[Arndt]

Welcome to the forum!

[aslyfox]

. . . utilize ED glass.. . .

for those who may not know what " ED " or other suffixes used by Pentax mean:

Lens Name Suffixes

The following abbreviations are used in lens names:

AL: Aspheric Lens. Special lens elements that improves the optical quality. Particularly valuable in wide angle lenses.
AW: All Weather. The highest degree of sealing against dust and rain.
DC, PLM or SDM: The lens has a built-in motor for autofocus (K10D, K100D and newer cameras can take advantage of this).
ED: Extra-low Dispersion. Special glass material which helps reduce chromatic aberration. Particularly valuable in tele photo lenses.
IF: Internal focusing. Focusing is achieved by moving lens elements within the lens. The lens barrel doesn't move. IF lenses generally focus faster than ordinary lenses.
RE: Retractable lens. The lens collapses in length when not in use.
XS: Lenses with an exterior design by Mark Newson matching the Pentax K-01. Works like an ordinary DA lens.
WR: Weather Resistant. The lens is sealed against dust and light rain.

Pentax K-Mount Lenses Explained: The differences between various Pentax lens series

[bluestringer]

Welcome.

[Wheatfield]

I'll be trying to appeal to those photographers who want high performance without breaking the piggy bank.

They are all good at first.

[Breakfastographer]

Hey, we have ourselves an optics buff. The more, the merrier! Welcome to the forum!

[ShutterPro]

Welcome!

[Yoda boy]

Back in the film days, I happened to purchase an A 35-105 lens. I was just beginning to get more adventurous in photography as my first modern camera was the Super Program. I really liked that camera. To expand from the kit lens ( A 50mm, 1.7 ) I purchased the A 70-210 lens as I wanted to be able to see things up close. However, my next lens was the 35-105 and that quickly became my main lens. I did not know it at the time, but this lens is now regarded as one of the better lenses from that era. I still miss it but since I have now graduated to DA* lenses, it is likely just as well to have it as a fond memory. The other special lens from back in the day is the A 15 lens. I still use this on occasion and think it is also one of the best of the old stuff that Pentax made. What favourites do you have from yesteryear?