French magazine "Réponses Photo" in their article about the PMA calls Pentax "the outsider on the way up ... who'll benefit no doubt from Konica-Minolta's retreat".
German "fotomagazin" - not exactly known for its bias towards Pentax products - has an elaborate test of 14 mm wideangle lenses in this month's issue. They've compared the following lenses: Canon EF 2.8/14 mm L USM, AF-Nikkor 2.8/14 mm D ED, Pentax DA 2.8/14 mm ED, and Tamron SP 2.8/14 mm asph. IF. The result is a most pleasant surprise: lens optical mechanical Canon 67 % 90 % Nikon 77 % 90 % Pentax 89 % 89 % Tamron 69 % 88 % Here their comments on the Pentax lens: "Optics: For an extreme wide-angle, this digital lens shows fabulous results. Distorsion is phantastically low for this opening angle - a must for architecture and landscape photography. The high vignetting at full opening is inevitable for a lens of this focal length. Two stops down it's comparatively good to very good. Mechanics: Professional lens for DSLR's with a very solid metal construction. Very good handling. Lens hood with cut-out for easy filter control. Very good close-focussing capability. Overall: An excellent match for Pentax DSLR's and a clear statement in favour of prime lenses." Criticism of the other lenses points out strong vignetting (Nikon and Tamron) as well as mediocre resolution with full-format sensors (Canon). Just thought I'd let you know. Ralf -- Ralf R. Radermacher - DL9KCG - Köln/Cologne, Germany private homepage: http://www.fotoralf.de manual cameras and photo galleries - updated Jan. 10, 2005 Contarex - Kiev 60 - Horizon 202 - P6 mount lenses
