Guess what has re-appeared in the WEX price list.

This is interesting, as although up to about 9 months ago, they had the Samsung version, the Pentax version has not be available new for a while.
Does this mean that Pentax are re-making it? or does it mean that Pentax have started shipping back to the UK again (like the FA 50mm)

Okay what lens are we talking about, well the 35mm F2!
link

Not cheap though, especially compared to the Sigma 30mm F1.4, but tempting nevertheless. Plus you can use it on film bodies unlike the Sigma.
With an EFOV of 52.5mm on the K10D and 54.25mm on the K20D/K7 it would be a great walkabout lens.


Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

I confirm it is a great walk about lens and much lighter than the Sigma which I also have.

I see prices are tumbling!....makes a change!

The FA 35 is undoubtedly a fabulous lens, but for its probable purpose (as a 'standard' walkabout) is it better than the DA 35 Macro Limited which is available for around the same price?

Smaller and lighter I believe. F2 is very useful. 35 macro gets the lens too close at 1:1 IMO, 50 is borderline but 35 must be very hard to manage.

Well, it's a lot easier to shoot macros with the DA35 than the FA, Mike! Makes the DA a convincing lens for nature rambles when you don't know what you might find.

The DA35 is supposed to be an 'optical paragon' with Zeiss-shaming sharpness. The FA has nicer bokeh from what I have seen.

I like bug macros shot with the 35 macro lens... gets you into their environment. And for non moving subjects, less of an issue. link

But I like the fact I could use the FA on my film camera, and always aim for 'crossover' if possible.

Aarghhh.. curse you, Pentax

Nice to see it back again (that will probably start rumours of an imminent FF pentax!)but it's a shame it's twice as much as you could have bought it for a year ago. I think the DA 35 is a better choice for this K20 user. But I can't bring myself to buy it for £450 ish when it was £289 a year ago.....and I already have the DA40.

The DA35 rocks and for macros is amazing. Does everything from right up close to wonderful landscapes. Anyone who wants only one lens should buy it immediately.

Don't forget the Samsung version is nearly half the price and the same lens. Clicky link

I know the Pentax name is special but a saving of £200+ has to be looked at!

erm, £149?! And its the same as the DA-35?

Ooh, now that is tempting... if its still at that price when I get home I might have a moment of weakness...
(not letting my credit card anywhere near these dodgy corporate PCs with IE6!)

NO! not same as DA35. It's the same as the FA35, which is a great lens (see the review on Photozone), but I think people who've used both reckon the DA Ltd is even better.

Thanks for the link HG That's too good a price for a 35mm f/2 to miss ... just hoping they can actually deliver it
(EDIT: You'll probably have to hurry up Flossie )
Matt

It now says product unavailable!

oh well... easy come easy go

Too late for the Samsung from Dixons/currys!

It's now sold out...