[domfijac]

Why is it that all DA primes are either Limited or * lenses?

Are they all really deserving or is it just that pentax has decided that it good marketing to call everything limited or * lens?

Correct me if i'm wrong but the only non * or Limited lens in the DA line up is the SMC Pentax-DA 14mm F2.8...

[Aegon]

DA limited lenses are made of metals and are excellent. None of the DA limiteds are fakes, none of them are using misleading monikers.

DA* lenses are waterproof, SDM, and excellent. None of the DA* lenses are fakes, none of them are using misleading monikers.

[HowLowCanYaGo]

DA* lenses are weather/dust-resistant

Corrected.

[Andi Lo]

I guess Pentax just think it's not worthwhile to make a prime that's not a limited. Looking at how badly people want a DA 30/1.4 though, this might be a wrong decision

[RMabo]

The idea with the DA Limiteds is that they are the most compact lenses and also are full metal with exclusive build quality.

The DA 14 is full metal too, but it is not by any means a compact and small lens. So that is why it is not a Limited. And it is not a DA Star because it is neither weather sealed nor has SDM focusing.

[Ash]

Goes to show the pride Pentax takes in producing its primes.
All of them deserve the ltd status IMO.

[FullertonImages]

Isn't the 14/2.8 older than the DA* series? It had the unfortunate luck of being born too soon. It is still a metal construction, of amazing quality, and puts out incredible images. I would have made a fine DA* lens. I someties wish it was wider though. 14 is pretty wide, but I have that and the 16-50/2.8, and I don't find myself reaching too often for the 14, just for 2 more mm, and the image quality on both is just so spectacular, I can't find that as a reasong to favor the prime. I think they should release a DA* 12/2.8, now that would be something to behold, and would really fill in the bottom end nicely.

[Adam]

Why is it that all DA primes are either Limited or * lenses?

Are they all really deserving or is it just that pentax has decided that it good marketing to call everything limited or * lens?

Correct me if i'm wrong but the only non * or Limited lens in the DA line up is the SMC Pentax-DA 14mm F2.8...

Coincidence so far, I'd say. But, since most consumers nowadays stick to zooms, I guess it makes sense that the DA primes are of higher quality.

I must admit, however, that it was nicer back in the FA days, where you could choose to go down either the regular FA route, or the FA* route, as both lineups covered a full range of lenses.