[Matjazz]

Since I prefer manual focusing I find newer lenses hard to handle (especially compared to SMC A50/1.7). Is comfortable focusing ring history or just something you need to pay for (Canon kit lens has less travel than Sigma 18-50/2.8). Do Pentax DA primes and zooms have enough focusing ring travel (135° or more)? How about limiteds?

[Adam]

Most FA's have good forcusing rings, and so do the limited lenses. Overall, though, it looks like Pentax is drawing more attention to AF

[Tom Lusk]

I manual focus most of the time. I find it faster than using the AF on my 100D (most of my photography is wildlife and the noise of the AF engine can be a problem, too).

The focussing ring on my DA 50-200 rotates 180 degrees.

The only problem I have is that it takes getting used to the thinness of the ring.

[Edvinas]

I have experience with FA 50mm f1.4, DA 16-45mm f4 and DA 50-200mm f4-5.6

The smoothest focus ring movement has FA 50mm f1.4, however focusing rings are more convenient on my DA lenses.

DA 16-45mm f4 has the narrowest focus ring travel angle. But it is still a real joy to manual focus with it, compared to some comperirion lenses. I've tried once Sony a100 with their 18-70 kit lense. Well, it's focussing ring rotates maybe some 50°-60° and it is simply impossible to manual focus with it.

[roscot]

Although the Pentax AF lenses, for the most part, have very good MF rings, if you are looking for that well dampened feel of an A or M lense, that is pretty much gone. AF requires a looser fit to put less strain on the motors. The limiteds focus rings have more travel than other FAs making more precise MF easier.

Hope this helps.
Rosco