Peter, Good question.
I don't own a -FA 24/2, and so the SPLOSdb (!) rating for this lens is based on my interpretation of other users' comments in the 'primary' and 'secondary' references cited in the SPLOSdc docs (which includes the one that you quote). I'll be happy to change the rating of any particular lens, but I have to be convinced first. If you're thinking of getting a fast 24mm lens, and autofocus is desirable but not required, then I suggest you should consider buying a used -FA 24/2, Vivitar 24/2, or Kiron 24/2. You can resell it later if you're not happy. I have a Vivitar 24/2 and you may notice that it is not included in my 'for sale' list (neither is the 18/3.5, even though it is on the current list). On a more general theme, anybody considering the SPLOSdb quality ratings should keep the following points in mind: - the ratings are most useful for comparing lenses with the same focal length (or very similar ranges for zooms) - 24mm and 28mm are very different. It is possible (but not likely) that the 'best' 28mm is more exceptional than the 'best' 24mm, but that won't necessarily affect the ratings of the 24's, nor of the 28's. - any particular comment you find online (or anywhere else) is usually based on an individual's experience with a single lens, and so it is difficult to assess how manufacturing quality control or past care and handling of a lens may affect its performance and the user's satisfaction. - one person's problem with 'soft' may be another's bourgeois concept. - "One bad apple don't spoil the whole bunch, girl" (George Jackson). Jim www.jcolwell.ca P.S. my original rating for the -FA 24/2 was (!!) - I then decided to limit the number of (!!)'s, and so it was demoted to (!). P.P.S. I'd like to compare the -FA 24/2 with a Canon EF 24/2.8 (which I do have) does anybody have both ? BTW I think 24mm is waaay better than 28mm - any takers ?
