Originally posted by JinDesu A) It is sharp wide open with very good flare resistance.
B) It is significantly smaller than the 17-50s
The FA 20-35 already seems to tick these boxes,
so the prospects for the Limited zoom look good here.
Originally posted by JinDesu maybe have an in-built hood.
+1
That said, hoods for zooms are problematic.
The ideal is found with zooms that extend towards the wide angle end,
while the hood remains fixed to the outer body,
so the hood coverage always tracks the angle of view.
If that isn't going to happen,
something like the extending hood on the DA 35/2.8 Ltd Macro,
where you can retract the hood to avoid shadows on extreme close-ups,
could also work.
Originally posted by JinDesu C) Has a very fast focusing DC motor because the smaller size and construction will allow for lighter focusing elements.
D) Is actually weathersealed.
If the "WR" (doubted by the rumor poster) and "DC" designation are real,
then these two points could be met.