Having recently pre-ordered the new HD FA35mm f/2, I've just noticed the specifications state that it includes "
hybrid aspherical optical elements", whereas the original FA35 f/2 - if I remember correctly - used a (more expensive to produce) ground glass aspherical element. It seems this little detail might have slipped below the radar so far?
I can't say I'm particularly concerned... my "plastic fantastic" DA35 f/2.4 includes a hybrid element, as do several of my other lenses, and I'm perfectly happy with the performance - but it's a surprising (if small)
downgrade(?) that might temper the excitement of the upgrades for some folks. As I understand it, hybrid elements may be more susceptible to environmental changes such as humidity and temperature... though "more susceptible" might still mean "irrelevant" in this case (frankly, I'm not qualified to judge). Some world-class lenses include hybrid elements, so I doubt it's a cause for concern...
It's interesting that the glass isn't
exactly the same as the FA35/2, though. This suggests that Ricoh might not simply be using up stocks of existing FA35/2 components in the new lens... That in fact, HD FA35/2 is being manufactured from entirely new component stock.
Anyway, this doesn't affect my interest or order at all. I just thought it was an interesting difference
Last edited by BigMackCam; 02-03-2019 at 04:27 PM.