Originally posted by robbiec The new one slaps the Takumar silly in any way you can measure. Worth it, imo, yes. When you use the DFA for a while then go back to the older variant, you're wondering if there is a problem with it, the difference is that stark.
Which is why my contribution to a thread on the subject of "Most Overrated Lens" led to my response of, "Pretty much any Pentax 50mm f/1.4". I own an SMC Tak 50/1.4 and it has its strengths, but I have better fast 50s on my shelf. The D FA* 50/1.4 had not yet been released, so I am off the hook on that count.
Yes, the D FA* 50 is excellent, but what itch does it scratch? I currently own zero cameras that are fully able to exploit its strengths and very little need (itch) for a lens that does what it does as well as it does it.
Steve