Originally posted by robbiec A100/2.8 Macro could be justified a * badge on build, focus action and rendering but I feel Pentax have just raised the bar with the imminent release of the HD D-FA*50/1.4 and anything short of the exotica such as the FA*200/4 Macro will pale in comparison.
The HD D-FA*50/1.4 is a newly released lens with the most modern design, lens coating, etc. Naturally it would be better than anything previously offered. But there are many older lenses that had an A* designation with a modern counterpart, two examples being the A* 200/2.8 vs the DA* 200/2.8 and the A* 300/4 vs the DA* 300/4. My point being just because there is a modern lens with the latest and greatest technology, an older lens shouldn't, or couldn't be designated a * lens.