[northcoastgreg]

The Tamron is generally a well-liked lens. I believe the Samsung 16-45 is merely the Pentax rebranded, so it should be identical. I doubt there's much difference, optically, between the 17-70 and the 16-45. Photozone likes the 17-70, but lenstip likes it less. Both sites only analyze the measurable properties of the lenses, so there is a tendency to overemphasize what can be measured at the expense of what can't. There's a lot more that goes into a lens than what can be measured in tests.

[luftfluss]

The priority is probably the fast lens right now though... the 35mm f2.4 is tempting due to price weight and reviews seem good... but its 2.4.. some people saying this is ok though

The DA 35/2.4 is reportedly built on a similar (same?) optical formula as the FA 35/2, and by most reports it's probably more like F/2.2-ish than 2.4... of course this is all just a quibble about 1/2 F-stop or less.

How much does color, rendition and bokeh matter to you?

[twitch]

I would not endorse that advice,
as it would rule out the excellent value of the DA 35/2.4,
or the various qualities of the DA Limiteds at 35 and 40mm.

Personally, I went for the DA 35 Macro first, then the DA15,
later adding the Voigtlaender Nokton 58/1.4.

That's exactly why I gave the advice though. Speed in this fl range is cheap, and speed is always good.

[FrancisK7]

My "evolution" went like this, starting in 2007:

1. K10D, 50-200, FA50 1.4, DA12-24 and Tamron 28-75
2. Sold the 50-200 after a month, got a AF540 flash instead
3. Added FA77 six months later when I recognized portrait photography was what interested me the most
4. Bought studio gear (alienbee strobes, reflectors, shoo-thru umbrellas, light meter, PW/cybersyncs, etc.) a year after acquiring the K10D
5. Got a Voigtlander 125mm APO new to try macro photography in 2008... it was selling out and was discontinued. Sadly, I sold it 2 years later for twice the price I paid (it was in pristine condition). I very much regret that sale.
6. Sold the VL, sold the Tamrom, sold the FA50, got me the DA* 35mm, DA*50-135 and more studio gear
7. Bought K5

My next purchases will be the VL 58mm and the FA43. Later I want the DA*55 for when I need AF. I'd also like to repurchase that VL125 I sold. Then I'll be ready to get married and have a family and all my gear will be safe from a prenup

If heart says FA31, get the FA31. You'll be spoiled forever, though. The purchase of my FA77 prompted me to sell my Tamron!

[ramseybuckeye]

I only have one of the lenses on your list, the "cheap" 35/1.4. I've not been disappointed by it, it's good in low light. I can't compare it to the others. But whatever you buy, there is a resale market and you won't lose much if you decide to unload it for something else after 6 months or a year.

[Docrwm]

Finances and personal comfort are always essential factors. The reviews and comparisons do not put the 35/2.4 far below its MUCH more expensive focal length equivalents. It's a good way, IMHO, to get your feet wet with an AF prime that will not loose much resale value if you decide to sell it and upgrade or try something different.

[Bestzoom]

I have FA 31 Ltd and Sigma 50 f1.4.

If budget is restricted, go for the Sigma 30 f1.4. There are threads with output of this lens...
I am tempted and seriously considering getting a copy to compare it with my FA 31 Ltd...

[Conqueror]

Managed to get a good price on a used 35mm FA f2...

After researching seemed a good value

Haven't used it properly yet.. one random shot seems to suggest its very sharp