Originally posted by Hello_Photo The large DoF at shorter focal lengths is all the more reason to want a larger aperture for artistic effect and subject isolation. Wide-angle lenses inherently bring more things into the field of view than longer lenses, making subject isolation through shallow DoF even more important.
Also, "acceptable" shutter speeds at a given focal length and SR are only relevant for stationary subjects. The moment someone (or something) starts moving that's all academic.
What I really want a 24mm F2 for is taking photos of my kids trick-or-treating on Hallowe'en. Last year, I used my DA 35 Ltd on my K10D, and I was shooting wide open (F2.8) at ISO 1600 and 1/10 sec. Because of the focal length, I was often standing well back from the doorways, so a wider lens would have been preferable. Also, even with the latest crop of high-ISO wonder cameras making ISO 6400 a viable option, I'd rather shoot at F2, ISO 3200 and 1/40 sec than F2.8 and ISO 6400 at the same shutter speed. On any given camera, images taken at lower ISOs will always look better than those taken at higher ISOs.
I would agree the necessity for a new 24mm prime, but an f2 prime at such focal length doesn't really give you that kind of special effect that you would want or like for a wide lens. that kind of subject isolation quality or kind of magic doesn't start until 28mm at fast aperture speed. for me a 24/2.8 would be the best solution rather than f2. it brings a balance between quality, compactness and cost altogether. since building an f2 wide angle lens would require more glass and lens length which would mean a glass selling no lower than $1,300 maybe even up to $1,500.
so the point here is, if ever Pentax ever release a DA24/2, how many of us can afford it and how many are willing to get one for that price? my honest opinion tells me not even 1/4 of the total number of Pentax forum members will immediately jump and buy one. now, is it a sound investment for Pentax? I dont think so. basing from where Pentax is going and basing from the purchasing power of Pentax users and willing to pay for, it is most likely that Pentax would make a 24/2.8 which doesn't leave them at a loss, nor leave the Pentax consumers complaining on how expensive the lens would had been if it were an f2. is it possible to create a budget 24/2 ? this is highly doubtful judging by the type and number of optics concerned in making the lens. even making the lens a DAL plastic mount, no-quick-shift, non-WR lens won't make a significant price drop for a 24/2. it would probably drop or shed off $100, but it still worth over a $1,000.
so, any takers for a DA24/2 worth over $1,000?