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

Adam · 02-15-2013, 10:57 AM

Originally posted by ChopperCharles

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

It's a lot harder to make a fast 24mm in terms of optics. Canon and Nikon's 24mm F1.4 are both almsot $2k, so this Bower lens is definitely a steal! Plus it's a full-frame lens, one which Pentax has never made themselves.

Adam
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**manishved** · 02-15-2013, 11:28 AM

Originally posted by Adam

It's a lot harder to make a fast 24mm in terms of optics. Canon and Nikon's 24mm F1.4 are both almsot $2k, so this Bower lens is definitely a steal! Plus it's a full-frame lens, one which Pentax has never made themselves.

Is there any difference between this Bower version and the Rokinon or Samyang? Quality of glass? Build quality?

ploetzlich · 02-15-2013, 11:31 AM

They're all re-brands of Samyang.

ChopperCharles · 02-15-2013, 11:47 AM

Originally posted by Adam

It's a lot harder to make a fast 24mm in terms of optics. Canon and Nikon's 24mm F1.4 are both almsot $2k, so this Bower lens is definitely a steal! Plus it's a full-frame lens, one which Pentax has never made themselves.

Pentax made an FA 24mm f2 though, which appears to go for around $550 if you believe the lens database. Not quite as fast, but has AF.

Charles.

kenafein · 02-15-2013, 11:49 AM

What a great deal. This lens and a K-01 would probably compare favorably to an RX1, at 1/4 the price.

**todd** · 02-15-2013, 11:53 AM

Originally posted by joe.penn

More glass, bigger and thicker glass

yeah i noticed it weighs 1.4lbs...

kenafein · 02-15-2013, 11:54 AM

Originally posted by ChopperCharles

Pentax made an FA 24mm f2 though, which appears to go for around $550 if you believe the lens database. Not quite as fast, but has AF.

Charles.

That is a popular lens, but 1.4 is a stop faster. A lot of people don't care about or use AF and are willing to pay for quality glass. Zeiss, Leica and Voightlander make a lot of money selling MF glass. The Zeiss Distagon T* 25mm f/2.0 ZF.2 Lens is $1699 and it's not available in K mount. We realize that it's not for you, but a lot of people prefer MF. MF specific lenses usually have superior focus rings and AF is useless for video.

causey · 02-15-2013, 11:56 AM

too bad it weighs a ton.

MrSkelter · 02-15-2013, 12:01 PM

Originally posted by ChopperCharles

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

Charles.

I'm with you Charles.

The boosters of these cheap Chinese lenses (that's a fact, not an insult) seem to think they're capable of magic. I.e. They've found a way to produce optically excellent lenses for a fraction of the cost of major brands without other significant compromise. The lack of AF certainly helps the price but the 'reviews' fans give this glass isn't realistic. Sigma have just managed to surpass Canon, Nikon and Zeiss with a 35mm 1.4 - Leica still beat everyone and charge people for the excellence.

At best these lenses are using decent optical formulas, good coatings and then wrapping them in inferior casings built to low standards. If that's not the case I expect a major brand to buy them wholesale and borrow their magical powers to take on the rest of the market.

Over time a lot of the value of a lens is how well it holds up, takes knocks, keeps ticking and stays smooth. I'm not sure this glass is built for that at all.

zosxavius · 02-15-2013, 12:03 PM

I would love to have this lens, but man...1.5lbs?? I think I will stick to slower 24mm lenses and save some weight. This sure would be dreamy on full frame though!

Biro · 02-15-2013, 12:07 PM

Just to put some perspective on the conversation, quite possibly the only other fast 24mm prime option for Pentax right now - if you're buying new - is the Sigma 24mm f/1.8, which is also full frame and has auto focus. At B&H, the price is $549.

Sigma W/A 24mm f/1.8 EX Aspherical DG DF Macro AF Lens 432109

The answer will be different for many of us, but what would you buy: the Sigma at $549 or the Bower at $399? Auto focus versus $150 savings and an extra stop?

kenafein · 02-15-2013, 12:10 PM

Originally posted by MrSkelter

I'm with you Charles.

The boosters of these cheap Chinese lenses (that's a fact, not an insult) seem to think they're capable of magic. I.e. They've found a way to produce optically excellent lenses for a fraction of the cost of major brands without other significant compromise. The lack of AF certainly helps the price but the 'reviews' fans give this glass isn't realistic. Sigma have just managed to surpass Canon, Nikon and Zeiss with a 35mm 1.4 - Leica still beat everyone and charge people for the excellence.

At best these lenses are using decent optical formulas, good coatings and then wrapping them in inferior casings built to low standards. If that's not the case I expect a major brand to buy them wholesale and borrow their magical powers to take on the rest of the market.

Over time a lot of the value of a lens is how well it holds up, takes knocks, keeps ticking and stays smooth. I'm not sure this glass is built for that at all.

Samyang is Korean. Have you ever held one of these lenses? They are built to very high standards, not Zeiss high, but they are better built than most lenses that cost much more. Everything about the Samyang lenses speaks to their quality.

CDW · 02-15-2013, 12:13 PM

These lenses are made in Korea, not China. The 14mm version is sharper edge to edge than any of my previously used Canon L series wide angle zooms. 1.5 lbs is a bit heavy but it's fast glass. I've had my 14mm for a year, carried it in backpacks on multiday hiking trips with no problems whatsoever. Focus confirmation works wonders with MF lenses. If someone isn't able to deal with MF, I'm sorry for your lack of ability but some of us can and we are the market for these products.

**manishved** · 02-15-2013, 12:13 PM

Originally posted by zosxavius

I would love to have this lens, but man...1.5lbs?? I think I will stick to slower 24mm lenses and save some weight. This sure would be dreamy on full frame though!

I am just hoping that Pentax will retain the legacy K-mount in its full-frame DSLR. It will be a big blunder to change the mount design for the full frame DSLR. (companies are known to make this mistake - remember Betamax?)

wolffy · 02-15-2013, 12:14 PM

Question about these lenses do they do auto aperture? I can deal with focus but I draw the line on fully manual lenses.

Adam
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02-15-2013, 10:57 AM	#16
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597 Original Poster	Originally posted by ChopperCharles 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 It's a lot harder to make a fast 24mm in terms of optics. Canon and Nikon's 24mm F1.4 are both almsot $2k, so this Bower lens is definitely a steal! Plus it's a full-frame lens, one which Pentax has never made themselves. 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:

02-15-2013, 11:28 AM	#17
manishved Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: N. Calif Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,652	Originally posted by Adam It's a lot harder to make a fast 24mm in terms of optics. Canon and Nikon's 24mm F1.4 are both almsot $2k, so this Bower lens is definitely a steal! Plus it's a full-frame lens, one which Pentax has never made themselves. Is there any difference between this Bower version and the Rokinon or Samyang? Quality of glass? Build quality?

02-15-2013, 11:31 AM	#18
ploetzlich Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: CA Posts: 74	They're all re-brands of Samyang.

02-15-2013, 11:47 AM	#19
ChopperCharles Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Durham, nc Photos: Albums Posts: 957	Originally posted by Adam It's a lot harder to make a fast 24mm in terms of optics. Canon and Nikon's 24mm F1.4 are both almsot $2k, so this Bower lens is definitely a steal! Plus it's a full-frame lens, one which Pentax has never made themselves. Pentax made an FA 24mm f2 though, which appears to go for around $550 if you believe the lens database. Not quite as fast, but has AF. Charles.

02-15-2013, 11:49 AM	#20
kenafein Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Southern California Photos: Albums Posts: 4,082	What a great deal. This lens and a K-01 would probably compare favorably to an RX1, at 1/4 the price.

02-15-2013, 11:53 AM	#21
todd Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,799	Originally posted by joe.penn More glass, bigger and thicker glass yeah i noticed it weighs 1.4lbs...

02-15-2013, 11:54 AM	#22
kenafein Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Southern California Photos: Albums Posts: 4,082	Originally posted by ChopperCharles Pentax made an FA 24mm f2 though, which appears to go for around $550 if you believe the lens database. Not quite as fast, but has AF. Charles. That is a popular lens, but 1.4 is a stop faster. A lot of people don't care about or use AF and are willing to pay for quality glass. Zeiss, Leica and Voightlander make a lot of money selling MF glass. The Zeiss Distagon T* 25mm f/2.0 ZF.2 Lens is $1699 and it's not available in K mount. We realize that it's not for you, but a lot of people prefer MF. MF specific lenses usually have superior focus rings and AF is useless for video.

02-15-2013, 11:56 AM	#23
causey Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Arlington, VA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,757	too bad it weighs a ton.

02-15-2013, 12:01 PM	#24
MrSkelter Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 43	Originally posted by ChopperCharles Are people buying these? Am I the only one who just doesn't get it? Charles. I'm with you Charles. The boosters of these cheap Chinese lenses (that's a fact, not an insult) seem to think they're capable of magic. I.e. They've found a way to produce optically excellent lenses for a fraction of the cost of major brands without other significant compromise. The lack of AF certainly helps the price but the 'reviews' fans give this glass isn't realistic. Sigma have just managed to surpass Canon, Nikon and Zeiss with a 35mm 1.4 - Leica still beat everyone and charge people for the excellence. At best these lenses are using decent optical formulas, good coatings and then wrapping them in inferior casings built to low standards. If that's not the case I expect a major brand to buy them wholesale and borrow their magical powers to take on the rest of the market. Over time a lot of the value of a lens is how well it holds up, takes knocks, keeps ticking and stays smooth. I'm not sure this glass is built for that at all.

02-15-2013, 12:03 PM	#25
zosxavius Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Somewhere, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 458	I would love to have this lens, but man...1.5lbs?? I think I will stick to slower 24mm lenses and save some weight. This sure would be dreamy on full frame though!

02-15-2013, 12:07 PM	#26
Biro Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,200	Just to put some perspective on the conversation, quite possibly the only other fast 24mm prime option for Pentax right now - if you're buying new - is the Sigma 24mm f/1.8, which is also full frame and has auto focus. At B&H, the price is $549. Sigma W/A 24mm f/1.8 EX Aspherical DG DF Macro AF Lens 432109 The answer will be different for many of us, but what would you buy: the Sigma at $549 or the Bower at $399? Auto focus versus $150 savings and an extra stop?

02-15-2013, 12:10 PM	#27
kenafein Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Southern California Photos: Albums Posts: 4,082	Originally posted by MrSkelter I'm with you Charles. The boosters of these cheap Chinese lenses (that's a fact, not an insult) seem to think they're capable of magic. I.e. They've found a way to produce optically excellent lenses for a fraction of the cost of major brands without other significant compromise. The lack of AF certainly helps the price but the 'reviews' fans give this glass isn't realistic. Sigma have just managed to surpass Canon, Nikon and Zeiss with a 35mm 1.4 - Leica still beat everyone and charge people for the excellence. At best these lenses are using decent optical formulas, good coatings and then wrapping them in inferior casings built to low standards. If that's not the case I expect a major brand to buy them wholesale and borrow their magical powers to take on the rest of the market. Over time a lot of the value of a lens is how well it holds up, takes knocks, keeps ticking and stays smooth. I'm not sure this glass is built for that at all. Samyang is Korean. Have you ever held one of these lenses? They are built to very high standards, not Zeiss high, but they are better built than most lenses that cost much more. Everything about the Samyang lenses speaks to their quality.

02-15-2013, 12:13 PM	#28
CDW Site Supporter Join Date: May 2011 Location: Big Island, Hawaii & Utah Posts: 457	These lenses are made in Korea, not China. The 14mm version is sharper edge to edge than any of my previously used Canon L series wide angle zooms. 1.5 lbs is a bit heavy but it's fast glass. I've had my 14mm for a year, carried it in backpacks on multiday hiking trips with no problems whatsoever. Focus confirmation works wonders with MF lenses. If someone isn't able to deal with MF, I'm sorry for your lack of ability but some of us can and we are the market for these products.

02-15-2013, 12:13 PM	#29
manishved Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: N. Calif Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,652	Originally posted by zosxavius I would love to have this lens, but man...1.5lbs?? I think I will stick to slower 24mm lenses and save some weight. This sure would be dreamy on full frame though! I am just hoping that Pentax will retain the legacy K-mount in its full-frame DSLR. It will be a big blunder to change the mount design for the full frame DSLR. (companies are known to make this mistake - remember Betamax?)

02-15-2013, 12:14 PM	#30
wolffy Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Saint Paul, MN USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 63	Question about these lenses do they do auto aperture? I can deal with focus but I draw the line on fully manual lenses.