it's nothing to do with aspherical elements. it has more to do with exotic glass, although not all * lenses have exotic glass either. the FA* 24/2 has no exotic glass but has aspherical elements. the FA* 400/5.6 has exotic glass but no aspherical elements. the DA 16-45 has both exotic glass and aspherical elements, but no *. the * is a statement of design and build quality, and sometimes maximum lens aperture. the * also has nothing to do with compactness anymore, since the A* 400/2.8 and its near siblings not small for their design.
Herb... ----- Original Message ----- From: "Steve Jolly" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 2004 10:55 AM Subject: Re: The meaning of letters in lens names? > I thought it implied the use of at least one aspherical element?
