Hey guys, thanks for the suggestions! There doesn't seem to be a multi-quote option anymore (at least in mobile mode) so apologies for the joint response.
Glad to hear the F/FA* has a good reputation, I followed up on the one in the marketplace. As for the DA*, it's a good option too, especially for the weather sealing, but I'm a sucker for older glass. I tend to manual focus most of the time, and I like the simplicity of screw drive AF (even if it's loud or slower).
I hear you on Sigmas focus direction being 'wrong', that can drive me nuts too! At least Tokina and Voigtlander have it 'right'.
I do have a Pentax-A 400/5.6 currently, so I'm set out that far. It works well enough, but it's too big for my camera bag, so it usually is always on the camera or not with me at all.
Going the other way, I know this is on the short side, but do any of you use the Pentax-A* 200/4 macro with a TC? That might be a good combo...