[Steve Beswick]

If it is a DA AL, doesn't that mean it automatically comes with Quickshift?

[ogl]

It's DA-L - no QS. No distance markings, lens hood - optional (as I understand), no aperture ring. All plastic.

[Blue]

If it is a DA AL, doesn't that mean it automatically comes with Quickshift?

It is being called a DA L 35/2.4 AL. If it had quickshift, they would be touting it on the Pentax Imaging site. The only thing this lens has on the FA 35/2 is the SP. It is a down grade in every other way, slower, no aperture ring, and plasti-mount.

[Steve Beswick]

Well if I could buy a FA 35 for $219, which means probably $170 from B&H, I wouldn't be looking at this thing!

Edit: also, I didn't notice it is a DA-L.

[Blue]

Well if I could buy a FA 35 for $219, which means probably $170 from B&H, I wouldn't be looking at this thing!

Edit: also, I didn't notice it is a DA-L.

The FA was $299 shipped when Pentax canceled in their infinite un-Wisdom. Some guys in Tokyo need kicked in the arse until their noses bleed.

[FotoPete]

When I saw the release, I thought of the Lens-In-a-Caps from ebay lol. sad day but at least the FA35 formula is back minus 1/2 a stop?

[creampuff]

I predict this lens will be a colored flop...

When the press release says "a lightweight inexpensive 'normal' prime", "one of the lightest SLR lenses available at a mere 124g" and "hybrid aspherical optical element"

it just screams PLASTIC, including the lens elements.
Sadly, I think Pentax just killed sales of the DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited with this new lens.

[levelred]

it just screams PLASTIC, including the lens elements.
Sadly, I think Pentax just killed sales of the DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited with this new lens.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't...

[kevinschoenmakers]

What's also troubling, there's apparently no place to attach a hood except for the filter thread. Some serious corner cutting here.

[Eruditass]

I predict this lens will be a colored flop...

When the press release says "a lightweight inexpensive 'normal' prime", "one of the lightest SLR lenses available at a mere 124g" and "hybrid aspherical optical element"

it just screams PLASTIC, including the lens elements.
Sadly, I think Pentax just killed sales of the DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited with this new lens.

Most lenses have plastic elements. If it was f2, i'd be all over it. I'll stick with my DA40...

[Ash]

It'll be a flop amongst enthusiasts, but amongst the newbies keen on a good prime, this may just be the ticket.

The rest of us know to go with the FA 35 or DA 35 macro ltd...

[wshi]

Personally, I think it looks pretty. That's about all it has going for it though... that and the lightness of it is quite nice.

I think I'll keep saving for the Sigma 28mm f/1.8

[Urkeldaedalus]

When I saw the release, I thought of the Lens-In-a-Caps from ebay lol. sad day but at least the FA35 formula is back minus 1/2 a stop?

Seems like it very well might be. Both are 6 elements in 5 groups with 1 aspherical element. If it performs like the FA35 minus a 1/2 stop and sells for $150 or below I could see it being a very nice starter lens for someone. I think the people who are most disappointed are the people who would have paid $300+ for a reborn D-FA35 f/2.

[axl]

F2.4 when Nikon is offering f1.8 in the same price range/focal length?!? Am I the only one who thinks Hoya is loosing it? I think the should kill off FAltds, they are holding then back too much and this is one fine example...IMO

[Miserere]

I think the people who are most disappointed are the people who would have paid $300+ for a reborn D-FA35 f/2.

Or those who have been asking for a DA 28mm f/2 for the past few years

...