wonder if their stocks are low, if they would relaunch it as an HD DA 14, but probably most likely would be that they keep around the DA 15 limited and let the 14 go away.
10-06-2022, 08:01 AM - 1 Like   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by luftfluss Quote
There's been some info provided about the new 100 Macro. If you are reasonably content with what you have, it might not be worth the upgrade.


Updated Roadmap: New 100mm Macro Coming - PentaxForums.com
Nice fringing image, however, I so rarely have problems with purple fringing on that lens, it will never be a consideration. It might save 1 image out of 100.

QuoteQuote:
I can't imagine Pentax not having a 200mm prime, even if they have zooms that cover that range
.

No kidding.... what the heck? My guess is they've run out of parts and don't think it's time for a redesign and upgrade. Give them 5 years.

I use mine when I want high end telephoto but don't want to carry anything bigger than a smaller walking camera bag. It fits into a very small bag and still give you ƒ2.8 and telephoto. What's not to like?

Last edited by normhead; 10-06-2022 at 08:10 AM.
10-06-2022, 08:14 AM - 1 Like   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by normhead Quote
Nice fringing image, however, I so rarely have problems with purple fringing on that lens, it will never be a consideration. It might save 1 image out of 100.

.

No kidding.... what the heck? My guess is they've run out of parts and don't think it's time for a redesign and upgrade. Give them 5 years.

I use mine when I want high end telephoto but don't want to carry anything bigger than a smaller walking camera bag. It fits into a very small bag and still give you ƒ2.8 and telephoto. What's not to like?
The DA *200 is 14 years old, so I would think at a minimum they could do HD coatings and put a DC motor in it.

That said, such a HD DFA *200 would probably be 1200 dollars or a bit more and so I can't imagine people who own the DA *200 being interested in it.
10-06-2022, 08:15 AM   #14
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The D FA 100mm 2.8 macro has been involved in Pentax promotional deals recently. I got one thrown in for free when I bought a K-1 II a couple of months back.
10-06-2022, 09:01 AM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by pschlute Quote
The D FA 100mm 2.8 macro has been involved in Pentax promotional deals recently. I got one thrown in for free when I bought a K-1 II a couple of months back.
Cool... I guess macro's just aren't all that popular. I wonder if a redesign of the 200 macro is coming. Not that I could afford it. When my 200 gets left home it's because it doesn't have macro capability.
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