Bower 24mm F1.4 - $300 Off ($399)

Bower 24mm F1.4 - $300 Off ($399) · 11:18 AM

$300 off the regular price on this fast prime, this week only! $399 total.

Bower 24mm f/1.4 Wide-Angle Lens for Pentax SLY2414P B&H Photo

pxpaulx · 02-11-2013, 11:54 AM

Originally posted by Adam

$200 off the regular price on this fast prime, this week only!

Bower 24mm f/1.4 Wide-Angle Lens for Pentax SLY2414P B&H Photo

Very nice price - I find it kind of amusing to see these discounts only on the one specific brand when we all know that the samyang, rokinon, etc are all exactly the same lens! A very nice price anyway - if it is anywhere close to as good as my 35mm 1.4 rokinon optically this would be worth every penny (especially if a FF ever comes about!).

fuent104 · 02-11-2013, 04:10 PM

I own the 24mm f1.4. It seems to be as good as the 35 to me (i own both).

ChopperCharles · 02-13-2013, 08:12 AM

Too bad no autofocus on these

Charles.

joe.penn · 02-13-2013, 12:09 PM

Adam, do you guys have a program with Amazon? The deal is way better there:

Amazon.com: Rokinon 24mm F/1.4 Aspherical Wide Angle Lens for Pentax RK24M-P: Camera & Photo

$410 for the Rokinon branded version - for $410, this is probably the best deal from any lens manufacturer for any lens going on right now...

[Delete this post if you would rather have it go through B&H, or let B&H know of this deal to see if they can match it]

Adam · 02-14-2013, 11:36 PM

B&H just dropped the price to $399

ChopperCharles · 02-15-2013, 01:04 AM

Are people buying these? Am I the only one who just doesn't get it?

Charles.

fuent104 · 02-15-2013, 01:20 AM

Originally posted by ChopperCharles

Are people buying these? Am I the only one who just doesn't get it?

Charles.

Some people either like to use manual focus, or don't dislike it enough to pass on a 24mm f1.4lens. if Pentax offered more fast primes, Samyang might not be mentioned so much around here.

Samyang lenses are also excellent for shooting video, which is what I use them for. Is it just the manual focus that puts you off? Do you feel the same way about zeiss lenses?

**ivanvernon** · 02-15-2013, 02:10 AM

Originally posted by fuent104

Some people either like to use manual focus, or don't dislike it enough to pass on a 24mm f1.4lens. if Pentax offered more fast primes, Samyang might not be mentioned so much around here.

Samyang lenses are also excellent for shooting video, which is what I use them for. Is it just the manual focus that puts you off? Do you feel the same way about zeiss lenses?

After adding Katzeye focus screen to K-20, I find myself actively looking for manual focus lenses to use. Lack of autofocus is becoming more of a minor detail, and focus results are improving.

joe.penn · 02-15-2013, 08:02 AM

Originally posted by ChopperCharles

Are people buying these? Am I the only one who just doesn't get it?

Charles, the optics are incredibly good on the samyang lenses, resolving power/sharpness surpasses many pentax and most other third party [mainstream] brand lenses with relative ease; the optics of these samyang lenses IMHO are as good as any of my DA* glass. The lack of autofocus to me is really just an after thought, "catch in focus" with this lens will make you forget about AF.

Originally posted by fuent104

if Pentax offered more fast primes, Samyang might not be mentioned so much around here

They would have to offer better IQ also. One other thing to note, near "zero" pentax lenses (and other brands to boot) can match the creamy smooth bokeh that the samyang lenses are capable of producing...

ChopperCharles · 02-15-2013, 08:27 AM

I just would never spend that kind of money on a lens without autofocus. I've been passing on the 85mm f1.4 for a long time now, which is actually reasonably priced all things considered. But $600+ MSRP for a lens without AF? Before the K-01 (and focus peaking) made it into my life I wouldn't have spent $20 on a MF lens, much less $600. My MF results with a K-x and catseye screen were beyond abysmal, and I wrote MF off completely. Peaking is slowly changing that.... but still. For that kind of money, it has to be an all-around every-condition useful lens. Without AF, it's not.

Charles.

pxpaulx · 02-15-2013, 08:34 AM

Originally posted by ChopperCharles

I just would never spend that kind of money on a lens without autofocus. I've been passing on the 85mm f1.4 for a long time now, which is actually reasonably priced all things considered. But $600+ MSRP for a lens without AF? Before the K-01 (and focus peaking) made it into my life I wouldn't have spent $20 on a MF lens, much less $600. My MF results with a K-x and catseye screen were beyond abysmal, and I wrote MF off completely. Peaking is slowly changing that.... but still. For that kind of money, it has to be an all-around every-condition useful lens. Without AF, it's not.

Charles.

Well, it isn't $600 it is $399, your lucky day! If you're in the market for a 24mm f1.4, where else would you go? Keep in mind this is really a lens meant for full frame - even then the options are limited - I'd guess many would give up AF to save $1500 (the Nikon 24mm 1.4g is $2K!).

**ivanvernon** · 02-15-2013, 08:35 AM

Originally posted by ChopperCharles

I just would never spend that kind of money on a lens without autofocus. I've been passing on the 85mm f1.4 for a long time now, which is actually reasonably priced all things considered. But $600+ MSRP for a lens without AF? Before the K-01 (and focus peaking) made it into my life I wouldn't have spent $20 on a MF lens, much less $600. My MF results with a K-x and catseye screen were beyond abysmal, and I wrote MF off completely. Peaking is slowly changing that.... but still. For that kind of money, it has to be an all-around every-condition useful lens. Without AF, it's not.

Charles.

I think AF is nice when you are trying to capture lots of images in a short period of time, for example at a party or other gathering. I like MF better when image quality is important, especially for portraits and macro photography. I basically use the green focus indicator and a Kataeye focus screen in my K-20. Manual focus quickly becomes instinctive, and autofocus becomes more of a convenient back up system for special occasions.

ChopperCharles · 02-15-2013, 09:23 AM

What are the advantages of the 24mm over the 85mm that make it have so much higher MSRP? $699 (not $600, my bad) is a far cry from the $299 msrp of the 85mm. Granted right now it's only a $100 difference, but in a month or so it'll be right back up there.

Charles

joe.penn · 02-15-2013, 10:24 AM

Originally posted by ChopperCharles

What are the advantages of the 24mm over the 85mm that make it have so much higher MSRP?

85mm Optical Construction: 9 elements, 7 groups
24mm Optical Construction: 13 elements, 12 groups

More glass, bigger and thicker glass - engineering costs to design this lens is probably 10-fold what the engineering costs were for the 85mm, this is why there are not too many of these wide angle super large aperture lenses on the market. At $399, this lens is an incredible steal of a deal right now...

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02-14-2013, 11:36 PM	#6
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594 Original Poster	B&H just dropped the price to $399 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:

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02-11-2013, 11:54 AM	#2
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	Originally posted by Adam $200 off the regular price on this fast prime, this week only! Bower 24mm f/1.4 Wide-Angle Lens for Pentax SLY2414P B&H Photo Very nice price - I find it kind of amusing to see these discounts only on the one specific brand when we all know that the samyang, rokinon, etc are all exactly the same lens! A very nice price anyway - if it is anywhere close to as good as my 35mm 1.4 rokinon optically this would be worth every penny (especially if a FF ever comes about!).

02-11-2013, 04:10 PM	#3
fuent104 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,356	I own the 24mm f1.4. It seems to be as good as the 35 to me (i own both).

02-13-2013, 08:12 AM	#4
ChopperCharles Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Durham, nc Photos: Albums Posts: 953	Too bad no autofocus on these Charles.

02-13-2013, 12:09 PM	#5
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	Adam, do you guys have a program with Amazon? The deal is way better there: Amazon.com: Rokinon 24mm F/1.4 Aspherical Wide Angle Lens for Pentax RK24M-P: Camera & Photo $410 for the Rokinon branded version - for $410, this is probably the best deal from any lens manufacturer for any lens going on right now... [Delete this post if you would rather have it go through B&H, or let B&H know of this deal to see if they can match it]

02-15-2013, 01:04 AM	#7
ChopperCharles Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Durham, nc Photos: Albums Posts: 953	Are people buying these? Am I the only one who just doesn't get it? Charles.

02-15-2013, 01:20 AM	#8
fuent104 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,356	Originally posted by ChopperCharles Are people buying these? Am I the only one who just doesn't get it? Charles. Some people either like to use manual focus, or don't dislike it enough to pass on a 24mm f1.4lens. if Pentax offered more fast primes, Samyang might not be mentioned so much around here. Samyang lenses are also excellent for shooting video, which is what I use them for. Is it just the manual focus that puts you off? Do you feel the same way about zeiss lenses?

02-15-2013, 02:10 AM	#9
ivanvernon Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Medina, OH Photos: Albums Posts: 7,224	Originally posted by fuent104 Some people either like to use manual focus, or don't dislike it enough to pass on a 24mm f1.4lens. if Pentax offered more fast primes, Samyang might not be mentioned so much around here. Samyang lenses are also excellent for shooting video, which is what I use them for. Is it just the manual focus that puts you off? Do you feel the same way about zeiss lenses? After adding Katzeye focus screen to K-20, I find myself actively looking for manual focus lenses to use. Lack of autofocus is becoming more of a minor detail, and focus results are improving.

02-15-2013, 08:02 AM	#10
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	Originally posted by ChopperCharles Are people buying these? Am I the only one who just doesn't get it? Charles, the optics are incredibly good on the samyang lenses, resolving power/sharpness surpasses many pentax and most other third party [mainstream] brand lenses with relative ease; the optics of these samyang lenses IMHO are as good as any of my DA* glass. The lack of autofocus to me is really just an after thought, "catch in focus" with this lens will make you forget about AF. Originally posted by fuent104 if Pentax offered more fast primes, Samyang might not be mentioned so much around here They would have to offer better IQ also. One other thing to note, near "zero" pentax lenses (and other brands to boot) can match the creamy smooth bokeh that the samyang lenses are capable of producing...

02-15-2013, 08:27 AM	#11
ChopperCharles Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Durham, nc Photos: Albums Posts: 953	I just would never spend that kind of money on a lens without autofocus. I've been passing on the 85mm f1.4 for a long time now, which is actually reasonably priced all things considered. But $600+ MSRP for a lens without AF? Before the K-01 (and focus peaking) made it into my life I wouldn't have spent $20 on a MF lens, much less $600. My MF results with a K-x and catseye screen were beyond abysmal, and I wrote MF off completely. Peaking is slowly changing that.... but still. For that kind of money, it has to be an all-around every-condition useful lens. Without AF, it's not. Charles.

02-15-2013, 08:34 AM	#12
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	Originally posted by ChopperCharles I just would never spend that kind of money on a lens without autofocus. I've been passing on the 85mm f1.4 for a long time now, which is actually reasonably priced all things considered. But $600+ MSRP for a lens without AF? Before the K-01 (and focus peaking) made it into my life I wouldn't have spent $20 on a MF lens, much less $600. My MF results with a K-x and catseye screen were beyond abysmal, and I wrote MF off completely. Peaking is slowly changing that.... but still. For that kind of money, it has to be an all-around every-condition useful lens. Without AF, it's not. Charles. Well, it isn't $600 it is $399, your lucky day! If you're in the market for a 24mm f1.4, where else would you go? Keep in mind this is really a lens meant for full frame - even then the options are limited - I'd guess many would give up AF to save $1500 (the Nikon 24mm 1.4g is $2K!).

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02-15-2013, 08:35 AM	#13
ivanvernon Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Medina, OH Photos: Albums Posts: 7,224	Originally posted by ChopperCharles I just would never spend that kind of money on a lens without autofocus. I've been passing on the 85mm f1.4 for a long time now, which is actually reasonably priced all things considered. But $600+ MSRP for a lens without AF? Before the K-01 (and focus peaking) made it into my life I wouldn't have spent $20 on a MF lens, much less $600. My MF results with a K-x and catseye screen were beyond abysmal, and I wrote MF off completely. Peaking is slowly changing that.... but still. For that kind of money, it has to be an all-around every-condition useful lens. Without AF, it's not. Charles. I think AF is nice when you are trying to capture lots of images in a short period of time, for example at a party or other gathering. I like MF better when image quality is important, especially for portraits and macro photography. I basically use the green focus indicator and a Kataeye focus screen in my K-20. Manual focus quickly becomes instinctive, and autofocus becomes more of a convenient back up system for special occasions.

02-15-2013, 09:23 AM	#14
ChopperCharles Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Durham, nc Photos: Albums Posts: 953	What are the advantages of the 24mm over the 85mm that make it have so much higher MSRP? $699 (not $600, my bad) is a far cry from the $299 msrp of the 85mm. Granted right now it's only a $100 difference, but in a month or so it'll be right back up there. Charles

02-15-2013, 10:24 AM	#15
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	Originally posted by ChopperCharles What are the advantages of the 24mm over the 85mm that make it have so much higher MSRP? 85mm Optical Construction: 9 elements, 7 groups 24mm Optical Construction: 13 elements, 12 groups More glass, bigger and thicker glass - engineering costs to design this lens is probably 10-fold what the engineering costs were for the 85mm, this is why there are not too many of these wide angle super large aperture lenses on the market. At $399, this lens is an incredible steal of a deal right now...