Jumping ship

[mel_unruh]

<p>Good luck Brad! I'd be interested in the equipment list too.<br>

As for the 'State of the Pentax Union', Here's my take. I think Pentax is on the up-swing. There seems to be a low level buzz about Pentax. There are always rumors, but now I'm hearing people in the industry saying 'stay tuned' there is good stuff ahead from Pentax. From the sound of it, there will be a push in the professional market. Probably the same segments they used to service back in the day. Wedding and portrait photographers for sure and also some of the nature guys too (many a National Geographic was shot with Pentax). It seems fairly certain that the 645D is really going to happen. It also seems that something else is afoot too. Is it FF? Nobody is saying. What they are saying is that they can't say anything owing to non-disclosures. That fact may say more than anything else. So, I'm staying tuned...<br>

Mel</p>

[thalamuse]

<p>Hi Brad,<br>

Please email me about your equipment. I imagine the Canon af speed alone should be fun for you, best of luck!</p>

[personalphotos]

<p>ME that's very true. I was reading in Professional Photographer UK that Canon had a room (they do this at every big show apparently) in the back of this fashion show the writer was working. It was the typical European catwalk event. Big pit of 180 photographers all shooting one of the big 2 brands. In this back room were technicians, support people and spare gear available for free loan should your camera or lens have an issue. Each shooter had his camera cleaned and any adjustments done before entering the pit. Same service afterward.</p>

<p>Imagine the infrastructure cost of doing that. And mostly all to maintain an image at the top of the food chain. From the article, it's done at every major show worldwide. Now if they do that at an event that very few see on TV, they must do it for major football games, [the other type] football games, Baseball, Golf, Basketball, Tennis, Olympics and so on.</p>

<p>I've often read that the pro segment costs them money and even though the gear is very expensive, plus the service fees to be in the pro "club", it comes nowhere near what it costs to support the shooters. It's all there to keep the brands in the public eye and leave an impression that you have to shoot canon or Nikon to be good. One of the reasons the 70-200f4 is white. So you can look like the big guys.</p>

<p>Small brands are never going to risk that investment first (and it would have to be there first before the gear is even sold) on the prayer that they will take a large chunk of the Pro market away just so the camera brand is seen at the sidelines of the Superbowl.</p>

[stemked]

<p>Pity that the 3rd partys (Sigma/Tamron/Tokina) dumped their 400mm f5.6s. The Sigma APO verson with the 77mm filters was a very nice lens, and it would seem to me that a lot of them were sold. It's a relatively light lens for its focal length and gives VERY acceptable shots even with a 1.4X TC (the older version was even lighter, but somewhat delicate). Coupled to the ability to use these lenses with very improved higher ISOs on the new digitals I would think that the lenses would sell well. Sigma and Tamron have now gone to heavy zooms as their answer in this range. Anyway, if they couldn't maintain a decent 400mm f5.6 in their line when they already had the lenses tooled I suppose it maybe too much to ask Pentax to make one from scratch.<br>

I am always pretty shocked to see the prices a few of the rarer A or FA lenses on e**Y. I have to be careful now that my wife doesn't see how valuable my old lenses are or I suppose she is going to sneak behind my back and sell them as a 'better investment' than any of our stocks.</p>

[Member69643]

<p>FWIW, I've read that the SSM-equipped Sony/Minolta lenses make the Canon and Nikon AF speed look quite pedestrian. I hope to be able to afford one some day.</p>

[miserere_mei]

<blockquote>

<p>Justin wrote: Fast primes: you do realize pentax had a 35mm f2 that I bet was better at all apertures than your nikon. And then there is the little known 31mm which is an OK lens so I've heard.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I have complained about this numerous times on all forums, and I will continue to do so. This is the situation that pissed me off most about Pentax and almost cost them losing my money. I was waiting FOREVER for Pentax to release, or at least announce, a fastish affordable normal prime, like a DA 28mm f/2 or f/1.8. I don't need it to be Limited or DA*. In fact, I'd rather it weren't either of those because I wanted to afford it (although I would have splashed out for a $400 Ltd version). This lens never came, and the roadmapped DA* 30mm disappeared off the map. I came very close to purchasing either a Sigma 28mm f/1.8 or 30mm f/1.4. This --> ] [ close. Luckily for Pentax, Bill Gates decided to offer 25% cashback for a while, and I found a reputable New York store on eBay selling the 31 Ltd for a good price (in relative terms). It was still a large investment for me, even after cashback, but I now had my normal fastish prime (albeit a little longer than I preferred).</p>

<p>Many people can't afford to spend $965 on a normal prime, especially Pentax users, who tend to be money-conscious. Don't get me wrong, the 31 Ltd is a fantastic piece of glass and would cost more than that if it were in another brand's skin, but the point is that we should have an alternative available for those who can't spend that kind of money. Nikon has that popular 35mm f/1.8 DX for $200 (although that's too long for me on a cropped sensor), Canon has a full-frame 28mm f/1.8 EF for $460 that's a lot smaller than the Sigma version, and Pentax has...<em>nothing</em> in production that's affordable and reasonably fast below 50mm...and <em>nothing</em> affordable and reasonably fast <em>above</em> 50mm either (the DA 70mm f/2.4 is not fast, sorry). Where's the affordable 90mm f/1.8? (Canon's 85mm f1.8 is $370, for pete's sake and Nikon's $450). How about an affordable, compact DA 135mm f/2.8 (which Canikon don't have) and a pricier DA* 135mm f/1.8?</p>

<p>Yes, Pentax have to be different to Canikon in order to stay alive...but not offering an affordable fast standard prime is not the best way to be different. Not having affordable, fast portrait lenses isn't going to help either.</p>

[rparmar]

<p>A lot of interesting and valid posts in this thread. It is customary that I always enter late to say something after Mis has posted, so here I go with a few facts as I see them. In other words, they are opinions. :-)</p>

<p>Pentax is simply not a brand for professionals because of their lack of a support network and their lack of market penetration. This was finally stated a couple of posts above. It's a Catch 22 for them, but a reality they had better be aware of.</p>

<p>Nonetheless, there are three things Pentax have done right. First is the FA Limited series of lenses, some of the best produced by any company at any time in photographic history. But the subsequent DA series sacrificed speed for even smaller size, which is not to everyone's taste. And the special rendering of the FA cousins is also not present. Perhaps they are just as sharp, but I don't see the "magic" that made the FA43 as good as any Leica. (And not coincidentally the only Pentax lens to ever be released for that system.)</p>

<p>Point two: Pentax has feature-packed small cameras with great ergonomics. When I was looking to get into DSLRs it was between Olympus and Pentax for this reason. I simply think Canon's are horrid and Nikons have made some choices I cannot stand. Both are too large for someone who wants to have their camera with them at all times. No-one has smaller weather-sealed bodies than Pentax. And when you throw SR into the mix it is a home run.</p>

<p>Point three: price. A few years ago one could assemble a first-class Pentax system for very little when compared with the big two. This is a big advantage in the hobby market where it is disposable income and not investment income driving the show.</p>

<p>But this is all ancient news. The FA Limiteds are fading into history. I do not think any newer lens has matched their quality, their beauty, the way they feel in the hand. (Though the DA Limiteds try.) So too all the body advantages of Pentax have been well established. Newer models have done little to improve what was available from the 6 MP DSLRs. The old bugaboos of AF speed and accuracy, ISO performance, flash accuracy and so on still haunt the line. And of course the lack of long glass, a teleconverter, etc.</p>

<p>Finally, there was last year's price increase. Before, an FA Limited was pricey but worth it. Now they are just astronomical. Even the FA50 doubled in price, so there are no cheap entry-level primes. There are no really fast digital primes. And, yes, a real hole at 28mm. Used prices have also gone up steadily, to the point where bargains are impossible to find.</p>

<p>I have not recommended Pentax to anyone since the price increase. Not that I have changed my mind about my gear... it rocks. Though I was late to the party I am damned glad I bought in when I did.</p>

<p>I wonder: who will be the new Pentax? Maybe it will be Pentax themselves. Or maybe we have seen the end to the type of thinking that delivers quality and ergonomics at an affordable price.</p>

[miserere_mei]

<blockquote>

<p>It is customary that I always enter late to say something after Mis has posted</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I didn't realise that was our custom, Robin. I quite like it :-) And I agree with everything you've said.</p>

<p>Just to make it clear, I don't think Pentax should try to appeal to professional photographers (as people perceive professional photographers: Guys with big cameras and lenses clicking furiously away). But, and this is a big but, they <em>should</em> produce a system that <em>could</em> be used by some professional photographers if they so wished.</p>

<p>If anyone wants me to expand on that, I will.</p>

[miserere_mei]

<p>Oh, and for the record (on the subject of Pentax going for the pros):</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.pentaximaging.com/about-us.aspx?p=press&pid=News713200935616109155">PENTAX ANNOUNCES PRO PROGRAM: BENEFITS INCLUDE EQUIPMENT LOANS AND EXPEDITED REPAIRS</a> </strong></p>

 

<p >GOLDEN, CO. (January 31, 2008)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced a PENTAX Professional Services program (PPS) to support professional photographers with several services and benefits. Designed exclusively to support PENTAX products for the working pro, membership is complimentary and limited to working professional photographers. </p>

<p > </p>

<p >Known for superior photography products including the K series of digital SLR camera bodies that are compatible with every PENTAX lens ever made, PENTAX systems allow lens interchangeability for a multitude of photographic options. PENTAX will continue to release new and exciting lenses including super fast, special purpose, impressive zoom ranges, and telephoto lenses that will incorporate the new SDM (Supersonic Drive Motor) technology for ultra fast and quiet auto-focusing.</p>

<p > </p>

<p >Benefits to members of the new PPS program include:</p>

<p > </p>

<p >· 72 hour rush turnaround on most PENTAX digital SLR repairs. (Repair charges may be incurred depending on existing or extended warranty programs.)</p>

<p > </p>

<p >· Short-term equipment loans that allow photographers to evaluate equipment prior to an actual purchase and/or borrow unique or limited availability lenses for one-time shoots.</p>

<p > </p>

<p >· Direct access to dedicated customer service representatives in PENTAX headquarters to answer technical questions, arrange product loans, or monitor equipment through the repair process to make sure the repair process is timely.</p>

<p > </p>

<p >PPS membership is limited to PENTAX professional photographers who derive 51 percent or more of their annual income from photography. Membership may be obtained by completing a PENTAX Professional Service program application. Interested photographers are asked to complete the application, provide an original signature and mail it to the address listed on the form (fax or e-mail copies of this application will not be accepted). PENTAX will notify new members about acceptance within 2-3 weeks. At the time of acceptance, PENTAX will provide more information about rush repair servicing, short-term product loans, and a list of the contact information for PPS customer service representatives who will be able to assist with any aspect of the PPS program, products and services. </p>

<p > </p>

<p > For more information about the PENTAX Professional Services program including an application, e-mail <a title="mailto:customer.followup@pentax.com" href="mailto:customer.followup@pentax.com" target="_blank" title="mailto:customer.followup@pentax.com">customer.followup@pentax.com</a> or call 1-800-877-0155 (press “0” and ask to speak to PENTAX Professional Services).</p>

[jgredline]

<p>Misrerererere, that ''press'' release is a couple of years old. But in typical pentax fashion, nobody knows or few people know anyway.</p>

[michael_elenko]

<p>The application has been sitting on my desk at work for a while--keeps getting buried by things due yesterday. It's a rather nice presentation. You have to have your professional documentation in order. There are some legitimate benefits, like lens borrowing and quicker repair turnaround. On the phone, the folks administering the program are very customer oriented.</p>

<p>A couple of times a year I accompany a visiting shooter with a borrowed $6000 Canon lens (like that lovely stabilized 500mm) scout shooting locations in Seattle and Puget Sound. It costs to join the Canon program and there are some income requirements for "higher" levels of service.</p>

<p>ME</p>

[jgredline]

<blockquote>

<p>John Wilson wrote:<br>

Best of luck, Brad.<br>

I fully support Brad. Let this be a lesson to all gear manufacturers. We are customers, not employees. Brand loyalty is built through providing the customer the best tools that can be had at competitive prices, not through some sheep like mentality of the customer. <strong>Pentax makes a fantastic product but there are glaring holes in the product line that are no secret to anyone. If Pentax makes the business decsion to ignore these holes they are actively telling customers to go somewhere else.</strong> Apparently Pentax believes their business model is sufficient that they don't need customers like Brad.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>John is right. Little things like the SDM TC, weather proof 24mm prime for me, Reps in stores, A service center instead of the corner garage, and a K-7 with the Nikon / Sony 12mp sensor. </p>

[mountainvisions]

<blockquote>

<p>How about an affordable, compact DA 135mm f/2.8 (which Canikon don't have) and a pricier DA* 135mm f/1.8?</p>

 

</blockquote>

<p>Uhhh humm, you do have an affordable 135mm 2.8. It's called the 50-135mm. unless you want to be really small (and it's fine if you do, I have no problem with that). Yeah, if it was really small like Rose's 135mm she was loaning out, I would look at it, but couldn't justify it. The 50-135mm is the only lens i need at that length. </p>

<p>Other than size, I can't see a major advantage to a 135mm 2.8 prime. Actually I'd rather see a 180mm or 150mm f/2 (f2.4 whatever) if it was possible based on cost/sales price point. Something that came close to replicating a 200mm f/2 or if possible gives a littler more reach like a faster crop factored 300mm.</p>

<p>While I wouldn't buy a 90mm anymore (i have the 90mm Voigtlander), I would have snapped one up if it came as a limited around f/3.2 (or faster) before the Voigtlander. I spent a decent penny on the 90 VL, so a Limited version probably wasn't out of my realm of possibilities.</p>

<p>As far as Javier's complaint with the TC...probably the most damning point of the whole thread.</p>

<p>I couldn't agree more. I think a really high quality SDM 1.4X TC would be amazing paired with the 200mm f/2.8.</p>

<p>Heck, cut us a deal. Sell the TC and 200mm as a package.</p>

<p>Believe me, I expect IF a 1.4X ever materializes, it will cost about $400-500. Which is still cheaper than buying the 300mm F/4 and takes up less space, but I am doubtful it's gonna be something everyone has in their bag from day 1.</p>

[orly_andico]

<p>Canon and Nikon both have stabilized 17-55/2.8 zooms... FWIW.</p>

[brad_n]

<p>I'm sorry that I haven't been here in the fray: my computer bit the dust and I've mostly just been waiting for Dell to send me a new one. I didn't mean for this to turn into a general bitch session, but I guess that is inevitable.<br>

I did not want to trash Pentax because I really have loved my Pentax system and there is plenty to be said, both good and bad, about Canon and Nikon. Someone asked what I needed beyond the DA*300 and the Sigma 50-500. The DA*300 is a superb lens and I wish there was a Canon adapter for it. The Sigma 50-500 does not, I am sorry to say, produce the quality of images that you can crop the hell out of and still get a good photo. Before I bought the 7D, I did some bird shots with the 100-400 and the Canon, mostly the lens I think, blew the Pentax-Sigma away. As soon as I auction off all my 35, 4x5, DSLR camera gear and some other stuff, I hope to find a used 500 to complete my starter system.<br>

I wanted to go with the D300s but when you look at the prices of the really big lenses, Nikons are several thousand dollars more.<br>

I think the Pentax ergonomics blow away both Nikon and Canon. That said, I do not like the trend towards smaller that the K7 shows us. Canon has a disaster called a "M-Fn" or multi-function button. Translation: If you've tried everything else, try this one last button. I like Pentax's use of two e-dials much better. The 7D with battery pack is much heavier than the K20D plus grip. <br>

The Canon AF, especially on SDM lenses, is much, much faster.<br>

Well, I have to finish putting my computer together, then I'll be able to start shooting again.</p>

<p>Thanks to everyone for the well-wishes.</p>

[personalphotos]

<p>Brad good luck with the new gear and has been said before, don't be a stranger.</p>

<p>I didn't think this was a bitch session at all but actually a very good discussion and letter to Pentax. I hope they are reading.</p>

[miserere_mei]

<p>I thought it was more of a "critique" than a "bitch" session :-)</p>

<p>Like Brad says, all brands have strengths and weaknesses. We need to choose accordingly.</p>

[mountainvisions]

<p>I didn't think anyone was bitching. I am sure Canon and Nikon users could put together a list of complaints as well.</p>

<p>I think most of us are generally happy with our system, or we wouldn't be here.</p>

[debashish]

<p><em>I'm not saying Pentax is wrong. It's their train set and they can run it however they like. But Brad has only one single person to satisfy and that is himself. It's a shame Pentax gave away Brad's business to Canon. It's a shame Pentax doesn't believe sports shooters are a valuable customer base.</em><br>

I have to agree with the original poster's decision to shift away from Pentax owing to his professional requirements. It's very difficult to work with the K and M Pentax long lenses above 400mm and digital viewfinders. This is a major reason why a new Pentax lens at 400mm or more is needed with autofocus and full AE capabilities. Many are doing very good work with the DA 300mm and converters but for some others, myself included, thiis focal length is inadequate for serious bird photography.</p>

[jgredline]

<p>Hi Folks.<br /> I too did not see this as a bitch session in anyway shape or form. In fact, I thought it was a pretty nice conversation....Having said, that, this is one of things I appreciate the most about P.net. The people here atleast in the Pentax forum are some of the nicest, most respectful you will find any place...I would never even consider having this type of conversation at PF....</p>

<p>As far as Nikon Goes, I agree with Justin. Having spent more and more times lurking in Nikon Forums, you should read the bitch sessions going on there. Things like the Nikon D700's that are dying and such and all the missed focused captures people are getting...EVERY camera manufacture has problems. All of them do...Even Leica...</p>

<p>The main reason I bought into a second system is for the high iso performance that is important to me. Notice I said bought into. I am NOT going away from Pentax because they ''IMO'' have the best street cam shooting set up. The K20D with the little primes is unbeatable...</p>

[personalphotos]

<p>I'll say it again. There doesn't need to be 3,4,5 different long lenses in any line up. Just a good 300mm and a 500 or 600mm. IMHO there's zero benefit to having a 400mm f5.6. I'd rather use a 300mm f4 with a 1.4 TC, it's more flexible. We have a top tier 500mm available to us. The Sigma 500mm f4.5 and it has 2 matched TC's which will work with it. I suspect that if Pentax built a 500 or 600mm in the same speed, it would be 30-50% more money.</p>

<p>The only issue is AF speed and ISO that is now dissipating. The K-7 and KX have improved the AF speed over the K20D and the KX has shown it can take great High ISO shots. 12Mp is enough for cropping if need be. Heck the D3s is only 12Mp.</p>

<p>I'm not contradicting what I said before. I want more of both in the next body. AF needs to be improved to at least match the big 2. But I tested a D700s against the K-7 and the gap is closing. ISO needs to be better in the next top tier body, the KX shows it can be done.</p>

<p>But to suggest we have no long glass of excellent quality is simply wrong. What I read between the lines every time I read or post to this comment; I see this: "I want a 500mm f4.5 at $2000.00." <em>Well that ain't never gonna happen.</em> Don't forget as well that Sigma has the 300mm f2.8, add the 2x EX TC to that and you have an excellent 600mm f5.6 lens.</p>

<p>If you look at the Canon 600mm f4, it is nearly double the Sigma 500mm f4.5 and both will have SR/IS. So where's the problem?</p>

<p>Finally, note that both Tamron and Tokina don't make long glass. There's a reason for that. There's no point. The market is much too small and the cost of limited line lenses, much too high. It's not worth doing. Lots of forum posters complain of the lack of long glass but few will ever buy the top tier lenses they can get now.</p>

<p>I'd much rather Pentax spend R&D money on SDM, ISO, AF and a couple other things in the next generation. Skip the long lenses that will cost a fortune and sit on the shelf.</p>

[mountainvisions]

<p>Peter,</p>

<p>Spot on...I don't think the gap is that bad.</p>

<p>The K-7 is a landscape shooters dream IMO. It's a beautiful camera with really useful features, that lacks really one thing...high ISO.</p>

<p>I think if they put the K-x sensor into the K-7 they would have a hell of a camera.</p>

<p>for me, I like the K-7, but I don't have the needs of many at high ISO. on the flip side, I do need a rugged body and a compact body, the K-7 is a winner to me.</p>

<p>As far as the long lenses, you nailed it. True some people will never buy a Sigma lens out of principal. But most who WON'T buy a sigma lens are not going to drop double on a Pentax model. I enjoy my Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 mounted to my Nikon bodies.</p>

<p>I would venture to say, out of all the people complaining about lack of long fast glass, only about 3-5% would actually buy a $3000-4000 lens (or more).</p>

<p>It's one thing to want to see it in a lineup, it's another to be able to sell enough of them to justify production.</p>

<p>I think if Pentax could give us a 300mm f/2.8 and a good TC most people, pro or amateur would be happy. heck, if they could give us a good TC with the existing lenses, most people would be happy.</p>

[michael_elenko]

<p>Not to be much of a tag-teamer, however, I’m finding myself agreeing with Peter Z here. Lenses beyond 300mm represent a huge cost for a manufacturer. Proportionally the cost would be higher for Pentax too.</p>

<p>As noted prior, once you get beyond, say, $2500 for a piece of gear--especially a lens used on once-in-a-lifetime adventures--it becomes more than a retail transaction. The expectations are too high. Pentax would have to offer alignment services, and host seminars on how to use the whole system (camera+lens+whatever) to take <em>better</em> wildlife photographs, preferably hosted at regional wildlife rehab centers or community zoos. Then you gotta sponsor the shooter/teachers. That costs money.<br /> <br /> I think most of us would like to have multiple 400-500-600mm lenses available. When confronted with the real-world costs how many would be able to purchase one? As Peter says, one could cobble together a long-range solution, however as Mis says, it’s harder than with other brands. To me, that’s probably good enough for the Pentax platform right now.<br /> <br /> I was out on a leisure shoot two weekends ago with a group. A fellow shooter had a Canon stabilized L 500mm lens. It was fun to see her hoist the 13lbs up and capture a pileated woodpecker. But I’d have a hard time rationalizing the $6500 cost unless it was a business expense—and that implies a whole bunch of other acceptable costs that come with that territory.<br /> <br /> The pro wildlife market is just not a space for Pentax even though we want it to be. At the beginning of this year I joined the Nature Photographers Network, to get feedback from some of the world’s best nature photographers. I invite you to check out the <a href="http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/ic.cgi?a=vg17&ns=1">editor's picks of 2009</a> , especially the wildlife ones taken with long lenses. They’re amazing and taken with the usual suspects. <br /> <br /> Now I’m not saying that it’s impossible to shoot sports and birds with a Pentax camera. Many of those shots were taken with lenses under 300mm. But I think it helps to be honest with oneself about the level quality we want to live with.<br /> <br /> I’m perfectly satisfied shooting fine art with a Pentax DA 70mm Ltd, and professional events with a DA* 50-135mm. And for youth sports and birds I’m quite OK with the consumer-level Bigma. When on a longer birding venture I’ll hedge my bet with a TC + the fine A* 200mm f 2.8. If I had the DA* 300mm, I’d take that too—but I don’t because it’s one too many expenses for me.<br /> <br /> That said, if sports and wildlife was my livelihood, or all I photographed avocationally, then I’d simply purchase a better tool made by another company. It's the picture that counts.</p>

<p>ME<br /> <br /> <img src="file:///Users/michaeldelinquento/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot-7.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="file:///Users/michaeldelinquento/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot-6.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="file:///Users/michaeldelinquento/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot-3.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="file:///Users/michaeldelinquento/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot-4.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="file:///Users/michaeldelinquento/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="file:///Users/michaeldelinquento/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot-1.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="file:///Users/michaeldelinquento/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot-2.jpg" alt="" /></p>

[personalphotos]

<p>That brings up a very valid point Michael. Not only learning to shoot with a long lens, which is quite different than walking through the woods with a 200mm in your hands.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>it becomes more than a retail transaction</p>

</blockquote>

<p>You also have to consider other expenses. with a long lens. Some type of proper case to carry that beast and the right tripod with most likely a Gimbal head like a Wimberley with a new set of legs that can support the whole thing. It's going to be a challenge to get this for under $1000.00</p>

<p>I remember Marc Langille's posts on his used 250-600mm new-to-him lens. The head and leg assembly was more than $1000 and Dave Hollander has also dropped about that much after trying to do it for less and realizing you just can't cut corners on a lens that is that heavy and will vibrate in even the slightest breeze.</p>

<p> </p>

[hal_a]

<p>This is my first post in quite a while.<br>

Good luck Brad with your new purchase. I'm sure the 7D + lenses will help you express yourself creatively in ways pentax cameras may be restricting. Also, email me if you are planning to sell some of your equipment.<br>

I often hear comparisons between Pentax and Apple's business strategy, but where I feel Pentax could still learn something from Apple is the way they hype up their products prior to launch. The ipod/iphone/ipad are obvious examples, but they also made a pretty big deal when introducing multitouch keypads 3 years ago. Apple have also been releasing products in a timely manner, and the long trail of rumours that date back to when I was a freshman about a 'soon on the shelves' 645 only hurt the company's image.<br>

I am very impressed with the improvements in their current line up: AF Speed and Continuous Shooting Rate. ISO performance will invariably increase with later models, but, I don't find myself shooting above 1600 that often anyway.<br>

What I am happiest about is their marketing. I would like a red camera, and since all dslrs out there right now can technically meet my requirements, why shouldn't colour be THE deciding factor? <br>

I've also started seeing pentax equipment at more places recently, but their presence is still small. A year and a half ago, I bought a Canon 1000D in Singapore, because I couldn't find Pentax in any of the stores I went to (although the day after buying my camera, I walked into a store that did have the K200D, isn't that a case of Murphy's Law?). I don't remember seeing Pentax gear being on display in futureshop (its a Canadian electronics chain store to those who are in warmer climates) three years ago when I was shopping for laptops. Back then, they pretty much only had Canon equipment, and some Nikon, but their dslr aisle had a big Canon logo behind all the display cameras and lenses. Last week, I walked in to buy a laptop there again and saw the K-x siting there along with a couple of Sony models, two Nikons and an Oly. There's another store, Japan Camera, in a very busy mall in Montreal (the Eaton Center) which gives Pentax a lot of shelf space. However, Astral (or Black's elsewhere in Canada) didn't have any Pentax equipment on display in their Eaton Center store.<br>

I hope that Pentax will make sound marketing decisions and stay in competition. That can only be good for us consumers, regardless of what letters are displayed on our cameras.</p>