| Latest Review Posted | SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.4 AL
This lens is Pentax's answer to Nikon bringing out the AF-S 35 F1.8 DX, I'm sure. But that being said, it's not a stock copy of the Nikon. Noticeably absent is built-in AF (which is a debatable plus, as it's quieter, but not faster, than Pentax's application), and a metal lens mount, though I'm sure the plastic will stand up to amateur use. Let's not mix the fish in the kettle; this lens is squarely aimed at those who would buy a K-r, K-x, K-m, etc. If you own a K5 or K7, you won't be disappointed at all with the lens, but the above sacrifices were no doubt made for cost reasons. Thus, what you get is the digital era's equivalent of Pentax's once standard kit lens, the 50/2. Cheap, cheerful, and effective.
I really don't think you can hold any of these complaints against the lens for the price point. I bought mine used, because I'm a lucky bugger, so I really can't complain, but even if you bought it in the shops, the complaints above are hardly enough to give you second thoughts. Keep in mind the Nikon to which I compared it to at the beginning of the article is just shy of $300, $100 more than the Pentax. Also, built in AF is more of a necessity than a luxury on Nikon's glass, because many of their cameras lack screw-drive couplings for the AF. And finally, a point in favor of any Pentax, you get image stabilization with this lens because Pentax insists on a body-based SR system. Compare that with the Nikon, which again at $100 more, makes you do without stabilization
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