[MatKus]

5. Other features

・Electromagnetic diaphragm-control mechanism,* for flawless, high-precision exposure control during movie recording

* This mechanism is available when the lens is mounted on a PENTAX K-1 Mark II, K-1, K-3 II, K-3, KP, K-70, K-S2 or K-S1 camera body.

What about K50? Shouldn't it be mentioned too? It should work only if firmware is updated, but i think it should work, right?

And what if you don't have one of those cameras? Will it work on "old tech" mechanical, like all older lenses?

[MrB1]

"This lens features a newly developed ring-type SDM (supersonic direct-drive motor), which generates as much as 7.5 times the torque as the SDM installed in previous-generation lenses. This enormous driving power assures a smooth, high-speed shift of the heavy, multi-element rear lens group during focusing operation."

Will this have a significant effect on battery charge duration?

[fsge]

"This lens features a newly developed ring-type SDM (supersonic direct-drive motor), which generates as much as 7.5 times the torque as the SDM installed in previous-generation lenses. This enormous driving power assures a smooth, high-speed shift of the heavy, multi-element rear lens group during focusing operation."

Will this have a significant effect on battery charge duration?

Very good point

[OoKU]

What about K50? Shouldn't it be mentioned too? It should work only if firmware is updated, but i think it should work, right?

And what if you don't have one of those cameras? Will it work on "old tech" mechanical, like all older lenses?

Including K-50.

[08amczb]

It must have a really good image quality and much better focus speed and accuracy to worth the weight and price difference over the DA* 55. Currently I think I won't buy it and I'am certain I won't keep a DA*55 and a DFA*50 too.

[Sandy Hancock]

It must have a really good image quality, and much better focus speed and accuracy, to be worth the weight and price difference over the DA*55.

Everything suggests it has all three.

Currently I think I won't buy it and I'am certain I won't keep a DA*55 and a DFA*50 too.

I will, and I will

[Kunzite]

The decision between the D FA* and the DA* 55mm is a no brainer:



Source:
Product Overview | HD PENTAX-D FA?50mm F1.4 SDM AW | PENTAX STAR LENS | RICOH IMAGING

[Gimbal]

At 1700$ in Sweden it's not for me.

[Kunzite]

I remember many discussions about Pentax prioritizing the 50mm instead of other lenses. Here's their answer (same site as above):

At first, we wanted to provide full-frame single-focus lenses with angles of view that were different from those provided by existing models, and even initiated a project in this direction. These included an 85mm F1.4 lens, which was listed on our lens roadmap. After conducting research on the types of lenses our users desired, however, the most sought-after model was a 50mm lens — a standard single-focus lens familiar to all users since the days of film photography. There were several other options, but since this was what users most wanted, there was no reason to ignore the demand. So priority was placed on the development of the HD PENTAX-D FA★50mmF1.4 SDM AW.

[monochrome]

This has bugged me for a while. Is the price in USD with or without sales tax? Because in Europe advertised retail prices include VAT. When buying online from abroad, after the taxes the prices in euros are the same as in dollars.

The USD price does not include any taxes at all. Taxes are added to the Retail price at point of sale. There are no intermediate taxes applied as product moves through middlemen,

Sales Tax rate is collected in each individual locality, ranging from zero to as much as 11.375%, so a manufacturer simply cannot advertise a price with tax. The tax rate includes taxes imposed by the State, County, Municipality and any Agency authorized by the voters to collect, such as special taxing districts. It is quite complex.

There is no national sales tax

[ffking]

For those who haven't read it, the interview with the various lens designers on the lens special site is fascinating

Development Story | HD PENTAX-D FA?50mm F1.4 SDM AW | PENTAX STAR LENS | RICOH IMAGING

[Kunzite]

Just read it. Is it the most exhaustive development story I've seen from Pentax?

[Sandy Hancock]

For those who haven't read it, the interview with the various lens designers on the lens special site is fascinating

Awesome. I feel like I owe it to them to support this great project.
I'm a proud Pentaxian.

[ffking]

I feel like I owe it to them to support this great project.

Totally agree - I wish by bank manager did also

[ChipB]

Hopefully the build quality of the new SDM will live up to the * !!