Huge rise in official pentax prices in australia

Huge rise in official pentax prices in australia · **1 Like**

When preparing to buy my KP in 2019, I also prepared a document of lenses I might want to buy with it. This included the prices at that time.

So, in March 2019, I observed the following:

Pentax 70-200mm Lens: $2199.00. Current price: $2939.00

Pentax 150-450mm Lens: $3145.00. Current Price : $3632.00

This is in a 22-month period of relatively low inflation. I could currently import the 150-450mm lense from an authorised dealer in the US - with shipment and tax included, for under $AU3000.00. Even a 15% off sale here in Australia (which happens very infrequently here) would not get the price down below the price of importing from the US.

But I face the likelihood that the local official importer would not recognise any warranty of a lens bought from an official retailer in the States.

Makes it hard for Pentax Enthusiasts in Australia who are not in a high income bracket.

**Des** · 01-09-2021, 08:08 PM

I have noticed the same thing Peter. I bought my KP from Pentax Australia (CRK) on sale in November 2018 for $A850. There was a similar price from dcxpert on sale in November 2019. In the corresponding Pentax Australia sale in November 2020, the price was $1044.

It is possible that prices have increased as a result of supply problems due to COVID. (It's not likely to be the exchange rate, which is higher than it has been.)

**carlb** · 01-09-2021, 08:37 PM

Wow, at those sort of price differences it's probably worth taking the chance on a warranty claim. Fortunately I've got all the gear I want, but CRK aren't making it easy for Pentax.

**K2 to K50** · 01-09-2021, 09:12 PM

Originally posted by Des

I have noticed the same thing Peter. I bought my KP from Pentax Australia (CRK) on sale in November 2018 for $A850. There was a similar price from dcxpert on sale in November 2019. In the corresponding Pentax Australia sale in November 2020, the price was $1044.

It is possible that prices have increased as a result of supply problems due to COVID. (It's not likely to be the exchange rate, which is higher than it has been.)

I refrained from making that observation about the current exchange rates, but certainly against the US$, the $AU is very high at the moment - although I haven't tracked it against the yen. Although trade could take place in $US, I suppose. I am now really kicking myself for not biting the bullet and buying the 150-450mm zoom on the Black Friday sale. There was no Christmas or Boxing day sale from either CRK or DCxpert. I have decided I definitely want that lens. Covid allowing, I am planning a birding photography tour in August-September this year. Driving down to Melbourne, then slowly working my way back home along the Hume to Chiltern and Barmah Lakes, and then crossing over to the Newell. Warrumbungles and Mt Kaputar are on the proposed itinerary, as is Mary Cairncross Reserve in QLD. My old school friend from Melbourne is joining me for the whole trip.

Originally posted by carlb

Wow, at those sort of price differences it's probably worth taking the chance on a warranty claim. Fortunately I've got all the gear I want, but CRK aren't making it easy for Pentax.

Yes Carl - I am feeling sorely tempted to take the chance to purchase from the US, especially while our $ is so high. I wonder whether it is CRK making it hard for Pentax, or the other way round? I notice CRK/Ricoh Australia show a "No Stock" status for the 150-450 - not even an "On order" status.

I may wait until Easter of EOFY to see if the CRK offers any sales - but EOFY would leave it late in terms of my trip timetable, if I have to back-order.

Decisions, decisions.

**termy** · 01-09-2021, 09:12 PM - **1 Like**

perhaps get preowned?

Good value for money getting preowned from fellow forum members, and is a win-win for both seller and buyer.

(Other than sometimes, some sellers don't describe as candidly as they should, the condition of the lenses).

**K2 to K50** · 01-09-2021, 09:15 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by termy

perhaps get preowned?

Good value for money getting preowned from fellow forum members, and is a win-win for both seller and buyer.

(Other than sometimes, some sellers don't describe as candidly as they should, the condition of the lenses).

Have considered pre-owned, although the 150-450 rarely comes up on the market. And for items of this kind of value, I generally prefer to buy new, rather than risk "buying someone else's problem", as they say

dbs · 01-09-2021, 10:28 PM

We have to pay the price that C R K have had to at time of order plus mark - up.
We can only guess at the exchange rate at the time of order.
Yes the prices have increased a bit over the last 19 mths
Just checked the Ricoh site the KP is $100 dearer than last time I looked ( christmas / new year ) and the K 1 $ 300 dearer also , did mot check the lenses

**beachgardener** · 01-09-2021, 11:41 PM

Seems that all the prices have gone up at CRK for Pentax equipment, way too much as far as I am concerned. Will this affect the second hand market? Hopefully those second hand prices won't go up too.
I have two good cameras and several lenses, probably have to stay with what I have got now, no new stuff or no second hand stuff for a while.

**Des** · 01-10-2021, 12:51 AM

Originally posted by K2 to K50

I am now really kicking myself for not biting the bullet and buying the 150-450mm zoom on the Black Friday sale. There was no Christmas or Boxing day sale from either CRK or DCxpert. I have decided I definitely want that lens. Covid allowing, I am planning a birding photography tour in August-September this year. Driving down to Melbourne, then slowly working my way back home along the Hume to Chiltern and Barmah Lakes, and then crossing over to the Newell. Warrumbungles and Mt Kaputar are on the proposed itinerary, as is Mary Cairncross Reserve in QLD. My old school friend from Melbourne is joining me for the whole trip.

Sounds like a great trip Peter. A contingency plan in case the DFA 150-450 doesn't turn up at a decent discount would be to look for an alternative lens for the trip. DA*300 + TC would be a good option and a lot cheaper. Or a Bigma if you want a zoom.

I have toyed with the idea of getting a 150-450 but it's mighty expensive and quite heavy. You could get a Nikon D500 with a 200-500 f5.6 second hand for significantly less. Just sayin'.

noelpolar · 01-10-2021, 01:25 AM - **1 Like**

I have noticed this as well.... but have everything I need.... and.... am having trouble seeing value in the brand going forward at the Aust prices.

On the issue of the DFA 150-450.... I'd be seriously thinking about what Des said above (Nikon D500 and 200-500).

I recently got a battery grip for my KP from the US.... about $220 inc GST and delivery versus about $350ish here.

Hopefully local prices might come down a bit when they have some stock and want to sell it!

BROO · 01-10-2021, 01:41 AM - **1 Like**

I think the AUD being worth 0.58USD in March 2020 is the reason for the relatively high prices. I would expect a correction in the prices soon. Also it is worth waiting for the sales.
I got my DFA150-450 for $2600 about 18 months ago.

biz-engineer · 01-10-2021, 01:41 AM

Price increase is in line with general market trends for ILC cameras. What happens is that mirrorless products tend to be priced high, but unlike for DSLR, customers buying mirrorless components have no prior price references for mirrorless, so that they don't feel the price increase as much. The difficultly for Pentax is to increase prices while customers have price references in mind for products that were introduced at the time when the camera market was doing well. Cameras and lenses are going to become more and more expensive in the future, we have to plan for that, or buy used.

**ffking** · 01-10-2021, 03:06 AM - **1 Like**

Just as a side note, almost all prices in the UK are above launch prices at the moment, the FF 'holy trinity' by about £300 each, and the newest lenses are showing no sign of dropping in price - even the sale deals have less off than a few years back -my 70-200 was reduced by £500 when I bought it, now it's about £300 more and never reduced by more than that amount.

**beachgardener** · 01-10-2021, 03:21 AM

Originally posted by ffking

the FF 'holy trinity' but about £300 each

£300 is about AU$525 at present, to buy a new FA 31mm in AU at present is $1,647.

**RobA_Oz** · 01-10-2021, 03:33 AM

Originally posted by BROO

I think the AUD being worth 0.58USD in March 2020 is the reason for the relatively high prices. I would expect a correction in the prices soon. Also it is worth waiting for the sales.
I got my DFA150-450 for $2600 about 18 months ago.

The AUD had a short dip against both the USD and the JPY around that time. Now, it’s up around 0.75USD and the exchange rate against the Yen has pretty much followed the same path.

CRK’s price for the 150-450 in October 2020 was $2,950 with a 15% discount so the price has risen by a bit over $200 in that short time. It’s not a disaster but it’s clear that the stronger AUD hasn’t brought a downward correction so far, so I don’t expect one soon.

I shan’t be trading my Sigma 150-500 OIS in for a while, it seems.

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01-09-2021, 11:41 PM	#8
beachgardener Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,842	Seems that all the prices have gone up at CRK for Pentax equipment, way too much as far as I am concerned. Will this affect the second hand market? Hopefully those second hand prices won't go up too. I have two good cameras and several lenses, probably have to stay with what I have got now, no new stuff or no second hand stuff for a while. Last edited by beachgardener; 01-10-2021 at 01:29 AM. Reason: spelling

01-10-2021, 01:41 AM - 1 Like	#11
BROO Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 655	I think the AUD being worth 0.58USD in March 2020 is the reason for the relatively high prices. I would expect a correction in the prices soon. Also it is worth waiting for the sales. I got my DFA150-450 for $2600 about 18 months ago. Last edited by BROO; 01-10-2021 at 03:16 AM.

01-10-2021, 03:06 AM - 1 Like	#13
ffking Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Old South Wales Posts: 6,038	Just as a side note, almost all prices in the UK are above launch prices at the moment, the FF 'holy trinity' by about £300 each, and the newest lenses are showing no sign of dropping in price - even the sale deals have less off than a few years back -my 70-200 was reduced by £500 when I bought it, now it's about £300 more and never reduced by more than that amount. Last edited by ffking; 01-10-2021 at 03:29 AM.

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01-09-2021, 08:08 PM	#2
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	I have noticed the same thing Peter. I bought my KP from Pentax Australia (CRK) on sale in November 2018 for $A850. There was a similar price from dcxpert on sale in November 2019. In the corresponding Pentax Australia sale in November 2020, the price was $1044. It is possible that prices have increased as a result of supply problems due to COVID. (It's not likely to be the exchange rate, which is higher than it has been.)

01-09-2021, 08:37 PM	#3
carlb Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 1,162	Wow, at those sort of price differences it's probably worth taking the chance on a warranty claim. Fortunately I've got all the gear I want, but CRK aren't making it easy for Pentax.

01-09-2021, 09:12 PM	#4
K2 to K50 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Ipswich QLD Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,794 Original Poster	Originally posted by Des I have noticed the same thing Peter. I bought my KP from Pentax Australia (CRK) on sale in November 2018 for $A850. There was a similar price from dcxpert on sale in November 2019. In the corresponding Pentax Australia sale in November 2020, the price was $1044. It is possible that prices have increased as a result of supply problems due to COVID. (It's not likely to be the exchange rate, which is higher than it has been.) I refrained from making that observation about the current exchange rates, but certainly against the US$, the $AU is very high at the moment - although I haven't tracked it against the yen. Although trade could take place in $US, I suppose. I am now really kicking myself for not biting the bullet and buying the 150-450mm zoom on the Black Friday sale. There was no Christmas or Boxing day sale from either CRK or DCxpert. I have decided I definitely want that lens. Covid allowing, I am planning a birding photography tour in August-September this year. Driving down to Melbourne, then slowly working my way back home along the Hume to Chiltern and Barmah Lakes, and then crossing over to the Newell. Warrumbungles and Mt Kaputar are on the proposed itinerary, as is Mary Cairncross Reserve in QLD. My old school friend from Melbourne is joining me for the whole trip. Originally posted by carlb Wow, at those sort of price differences it's probably worth taking the chance on a warranty claim. Fortunately I've got all the gear I want, but CRK aren't making it easy for Pentax. Yes Carl - I am feeling sorely tempted to take the chance to purchase from the US, especially while our $ is so high. I wonder whether it is CRK making it hard for Pentax, or the other way round? I notice CRK/Ricoh Australia show a "No Stock" status for the 150-450 - not even an "On order" status. I may wait until Easter of EOFY to see if the CRK offers any sales - but EOFY would leave it late in terms of my trip timetable, if I have to back-order. Decisions, decisions.

01-09-2021, 09:12 PM - 1 Like	#5
termy Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 1,154	perhaps get preowned? Good value for money getting preowned from fellow forum members, and is a win-win for both seller and buyer. (Other than sometimes, some sellers don't describe as candidly as they should, the condition of the lenses).

01-09-2021, 09:15 PM - 1 Like	#6
K2 to K50 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Ipswich QLD Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,794 Original Poster	Originally posted by termy perhaps get preowned? Good value for money getting preowned from fellow forum members, and is a win-win for both seller and buyer. (Other than sometimes, some sellers don't describe as candidly as they should, the condition of the lenses). Have considered pre-owned, although the 150-450 rarely comes up on the market. And for items of this kind of value, I generally prefer to buy new, rather than risk "buying someone else's problem", as they say

01-09-2021, 10:28 PM	#7
dbs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Clare Valley S A Photos: Albums Posts: 7,563	We have to pay the price that C R K have had to at time of order plus mark - up. We can only guess at the exchange rate at the time of order. Yes the prices have increased a bit over the last 19 mths Just checked the Ricoh site the KP is $100 dearer than last time I looked ( christmas / new year ) and the K 1 $ 300 dearer also , did mot check the lenses

01-10-2021, 12:51 AM	#9
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	Originally posted by K2 to K50 I am now really kicking myself for not biting the bullet and buying the 150-450mm zoom on the Black Friday sale. There was no Christmas or Boxing day sale from either CRK or DCxpert. I have decided I definitely want that lens. Covid allowing, I am planning a birding photography tour in August-September this year. Driving down to Melbourne, then slowly working my way back home along the Hume to Chiltern and Barmah Lakes, and then crossing over to the Newell. Warrumbungles and Mt Kaputar are on the proposed itinerary, as is Mary Cairncross Reserve in QLD. My old school friend from Melbourne is joining me for the whole trip. Sounds like a great trip Peter. A contingency plan in case the DFA 150-450 doesn't turn up at a decent discount would be to look for an alternative lens for the trip. DA*300 + TC would be a good option and a lot cheaper. Or a Bigma if you want a zoom. I have toyed with the idea of getting a 150-450 but it's mighty expensive and quite heavy. You could get a Nikon D500 with a 200-500 f5.6 second hand for significantly less. Just sayin'.

01-10-2021, 01:25 AM - 1 Like	#10
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	I have noticed this as well.... but have everything I need.... and.... am having trouble seeing value in the brand going forward at the Aust prices. On the issue of the DFA 150-450.... I'd be seriously thinking about what Des said above (Nikon D500 and 200-500). I recently got a battery grip for my KP from the US.... about $220 inc GST and delivery versus about $350ish here. Hopefully local prices might come down a bit when they have some stock and want to sell it!

01-10-2021, 01:41 AM	#12
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,231	Price increase is in line with general market trends for ILC cameras. What happens is that mirrorless products tend to be priced high, but unlike for DSLR, customers buying mirrorless components have no prior price references for mirrorless, so that they don't feel the price increase as much. The difficultly for Pentax is to increase prices while customers have price references in mind for products that were introduced at the time when the camera market was doing well. Cameras and lenses are going to become more and more expensive in the future, we have to plan for that, or buy used.

01-10-2021, 03:21 AM	#14
beachgardener Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,842	Originally posted by ffking the FF 'holy trinity' but about £300 each £300 is about AU$525 at present, to buy a new FA 31mm in AU at present is $1,647.

01-10-2021, 03:33 AM	#15
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,197	Originally posted by BROO I think the AUD being worth 0.58USD in March 2020 is the reason for the relatively high prices. I would expect a correction in the prices soon. Also it is worth waiting for the sales. I got my DFA150-450 for $2600 about 18 months ago. The AUD had a short dip against both the USD and the JPY around that time. Now, it’s up around 0.75USD and the exchange rate against the Yen has pretty much followed the same path. CRK’s price for the 150-450 in October 2020 was $2,950 with a 15% discount so the price has risen by a bit over $200 in that short time. It’s not a disaster but it’s clear that the stronger AUD hasn’t brought a downward correction so far, so I don’t expect one soon. I shan’t be trading my Sigma 150-500 OIS in for a while, it seems.