I have the original tests in front of me. Fotomagazin tested the FA20-35 in August 1999. It was tested at 20, 26 and 35mm focal length, and at the apertures f4 and f8. The FA*24/f2 was tested at f2 and f8 in 1992. So the test results are hardly comparable. FotoMagzine gives curves for "Sch�rfe" (sharpness) and "Brillianz". At f8 the curves for the FA*24/f2 are slightly higher (better) than those of the FA20-35 at either 20 or 26mm, however, the testing method may have changed. BTW: The optics of the FA*24/f2 gets verdict of 8.8 for optics and 9.0 (out of 10) for mechanics, whereas the FA20-35 gets 9.6 for optics and 9.0 for mechanics. I think it is ridiculous to put these two lenses in the same league meachnically. My conclusion is that Fotomagazin verdicts and "supers" (the FA20-35 got one, the FA*24/f2 did not) are very questionable. The curves themselves tell more..I think you are right. SMC-FA 20-35/4 is very good lens. According to prestigeuos German's magazine "Foto Magazin" this is one of the best super wide angle zooms on the market, superceded only by Nikkor 17-28/2.8. It has grade 9.6 (of 10) for optical performance and 9.0 for build quality. FA* 24/2 had only 9.0 for opticals, and 9.6 (as I remember) for mechanics!
Arnold
