Pentax FF vs Nikon FF

sumitkar1971 · 05-17-2015, 09:09 PM

I love my K3 - the Pentax ergonomics, weather sealing, dynamic range and have a good set of APSC lenses - Sigma 10-20, Tamron 17-50, Pentax 50-135 and the Pentax 100mm WR but I have been wanting to go FF for the past year and getting the Pentax FF is going to be expensive for me to get all new lenses. I can get the D750 for $1450, the 50mm 1.4 for $330, the 85mm 1.8 for $415 and the Tamron 70-200 for $1025 all on Abes of Maine for a total around $3220 US. Even if I sell all of my Pentax gear for around $2400, I am out of pocket around $800 and i have a solid Nikon FF with good glass.

The Pentax FF will probably be around $2200 + 55mm @ $ 550 and the 77mm around $800 and the 70-200 @ $2200 = $5750 -$1800(sell Pentax gear but i keep the 100mm) = $3900 out of pocket with the additional 100mm WR

This math is not looking good for me staying on the Pentax platform even though I love my K-3 and hate switching but sometimes finances take precedence over loyalty.

Any advice fellow Pentaxians....

JohnBee · 05-17-2015, 09:13 PM - **1 Like**

Based on what you've written, I'd say it sounds like you'd be better served buying into a Nikon system.

Adam · 05-17-2015, 09:26 PM

Originally posted by sumitkar1971

I love my K3 - the Pentax ergonomics, weather sealing, dynamic range and have a good set of APSC lenses - Sigma 10-20, Tamron 17-50, Pentax 50-135 and the Pentax 100mm WR but I have been wanting to go FF for the past year and getting the Pentax FF is going to be expensive for me to get all new lenses. I can get the D750 for $1450, the 50mm 1.4 for $330, the 85mm 1.8 for $415 and the Tamron 70-200 for $1025 all on Abes of Maine for a total around $3220 US. Even if I sell all of my Pentax gear for around $2400, I am out of pocket around $800 and i have a solid Nikon FF with good glass.

The Pentax FF will probably be around $2200 + 55mm @ $ 550 and the 77mm around $800 and the 70-200 @ $2200 = $5750 -$1800(sell Pentax gear but i keep the 100mm) = $3900 out of pocket with the additional 100mm WR

This math is not looking good for me staying on the Pentax platform even though I love my K-3 and hate switching but sometimes finances take precedence over loyalty.

Any advice fellow Pentaxians....

Doesn't sound like a bad plan from a financial standpoint, as I don't think the Pentax FF will fall that low until a while after it is launched. Still, I'd at least wait to see what Pentax brings to the table when the camera is launched this fall, unless you absolutely need the system before then.

aleonx3 · 05-17-2015, 09:27 PM

If you are asking for permission to switch to Nikon system, by all means, the choice is yours if that makes you happy.

Winder · 05-17-2015, 09:37 PM

Buy Nikon.

langkata · 05-17-2015, 09:41 PM

Looks like a good set up for the price with Nikon, but not a fair comparison all the way.

Scratch the 77mm or sell the 100mm wr and subtract $500 +
You can get the tamron 70-200 (isn't it FF?) for Pentax and cut out $1400 +
Grab a used FA 50 1.4 for $200

**frogoutofwater** · 05-17-2015, 09:47 PM

Before you pull the trigger, check the reviews on Abe's of Maine. I'm not certain but I seem to recall that when I was looking at them last year, I got turned off by some fairly harsh customer service reviews.

alamo5000 · 05-17-2015, 09:49 PM - **1 Like**

I think you need to get something and take pictures with it.

This is my advice.

**From1980** · 05-17-2015, 10:15 PM

One of the most attractive things about waiting for Pentax FF for many of us will be the ability to use older lenses we`ve had since 35mm. For those who have almost all APSC gear though, and possibly have a professional need, a business case like Sumitkar1971 makes means go Nikon now. ...and Abe`s is not the only place to buy from.
Without a professional need though, it would be interesting to find out what the rest of the new FF lens lineup will look like and then be able to directly compare it to the NIkon equipment.

pinholecam · 05-17-2015, 10:40 PM

Makes sense and does not make sense (as its not a 1:1 comparison)

From my experience, if a guy asks, and has that itch, he will buy it even after asking on the forums

Furthermore, as an absolute cost, what you have worked out for the Nikon system will be true.
So this is the part that 'makes sense'

Ok... its not 1:1
and we can fudge some options around too.

The Pentax has SR, so all the lenses you use will benefit (can't say the same for the Nikon options you listed and the SR lenses for Nikon won't be cheap)
You listed DA55 for Pentax but a 50/1.4 for Nikon.
Why not just get the FA50/1.4 (same price range as the Nikon 50/1.4) or list the Nikon 55/1.4 as well (more ex than the Pentax 55)
In fact, I bet the DA50/1.8 works on FF and is cheaper.

77ltd, is unique, its smaller than that Nikon 50/1.4 and a luxurious all metal build, not to mention other qualities.
Not the same lens compared to the Nikon 85/1.8 (a nice lens); They both have merits, just that they are different.
For now, if you want cheaper and short tele, the DA100/2.8 WR is a really good option.
You already have the DA100 WR, which is even better since you don't even need to buy.

70-200, as suggested above, the Tamron or Sigma can be had for cheap too.

There's also the built in GPS, the AA filter simulator and 4 frame high res option to mention a few things that are likely to be on the Pentax FF.
Then there is the ease of use (bracketing with option to choose how many stops in between; green button; shutter release options; etc)

At least no harm to wait and see what comes imo.

disconnekt · 05-17-2015, 11:35 PM

Originally posted by langkata

Looks like a good set up for the price with Nikon, but not a fair comparison all the way.

Scratch the 77mm or sell the 100mm wr and subtract $500 +
You can get the tamron 70-200 (isn't it FF?) for Pentax and cut out $1400 +
Grab a used FA 50 1.4 for $200

Yeah, the Tamron 70-200mm is a FF lens. For Pentax it's $769 (Tamron 70mm-200mm f/2.8 DI LD (IF) Macro AF Zoom Lens USA f/Pentax #AF001P700 AF001P700)

stevebrot · 05-17-2015, 11:46 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by aleonx3

If you are asking for permission to switch to Nikon system, by all means, the choice is yours if that makes you happy.

Yep, after all, the Pentax product is vapor at present. My suggestion is that anyone whose purchase decision is in the immediate future (within the next 4-6 months) to seriously consider the competitors' product. Once the Pentax camera actually debuts, the comparative value of the product will be more obvious. Before then you have no idea beyond the wild rumors on this site and others regarding features, price, performance, and the cost to round out a kit.

Steve

stevebrot · 05-17-2015, 11:47 PM

Originally posted by frogoutofwater

Before you pull the trigger, check the reviews on Abe's of Maine. I'm not certain but I seem to recall that when I was looking at them last year, I got turned off by some fairly harsh customer service reviews.

ROFL...

It is enough to point out that Abe's of Maine is not and never has been located anywhere other than in New Jersey.

Steve

Dlanor Sekao · 05-18-2015, 12:11 AM - **1 Like**

We can Pray , wish , keep our fingers crossed , hope , dream , speculate , contemplate , spit , get mad , argue , fight , have Faith , and kick the dirt........all we still have is a chunk of 3D plastic and rumors........SMOKE.

Do You want to base Your Future on "FACT"...or .."SPECULATION".....???...... Buy the NIKON....Its the obvious choice for your scenario above.

And BTW....Abes of Maine has never screwed me outright.....but they are the most nasty attitude , ill minded , uncaring jerks in the business I have ever met. I have never had one smooth transaction with them since 1990. So I would give about as much credit to them as I do to an old Fly Turd in the window sill if even that much !

bossa · 05-18-2015, 12:53 AM

The Nikon 50/1.4 is junk. It's soft and I sold mine only after a few days of ownership.. But I now have a Sigma 50/1.4 "Art" on my D810/D800e's and it's very nice although expensive.

The DA* 55mm is in a league of it's own apart from the new Sigma and Zeiss Otus (not the same FL but close) and it is a full frame lens. The FA 77 is a jewel.

05-17-2015, 09:09 PM	#1
sumitkar1971 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 100	Pentax FF vs Nikon FF I love my K3 - the Pentax ergonomics, weather sealing, dynamic range and have a good set of APSC lenses - Sigma 10-20, Tamron 17-50, Pentax 50-135 and the Pentax 100mm WR but I have been wanting to go FF for the past year and getting the Pentax FF is going to be expensive for me to get all new lenses. I can get the D750 for $1450, the 50mm 1.4 for $330, the 85mm 1.8 for $415 and the Tamron 70-200 for $1025 all on Abes of Maine for a total around $3220 US. Even if I sell all of my Pentax gear for around $2400, I am out of pocket around $800 and i have a solid Nikon FF with good glass. The Pentax FF will probably be around $2200 + 55mm @ $ 550 and the 77mm around $800 and the 70-200 @ $2200 = $5750 -$1800(sell Pentax gear but i keep the 100mm) = $3900 out of pocket with the additional 100mm WR This math is not looking good for me staying on the Pentax platform even though I love my K-3 and hate switching but sometimes finances take precedence over loyalty. Any advice fellow Pentaxians....

05-17-2015, 09:26 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,593	Originally posted by sumitkar1971 I love my K3 - the Pentax ergonomics, weather sealing, dynamic range and have a good set of APSC lenses - Sigma 10-20, Tamron 17-50, Pentax 50-135 and the Pentax 100mm WR but I have been wanting to go FF for the past year and getting the Pentax FF is going to be expensive for me to get all new lenses. I can get the D750 for $1450, the 50mm 1.4 for $330, the 85mm 1.8 for $415 and the Tamron 70-200 for $1025 all on Abes of Maine for a total around $3220 US. Even if I sell all of my Pentax gear for around $2400, I am out of pocket around $800 and i have a solid Nikon FF with good glass. The Pentax FF will probably be around $2200 + 55mm @ $ 550 and the 77mm around $800 and the 70-200 @ $2200 = $5750 -$1800(sell Pentax gear but i keep the 100mm) = $3900 out of pocket with the additional 100mm WR This math is not looking good for me staying on the Pentax platform even though I love my K-3 and hate switching but sometimes finances take precedence over loyalty. Any advice fellow Pentaxians.... Doesn't sound like a bad plan from a financial standpoint, as I don't think the Pentax FF will fall that low until a while after it is launched. Still, I'd at least wait to see what Pentax brings to the table when the camera is launched this fall, unless you absolutely need the system before then. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

05-18-2015, 12:11 AM - 1 Like	#14
Dlanor Sekao Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 1,457	We can Pray , wish , keep our fingers crossed , hope , dream , speculate , contemplate , spit , get mad , argue , fight , have Faith , and kick the dirt........all we still have is a chunk of 3D plastic and rumors........SMOKE. Do You want to base Your Future on "FACT"...or .."SPECULATION".....???...... Buy the NIKON....Its the obvious choice for your scenario above. And BTW....Abes of Maine has never screwed me outright.....but they are the most nasty attitude , ill minded , uncaring jerks in the business I have ever met. I have never had one smooth transaction with them since 1990. So I would give about as much credit to them as I do to an old Fly Turd in the window sill if even that much ! Last edited by Dlanor Sekao; 05-18-2015 at 12:47 AM.

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05-17-2015, 09:13 PM - 1 Like	#2
JohnBee Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Newrfoundland Photos: Albums Posts: 4,667	Based on what you've written, I'd say it sounds like you'd be better served buying into a Nikon system.

05-17-2015, 09:27 PM	#4
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	If you are asking for permission to switch to Nikon system, by all means, the choice is yours if that makes you happy.

05-17-2015, 09:37 PM	#5
Winder Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 6,617	Buy Nikon.

05-17-2015, 09:41 PM	#6
langkata Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Baton Rouge Photos: Albums Posts: 68	Looks like a good set up for the price with Nikon, but not a fair comparison all the way. Scratch the 77mm or sell the 100mm wr and subtract $500 + You can get the tamron 70-200 (isn't it FF?) for Pentax and cut out $1400 + Grab a used FA 50 1.4 for $200

05-17-2015, 09:47 PM	#7
frogoutofwater Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 674	Before you pull the trigger, check the reviews on Abe's of Maine. I'm not certain but I seem to recall that when I was looking at them last year, I got turned off by some fairly harsh customer service reviews.

05-17-2015, 09:49 PM - 1 Like	#8
alamo5000 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 2,962	I think you need to get something and take pictures with it. This is my advice.

05-17-2015, 10:15 PM	#9
From1980 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Essex, Ontario Posts: 682	One of the most attractive things about waiting for Pentax FF for many of us will be the ability to use older lenses we`ve had since 35mm. For those who have almost all APSC gear though, and possibly have a professional need, a business case like Sumitkar1971 makes means go Nikon now. ...and Abe`s is not the only place to buy from. Without a professional need though, it would be interesting to find out what the rest of the new FF lens lineup will look like and then be able to directly compare it to the NIkon equipment.

05-17-2015, 10:40 PM	#10
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,706	Makes sense and does not make sense (as its not a 1:1 comparison) From my experience, if a guy asks, and has that itch, he will buy it even after asking on the forums Furthermore, as an absolute cost, what you have worked out for the Nikon system will be true. So this is the part that 'makes sense' Ok... its not 1:1 and we can fudge some options around too. The Pentax has SR, so all the lenses you use will benefit (can't say the same for the Nikon options you listed and the SR lenses for Nikon won't be cheap) You listed DA55 for Pentax but a 50/1.4 for Nikon. Why not just get the FA50/1.4 (same price range as the Nikon 50/1.4) or list the Nikon 55/1.4 as well (more ex than the Pentax 55) In fact, I bet the DA50/1.8 works on FF and is cheaper. 77ltd, is unique, its smaller than that Nikon 50/1.4 and a luxurious all metal build, not to mention other qualities. Not the same lens compared to the Nikon 85/1.8 (a nice lens); They both have merits, just that they are different. For now, if you want cheaper and short tele, the DA100/2.8 WR is a really good option. You already have the DA100 WR, which is even better since you don't even need to buy. 70-200, as suggested above, the Tamron or Sigma can be had for cheap too. There's also the built in GPS, the AA filter simulator and 4 frame high res option to mention a few things that are likely to be on the Pentax FF. Then there is the ease of use (bracketing with option to choose how many stops in between; green button; shutter release options; etc) At least no harm to wait and see what comes imo.

05-17-2015, 11:35 PM	#11
disconnekt Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: SoCal/I.E. Photos: Albums Posts: 1,699	Originally posted by langkata Looks like a good set up for the price with Nikon, but not a fair comparison all the way. Scratch the 77mm or sell the 100mm wr and subtract $500 + You can get the tamron 70-200 (isn't it FF?) for Pentax and cut out $1400 + Grab a used FA 50 1.4 for $200 Yeah, the Tamron 70-200mm is a FF lens. For Pentax it's $769 (Tamron 70mm-200mm f/2.8 DI LD (IF) Macro AF Zoom Lens USA f/Pentax #AF001P700 AF001P700)

05-17-2015, 11:46 PM - 1 Like	#12
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by aleonx3 If you are asking for permission to switch to Nikon system, by all means, the choice is yours if that makes you happy. Yep, after all, the Pentax product is vapor at present. My suggestion is that anyone whose purchase decision is in the immediate future (within the next 4-6 months) to seriously consider the competitors' product. Once the Pentax camera actually debuts, the comparative value of the product will be more obvious. Before then you have no idea beyond the wild rumors on this site and others regarding features, price, performance, and the cost to round out a kit. Steve

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05-17-2015, 11:47 PM	#13
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by frogoutofwater Before you pull the trigger, check the reviews on Abe's of Maine. I'm not certain but I seem to recall that when I was looking at them last year, I got turned off by some fairly harsh customer service reviews. ROFL... It is enough to point out that Abe's of Maine is not and never has been located anywhere other than in New Jersey. Steve

05-18-2015, 12:53 AM	#15
bossa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Adelaide Posts: 4,546	The Nikon 50/1.4 is junk. It's soft and I sold mine only after a few days of ownership.. But I now have a Sigma 50/1.4 "Art" on my D810/D800e's and it's very nice although expensive. The DA* 55mm is in a league of it's own apart from the new Sigma and Zeiss Otus (not the same FL but close) and it is a full frame lens. The FA 77 is a jewel.