Originally posted by dh4412 so, theoretically, the earlier k series may have slightly better optical properties, but be larger in size, is what i get from all your posts about this? i'm really starting to like the manual lenses much better than the autofocus, just more fun, plus i'm learning more about the camera this way, even though it is a digital camera. seems so right now anyway, do most professionals use manual focusing even with digital cameras?
I only have one K, the K50/1.2, but what I gather is that K's are bigger and badder (better?) than M's (and there are more of them); M's are slightly more work but better-built than A's; F's are... well, each lens line has its goodies and baddies. See the reviews.
Yes, manual-focus lenses (MFL's) are how you LEARN photography. And manual lenses are still being made, for digital cameras. The two aren't mutually exclusive by any means. My vastly oversimplified mantra: AF zooms are for TAKING pictures, manual primes are for MAKING pictures.
What a pro uses depends rather on what a pro needs. If you're in a hurry and MUST produce pictures, use AF, especially zooms. If you have time and need a lens' particular qualities, use MFL's. And for macro work, only MF will do.