DA 50mm F1.8 $95 at B&H

DA 50mm F1.8 $95 at B&H · **1 Like**

Another steal!

Pentax smc DA 50mm f/1.8 Lens 22177 B&H Photo Video

Biro · 08-19-2015, 02:56 PM

If one has any interest at all in the DA 50mm f/1.8, now is the time to pull the trigger. Under $100. Amazing. I have to wonder what's going on with all of these Pentax lens discounts - not that I'm not pleased. But the DA* 16-50 and 50-135 can now be purchased for what I paid for them in 2008. I have to wonder if we're about to see a slew of replacements. Or has Ricoh finally realized they weren't going to grow any market share with the pricing regime they had on all this glass? Either way, good times for as long as they last!

normhead · 08-19-2015, 03:06 PM

Originally posted by Biro

If one has any interest at all in the DA 50mm f/1.8, now is the time to pull the trigger. Under $100. Amazing. I have to wonder what's going on with all of these Pentax lens discounts - not that I'm not pleased. But the DA* 16-50 and 50-135 can now be purchased for what I paid for them in 2008. I have to wonder if we're about to see a slew of replacements. Or has Ricoh finally realized they weren't going to grow any market share with the pricing regime they had on all this glass? Either way, good times for as long as they last!

I'm going with these "stripped down" lenses are cheap to produce, and, once you get used to the IQ, you're going to start looking for better glass. I think every company needs to be able to introduce really good quality at a rock bottom price, to create interest in their other top of the line lenses. My guess is, Pentax realizes they've sold to a lot of people who haven't moved beyond the kit.

bass3587 · 08-19-2015, 06:45 PM

If you don't have this lens...or any other fast fifty then get this. Really can't be beat for this price.

Damien B · 08-19-2015, 10:18 PM

Originally posted by larryinlc

Just like that. Refund complete. B&H, you folks are good.

Yes they are. Solid company.

pathdoc · 08-20-2015, 03:52 AM

Originally posted by normhead

My guess is, Pentax realizes they've sold to a lot of people who haven't moved beyond the kit.

And from what I've occasionally seen of this lens bundled with a K3 or K3-II, sometimes this IS the kit. After all, what's the practical difference between "kit lens" and "thrown in as a freebie with a body-only order"? Everything old is new again. I'm half expecting a FF option in chrome and leatherette with an FA 50/1.7 tacked on the front as a salute. I know they really can't afford to wait any longer to release the camera, but perhaps a special edition with whatever new 50mm prime they're cooking up could come out next year to celebrate 40 years of the K mount?

erangel · 08-20-2015, 07:28 AM

Tempting. I've been tinking on buying one for the autofocus, but the M 50mm 1.7 fills most of my needs. Has anyone compared both?

**boriscleto** · 08-20-2015, 07:32 AM

Originally posted by erangel

Tempting. I've been tinking on buying one for the autofocus, but the M 50mm 1.7 fills most of my needs. Has anyone compared both?

There's no law that says you can't have both

There are things the M 50 can do that the DA can't, like be used reversed for macro...

normhead · 08-20-2015, 07:32 AM

No but I have compared manual focus to auto-focus, You manual focus when you have to. You use AF, all the time, everywhere. At least i od. My MF lenses barely ever get out of the cupboard, except for my A-400. And I have nothing close to that focal length in AF. My m135 and 50ƒ2, have probably had less than 20 images taken with both of them.

Quote:

There's no law that says you can't have both

There are things the M 50 can do that the DA can't, like be used reversed for macro...

The laws of LBA say you must have both, and not having both will lead to a lifetime of regret.

seventysixersfan · 08-20-2015, 08:13 AM

Originally posted by normhead

The laws of LBA say you must have both, and not having both will lead to a lifetime of regret.

Wise words. This is why I am itching to get the DA 16-85 even though I have a DA 18-135. I'd probably keep both to use in different situations.

normhead · 08-20-2015, 08:20 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by seventysixersfan

Wise words. This is why I am itching to get the DA 16-85 even though I have a DA 18-135. I'd probably keep both to use in different situations.

My need for a 16-85 is greatly reduced by owning a Sigma 8-16. I know I should have both, but I had a very cheap Scottish grandmother who instilled values in me that preclude giving into LBA as completely as some on the forum have.

She was of the "Tell me what you need and I'll show you how to live without it." school of thought. Whenever I channel her spirit on the forum I always get in big trouble. People don't want to know how to do things, they want to buy more stuff. And that's why Pentax has survived to this day. If my grandmothers spirit was in charge, we'd still be using my Program Plus and 50 after all, why would you buy something new when the old stuff still works. Zoom with your feet.

pathdoc · 08-20-2015, 10:55 AM

Originally posted by normhead

I had a very cheap Scottish grandmother who instilled values in me that preclude giving into LBA as completely as some on the forum have.

I didn't, but at least I mostly pursue secondhand lenses. The number of lenses I've bought new via any sort of camera store can still be counted on one hand, though I'm not sure I can maintain that for long. My personal lens roadmap calls for a DA15/4 or DA21/3.2 early next year (haven't decided yet), but this may change depending on what comes out with the FF and how this affects lens prices across the board.

Simen1 · 08-24-2015, 02:39 AM

Nice price, but way to expensive shipping to Norway. Shipping costs and taxes eats up more then all the price advantage. B&H should find another shipping company for norwegian customers.

KevinG · 08-24-2015, 01:10 PM

But I already have a 43 ltd, 50-135, and 18-55. I love a deal, but just don't know when I would use this - I'm more interested in the 35mm 2.4 - or maybe I just need another camera body...

Adam · 08-24-2015, 01:14 PM

Originally posted by Simen1

Nice price, but way to expensive shipping to Norway. Shipping costs and taxes eats up more then all the price advantage. B&H should find another shipping company for norwegian customers.

Yup that would be nice. International shipping costs seem to be decreasing over time, but I think liability is an issue for B&H when going with carriers like the postal service for international shipments.

reeftool · 08-26-2015, 06:29 PM

I have a few 50's and 55's but none of them are auto focus. This deal just happened to come along the same time my pension deposit arrived. Needless to say, I now own a DA 50.

Adam
	View full profile
	Contact via private message
	Find other posts by Adam
	Find threads started by Adam
	Find threads in which Adam has posted

08-20-2015, 08:20 AM - 1 Like	#25
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by seventysixersfan Wise words. This is why I am itching to get the DA 16-85 even though I have a DA 18-135. I'd probably keep both to use in different situations. My need for a 16-85 is greatly reduced by owning a Sigma 8-16. I know I should have both, but I had a very cheap Scottish grandmother who instilled values in me that preclude giving into LBA as completely as some on the forum have. She was of the "Tell me what you need and I'll show you how to live without it." school of thought. Whenever I channel her spirit on the forum I always get in big trouble. People don't want to know how to do things, they want to buy more stuff. And that's why Pentax has survived to this day. If my grandmothers spirit was in charge, we'd still be using my Program Plus and 50 after all, why would you buy something new when the old stuff still works. Zoom with your feet. Last edited by normhead; 08-20-2015 at 08:33 AM.

08-24-2015, 01:14 PM	#29
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608 Original Poster	Originally posted by Simen1 Nice price, but way to expensive shipping to Norway. Shipping costs and taxes eats up more then all the price advantage. B&H should find another shipping company for norwegian customers. Yup that would be nice. International shipping costs seem to be decreasing over time, but I think liability is an issue for B&H when going with carriers like the postal service for international shipments. 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:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
K-50 $294.95 at B&H	Adam	Pentax Price Watch	15	07-06-2015 11:59 PM
DFA 50mm from B&H: US$342.95	drypenn	Pentax Price Watch	2	01-23-2015 12:43 PM
Pentax Q7 Price Drop: $376.95 at B&H, special colors at Adorama	Adam	Pentax Price Watch	3	04-06-2014 08:04 PM
B&H DA 50mm f/1.8 for $116.95 w/K3	LaurenOE	Pentax Price Watch	11	10-27-2013 04:53 PM
DA 50mm 1.8 - $181.95 @ b&h and adorama...down from $246	maiz	Pentax Price Watch	61	09-08-2013 04:07 AM

08-19-2015, 02:56 PM	#16
Biro Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,200	If one has any interest at all in the DA 50mm f/1.8, now is the time to pull the trigger. Under $100. Amazing. I have to wonder what's going on with all of these Pentax lens discounts - not that I'm not pleased. But the DA* 16-50 and 50-135 can now be purchased for what I paid for them in 2008. I have to wonder if we're about to see a slew of replacements. Or has Ricoh finally realized they weren't going to grow any market share with the pricing regime they had on all this glass? Either way, good times for as long as they last!

08-19-2015, 03:06 PM	#17
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by Biro If one has any interest at all in the DA 50mm f/1.8, now is the time to pull the trigger. Under $100. Amazing. I have to wonder what's going on with all of these Pentax lens discounts - not that I'm not pleased. But the DA* 16-50 and 50-135 can now be purchased for what I paid for them in 2008. I have to wonder if we're about to see a slew of replacements. Or has Ricoh finally realized they weren't going to grow any market share with the pricing regime they had on all this glass? Either way, good times for as long as they last! I'm going with these "stripped down" lenses are cheap to produce, and, once you get used to the IQ, you're going to start looking for better glass. I think every company needs to be able to introduce really good quality at a rock bottom price, to create interest in their other top of the line lenses. My guess is, Pentax realizes they've sold to a lot of people who haven't moved beyond the kit.

08-19-2015, 06:45 PM	#18
bass3587 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 517	If you don't have this lens...or any other fast fifty then get this. Really can't be beat for this price.

08-19-2015, 10:18 PM	#19
Damien B New Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Vail, Colorado Posts: 14	Originally posted by larryinlc Just like that. Refund complete. B&H, you folks are good. Yes they are. Solid company.

08-20-2015, 03:52 AM	#20
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	Originally posted by normhead My guess is, Pentax realizes they've sold to a lot of people who haven't moved beyond the kit. And from what I've occasionally seen of this lens bundled with a K3 or K3-II, sometimes this IS the kit. After all, what's the practical difference between "kit lens" and "thrown in as a freebie with a body-only order"? Everything old is new again. I'm half expecting a FF option in chrome and leatherette with an FA 50/1.7 tacked on the front as a salute. I know they really can't afford to wait any longer to release the camera, but perhaps a special edition with whatever new 50mm prime they're cooking up could come out next year to celebrate 40 years of the K mount?

08-20-2015, 07:28 AM	#21
erangel Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Panama Photos: Gallery Posts: 83	Tempting. I've been tinking on buying one for the autofocus, but the M 50mm 1.7 fills most of my needs. Has anyone compared both?

08-20-2015, 07:32 AM	#22
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	Originally posted by erangel Tempting. I've been tinking on buying one for the autofocus, but the M 50mm 1.7 fills most of my needs. Has anyone compared both? There's no law that says you can't have both There are things the M 50 can do that the DA can't, like be used reversed for macro...

08-20-2015, 07:32 AM	#23
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	No but I have compared manual focus to auto-focus, You manual focus when you have to. You use AF, all the time, everywhere. At least i od. My MF lenses barely ever get out of the cupboard, except for my A-400. And I have nothing close to that focal length in AF. My m135 and 50ƒ2, have probably had less than 20 images taken with both of them. Quote: There's no law that says you can't have both There are things the M 50 can do that the DA can't, like be used reversed for macro... The laws of LBA say you must have both, and not having both will lead to a lifetime of regret.

08-20-2015, 08:13 AM	#24
seventysixersfan Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	Originally posted by normhead The laws of LBA say you must have both, and not having both will lead to a lifetime of regret. Wise words. This is why I am itching to get the DA 16-85 even though I have a DA 18-135. I'd probably keep both to use in different situations.

08-20-2015, 10:55 AM	#26
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	Originally posted by normhead I had a very cheap Scottish grandmother who instilled values in me that preclude giving into LBA as completely as some on the forum have. I didn't, but at least I mostly pursue secondhand lenses. The number of lenses I've bought new via any sort of camera store can still be counted on one hand, though I'm not sure I can maintain that for long. My personal lens roadmap calls for a DA15/4 or DA21/3.2 early next year (haven't decided yet), but this may change depending on what comes out with the FF and how this affects lens prices across the board.

08-24-2015, 02:39 AM	#27
Simen1 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Tromsø, Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 1,031	Nice price, but way to expensive shipping to Norway. Shipping costs and taxes eats up more then all the price advantage. B&H should find another shipping company for norwegian customers.

08-24-2015, 01:10 PM	#28
KevinG Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: California Photos: Albums Posts: 175	But I already have a 43 ltd, 50-135, and 18-55. I love a deal, but just don't know when I would use this - I'm more interested in the 35mm 2.4 - or maybe I just need another camera body...

08-26-2015, 06:29 PM	#30
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,555	I have a few 50's and 55's but none of them are auto focus. This deal just happened to come along the same time my pension deposit arrived. Needless to say, I now own a DA 50.