I just received a DA* 55mm from Newegg as they were having a good deal ($554 shipped).
Anyways, I'm a bit surprised by the build quality. I was expecting something like the DA* 300mm that I have. From what I can tell, the 300mm is all metal.
The DA* on the other hand seems to be completely comprised of textured plastic like the back of K-7/K-5 bodies. The AF/MF switch has no seam between it and the barrel and the lens hood connection has texture on it unlike the DA* 300 where I can tell it is paint (and see some aluminum from wear).
So anyways I'm a little disappointed I won't have that cold feel of a metal barrel with the DA* 55mm.
For being a DA* and the cost, it should be metal in my opinion.
I'm also curious if this is a change or if they has always sold the 55mm like this. Does anyone have an older 55mm they can confirm what material the barrel is made out of?