I noticed that the D FA*70-200 is down $500 on B&H. Seems like preordering NOW is totally worth it.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1117718-REG/pentax_21330_hd_pentax_d_fa.html

But I'm wondering a few things...
1. Is it possible that the delay on the lens is because they are placing a better ring motor in it (similar to the 24-70 rebadged Tamron).
2.And if so, would they be selling this one cheaper because it has the older DC/SDM motor in it? Is that the cause for the price drop?

THOUGHTS PLEASE!?!?

[monochrome]

No and no. The price has not actually dropped. The pre-release MSRP of this lens has apparently been reduced in the USA at least, prior to release, from the previously suggested MSRP.

[ffking]

yeah - no price drop in the UK - $ price actually numerically (ie before conversion) less than £ price - cheaper to by in US despite shipping and $500 import duty etc

[mattieyp3]

No and no. The price has not actually dropped. The pre-release MSRP of this lens has apparently been reduced in the USA at least, prior to release, from the previously suggested MSRP.

Thanks monochrome! I'm curious if you know why the delay on the lens? The added delay came when the assumed "rebadged" tamron came out in the fall (US). I hear this lens has a ring motor that is trusted. Pentax stated that they wanted to make sure the 70-200 met professional optical standards. Isn't it possible that they are adjusting the design to have a better AF motor since they have had problems with SDM and DC in the past (and since DC is behind the competition)?

Anyway, thanks so much.

[normhead]

The statement from Pentax was the lens as originally designed did not meet their technical optical specs.

[monochrome]

Thanks monochrome! I'm curious if you know why the delay on the lens? The added delay came when the assumed "rebadged" tamron came out in the fall (US). I hear this lens has a ring motor that is trusted. Pentax stated that they wanted to make sure the 70-200 met professional optical standards. Isn't it possible that they are adjusting the design to have a better AF motor since they have had problems with SDM and DC in the past (and since DC is behind the competition)?

Anyway, thanks so much.

Anything is possible. What makes you wonder, if Ricoh said the delay was to correct an optical issue, they really meant something else? Aren't you reaching for something that doesn't exist here?

The delay in the 70-200 is not at all related to the 24-70 assembled by Tamron using Pentax specifications. The 70-200 is a full-Pentax design/assemble. It has been understood to use a new DC ring motor since it was announced last year. SDM is a trade name which (unfortunately) Pentax has not retired, despite the tarnish of 1st Gen drive motor failures. It designates high speed electronic focus motor.

I hope that fully answers your question.

[ybo1]

Whatever the real reason for the delay, the results are astounding.

Check this thread from someone who already got it :
DFA* 70-200mm - Fourth set of images from the St Patrick Day parade (many images): Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

[zbrueningsen]

Anything is possible. What makes you wonder, if Ricoh said the delay was to correct an optical issue, they really meant something else? Aren't you reaching for something that doesn't exist here?

The delay in the 70-200 is not at all related to the 24-70 assembled by Tamron using Pentax specifications. The 70-200 is a full-Pentax design/assemble. It has been understood to use a new DC ring motor since it was announced last year. SDM is a trade name which (unfortunately) Pentax has not retired, despite the tarnish of 1st Gen drive motor failures. It designates high speed electronic focus motor.

I hope that fully answers your question.

I think with their home grown lenses they are DC and with their co-operation lenses (Tamron) they call them 'sdm' even though it is Tamron's far superior motor. The initial shooter say this AF is very fast. $1800 is a pretty fair price.

[FantasticMrFox]

The statement from Pentax was the lens as originally designed did not meet their technical optical specs.

Considering ePhotozine's review of a pre-release sample in April 2015 was already highly positive, judging it to be on par optically and build wise (albeit not in terms of AF) with the Canon and Nikon equivalents, that can only mean that we are going to see an amazing lens