Have used the Sigma 300mm f2.8 since day one of it's release. Over that period of time and literally thousands of photographs I've never had one single issue with it. Also works well with the Pentax aw teleconverter.

Although if you are looking into getting one brand new... Might want to consider waiting. Sigma is most likely coming out with a 300mm f2.0 and also two more of their AW lenses. Not sure if ANY of those will be released in PK - much like the current Sigma aw zoom that never made it to PK, that places the Pentax 150-400 to shame

Look at most any magazine cover or most professional wedding photographs or other portraits. Typically it is best to keep the background out of focus as much as possible, focusing the attention more onto the subject.

Sure there are examples of keeping basically everything in focus, but for most people there is too much distraction away from the main subject.

Can be done with focus, aperture, and/or exposure

One of many, many examples is this Vogue cover

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2292454/Taylor-Swift-named-worst-se...

Here is a link that shows the specific release date of the Pentax FA 80-200aw

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1117718-REG/pentax_21330_hd_pentax_d_fa.ht...

It shows that Pentax dropped the ball in claiming that it was going to be released soon (coming soon actually), as Pentax had originally planned to release it at about the time the FA 150-400 was released. As the link eventually show on the page, pushed back until February of next year. One can sign up for notices on any product that is posted throughout the entire B&H site.

Further onto the B&H site, it shows other camera bodies that are scheduled for release two full months (plus) from now, nothing from Pentax though - to be released in the near future. B&H in the past has shown Pentax camera bodies more than a few weeks before release.

Both the KS1 and the pixel shift were clearly detailed by B&H over two months before they hit the shelves.

The only items that B&H has missed were one single Pentax item in five years. My mistake, add to that posting release dates of Sigma lenses for PK that were never quite released -although that was not their fault, it was with Sigma

Again, take a look at the pushed back release date FIVE months from now of the 80-200aw; it's on the B&H site - yet on every Pentax site nothing at all is mentioned about it

I got to witness (under glass) that exact model quite close up, and even photograph it. Btw it was more than a model, as someone (at a distance later) did change over the lens from the camera body. As for if it had a sensor and/or working electronics - nobody will ever know. Based on measurements alone; it was a prototype full-frame camera body.

When the Pentax full-frame camera was on display; quite a number of Ricoh/Pentax people (with credentials) also clearly stated exactly what was being worked on, and even what time frames were - although the "time frames were not for publication". They also clearly stated two other items: At that time they were unsure what full-frame sensor would be used, and also what might be available in the near future. Also that two of them clearly stated, they would bet their careers (even retirement) that Pentax full-frame digital would happen in a short order of time.

As for most of the other specs... Quite a bit of what I've read so far is accurate about the so far non production model; although, over time also imagine how much could change from now until at least the end of February.

Besides the epic eventuality of Pentax full-frame... Here are the facts as they stand today... No color correcting flash unit on the pentaprism, the best weather resistance on the market (still placing even Nikon to shame (minus the weatherproof and underwater Nikon AW)), switchable mp sensor based on use of SOME full-frame lenses versus everything else. Outside of that, not much else...

I've heard and read the rumors of the Sony sensor, and this might be one of the major items that is setting back the release date. Consider the mp ratings of that Sony sensor. But also compare it to the much newer generation sensors that are presently out for Canon. There are going to be numerous (at least SIX) new full-frame cameras hitting the market between now and end of February. It will be interesting to see IF Pentax elects to keep the existing Sony sensor.

Which leaves price. Pentax will be very hard pressed to match the entry level Nikon full-frame, but will definitely have to bear Canon and Nikon flagships, even the Canon 5ds R. Best prediction for price now; is that Pentax full-frame WHEN released will cost about fifty percent more than their highest non full-frame.

Or, if anyone happens to recall the release prices of items such as the Pentax K3 and/or second variation of that design... That should give everyone a fairly accurate number.

Keep watching (shameless plug time) sites such as B&H. They "somehow" seem to be very in tune as to when items will be coming around the corner. It's unfortunate still that Pentax cannot give a few more hints about this, much like it's leading competitors

No ties to Ricoh here, which is almost a blessing. But significant ties to companies such as: Nikon, Canon, (even) Hasselblad. Some thingS that are never heard about at Pentax are: Customer service, and actually answering to professionals. If I were to drop Canon an email (or even pick up the phone) I can literally expect an answer, unless it's a company trade secret.

Ask Canon if and when there will be any new camera bodies at or above the level of the Canon 5ds R (at 50mp), and one will get a far better answer from Canon than one has ever received from Pentax.

Onto the next topic; when will the Pentax Full-frame come out?

Let's ask the retailers first. Not one single one of the ten largest camera retailers in the world has heard one single item of a Pentax full-frame body. Perhaps we should focus on number one; B&H out of NYC.

After all B&H posted that the release date for the yet unreleased Pentax full-frame ("glass") 80-200aw was being pushed back until February 2016. This was announced by B&H last month.

B&H tends to publish there release dates for most lenses and most camera bodies (such as Canon, Nikon, and darn even Pentax) typically at least one month in advance. Given the proven track record and history of B&H, its usually several months of advance notice of when any Pentax item is to be released; it's been this way for at least five years.

Again, it's not just B&H, but also all of the other top ten camera retailers in the world. Not one has heard one single item about any Pentax full-frame camera body coming out this year. Based in current release dates for Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc... and their time frame for releases... Also Pentax's pushing back the release of the 80-200aw, that I'd be willing to take any bet that states the Pentax full-frame camera body will not be released until at least end of February 2016.

Also feel welcome to take a further glance into some other items... No price yet published by Pentax, and strangely enough they have not released word one about the delay of the 80-200aw on their site?? Not one word anywhere that any plant might be getting ready to ramp up production of it, unless they are going to make it at Area 51.

Anyone with an education want to "talk credentials"?

When selling any type of image (or even having it available on social media such as Facebook)... It's always best to have it watermarked in numerous locations; even going so far as to placing other photo alterations to the image to make it almost unprintable.

Cannot begin to mention how many images get borrowed and/or stolen from photographers. Once it crosses a countries borders it's next to impossible to do anything about it, without considerable legal fees.

IF selling print photographs also try to make every effort that the print photograph contains something such as ones logo on front and as much information on the back of the photograph. Even if it needs to go so far as to change one aspect of each and every photograph that is sold, and to log whom it was sold to.

Sigma not offering ten of their current lenses for PK, Tamron not releasing PK, Quantum not offering professional flash units for dedicated Pentax, Zeiss has no further plans of ever offering PK again.

Meanwhile companies such as Sigma appear to be doing quite well in offering lens mounts for Sony and even mirrorless dedicated lenses, but not much recently with PK.

Maybe all of these other companies are onto something, and Pentax is becoming more of a historical name as opposed to current news

The prototype "somewhat non functioning" model was shown and announced by Pentax as far back as September of last year, Not really much that's rumor about that one. But on the flip side, ANY quality electronics company (especially most any camera company) could easily be capable of getting something to market (from just an idea, to complete production, and even to a sales floor) well within six months.

The fact that Pentax is taking this long, and then still pushing it back further "speaks" volumes about the company, their character, etc...

Meanwhile, companies such as Canon, Nikon, Sigma, and (even) Sony are running circles around Pentax. Those four names companies (and many others) don't seem to have nearly the major issues that Pentax is facing. At least those four can get most all of their products to market in less than six months.

Another interesting comparison; company interaction with their consumers and professionals. All of those above four are excelling at it. But just how often does Pentax interact?


I sincerely believe that unless Pentax comes up with something truly epic in their full-frame camera body, that Pentax will have completely missed the boat - that the very framework of Pentax as a camera company will quickly fall out from the top ten - never to be recovered again.

In the meantime full frame sensors have already bypassed what Pentax is planning to use. Look at the Canon EOS 5r at 50mp, and the lineup the entire system offers. By the time Pentax may release full-frame Canon will already have released three more professional level cameras, Nikon will also have released at least three more higher end models.

link

The Pentax FA 70-200mm f2.8 now has a pushed back release date in late February of next year - at the earliest. Unofficially reading a bit further into it (and from a few unnamed sources) the Pentax full-frame camera body will also not be released this year