[buzzvic]

Saw this on the pentax UK website:



System KB standard - PENTAX Europe Imaging Systems

[hangu]

Just released today. Aren't you fast?

Pentax releases inexpensive DA 35mm 1:2.4 prime: Digital Photography Review

Some thoughts:
A $220 list price is very reasonable for a fast AF 35mm. This certainly fills a big hole, though I'd also like to see an inexpensive 50/1.7 lens, as well. The FA35/2's pricing has become ridiculous and this should ease it up a bit. It's about half a stop slower than the FA35/2 and it will have a much better build quality. It's hoped that the image quality will be comparable. I guess Pentax is really trying to break into the budget entry level market with the K-r and the 35/2.4. With a list price of $220, it's likely that it can be snagged for $180 at certain locations. With the K-x, the combination would only cost $650 or so, cheaper than most entry level bodies by themselves.

[Pentaxor]

does look interesting and promising.

from the looks of it, it may well be the replacement for the FA50/1.4 that would probably be discontinued anytime soon. I would guess that this might sell at around $200. although I'm seriously thinking how it would affect the DA40 sales. I don't think it would affect the FA35 though as being F2 is undeniably attractive, plus it's an FF lens.

[Ash]

I'm not sure a fast fifty would be on the cards with Pentax's APS-C lineup.
FF? Sure, another fast fifty would be in production, but until then the DA 35 is the APS-C's new fast fifty (just not as fast).

[future_retro]

at least Pentax now has something remotely close to the other brand's fast cheap [AF] lenses, that was gaping hole in the lineup, but they could really use something f/1.8 for ~$200, 70mm f/1.8 maybe?

[hangu]

I'm not sure a fast fifty would be on the cards with Pentax's APS-C lineup.
FF? Sure, another fast fifty would be in production, but until then the DA 35 is the APS-C's new fast fifty (just not as fast).

An inexpensive ($150), fast lens like the Canon 50/1.8 would be very nice to have. I'd even forgive shoddy build quality if it were under $100. The f2.4 is about a whole stop slower than an f1.7 or f1.8 lens.

Truth be told, I'm not terribly excited about this lens.

I don't think FF is really a selling point considering there isn't much hope for one in the coming years.

[Ash]

You know the DA 35 is not for you hangu.
It's designed for the less discerning newbie who wants a taste of prime magic...

Most people here on PF would easily forgo the DA 35 knowing there is an FA 35/2 and FA 50/1.7 or 1.7 available - and much cheaper on the marketplace.

[Boris]

It looks promising but in reality it all depends on quality control. 'Cause if it will be plagued with things such as decentered elements or badly assembled mount, it may flop.

[hangu]

You know the DA 35 is not for you hangu.
It's designed for the less discerning newbie who wants a taste of prime magic...

Most people here on PF would easily forgo the DA 35 knowing there is an FA 35/2 and FA 50/1.7 or 1.7 available - and much cheaper on the marketplace.

A used FA 35/2 routinely runs $300+, a used F50/1.7 will run $200+. So a brand new 35/2.4 with much better build quality is a welcoming addition at ~$200.

I would just like to see a sub $100 fast AF prime lens. It would really help the Pentax market considering that they've made no bones about focusing on the budget entry level market.

[axl]

It does look promising if you look at it from Pentax point of view. It's a good size, good weight. It's half price of DA40 (the next cheapest lens), it's half stop faster than DA35/40ltds.....but: for the same price Nikon offers 35/1.8!!! From outsider's point of view, Nikon offer is more tempting.... Once you are in K mount system, sure this new lens seems to be great offer (especially if it'll perform as good as FA35) but.....
let us wait and see...

[axl]

PS: has anybody else noticed the styling of the lens? Kind of a la ltds or DFA Macro.. I like they are trying to pass this as their styling for all new lenses...well done there

[Ash]

A used FA 35/2 routinely runs $300+, a used F50/1.7 will run $200+. So a brand new 35/2.4 with much better build quality is a welcoming addition at ~$200.

I would just like to see a sub $100 fast AF prime lens. It would really help the Pentax market considering that they've made no bones about focusing on the budget entry level market.

Now we're probably getting to the limiting factor here - cost to produce a new AF prime.
A well-built (?like a DA ltd) AF prime would mean more money, simple as that. Dropping prices would be detrimental to a smaller manufacturer like Pentax. Perhaps the DA 35 may get to the $100 mark after a while, but you wouldn't find the likes of the DA 40 getting that cheap...

[future_retro]

PS: has anybody else noticed the styling of the lens? Kind of a la ltds or DFA Macro.. I like they are trying to pass this as their styling for all new lenses...well done there

oh and one more thing, in it's name it doesn't say DA-L yet it doesn't seem to feature quick shift

The base is exactly like my two old DA WR lenses, which I love the build quality of, I'm not sure if there's any metal in there but if there isn't then the styling of the DA WR lenses put's on a pretty convincing show

The top of it looks pretty LTD to me, this lens looks like it has an awesome build

[Ash]

But it's plastic - so definitely not the caliber of the DA/FA ltds or the DFA 100 WR.
Probably well in line with the current kit WR lenses.

[hangu]

It does look promising if you look at it from Pentax point of view. It's a good size, good weight. It's half price of DA40 (the next cheapest lens), it's half stop faster than DA35/40ltds.....but: for the same price Nikon offers 35/1.8!!! From outsider's point of view, Nikon offer is more tempting.... Once you are in K mount system, sure this new lens seems to be great offer (especially if it'll perform as good as FA35) but.....
let us wait and see...

Exactly. Nikon's 35/1.8 and Canon 50/1.8 still blows this out of the water on paper.

PS: has anybody else noticed the styling of the lens? Kind of a la ltds or DFA Macro.. I like they are trying to pass this as their styling for all new lenses...well done there

Good eye. I hadn't noticed the black, possibly plastic mount there. That's rather sneaky of them.

But it's plastic - so definitely not the caliber of the DA/FA ltds or the DFA 100 WR.
Probably well in line with the current kit WR lenses.

That's very disappointing. That's one of the few things going for it in comparison to the Nikon/Canon budget offerings.