Hi Pentax friends,
Today, Friday September 26, 2008, Miserere gives his opinion of the new Pentax releases and his future expectations. Give us your opinion in the comment section. However, any bashing will be removed as we want this site to remain friendly. We need constructive comments and, by-the-way, Pentax USA do read this blog regularly.
Regards,
Yvon Bourque
________________________________________________
Like it says on the can, this week I’m going to give you my opinion on the new equipment Pentax announced at the Photokina 2008 held in Cologne, Germany during 23-28 September. I won’t delve deeply into technical specifications as that is not the object of the article. For specs, please read Yvon’s thorough post earlier this week.
K-m/K2000 DSLR + DA L 18-55mm and 50-200mm Kit Lenses
This is Pentax’s first true entry-level DSLR offering ever. Let me start off by saying that I’m bored of reading people’s comments about this camera complaining that it doesn’t have a top LCD, or that it only has 5 AF points, or that (are you ready for this?) it is too small. Seriously, enough already. Pentax has had a problem with its previous entry-level cameras (like the K100D and the K200D) because, although they were priced similarly to the competition’s entry-level offerings, the Pentaxes were higher spec’d and of higher general build quality. While this is great for advanced amateurs migrating from film cameras and the braver P&S enthusiasts, I feel many people looked at the K100/200D and thought “that’s too professional for me, I won’t know how to use it” and bought a simpler camera from the competition. With the K-m/K2000 Pentax now has an undaunting camera to offer those moving up from their P&S. This will bring more people into the Pentax system, and more money into the Pentax pockets, which will translate into more products for all of us down the line. If this camera is simple it is because it is not meant for advanced users! Let’s not criticise the camera for being too basic, because that was the goal all along.
I’ve also read complaints about the new DA L lenses because they sport plastic mounts. Again, I don’t see a problem with this. They will only be sold as a kit with the K-m/K2000 and the target demographic is unlikely to be changing lenses all that often. If it cuts costs and increases Pentax’s profit margin, I’m all for it. If Pentax wins, we all do. Props also to Pentax for including an external flash in the kit.
DA* 60-250mm f/4
This lens was announced just before the Moon landings and Pentaxians everywhere got very excited. Now it’s being announced again, and we’re told this time it’s for real. In case we didn’t believe them, the MRSP has been set to $1,500. I really hope this translates to something like $1,200 street price, although even then I think Pentax have shot themselves in the foot. Faced with the decision of buying an f/4 zoom (which is not fast on an APS-C camera) for this price, or an f/2.8 zoom in the 70-200mm range for $700-800 from Tamron or Sigma, I believe many will choose the latter. I am aware many people thought this lens would be around $800-900, and I was one of them. I’m sorry, Pentax, but I don’t understand this price. If anyone can explain to me how they justify it, please leave your theory in the comment section. For those that still want it, you have until November or so to save up the cash.
Please understand that I am not complaining just for the sake of it. There were so many people waiting years (literally) for this lens that have been let down by its exorbitant price, that I truly believe Pentax is going to lose a lot of money in missed sales because of it. Even at $900 it would’ve flown off the shelves.
DA* 55mm f/1.4
Continuing Pentax’s crusade to reproduce all the classic 35mm focal lengths they have released an 84mm f/2 equivalent in the form of an SDM, weather-sealed 55mm f/1.4. I am hoping the quoted price of $800 becomes $600 when it hits the streets. Although it might seem high, when you consider this is a top-quality lens, and Pentax’s first SDM short prime, it isn’t that high, especially if the image quality is as good as we’ve been promised. I am looking forward to receiving a copy on loan from some kind soul so I can review it on this blog (seriously, you’ll get at least 5,000 Karma points for lending me the lens). I use my FA 50mm f/1.4 extensively for portraits and low-light photography and would love to compare these two lenses.
Will a DA 90mm f/2 be next...? (A guy can dream, can’t he?)
AF160FC Auto Ring Flash
This came out of nowhere! Nobody was expecting a ring flash for the macrophiles, but it makes sense to release it shortly after the introduction of the 35mm Ltd macro. I am very glad for this announcement as it proves Pentax is moving forward and thinking like it is staying around a while. A ring flash is not an item you release when your company is in crisis, so I see it as a good omen.
DA 15mm f/4 Ltd
There was much speculation as to which way Pentax would go with this lens since they announced their new 15mm a few months back. I think the consensus was “we don’t want another huge lens like the DA 14mm f/2.8”, and Pentax delivered. This is a Limited lens that continues the tradition of compactness that characterises the line and which appears to be no larger than the 35mm Ltd macro. While the lens is still under glass at the Photokina, I believe it should be on shelves next Spring. No indication of price yet, but if it is priced similar to the 35mm Ltd, I doubt Pentax will be able to manufacture them quick enough to meet demand.
DA 1.4x Teleconverter
Finally! The last time Pentax introduced a 1.4x TC was for the A series lenses back in 1984. I’ll do the math for you: that was 24 years ago! Pentax has never had a teleconverter that would drive auto-focus lenses (the 1.7x AF TC was a compromise), so users had to rely on third party TCs. Some of these have become so coveted (like the Tamron MC4 1.4x TC) that they sell for several hundred dollars on eBay because they are no longer manufactured.
Again, I am happy that Pentax is releasing this TC (and I’m hoping a 2x will follow) as it shows a commitment to offering a full lens system. It is also under glass at the Photokina and no pricing has been announced, but my guess would be around $300. It should be out in the Spring, just in time for the good weather in the Northern hemisphere. I can imagine there will be many DA* 300mm lenses out roaming the parks with this TC attached.
K30D DSLR
Maybe the biggest star of the Pentax Photokina rollout was the missing camera: the K30D. The second photo in this sample gallery is made up of 17.4 million pixels; it grabbed Pentaxians’ attention when somebody noticed the size and got the rumour mills working overtime (interestingly enough, the full size photo no longer seems to be available). Many saw it as proof that the K30D, with a 17.4MP sensor, would be announced at the Photokina, while others speculated that it heralded the arrival of the much-awaited Pentax full-frame flagship (even though the images were allegedly taken with the APS-C-only 35mm Ltd lens). Some are claiming that the image was simply uprezzed from a standard K20D file, but Pentax isn’t doing anything to clear the fog.
While I can understand the appeal of a new top-of-the-range camera, we should remember that the K20D only started shipping around March/April this year. It is much too early to be releasing a new flagship now. If the successor of the K20D is in the works, then it will be announced at the PMA in March 2009, although I wouldn’t be surprised if we heard nothing until later in the year.
Pentax USA Releases
On the local front (for those living in the USA), Pentax will release a leather hand strap and a case for the Limited lenses. Not owning 3 Limiteds, I am more interested in the strap, as I often wrap the neck strap around my wrist in several loops when walking around with the camera, all the while wishing I had a better system. This might be it.
These have been my opinions; some good, some bad, but all mine and not necessarily shared by anyone else on this blog. What did you like from the new stuff? What didn’t you like? Let us know in the comments section. Just remember to keep it civil. After all, Photography is just a hobby, right?
Right…?
K-m/K2000 DSLR + DA L 18-55mm and 50-200mm Kit Lenses
This is Pentax’s first true entry-level DSLR offering ever. Let me start off by saying that I’m bored of reading people’s comments about this camera complaining that it doesn’t have a top LCD, or that it only has 5 AF points, or that (are you ready for this?) it is too small. Seriously, enough already. Pentax has had a problem with its previous entry-level cameras (like the K100D and the K200D) because, although they were priced similarly to the competition’s entry-level offerings, the Pentaxes were higher spec’d and of higher general build quality. While this is great for advanced amateurs migrating from film cameras and the braver P&S enthusiasts, I feel many people looked at the K100/200D and thought “that’s too professional for me, I won’t know how to use it” and bought a simpler camera from the competition. With the K-m/K2000 Pentax now has an undaunting camera to offer those moving up from their P&S. This will bring more people into the Pentax system, and more money into the Pentax pockets, which will translate into more products for all of us down the line. If this camera is simple it is because it is not meant for advanced users! Let’s not criticise the camera for being too basic, because that was the goal all along.
I’ve also read complaints about the new DA L lenses because they sport plastic mounts. Again, I don’t see a problem with this. They will only be sold as a kit with the K-m/K2000 and the target demographic is unlikely to be changing lenses all that often. If it cuts costs and increases Pentax’s profit margin, I’m all for it. If Pentax wins, we all do. Props also to Pentax for including an external flash in the kit.
DA* 60-250mm f/4
This lens was announced just before the Moon landings and Pentaxians everywhere got very excited. Now it’s being announced again, and we’re told this time it’s for real. In case we didn’t believe them, the MRSP has been set to $1,500. I really hope this translates to something like $1,200 street price, although even then I think Pentax have shot themselves in the foot. Faced with the decision of buying an f/4 zoom (which is not fast on an APS-C camera) for this price, or an f/2.8 zoom in the 70-200mm range for $700-800 from Tamron or Sigma, I believe many will choose the latter. I am aware many people thought this lens would be around $800-900, and I was one of them. I’m sorry, Pentax, but I don’t understand this price. If anyone can explain to me how they justify it, please leave your theory in the comment section. For those that still want it, you have until November or so to save up the cash.
Please understand that I am not complaining just for the sake of it. There were so many people waiting years (literally) for this lens that have been let down by its exorbitant price, that I truly believe Pentax is going to lose a lot of money in missed sales because of it. Even at $900 it would’ve flown off the shelves.
DA* 55mm f/1.4
Continuing Pentax’s crusade to reproduce all the classic 35mm focal lengths they have released an 84mm f/2 equivalent in the form of an SDM, weather-sealed 55mm f/1.4. I am hoping the quoted price of $800 becomes $600 when it hits the streets. Although it might seem high, when you consider this is a top-quality lens, and Pentax’s first SDM short prime, it isn’t that high, especially if the image quality is as good as we’ve been promised. I am looking forward to receiving a copy on loan from some kind soul so I can review it on this blog (seriously, you’ll get at least 5,000 Karma points for lending me the lens). I use my FA 50mm f/1.4 extensively for portraits and low-light photography and would love to compare these two lenses.
Will a DA 90mm f/2 be next...? (A guy can dream, can’t he?)
AF160FC Auto Ring Flash
This came out of nowhere! Nobody was expecting a ring flash for the macrophiles, but it makes sense to release it shortly after the introduction of the 35mm Ltd macro. I am very glad for this announcement as it proves Pentax is moving forward and thinking like it is staying around a while. A ring flash is not an item you release when your company is in crisis, so I see it as a good omen.
DA 15mm f/4 Ltd
There was much speculation as to which way Pentax would go with this lens since they announced their new 15mm a few months back. I think the consensus was “we don’t want another huge lens like the DA 14mm f/2.8”, and Pentax delivered. This is a Limited lens that continues the tradition of compactness that characterises the line and which appears to be no larger than the 35mm Ltd macro. While the lens is still under glass at the Photokina, I believe it should be on shelves next Spring. No indication of price yet, but if it is priced similar to the 35mm Ltd, I doubt Pentax will be able to manufacture them quick enough to meet demand.
DA 1.4x Teleconverter
Finally! The last time Pentax introduced a 1.4x TC was for the A series lenses back in 1984. I’ll do the math for you: that was 24 years ago! Pentax has never had a teleconverter that would drive auto-focus lenses (the 1.7x AF TC was a compromise), so users had to rely on third party TCs. Some of these have become so coveted (like the Tamron MC4 1.4x TC) that they sell for several hundred dollars on eBay because they are no longer manufactured.
Again, I am happy that Pentax is releasing this TC (and I’m hoping a 2x will follow) as it shows a commitment to offering a full lens system. It is also under glass at the Photokina and no pricing has been announced, but my guess would be around $300. It should be out in the Spring, just in time for the good weather in the Northern hemisphere. I can imagine there will be many DA* 300mm lenses out roaming the parks with this TC attached.
K30D DSLR
Maybe the biggest star of the Pentax Photokina rollout was the missing camera: the K30D. The second photo in this sample gallery is made up of 17.4 million pixels; it grabbed Pentaxians’ attention when somebody noticed the size and got the rumour mills working overtime (interestingly enough, the full size photo no longer seems to be available). Many saw it as proof that the K30D, with a 17.4MP sensor, would be announced at the Photokina, while others speculated that it heralded the arrival of the much-awaited Pentax full-frame flagship (even though the images were allegedly taken with the APS-C-only 35mm Ltd lens). Some are claiming that the image was simply uprezzed from a standard K20D file, but Pentax isn’t doing anything to clear the fog.
While I can understand the appeal of a new top-of-the-range camera, we should remember that the K20D only started shipping around March/April this year. It is much too early to be releasing a new flagship now. If the successor of the K20D is in the works, then it will be announced at the PMA in March 2009, although I wouldn’t be surprised if we heard nothing until later in the year.
Pentax USA Releases
On the local front (for those living in the USA), Pentax will release a leather hand strap and a case for the Limited lenses. Not owning 3 Limiteds, I am more interested in the strap, as I often wrap the neck strap around my wrist in several loops when walking around with the camera, all the while wishing I had a better system. This might be it.
These have been my opinions; some good, some bad, but all mine and not necessarily shared by anyone else on this blog. What did you like from the new stuff? What didn’t you like? Let us know in the comments section. Just remember to keep it civil. After all, Photography is just a hobby, right?
Right…?
Miserere
10 comments:
Hi
There's a little mistake in the statement "an 84mm f/2 equivalent in the form of an SDM, weather-sealed 55mm f/1.4.": The only lens characteristic that changes with the sensor size is the field-of-view. The maximum aperture don't change with the crop.
cassio, you are correct. the maximum aperture never changes. That's why the APS-C sized sensors are great for birds and wildlife photography. The Pentax DA* 200mm f/2.8 becomes a 300mm equivalent still at f/2.8.
Price a full frame 200mm f/2.8. The difference in $$$ is very big.
I will review this with Miserere, and revise it when I hear from him.
Hey guys,
Let me explain my comparison. Imagine we have Abe and Bob standing side by side taking a photo of the same model. Abe has a FF camera with an 84mm f/2 lens, while Bob has an APS-C camera with a 55mm f/1.4. Both of them will shoot at ISO100.
If they look through their viewfinders they will see the same FoV (remember that they are standing at the same distance from the subject). Now, Abe takes a shot with his lens wide open (at f/2) and the shutter speed is 1/200s. Bob also wants to take his shot at 1/200s but finds that in order to do so he needs to set his lens to f/1.4. Because his sensor is half the size of Abe's, his aperture needs to be twice the size in order to offset the 1 stop of light he is losing. Furthermore, in order to achieve the same depth-of-field as Abe, he also needs to open his lens up 1 stop because APS-C sensors have a larger DoF (see my article here for more on this).
To recap, in order to take exactly the same shot with an APS-C camera as with a FF one (same FoV and same DoF), the lens on the APS-C camera needs to have a focal length 1.5 times shorter and the aperture must be opened up by 1 stop. It is for these reasons that a 55mm f/1.4 on APS-C is equivalent in capabilities to an 84mm f/2 on FF.
Let me know if I wasn't clear enough! :-)
Speaking as a likely future Pentaxian, the K-m/K2000 is a compelling camera, though I'd want to know how it handles older K and M series lenses first. Perhaps a K200D is more along the lines of what I'd want, but the new baby has me interested too.
I'd also like to see something like a 135/2.5 or 2.8 in the lens lineup, about equivalent to a 200mm on 35mm. Along with the suggested 90mm it would fill out the prime lens lineup nicely. :)
You are probably right Miserere. I was under the understanding that a lens designed say: 100mm f/1.4 for 35mm or full frame, always remains a 100mm f/1.4 but when used on a APS-c sensor, the portion of the image circle that hits the smaller sensor is cropped. The lens act like a 450mm but isn't the amount of light reaching the sensor remaining the same? I also don't understand why the depth of field would be different. It should be the same depth of field, only cropped to a smaller APS-c sensor.
Pentax should introduce more primes faster than f/2.8 at longer focal lengths instead of introducing more & more primes at every focal lengths below 77mm.
Hi, Miserere,
"Because his sensor is half the size of Abe's, his aperture needs to be twice the size in order to offset the 1 stop of light he is losing."
That's not true. Imagine you have a FF camera and take a shot using a 50mm lens. Later, processing it in your favorite software, you decided to crop half the image out. The exposure used to take the photo still the same, and you didn't underexposed the image by doing so.
This crop is exactly what happens with a 'cropped size' sensor.
But about the dof you are right. The dof of a 55mm/1.4 lens in APS-C format are about the same as a 85mm/2 in full-frame.
For the curious: A lens' dof can change with the sensor format because of the maximum acceptable circle of confusion.
When a dot is projected by a lens in a surface (film or digital sensor), it is projected as a dot just if it is in the exact focal plane. If not, it's projected as a small circle, called circle of confusion. If this circle is small enough, you won't see it as a circle, but as a dot. That's what creates de depth of field. Only the focal plane is really in focus, but the blur of the objects out of the dof are so small that you can't see they're blurred.
Smaller the sensor, smaller this circle have to be. It happens because you have to enlarge more the image from smaller sensor to achieve the desired image size. So, the dof of a lens changes with the sensor size.
You can check it with the online DOF calculator:
http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html
Cassio,
Both Abe and Bob are taking the same picture, with the same field-of-view (remember they're shooting with different focal length lenses), so the same amount of light (number of photons) is going into their cameras. The difference is that Abe's image is spread out on a FF sensor, while Bob's is spread out over an APS-C sensor, which is half the area, which means Bob's camera will need twice the exposure time to capture the same amount of photons as Abe.
I hope this was clear :-)
Miserere
You are counting the total amount of light that reaches the sensor when what actually matters is light/area - or light/photosite, if you prefer. Back to the crop explanation: the full-frame receives more light, but when cropping you are throwing away the the light that was caught in the cropped-out area. Doesn't it make sense?
It doesn't matter the sensor area, but the sensor sensitivity (aka 'speed'), as defined in the standard ISO 5800. An ISO 100 sensor will need the same f stop for the same shutter speed, it doesn't matter the sensor size.
It works as in films. A Tri-X 400 film have the same emulsion in any format you choose, and are exposed the same way. It doesn't matter if you are using it in 120 format in a 6"x6" rollei or in a pentax 67 (6"x7" frame) or in 135 in a 35mm camera. It is the same emulsion, exposed exactly the same way.
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