> > > Why are they not pro tools? Is it because pros don't use Pentax? > Everything I've read suggests that optically and mechanically they > are as capable as N and C (and Minolta, another underrated maker > of good glass). > Or are you saying that they are "vanity" lenses that pentax doesn't > really intend to sell except to a few rich guys but wants to show that > they can make too? This might be the case, although I'd still > suggest that a pro could do as well by Pentax glass as by N or C > if he chose to use it.
Much of my good glass (250-600, 80-200, 200/2.8) came second-hand from pro shooters. The guy who sold the 250-600 was a NASCAR photographer, and really hated parting with the lens. But his customers wanted the immediacy of digital delivery, so he went Nikon. But Pentax don't really have a "pro" offering. Not because of the equipment - because of the service. Shoot Nikon or Canon and you will often find on-site repair & service provided at major events. Even if you have to send the gear off for repair you can often get a loaner to replace it. You'll also find Canon, in particular, showing up with loaner gear just for folks to play with - no charge, just sign for it. Some individual Pentax reps will do this kind of thing, but there's no official factory-sanctioned program.
