Two new smc PENTAX-DA * ( DA Star ) Zoom Lenses

[klopus]

Tokina has released sample photos taken by 16-50/2.8, and 50-135/2.8.  Coming DA*'s optics are identical, so these pictures might be helpful for your decision ?

http://www.tokina.co.jp/d_slr/

Just click each pictures, then you will see the link of original files.

On www.photozone.de this Tokina gallery was labeled (with good measure, imo) as photographically worst and most unporfessional new lens presentation ever.

[Tom Brown]

The excitement and suspense around these lenses is at a fever pitch.  It's like Michael Schumacher is driving this marketing machine.

In my case, it's certainly working.  If they were available, I'd drive down and pick one up right now.   

[Pilot de Guerre]

On www.photozone.de this Tokina gallery was labeled (with good measure, imo) as photographically worst and most unporfessional new lens presentation ever.

Hi klopus,

well, the page said that the photographer's real profession is Ikebana Artist (Japanese Flower Arrangements).  So, his taste would be a bit different from us ?  He doesn't care Noise or even dust on ccd. 

[klopus]

Hi klopus,

well, the page said that the photographer's real profession is Ikebana Artist (Japanese Flower Arrangements).  So, his taste would be a bit different from us ?  He doesn't care Noise or even dust on ccd. 

So Tokina's main target audience for this lens are Ikebana artists?

[troyboy]

Well I think I have just found my next lens acquisition, the 50-135mm

I'm about to move back to Canberra (from Perth, Australia). I'm hoping that one of the stores there stocks this lens by the time I get back and ready to buy (should be late May/June).

Perth is useless for Pentax lens. Very hard to find anything, hence why I usually buy overseas.

[Pilot de Guerre]

Tokina has just announced New AT-X PRO DX 35mm F2.8 Macro Lens designed for Canikon APS-C.

http://www.tokina.co.jp/news/pie2007.html

So far, whatever Tokina developed, Pentax is buying.  The DA10-17mm Fish Eye, DA12-24/F4, DFA100/2.8 macro (optics only), and coming two DA*s are all from them. 
No announcement from Pentax yet, but this Macro can be an addition for DA family.  CIC of Pentax said "we have more surprise (about Lens)" to Impress (News Media), so this is one of that?

Hope they will tell us more at coming PIE in Tokyo.

http://www.photoimagingexpo.com/

[starkillerz]

I wonder if this new 35 mm lenses from Tokina are the same one as the one present in pentax roadmap as "DA 35 mm 2.8 Macro Limited". It looks like there are lots of similarities.

http://www.digital.pentax...co.jp/en/lens/roadmap.pdf

[Pilot de Guerre]

I wonder if this new 35 mm lenses from Tokina are the same one as the one present in pentax roadmap as "DA 35 mm 2.8 Macro Limited". It looks like there are lots of similarities.

starkillerz,

right, I've just forgotten that.  I guess they are twins.

[wtay0001]

2 days ago at PHOTOVISION expedition in Greece I had the chance to try both lenses. I must say that the SDM makes the AF so fast and silent on K10D that some times I couldn’t believe it was actually focusing… The difference of AF speed with these lenses on K10 and on DS is huge… With the K10D I was checking again and again to make sure it was actually working and I was changing focus points all the time to make it move again but it was focusing so fast with no hunting at all that I could not believe it… AND THE LIGHT THERE WAS SO DIM THAT THE AF WITH MY DS WAS ALMOST USELESS… I am talking about the 50-135. The sample of 16-50 was not functional. However I could try to zoom in or out manually… Ok, now both lenses were quite light for their volume, with better build construction than other DA zoom lenses I used so far. The 50-135 has stable the front element. I promise I’ll post a photo I took that night with 50-135 on my DS. Until then, you can check and compare the size of the 2 DA* lenses next to my FA 50/1.4






Christos

I thought all Ist and K series have AF/MF switch. Interesting to see why this 16-50mm comes with the switch. Any thought?

[celetron]

I thought all Ist and K series have AF/MF switch. Interesting to see why this 16-50mm comes with the switch. Any thought?

You cannot see it in the pictures but 50-135 comes with it too...

Christos