Originally posted by Shamwow Honestly, I agree with you that Pentax lacks in the budget lens department. I believe Pentax is trying to rectify this, but they will never have the lens selection of Canon or Nikon.
I came from Canon in the film era, and was always disappointed with the cheap consumer primes.
In my opinion, Pentax's primes are a step above Canikon's consumer primes, but not as nice as Canikon's pro-level lenses. Pentax's lens prices generally reflect this. The problem for me with the Canikon pro-level lenses is that they are prohibitively expensive and they are so big you can't comfortably carry them around.
But, don't judge a lens by its aperture. In my opinion, the DA70 is a much nicer lens than Canikon's 85mm f/1.8.
Plus, it's only 3/4 stop slower, which isn't a big issue with modern dSLR's and built-in image stabilization.
Though I haven't used it, Pentax also has a FA35mm f/2 which is closer to the 35mm f/1.8 you were asking about (I use the DA40mm f/2.8 which is a stellar lens).
Pentax does have some bargains, the DA14mm f/2.8 is much, much cheaper than the equivalent Canikon offerings.
The DA 16-45mm f/4 is also a bargain.
On the topic of the number of lenses - when you compare the number of stabilized lenses from Canon and Nikon, the numbers become somewhat similar. Both Canon and Nikon do have an advantage when it comes to lenses 1) that are longer than 300mm; 2) Specialty lenses - Shift / Tilt lenses and tele-converters, etc.
In terms of the current lenses, the FA Ltds are very nice. The DA Ltds are also very nice. It would be wonderful if Pentax would take a design position of designing lenses like the new 35/f2.4 an excellent optical design at a reasonable price. I would also like to see them extend the FA Ltds also and have a high quality line.
There are things that Pentax can do but currently is not doing. I do see some potential for change - however the question is follow through and consistency.
Going back in time, Pentax has some very fine optics and superb lens body quality that have stood the test of time. This is something that others lack in terms of being able to be brought forward and used on the current dSLR designs. Always having a screw drive motor in the body for me is critical, since I do not like SMD with the failure rate that has been exhibited.
As you have alluded to - with the new sensor designs (K5) with its excellent low light capabilities coupled with the in body stabilization, this diminishes the need for very fast lenses - with the exception for a razor thin DoF. The K5 also provides the ability to disable the Dark Frame Subtraction (feature), so that provides extra latitude to the photographer. The GPS unit is a wonderful example of taking a unique feature within the Pentax line (in body stabilization) and re-purposing it for astrotracking. If Pentax can get the compass calibration correct, then we can start to see a real trend forming.
One thing that they could do is to continue with the teaming agreement with Tokina. Their 11-16/f2.8 is excellent and would really help Pentax. They did well when they were working together - a continuation of their collaboration would only help us - the Pentax shooters.
Another thing that I wish Pentax would do, is to go back to their lens design library and pull their very successful designs and bring them forward. Add the new digital coatings and re-issue them over time and their lens line up would be very difficult to beat.
Last edited by interested_observer; 02-25-2012 at 04:17 AM.