Pentax FF future made clear
Anyone heard from 'Teogin'?
Don't encourage him please....
Anyone who uses 10x8 would argue that this is full-frame and anything smaller....like
APS-C
APS-H (1D Mk2/3)
35x24mm
6x4.5
6x6
6x7
6x8
6x9
6x12 and 6x17
and 5x4
would be cropped frame...
After many years of speculation, Pentax has finally made it's intentions clear regarding full frame.
Pentax has just announced that the new 200mm, 300mm prime lenses will be DA* lenses (APS coverage) rather than the originally announced D-FA (FF coverage).
This now locks them into APS and I personally think it's a great move by Pentax.
Looking at a few comments in DPreview it seems that the DA lenses might have FF coverage despite their nomenclature. Someone suggested that some lenses should be tried on film cameras... I think they referred to the 40mm DA pancake as one good example.
The proof is also in the wording..
For exclusive use on Pentax Digital SLRs....am I right in assuming that Pentax only produce the K series cameras now? and their Samsung siblings?
The marketing material does not necessarily say APS-C format, so there may be scope to increase sensor size....
I think the DA lenses will have varying degree of coverage but the unification to a DA standard suggests to me APS-C is here to stay. The only other possibility is that of a cropped mode on a future FF camera. But that sounds like a long way off given the pentax strategy on this one.
Andy
clearly it deppends on the lens, but at least with the ability to mount all lenses on all cameras we have the option to use DAs on full frame if we want to (the 18-55 at 18 on full frame produces quite an ammusing effect)
G
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47 posts
20 years
Derry,
Northern Ireland
After many years of speculation, Pentax has finally made it's intentions clear regarding full frame.
Pentax has just announced that the new 200mm, 300mm prime lenses will be DA* lenses (APS coverage) rather than the originally announced D-FA (FF coverage).
This now locks them into APS and I personally think it's a great move by Pentax.
So what have we got,
- A consistent system (c.f Canons 3 different sensor sizes)
- Superb optical quality (New DA* lenses and Limited(L) lenses including 3 unique Pancakes and 1 to come)
- Lighter/cheaper system over FF with better quality to price ratio
- In-body stabilisation system works on everything from pancakes to long telephotos.
- Dual camera motor and lens motor system mean that pancakes can maintain camera driven autofocus and long lenses can move towards SSM (supersonic motor system).
This announcement plugs pentax's remaining weakness (poor lens support) and I think will take Pentax back to the top.
And if you really want FF quality, there's the 645D which will take you much further.
Nice one Pentax.
Andy