Why so long??

Does anyone know why it is taking Pentax so long to release the promised 60-250mm DA* lens?

Nobody knows. Well, nobody outside of Pentax anyway and they aren't saying...

Similarly the SDM Teleconverter ...

Given the stick they got for dodgy versions of the 16-50 perhaps they are just making sure they get it right?

Just my 2p worth.

Kris.

I'm looking forward to this lens but would agree with Kris, I suspect they are doing their best to make sure quality and consistency are where they should be for lens of this calibre. That's my hope anyway.

I can understand them wanting to get it right but how long has it been .. 2 and a half years?

The SDM converter wasnt announced all that long ago (In Pentax time)so I dont think that will see the light of day for a good few months yet.

I've made some shot with the demo model of the 60-250 too bad I didn't had my camera with me or else I could show you some shots

They were pretty quick with the release date of the DA* 55mm btw I didn't knew of it after the road map but the DA* 60-250 is really taking a long time and we are still waiting

I've got a trip to Mull planned in April and was hoping to be able to get the 60-250mm by then.

I might have to have a re-think and get the Sigma 70-200mm HSM F2.8 instead.

Has anyone used had experiences with this lens? (sample shots please ).
I already have the 300mm DA* so would would the 70-200mm F2.8 be a good companion or should I sit it out and wait for the 60-250mm.

You can't go really wrong with that lens I believe, the DA* 50-135 is also an option, it's just what you want and need.
I really don't think it can take that long before the 60-250 is here, it is already in the systems of the shops and they have an advice price.

The 60-250mm has been delayed again until March, and then probably delayed until June, October, December, 2010, 2011, 2012, etc, etc.

Pentax have no excuse for delaying it this long - if they can't get it right after 2 years then it's obviously a flawed design or they can't be bothered

I've read many good reviews about the Sigma and Tamron 70-200mm lenses and have seen many good images posted on these forums by both so I'm sure you will be very happy with either.

I got fed up with waiting and decided on one of the 70-200mm f2.8 lenses.
After reading about both the Tamron and Sigma offerings I was all set on the Tamron as I had read the Sigma was faster and quieter on AF but the Tamron has better IQ. I also compared quite a few pics which seemed to support this (as best you can with different people taking them).

Anyway ... happened to notice someone on this forum had put the older version of the Sigma (APO EX) on EBay and did some more reading and comparisons which showed it to be much better IQ wise than the new HSM version so I put a bid on and just literally scraped the top bid on it.

The other reason I wanted the older version is that it works with the Sigma DG EX 1.4x and 2x teleconverters which the new one does not.

Anyway, combined with my F* 300mm f4.5 they make a nice combination when out in the forest.

Hi Mike,
was in a similar situ late last summer looking for s/t faster than my F70-210. Bought a DA*200/2.8 and 1.7xAFA instead of 70-200+1.4x as I couldn't get one and the tamron wasn't out yet !

where did you find the info that the HSM 70-200 'does not work' with the sigma TCs please ?

presumably the HSM lens + TC would still work with screw-drive ?

I still want the 60-250 though as I find 70mm a touch long for landscapes and 210 a touch short. f4 is ok with me, but I admit 2.8 would have been better. From what I hear f2.8 zooms are often a bit soft wide open though.

thanks

I think it was Tooks on this site that bought the Sigma MK2 HSM version which came with the 2x teleconverter and had to return it as they are not compatible.
Have also read it on the USA Pentax forum quite a few times.

The SDM and HSM lenses do work with the Tamron 1.4X MC4 TC though .. as per this thread where I traded one of mine for the SIgma 1.4X

Clicky

May nearly be here.

Aye, it was me!

Quick recap;

Sigma 70-200 HSM & Sigma 2x TC = No AF, and generally sends the camera mad with flashing from the screen and top LCD, the shutter won't fire, and so manual focus is impossible too...

Sigma 70-200 HSM & Sigma 1.4x TC = As above...

Sigma 70-200 HSM & Kenko 1.5x DG TC = AF Possible, though you need good light, but it does work, although you need to disable Continuous AF...

Sigma 70-200 HSM & Kenko 2x DG TC = No AF, and sends camera mad again...

Apparently, Sigma are working on a re-design of the TC's for Pentax fit, but no word on when that might be. I know you can get the Sigma 2x currently for £99, but I'm struggling to work out what you'd use it with in Pentax fit?

The new Sigma 70-200 HSM doesn't have screw drive, so it's HSM or nothing I'm afraid.

It's a shame, because it's a great lens, albeit mine was a little soft at f2.8, and of course worked just fine without TC's.