[robbiec]

Surely the 50 Macro deserves a refresh before the 100? It is optically near perfect (for its design brief) but wrapped in a 20 yo body. All future macros should be * designation as ultimately they are designed to have the highest quality resolution and rendering. Apologies for going off topic a little but imagine it wrapped in the new DFA* type body, SDM+ (with the ring motor), AW and a focus limiter, I don't know of any other 50 with 1:1 magnification that could challenge it.

[thazooo]

OK...a thread for lenses that aren't as fast as * lenses nor as compact or well-built as Limiteds ; in other words, lenses that we really like, but didn't pay a premium price for that are Pentax-branded. Knowing that legacy fast 50s (f/1.2 versions excepted) were generally sold at a loss, I nominate the two examples below. Both feature excellent, all-metal build, fast maximum aperture, and world-class optical performance at the time they were made.

Pentax-K 55mm f/1.8

Pentax-M 50/1.7

If made today, both would be priced and esteemed on the same order as the late and much lamented Cosina-made Zeiss and Voigtlander 50s.


Steve

Another vote for the K 55/1.8, a bear to focus but sharpness and OOF are worth it.

[onlineflyer]

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.

[stevebrot]

I was going to add my recently acquired K 50/1.2 to the list. I make the rules. Just kidding.

Sure...I only listed the lenses that I own.


Steve

[monochrome]

I nominate my all-time favorite lens the K35/3.5, which would but for the rubber focusing grip qualify as a DA Limited* lens in most other aspects.

* Given the comparatively slow f/3.5.

I’d love to see the formula repackaged as a FF-certified DA Limited pancake-style lens, perhaps with a DC motor.

[normhead]

I nominate my all-time favorite lens the K35/3.5, which would but for the rubber focusing grip qualify as a DA Limited* lens in most other aspects.

* Given the comparatively slow f/3.5.

I’d love to see the formula repackaged as a FF-certified DA Limited pancake-style lens, perhaps with a DC motor.

I used that lens in a poll once, against 7 other ways i have to get to 35mm (including the DA 35 2.4) , and it won. That's gotta count for something.

[onlineflyer]

Takumar lenses are also invited to participate.

[monochrome]

I used that lens in a poll once, against 7 other ways i have to get to 35mm (including the DA 35 2.4) , and it won. That's gotta count for something.

I think I recall that poll. I also recall a - was it 50mm? - lens shoot off. Great thread!!

I’ve had this lens since 2003 or 2004. I think it was the first ‘K’ lens I bought (from J. Colwell I think) when I figured out my old KX / K50/1.4 was still a nice kit aftter my MESuper died in a basement flood. It started the whole Buy / Try / Sell thing from the little SMC Lenses brochure that was still in my KX camera bag.

[mholford]

My $0.02. Two lenses I own that I think are amazing but not * - the K200 f2.5, and K28 f2.0 (hollywood). Okay the last doesn't fit the typical pentax small profile, but is amazing optics....

[DeadJohn]

If you look back through Kenspo's posts you'll see somewhere he mentions the DFA 100 macro is due for a makeover. Whether that was official from Pentax or just off the top of his head I don't really know.

I agree that the DFA 100 WR should be considered a * or Limited. Possible upgrades during a makeover:

1. Focus limiter switch.
2. Reduced CA. Don't aim to get rid of it completely; work within the compact size of the current 100.

I think such a refresh should wait indefinitely. Finish the existing roadmap.

[Wasp]

My A 50mm f/2.8 macro has always been my star lens.

[normhead]

I agree that the DFA 100 WR should be considered a * or Limited. Possible upgrades during a makeover:

1. Focus limiter switch.
2. Reduced CA. Don't aim to get rid of it completely; work within the compact size of the current 100.

I think such a refresh should wait indefinitely. Finish the existing roadmap.

NO kidding, I'm happy with my 100 macro, it's 18-35 mm where I'm suffering.

[tvdtvdtvd]

My $0.02. Two lenses I own that I think are amazing but not * - the K200 f2.5, and K28 f2.0 (hollywood). Okay the last doesn't fit the typical pentax small profile, but is amazing optics....

I don't think small was ever a priority for * lenses, so no obstacle there.

[Kerrowdown]

worthy of an A* or Limited designation but are not

I would like to nominate my "Special Lady” (Pentax-A 50mm F1.2), how she missed out on the accolade originally I'll never know.

[Kerrowdown]

My A 50mm f/2.8 macro has always been my star lens

I would not disagree with you there.