Bye-bye DA 40mm f/2.8 XS and DA 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 ED SDM

simon_199 · 03-14-2023, 03:27 AM - **2 Likes**

In what sense are the 18-135 and the 28-105 redundant? They may serve a similar purpose but only when mounted to apsc or FF body, respectively. Therefore both are needed. Same consideration for 24-70 and 16-85...why are they redundant ?

pschlute · 03-14-2023, 04:34 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by The Squirrel Mafia

Hmmmmmm..... I'm beginning to wonder about the future for APS-C Pentax.

In case you were not aware, the lenses in question were originally launched 11 to 19 years ago.

bladerunner6 · 03-14-2023, 05:14 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by clackers

?

They released the K3 III, which will need years to return investment on, they wouldn't have gone ahead with it if they weren't planning to be in the game for years to come.

Later releasing the DA*16-50 PLM wouldn't have made sense, either!

The K-3 III is the most advanced camera Pentax makes, not the full frame or medium format models.

I love my 40SX, to get back to the subject, it was designed for the K-01, but I use it on my K-1 (it's a full frame lens, descended from the M40 f2.8 in film days) as a cap that can double as a quick and dirty normal lens if I haven't got time for a changeover.

Plus they introduced the KF. Introducing a reengineered K-70 also shows a commitment to the format.

thibs · 03-14-2023, 05:52 AM

I'd rather see a modern ultra zoom for FF...

**UncleVanya** · 03-14-2023, 06:13 AM

Originally posted by btnapa

I shoot with a Tamron 70-180 which is light (810 g) and it is sharper than anything I have shot with in the same focal range. I paid $1050 for it. The new Sony 70-200 GM II is a beast of a lens but at $2,800? Ouch!

I think Pentax has plenty of good glass already. It is just a shame that no third party lens maker is supporting it anymore.

Agreed on both points. I do think that Pentax rebranded Tamron lenses from past designs used by Nikon and Canon makes sense. The previous barrier of no electronic aperture option means those designs should be relatively simple to redesign. The question is really is there enough volume and is the factory tooling still available.

**Rondec** · 03-14-2023, 07:50 AM - **1 Like**

I don't think there is much to see here.

(1) The 40mm is definitely redundant. The new price seems to be 230 dollars on B and H while the HD DA 40 is 400 dollars. Other than the price difference, there is no reason that anyone would go for the XS over the HD DA 40 limited. I don't image that many are sold at this point.

(2) The 18-270 is a Tamron lens. Chances are good that Tamron isn't going to make new ones for them. The decision now is going to be if they choose to have Tamron rebadge another of their superzooms for K mount cameras. They might very well do that, but it probably depends on pricing and how many of the 18-270s they were selling.

Reading this as some indication that Pentax isn't committed to APS-C is a mistake. They certainly aren't churning out new products, but we did get a DA 16-50 PLM and K-3 III in the not too distant past and before that the DA *11-18. I don't think them dropping a rebadge and redundant lens doesn't tell us anything about their future plans.

Jonathan Mac · 03-14-2023, 08:24 AM

Not a surprise for either of them to go. With the 18-270mm they're at the mercy of Tamron and I imagine they're not selling too many APS-C DSLR lenses any more. It was also too expensive for what it was after the Pentax mark-up.

As for the 40mm, well there's still the Limited and it competed with the DAL 35/2.4 too, so not much point and they won't lose many sales by discontinuing it.

**pres589** · 03-14-2023, 08:33 AM

I cannot *imagine* paying $400 USD for a copy of the DA 40 in any form. The Nikon 40mm f2 for Z mount is noticeably less than that. What's the draw to the Limited flavor of this lens, Quickshift? More metal in the body? Greater weight? If the Limited was $250 or less I wouldn't say anything but $400 comes off as crazy to me.

Tamron probably has no interest in producing more copies of the 18-270, that's fine, whatever. Not offering a super zoom seems like a non-great situation for folks that want a new KF or whatever to take pictures with, and it seems like every other system offers something like this, but I guess it isn't a big deal.

I'm really curious what the plan for Pentax is.

jcdoss · 03-14-2023, 08:59 AM

Originally posted by pres589

...I'm really curious what the plan for Pentax is.

I think we all are, including apparently, Pentax.

thibs · 03-14-2023, 10:00 AM

Unless they sold very limited number, I'd expect them to rebadge 16-300 or 18-400 design.

thibs · 03-14-2023, 10:01 AM

IMO a modern full frame 28-300 would be a nice addition.

**Rondec** · 03-14-2023, 10:05 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by pres589

I cannot *imagine* paying $400 USD for a copy of the DA 40 in any form. The Nikon 40mm f2 for Z mount is noticeably less than that. What's the draw to the Limited flavor of this lens, Quickshift? More metal in the body? Greater weight? If the Limited was $250 or less I wouldn't say anything but $400 comes off as crazy to me.

Tamron probably has no interest in producing more copies of the 18-270, that's fine, whatever. Not offering a super zoom seems like a non-great situation for folks that want a new KF or whatever to take pictures with, and it seems like every other system offers something like this, but I guess it isn't a big deal.

I'm really curious what the plan for Pentax is.

You can get a used copy of the DA 40 for 150 dollars. I'm not sure why you would splurge for a new HD DA 40.

I do think having a better build, quick shift, and lens hood makes the lens more usable than the XS version. Personally, I would go for a used copy of the DA 40.

**pres589** · 03-14-2023, 10:16 AM

Originally posted by Rondec

You can get a used copy of the DA 40 for 150 dollars. I'm not sure why you would splurge for a new HD DA 40.

I do think having a better build, quick shift, and lens hood makes the lens more usable than the XS version. Personally, I would go for a used copy of the DA 40.

I already own a copy of the 40 XS. Ricoh needs to convince people that their glass is worth the asking price, brand new, instead of "well at least they're obtainable on the used market for less". That's not a financially winning strategy for the company even though it helps me out as a consumer. And my point is, I don't see the value proposition for this lens at the current asking price.

I'm honestly curious what point you were trying to make here.

**robgski** · 03-14-2023, 10:22 AM - **2 Likes**

As with any kit lens and camera combo, it’s up to the user to decide which combo suits the situation or style of photography the user wishes to pursue.
For example, I often use the DA 40 XS on a K-1 or KP when I am traveling because this combo is relatively small and light yet give me a wide aperture.

**Rondec** · 03-14-2023, 11:07 AM

Originally posted by pres589

I already own a copy of the 40 XS. Ricoh needs to convince people that their glass is worth the asking price, brand new, instead of "well at least they're obtainable on the used market for less". That's not a financially winning strategy for the company even though it helps me out as a consumer. And my point is, I don't see the value proposition for this lens at the current asking price.

I'm honestly curious what point you were trying to make here.

I think I was trying to say that the used market makes up for the new price's deficiencies. Not trying to say anything else. It doesn't help Pentax out, but a well priced used market is helpful.

I do think there are more differences between the XS version and full DA limited than just quick shift. Whether an individual thinks it is worthwhile to look for a used DA, or go with the XS -- or buy new, for that matter -- is up to them.

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03-14-2023, 03:27 AM - 2 Likes	#16
simon_199 Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 613	In what sense are the 18-135 and the 28-105 redundant? They may serve a similar purpose but only when mounted to apsc or FF body, respectively. Therefore both are needed. Same consideration for 24-70 and 16-85...why are they redundant ?

03-14-2023, 04:34 AM - 2 Likes	#17
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,202	Originally posted by The Squirrel Mafia Hmmmmmm..... I'm beginning to wonder about the future for APS-C Pentax. In case you were not aware, the lenses in question were originally launched 11 to 19 years ago.

03-14-2023, 05:14 AM - 1 Like	#18
bladerunner6 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,080	Originally posted by clackers ? They released the K3 III, which will need years to return investment on, they wouldn't have gone ahead with it if they weren't planning to be in the game for years to come. Later releasing the DA*16-50 PLM wouldn't have made sense, either! The K-3 III is the most advanced camera Pentax makes, not the full frame or medium format models. I love my 40SX, to get back to the subject, it was designed for the K-01, but I use it on my K-1 (it's a full frame lens, descended from the M40 f2.8 in film days) as a cap that can double as a quick and dirty normal lens if I haven't got time for a changeover. Plus they introduced the KF. Introducing a reengineered K-70 also shows a commitment to the format.

03-14-2023, 05:52 AM	#19
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	I'd rather see a modern ultra zoom for FF...

03-14-2023, 06:13 AM	#20
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,404	Originally posted by btnapa I shoot with a Tamron 70-180 which is light (810 g) and it is sharper than anything I have shot with in the same focal range. I paid $1050 for it. The new Sony 70-200 GM II is a beast of a lens but at $2,800? Ouch! I think Pentax has plenty of good glass already. It is just a shame that no third party lens maker is supporting it anymore. Agreed on both points. I do think that Pentax rebranded Tamron lenses from past designs used by Nikon and Canon makes sense. The previous barrier of no electronic aperture option means those designs should be relatively simple to redesign. The question is really is there enough volume and is the factory tooling still available.

03-14-2023, 07:50 AM - 1 Like	#21
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	I don't think there is much to see here. (1) The 40mm is definitely redundant. The new price seems to be 230 dollars on B and H while the HD DA 40 is 400 dollars. Other than the price difference, there is no reason that anyone would go for the XS over the HD DA 40 limited. I don't image that many are sold at this point. (2) The 18-270 is a Tamron lens. Chances are good that Tamron isn't going to make new ones for them. The decision now is going to be if they choose to have Tamron rebadge another of their superzooms for K mount cameras. They might very well do that, but it probably depends on pricing and how many of the 18-270s they were selling. Reading this as some indication that Pentax isn't committed to APS-C is a mistake. They certainly aren't churning out new products, but we did get a DA 16-50 PLM and K-3 III in the not too distant past and before that the DA *11-18. I don't think them dropping a rebadge and redundant lens doesn't tell us anything about their future plans.

03-14-2023, 08:24 AM	#22
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,897	Not a surprise for either of them to go. With the 18-270mm they're at the mercy of Tamron and I imagine they're not selling too many APS-C DSLR lenses any more. It was also too expensive for what it was after the Pentax mark-up. As for the 40mm, well there's still the Limited and it competed with the DAL 35/2.4 too, so not much point and they won't lose many sales by discontinuing it.

03-14-2023, 08:33 AM	#23
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	I cannot imagine paying $400 USD for a copy of the DA 40 in any form. The Nikon 40mm f2 for Z mount is noticeably less than that. What's the draw to the Limited flavor of this lens, Quickshift? More metal in the body? Greater weight? If the Limited was $250 or less I wouldn't say anything but $400 comes off as crazy to me. Tamron probably has no interest in producing more copies of the 18-270, that's fine, whatever. Not offering a super zoom seems like a non-great situation for folks that want a new KF or whatever to take pictures with, and it seems like every other system offers something like this, but I guess it isn't a big deal. I'm really curious what the plan for Pentax is.

03-14-2023, 08:59 AM	#24
jcdoss Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,769	Originally posted by pres589 ...I'm really curious what the plan for Pentax is. I think we all are, including apparently, Pentax.

03-14-2023, 10:00 AM	#25
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Unless they sold very limited number, I'd expect them to rebadge 16-300 or 18-400 design.

03-14-2023, 10:01 AM	#26
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	IMO a modern full frame 28-300 would be a nice addition.

03-14-2023, 10:05 AM - 2 Likes	#27
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	Originally posted by pres589 I cannot imagine paying $400 USD for a copy of the DA 40 in any form. The Nikon 40mm f2 for Z mount is noticeably less than that. What's the draw to the Limited flavor of this lens, Quickshift? More metal in the body? Greater weight? If the Limited was $250 or less I wouldn't say anything but $400 comes off as crazy to me. Tamron probably has no interest in producing more copies of the 18-270, that's fine, whatever. Not offering a super zoom seems like a non-great situation for folks that want a new KF or whatever to take pictures with, and it seems like every other system offers something like this, but I guess it isn't a big deal. I'm really curious what the plan for Pentax is. You can get a used copy of the DA 40 for 150 dollars. I'm not sure why you would splurge for a new HD DA 40. I do think having a better build, quick shift, and lens hood makes the lens more usable than the XS version. Personally, I would go for a used copy of the DA 40.

03-14-2023, 10:16 AM	#28
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	Originally posted by Rondec You can get a used copy of the DA 40 for 150 dollars. I'm not sure why you would splurge for a new HD DA 40. I do think having a better build, quick shift, and lens hood makes the lens more usable than the XS version. Personally, I would go for a used copy of the DA 40. I already own a copy of the 40 XS. Ricoh needs to convince people that their glass is worth the asking price, brand new, instead of "well at least they're obtainable on the used market for less". That's not a financially winning strategy for the company even though it helps me out as a consumer. And my point is, I don't see the value proposition for this lens at the current asking price. I'm honestly curious what point you were trying to make here.

03-14-2023, 10:22 AM - 2 Likes	#29
robgski Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,799	As with any kit lens and camera combo, it’s up to the user to decide which combo suits the situation or style of photography the user wishes to pursue. For example, I often use the DA 40 XS on a K-1 or KP when I am traveling because this combo is relatively small and light yet give me a wide aperture.

03-14-2023, 11:07 AM	#30
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	Originally posted by pres589 I already own a copy of the 40 XS. Ricoh needs to convince people that their glass is worth the asking price, brand new, instead of "well at least they're obtainable on the used market for less". That's not a financially winning strategy for the company even though it helps me out as a consumer. And my point is, I don't see the value proposition for this lens at the current asking price. I'm honestly curious what point you were trying to make here. I think I was trying to say that the used market makes up for the new price's deficiencies. Not trying to say anything else. It doesn't help Pentax out, but a well priced used market is helpful. I do think there are more differences between the XS version and full DA limited than just quick shift. Whether an individual thinks it is worthwhile to look for a used DA, or go with the XS -- or buy new, for that matter -- is up to them.