Originally posted by sibyrnes Cyberjunkie, I love the K series lens. I have the 20 f4, 24 f2.8, 35 f3.5 and the 50 f1.2. I am disappointed by the K24mm. It seems more like an "M" series. It was great with Fuji Velvia but I don't care for it much on my K1. It is the weak link in the K series IMHO. I think the M35 f2.8 is one of the best "M" lens. Here's a link to a higher res photo shot with my K35...
Thanks Chuck,
if i'm not mistaken the K 2.8/24mm should have the same optical layout of the A version, which i own, and that is definitely not one of my best Pentax lenses.
So i'm not surprised by your considerations.
I remember i thought it was quite good on film... then it went into hibernation together with other film-era wide angles
The A version at least is very practical (P-TTL flash, 1/3 stop diaphragm granularity, quick operation, all exposure modes are available, etc), but my first feelings on FF have not been so positive, so if i need a 24mm i go for the Sigma EX DG 2.8/24-70mm. I mostly use primes, though i found that in certain cases a fast "normal" zoom that stretches its range down to 24mm can be invaluable.
If i will ever find a K 3.5/24mm for a convenient price i think i will give it a go. It looks reasonably small for a K series, and it doesn't use huge filters.
The other two K wides you own (4/20mm and 3.5/35mm) enjoy very good consideration. I'd be happy to try them sooner or later...
In hindsight, i'm not so happy i've replaced a number of K and M lenses with their A counterparts. I've done it in the past to make full use of the new generations of Pentax film cameras, and i've done it again more recently, because of the crippled PKAF mount.
Using the K-1 i'm becoming less and less frustrated by the limitations of non-A lenses, and i'm even buying a few K and M lenses (some new to me, and some i used in the past).
I have seen that if i use a tool (a lens is a tool, isn't it?) with pleasure, it would positively affect the final result.
I love my K's, i like the way they feel in my hands, i like the way they are built.
cheers
Paolo