Check this out... (all prices AUD)... http://svc003.bne012i.server-web.com/catalogue/dirtcheap/cache/header-770public__0-0.html?cache=no
See the first and third kits? The body only is AUD$2516.80, and the body with two lenses (DG 18-50 f3.5-5.6 and DG 55-200 f4-5.6) is also AUD$2516.80! THEN smack in the middle, the body with "FA" (hehe!) 18-35mm is and extra $350 at AUD$2860.00!! The lenses can be found here: http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/a_pages/lenses.htm I phoned them and asked if this was correct, they said that it most definitely was as the "manufacturers are basically throwing the Sigma lenses in for free". I phoned CR Kennedy (Australian wholesale importers of both Sigma and Pentax). Who were very annoyed at Dirt Cheap Cameras about this, but said that yes, it was true. He also claimed that these two lenses have only just been released and are particularly nice lenses and quoted that the 18-50 DG (f3.5-5.6) would be around au$550.00 on its own! Also, he said that CR Kennedy were indeed the supplier of these lenses to Dirt Cheap Cameras, and that they weren't "Grey Market" etc... They can offer two "just released" Sigma lenses for free, and then charge $350 for one (lower range) Pentax lens?!?! What gives with that? Another interesting thing is that Dirt Cheap Cameras don't offer the lenses for sale on their website alone... I was almost tempted to buy the deal on the spot and sell the lenses off on Ebay! They are listed on the Sigma UK website as �99.00 and �129.00 which is a total of around AUD$550.00 Wonder how much they'd auction for? I also think that this is a very weird way to do business in regards to Dirt Cheap Cameras - I mean really, they are doing themselves out of money by advertising that as who in their right mind would ever buy the body on its own when you could buy it with two lenses for the same price?!? I think that they should add at least $100 or SOMETHING to their price for the kit with the lenses, as automatically it made me think that they were total crap whilst the Sigma website and the wholesaler were singing their praises. Or better still, they could drop the *istD body only by $100! Does anyone have any experience with these two lenses? I know that the DG means that they were designed especially for "digital" use etc. but that's about where my knowledge ends. They are both however, slow - although would maybe get me through until the DA 16-45 is readily available. On an aside, it looks like I should be having an *ist D (with Battery Grip, cable release and 2 x 512mb cards!) delivered by Thursday, can't say anything more until it is in my hot little hands though! Oh, and one more thing - the guy at CR Kennedy, when I spoke to him and (rather boldly, hehe!) asked if there would be any "announcements" at PMA - he said the following: "only for digital point and shoots, as they are sticking with the *istD for now" but they are "trying to combat the EOS 300D (Rebel) and the Nikon D70, which is why they've been "sweetening" the deal by offering the Sigma lenses in a kit for next to nothing (it's just that the retailers were supposed to adjust it so that the body only price was lower too!), ALTHOUGH the *istD IS aimed at PROFESSIONAL users whereas the Rebel and D70 are not". (his words, not mine!) THEN, he went on to say that they have just released an *istD kit with a "Sigma lens and EF500st flash gun" that will also sell for around the same RRP as the kit with the two Sigma lenses. (I forgot to ask which lens). AND then.... They have now sold out of the MZ-S and won't be stocking them anymore!! When I asked him if they'd stopped making them he said that as far as he knows, they are still being manufactured but will no longer be available for sale in Australia. He actually said that they had been so cheap toward the end that he'd wanted to buy one for himself but they'd sold out too quickly! I was very interested by this as I have not noticed the price drop at a retail level for the MZ-S anywhere in Australia. Last I recall, they were still around the AUD$1800 mark. It is a shame that if they were dropped in price in recent months, it seemed to be "overlooked" due to all of the *istD hype. I would have loved to purchase one if it had been just that bit cheaper than AUD$1800 and I know alot of diehard MZ-S fans that would probably have been interested too! He also said that the *ist (film) is being plugged greatly now, and they are really selling it in place of the MZ-S. Ryan, btw, the CR Kennedy guy HIGHLY recommended www.centre.net.au - he said that they were "really lovely people" and that they "really care for their customers". Even though they are a little more expensive at times, they are "worth it". And from a wholesaler's point of view, CR Kennedy "LOVES" to deal with them... Ok, gutta get to a screaming baby and "put my face on" - I am meeting Bob Rapp this morning! lol. Hope there are some interesting "titbits" for you all amongst what I have said... tan.
