I have lost clue to the sources of the photos as these are found in the Internet Pentax forums, so cannot make the credits.
Friday, February 13, 2015
Some More Photos of the New DFA Lenses
I have lost clue to the sources of the photos as these are found in the Internet Pentax forums, so cannot make the credits.
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Comments by IntenseDebate
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illdefined · 527 weeks ago
They are literally bringing nothing new to the table...long after the party already ended. This is the opposite of innovation.
RiceHigh 110p · 527 weeks ago
illdefined · 526 weeks ago
gashcr · 527 weeks ago
illdefined · 526 weeks ago
ToetSFX · 527 weeks ago
RiceHigh 110p · 527 weeks ago
Mike · 527 weeks ago
The problem for many Pentax users is whether to hold out for Pentax to produce a full frame camera they want and hope that enough other people want it too, to make it a long term viable proposition. There exists the risk this could be a financial calamity for Pentax and we see just one full frame camera, likely just a K-3 with SAFOX XI and an old generation Sony sensor.
To buy into a system we have to be confident the system will still be there in 5-10 years. I'm not convinced it will be as big heavy DSLR's and big heavy lenses will steadily be replaced by much lighter and smaller mirrorless cameras and light weight lenses. This is already happening. I own one and although it's very far from great, the concept is there and by the 3rd generation I suspect this will perform like a DSLR, possibly faster.
And of course the joy of mirrorless is registration distance and adaptation. You can be confident your old lenses (with some exceptions) will work on mirrorless regardless and I suspect the market in AF adapters will grow over time and cover many more mounts.
What Pentax has revealed so far is a lump of 3D printed plastic from under a bit of old bed sheet in the corner of some exhibition hall whilst at the same time asking Pentax users what they want in it.
Not a good start.
In the cold light of day, not sure I want to take the risk, although I'd really like to see Pentax thrive.
pentax fan · 527 weeks ago
There's also the chance the 70-200f2.8 is even better than the legandary 200mm macro! It looks that good.
agree with this · 527 weeks ago
Mike · 527 weeks ago
Even then, the last thing I want these days is big heavy glass to lug through airports and around countries. I need light, not necessarily small, but not too heavy.
Just updated the A7r to v1.10 firmware and fitted the Tough E-mount. Definitely improved in some areas. Also looking at Sony's lens roadmap for full frame E-mount, it makes sense. They too have a 24-70 f/2.8 coming soon and what with that and the 35/1.4, 28/2 with conversion glass, 16-35/4, 90 macro and the possibility the legendary 135 f/1.8 might be made for E-mount (I hope) . . . throw in the future, development and ongoing popularity of the A7 series and . . . .
. . . well you can guess.
Brand loyalty is one thing but the brand doesn't deliver, how far do you go with it?
On balance, looking at recent Pentax and Sony announcements, right now I think my photographic future is with Sony. I'm sad to say that, but it is what it is.
fa43 fan · 527 weeks ago
They do need to do something about the primes and small zooms. The FA77 is hyped so bad, but it is a purple fringing monster. The FA85 is AWESOME, but not available anymore. The FA31 suffers from serious manufacturing tolerance quality issues. Search "wobble hood" and "FA31". For $1200 new or whatever, there should be NO sample variance.
They really need lenses at the short end, especially for Full Frame.
The old 28mm lenses, I never liked... The compact brilliant FA20-35 is discontinued. The 20mm and under full frame primes are crazy expensive and questionable for sharpness.
The FA43 is near perfection, however, and remarkably affordable. That's the essence of Pentax to me. Nice small prime. The FA35 is a near perfect lens. The DA35 should be scrap and bring back the FA35 too.
Mike · 527 weeks ago
I have FA's 31/43/50/77 and K-50/1.2, 100/2.8 Macro, 15/4 Ltd . . . K-5IIs and K-3.
Had the AIV 31 Ltd wobble problem and got it fixed, it's great now. When I got it, it was ghastly, I mean heartbreakingly awful . Asahi Photo in London stripped it down and re-built it. £85. Golden!
My MIJ 43 is soft as hell wide open (as it's designed to be I believe) but sharpens right up stopped down. There's something about that lens that's just magic, especially on full frame (a7r).
My AIV 77 is razer sharp from wide open and I've never had a PF issue with it. Possibly my favorite ever lens for all manner of reasons.
K-50/1.2 is great but my Reuenon 55/1.2 is way, way better in all possibly ways.
But what to do? Sell the lot and go all in Sony FE? I have the 55/1.8 and it's ultra sharp/smooth bokeh (has green fringing though only at extreme contrast). I like the look of the forthcoming Sony Zeiss FE glass.
What I'd prefer is a really good autofocus adapter for PK>E-mount to handle my 31/43/77/100macro and carry on with the A7 series, possibly hanging it out for the 3rd generation.
One lens that really is great for both is the Samyang 14mm f/2.8 (if you get a properly corrected copy). That's a bargain lens!
ToetSFX · 527 weeks ago
fa43 fan · 527 weeks ago
If they only make one, don't expect the price to drop. It'll be like the E-5 from Olympus. Their last DSLR that the people with good glass HAD to get and still want. E-5 never went down in price and gets a good price on the used market.
Mike · 527 weeks ago
The concept of the A7 series is near perfect for me, but naturally the first iteration in the series wasn't that great, especially regarding the A7r which has many issues (mostly down to AF and that SHAAAA-DONK! shutter and shutter lag, battery life).
By the 3rd generation the A7 series will be quite incredible looking at the advances already made in the A7II. The Sony Zeiss lens partnership works pretty well with a good roadmap being communicated to the market. Zeiss Loxia are also quite gorgeous.
Notice the word 'communicated' in the last paragraph. Pentax has almost no effective market communication and I think this is why it's a niche brand dependent on the committed few. This is evident from the Pentax interview in the topic above this one.
So, for me, I'm going to wait. Wait to see what Pentax does. Wait to see what Sony does. Also wait and see if any good PK>E-mount AF adapters come available (this will decide whether I keep the FA Limited's).
In the meantime I'm going to sell off all the stuff I don't use and can't cart around the place, lighten the load, get it down to a usable, mobile and therefore enjoyable kit.
fa43 fan · 527 weeks ago
It's not emotional for me. I want the FF camera to avoid the hassle of switching and selling everything. I'll buy it for that reason alone. (In case Pentax is reading, it needs to be under 2000...)
fa43 fan · 527 weeks ago
Mike · 527 weeks ago
Honestly, the last time I hauled a load of heavy gear through an international airport . . . was the last time I'll ever haul a load of heavy gear through and international airport.
The aim is to get everything (except off-camera flash gear, reflectors and wotnot, tripods and the like) into either the Domke F7 or better still the Domke F6 . . . hand luggage only. Then I have a dinky Domke F-9 for when I just take the A7r and one lens, small fill flash and a few bits and pieces (like a Manfrotto 709B mini tripod, I highly recommend this!)
Looking at the size and weight of the new FF Pentax zooms. Looking at the likely size and likely weight of that FF camera. Throw on a grip too. It's just not for me, not anymore, takes all the joy out of it.
ToetSFX · 527 weeks ago
Mike · 526 weeks ago
I'm giving the K-5IIs+grip along with the FA 50/1.4 to a friend who just got divorced to cheer him up. I had some great work out of that camera, I mean some of my best came from that camera. It's a superb camera.
The K-3 is just to heavy for me. It's a beautifully engineered piece of equipment but too heavy and an extra burden. I'll miss it in some ways, but it's a little noisy when the ISO is mildly pushed, I think the K-5IIs is actually a better camera, but that's just my opinion.
The A7r, for all it's quirks, is on the right path. Sony are making something I don't mind carrying.
Today I went on a coastal landscape shoot. Took FA Ltd. 31/43/77, FE55/1.8, Samyang 14/2.8 and Tair-11A of all things. The best pics came from the FE55 and the Sammy (that is a great lens! but make sure you get a good one). The 31 was hopeless because of that stupid fixed hood, couldn't stack the ND filters. The 43 I didn't use. The 77, sadly I missed focus on some good shots. MF is hit and miss with me these days.
Looking at Sony 16-35/4, might be a really good option. Need to sell a bunch of stuff first to try and balance the books.
Thinking about the hike today (my knees are not as confident as they once were), there's absolutely no chance I could haul heavy gear again, I actually couldn't do it.. It has to be small(ish) and as light as possible whilst providing top notch output. That Pentax FF with the big glass is off the list now. Wish I could, but I know in reality it will just sit in the dry cabinet because I literally can't.