----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul Stenquist" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Then you will never buy another new Pentax lens. Pity, they're very good.
According to Pentax interviews awhile back there will be more D FA lenses (they have aperture rings). In fact, it was clearly stated that the number of DA lenses would be limited in number and in focal lenght range. They would not be longer than medium telephotos and also limited to lenses were a reduced image circle give significant savings in cost. For fast prime lenses and long telephotos the gain in reducing image circle is small and doing it reduces the market potential for the lenses as they cannot be used on film bodies or future full frame bodies. Also note that Pentax D FA formula reduce the problems at corners with full frame sensors according to press material. The DA Limited are DA lenses because it makes it possible to make them pancake lenses; theres no room for an aperture ring. Pentax have concentrated on DA lenses at present becasue they make the most sense in light of the cameras they are selling now. However, the professional FA* aren't yet replaced and the regular FA lenses are replaced by D FA lenses. The D FA 50-200/4 or 2.8 lens is postponed to 2007. The roadmap is only for this year. Having an aperture ring gives chioces in how to operate the camera. Also it makes the awful mode switches redundant.
Pål
