I am very happy with Pentax's strategy of a new line of low-priced DA primes.
I purchased the DA 35/2.4 and have been blown away by the image quality. The light weight, small size and low cost encourage me to use it regularly, and I am always rewarded with nice pictures.
Now Pentax has introduced the DA 50. Same style, same build quality. I will definitely get this lens too. A nice short-portrait lens on my K-5. And if I'm lucky the new DA 50 will also work with my 35mm film bodies (just like the DA 35.)
I have the FA 77 and of course it is in a different league, with beautiful build quality. But the DA35 is optically in the same league.
I also love that the new DA series retains the look of the Pentax Limited lenses. This builds brand recognition, and stays true to Pentax's focus on high quality, compact cameras and lenses. Even die-hard Nikon and Canon shooters know about Pentax Limited lenses. The new DA series are nearly as desirable, and guess what? Everyone can afford to add some of these lenses to their kit! Most regular folks I know are loathe to spend as much or more on an additional lens than they spent on their camera body. The DA series gives this great group of photographers some fantastic lenses that they can aspire to photographically and be able to afford/justify adding to their camera kit.
I really look forward to seeing more of these DA lenses. The next lenses I'd love to see are:
Do you like or appreciate the new DA series? What lenses would you like to see done in the new DA style?