Originally posted by ChristianRock
Ok. So you think it's fair to compare the 399 dollar lens with the 146 dollar one. It's your choice. You are aware that the Pentax DA 40 Limited (a premium lens) sells for less than the Olympus 25mm, right? The DA 35 2.8 Limited (US$496) is only 25% more expensive than the Oly 25 1.8. It might be a better comparison.
Olympus has a more budget oriented 25mm f/2.8 lens by the way... but it's still quite a bit more than the Pentax 35 2.4. Don't get mad just because Pentax is a great value... when you factor in how good the DA 35 2.4 is on the K-1, it's actually an unbelievable value... I don't know why anyone would move to the more expensive micro 4/3 system unless one wants to focus on video...
This isn't about money, within reason, nor about singing the praises of one against another. It's about what best suits someone and enables them to do what they want to do. You need to get away from comparing internet charts and sticker prices and look instead at the experience and the results. If something does what you want it to do but costs a little more, it is probably better than something which doesn't at any price. It's clear that M43 suits a lot of people just fine. Tomorrow it may not, but as things are today it does. I haven't found M43 more expensive than an equivalent set-up on Pentax, incidentally, since Pentax prices here are high anyway. If internet charts were all that counted then few would buy a Canon camera, but as we know Canon remain the best-selling brand year in year out and people seem very happy with their purchase.
There is a great deal to be said for forgetting system and format wars and instead getting to know one system so well that you can work around its foibles and take damn good images in any situation. Isn't this what most folks would like to do? No one needs much kit to achieve this - 3-4 lenses will cover nearly everything for most folks.
BTW, the Oly 25mm f1.8 is a modern digital-era lens with a fast motor and metal mount whereas the Pentax 35mm f2.4 is a film-era refurb with screwdrive AF and a plastic mount - very good value for sure but you are getting what you (didn't) pay for and this is not comparing like with like. My own view is that it is always best to buy just a few quality lenses rather than a larger number of perhaps iffy or el cheapo ones. Good glass matters. Too many lenses is a waste of money and good ones usually keep their resale values well.