How important is 40mm lens for you? (no GT1 for GRDIII)

[odklizec]

In the light of introduction of GRDIII and excitement from the new lens, there is, unfortunately, also a dark side of the new lens design. Ricoh seems decided not to upgrade the GT1 tele extension lens (40mm) for GRDIII.

I guess it's probably due to larger popularity of wide lens and maybe because of much complicated and problematic design of tele lens (do you remember the nasty orange flaring?). In any case, it's bad news for all "not-so-wide" photographers. What's your opinion about missing GT1 for GRDIII?

[Eric P.]

Well, in this particular instance, it will not matter. If I want to use a 40, I'd probably just grab my LX3 instead. My GRDI was purchased because it is so compact. With the GT-1 and tube it would no longer fit in a pocket.

Now, this is strange, as until this year most of my photography was with a longer lens. Started out with an Olympus 35-SP which had a 40 (or so) lens. So that was my "standard."

But since purchasing the LX3, have fallen in love with using wide angle. Probably still in the honeymoon stage. And in the future might want something different.

[jaydubbleya]

I must confess that I placed my order, for the GRDIII, hoping for a GT2 lens, but it would have been further down my list of must have accessories after the GW1 (wide lens + adapter), the GV1 viewfinder, the GA1 cable release, and possibly even the new flash unit, so it isn't s deal breaker for me.

12 days & counting......

[VladimirV]

I don't really care about the 40mm and prefer 28mm for general purpose but if Ricoh can put a f1.2 lens on the GRD I would be very interested , even if it's 40mm.

[CHICHORNIO]

I like using the 40 mm on my GRII, but it makes it heavy and useless in your pocket. I don´t understand why I can´t use the 24 and 40 mm of the GRII in the new GRIII if the share the same body and design. Perhaps Ricoh want us to buy all the kit again. That´s the reason why I´ll not go for the GRIII. I prefer to wait for a new Ricoh camera with larger sensor. The GRII and the CX1 are the two cameras I need to fill my pockets.

[odklizec]

CHICHORNIO, the reason of new accessory lenses is that GRD3 lens is slightly larger. Body is a bit larger too. So new accessory lens is a must. I bet the GW2 is larger too. It's the F1.9 and larger sensor that requires new extension lenses.

[Klaatu]

I worked allready with 40mm lens on GRD II. After my holidays i will buy one because i like to get out of "wide angel" sometimes. Portraits are much better with 40mm and even landscape and macros are sometimes more interesting out of the wide angel. And i desided that GR is my ONLY Camera. So, if i can chose ( and i can ), GRD III without 40mm is not my choise. I stay with GRD II.

[thelps]

There are sooo many incremental improvements on the GRD III that its impossible for me to pass up the upgrade. The f1.9 lens is the prime improvement.

Yes, I would prefer to have the 40mm option but its not a deal breaker - I will be getting a GRD III. I still intend to get a 40mm for my GRD II but Ricoh should reconsider the GRD III - they can always bring out one later. 40mm is great for 3/4 portraits inside and I am currently experimenting with my DP2 for this.

Is there a way to attach the GRD II 40mm lens to the GRD III and then evaluate the image circle and vignetting? Could you use the GRD III and just mount the II 40mm on the GRD III tube?

It could be a whole new type of special effect.

[silvio]

...,

at the moment i did not exactly know what i will do
Please Mr. Ricoh, give me the GRDIII with GW2 & GT2 and i buy two of the new GRD's

[Wouter]

I like to use one camera for all situations. Currently I still use the GX200, but mostly at 35mm and only occasionally at 28mm. With the much faster lens of the GRDIII I thought it would be very interesting to use it with the tele extension lens to get much better low light performance than the GX200 and basically get my preferred focal lengths (28 and 40mm). This news is very disappointing for me. I can only hope Ricoh change their mind eventually.