Originally posted by Mr. The Guy So, you are suggesting to not get a lens (the 55) because it might not be optimal at some time in the future. BUT, you argue that you should get a lens that is sub-optimal (the 77) today. When the OP goes out to take pictures tomorrow, they will be using a digital camera, but you want him to buy a lens designed for film. The focal length is inappropriate for APS-C (why I sold mine). It has no weather sealing, the hood is inadequate, and the K-7 has functionality that FA lenses cannot utilize. An old design vs. a new design. A portrait lens that matches with currently available bodies, vs. a portrait lens made for a format first used before most people on this forum were born.
It's a digital world my friend. Join us. IMHO buying old stuff vs. new stuff is always the wrong choice.
You're getting ahead of yourself. Yes, I did suggest not getting the 55, due to 1) it's high price, and 2) for it's potential backwards and forwards incompatibility issues. However, I never argued or mentioned the 77 lens at all. I didn't imply to get the 77, I was merely commenting on the 55.
If there are those who want to buy the new DA lenses for only using them on DSLR's, there's no reason why they can't. I simply offered reasoning why I didn't think it was logical. As far as weatherproofing, you only need it if you shoot in inclement weather. I never do. Some others may never either.
Buying old stuff or new stuff
is a choice. I'll take the F 50mm 1.4 over the DA 55 as there is no justification of the higher price for just weatherproofing for me. I do not feel it's any sharper than the F. I also use film and digital bodies, and would get a FF DSLR in the future, therefore, that's 1 out of 3 of my setups that the DA will not work well with. My F lens will work with all 3.