[NaClH2O]

I've been shooting lately (or should I say again) with the Pentax A 35-105 and I realize (again) how much I like this focal range. Add to that the fact that it has a constant aperture and a close focus option throughout the entire zoom range and it seems like a definite winner to me. Yes, it's only a 3X range, but it's the heart of what many people shoot. I wish that Pentax would re-issue this lens in a DA* configuration. If they did I'd jump on it like a duck on a beetle as my grand dad used to say. I doubt it will happen, too much competition for the brand new 16-85 and the 18-135, but I can still wish. It sure is a handy zoom range and a fun lens to shoot with.

NaCl(if wishes were horses...)H2O

[Rimfiredude]

I bought 35-105A last week. It has found a home on my K5. I just love the lens. If the 18-135 was as sharp and had a constant aperture, I would jump on one immediately.

[NaClH2O]

I bought 35-105A last week. It has found a home on my K5. I just love the lens. If the 18-135 was as sharp and had a constant aperture, I would jump on one immediately.

Nelson, wait until you shoot some reds. I've found the 35-105 to have the best red rendition of ANY of my lenses (and I own a bunch). As far as being sharp thru the entire zoom range; it's nickname is "stackofzooms".

NaCl(if it was AF and WR it would be perfect)H2O

[SyncGuy]

I think the intended replacement for that FL has always been the DA17-70?

[TaoMaas]

Yes, it's only a 3X range, but it's the heart of what many people shoot.

It's a nice zoom to fill the gap between my 16-45 and 80-200.

[NaClH2O]

I think the intended replacement for that FL has always been the DA17-70?

Or maybe the new DA 16-85.
Thing is, I find 35mm to be an excellent start to a normal-short tele zoom in ASPC format. 35mm being close to the old "50 normal" lens of film days. Don't get me wrong, I dearly love my DA 50-135mm, but I wish for a "shorter brother" as it were.

NaCl(lens lustful is what I am)H2O

[MSL]

The only problem with the 35-105 is its weight, which makes it awkward as a walk around lens. Otherwise it is the lens I call my most "fun" lens. A great range of focal lengths that lets you go from almost wide (on APS-C) to gentle telephoto, and the ability to close focus across the entire focal length range is a treat. I've even tried to play with it with a deglassed TC so I can shoot real macro while still maintaining electrical contacts. The combination of the focus ring and the changing zoom gives two ways to focus and frame an object.

[blackcloudbrew]

Ok, I'll be Debbie Downer here. I've had to copies of this 'stack of primes' and just can't find the love for this lens. Don't care about the weight issue. Never found that to be a problem. For me it's just too long on the short end at 35mm. Yes, it's great at what it does but, for me, it just doesn't work. I'm happy to see others in love with it as that's what makes the world go around (differences), but for me. No love here.

[ChristianRock]

The APS-C equivalent would actually be a 24-70 lens. If they made one that just covered the APS-C circle, even at f2.8 it probably wouldn't be all that big. If they also kept distortion in control and it was sharp across the range... it could be a huge winner.
Of course, if it were such a great idea, someone would have done it already...

[monochrome]

Mine has been a wonderful do 'most everything' lens for use with my film cameras- not so easy with a digital - but when it works it WORKS!

Maybe there will be a more native rear cap to attach next spring.

[Kerrowdown]

like a duck on a beetle as my grand dad used to say

I've never come across that phrase before. but I get the gist of it.

[rawr]

Count me as a fan of this lens. Very sharp, nice rendering.

I've long wished for Pentax to re-issue this lens in some form. The closest full-frame equivalents I can find are the Sigma 24-105 f4 'Art', Canon 24-105 f4, and the Nikon 24-120 f4. Both the Canon and Nikon's are very popular lenses, and both are available as a kit lens for some of their FF's. All the lenses in this class tend to be quite large and heavy, however: the Sigma is 885g, the Canon 670g, and the Nikon 710g, compared to the A 35-105's 615g.

Unfortunately the Sigma hasn't been released in Pentax mount, just Canon/Nikon/Sony/Sigma. So the field is wide open for Pentax to release something of it's own to replace the 35-105!

[GibbyTheMole]

Love that lens. Very sharp & prime-like.

[cjn314]

I've been shooting lately (or should I say again) with the Pentax A 35-105 and I realize (again) how much I like this focal range. Add to that the fact that it has a constant aperture and a close focus option throughout the entire zoom range and it seems like a definite winner to me. Yes, it's only a 3X range, but it's the heart of what many people shoot. I wish that Pentax would re-issue this lens in a DA* configuration. If they did I'd jump on it like a duck on a beetle as my grand dad used to say. I doubt it will happen, too much competition for the brand new 16-85 and the 18-135, but I can still wish. It sure is a handy zoom range and a fun lens to shoot with.

NaCl(if wishes were horses...)H2O

I have got the 35-105 and it is hardly off the camera. It takes the best shots!

[NaClH2O]

So the field is wide open for Pentax to release something of it's own to replace the 35-105

That is good to hear. Hopefully soon, tho I doubt it. However maybe after they release the ever elusive ff body.

NaCl(not holding my breath, but keeping fingers crossed)H2O