K10D - newbie question regarding lenses.

I believe that many of the FA series lenses are optically identical to their F series predecessors, just repackaged in a newer style body, that's all (wouldn't we all like to be able to do that?).

The repackaging trend continues today. The DA* 200mm is allegedly the FA 200mm with a new body and some extra electronics/mechanics to handle the lack of an aperture ring on the DA* range, and maybe different lens coatings.

I've got two grand children so I'm getting used to chasing kids around the floor again. One thing I like about the K10D, which I haven't seen mentioned so far in this thread, is Catch in Focus, which is a godsend when used with manual lenses (often cheaply available off ebay/charity shops etc -- don't be put off by M42 lenses, cheap adapters are available)

https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/catch-in-focus--9499/p-0#comm_85589

regards
Bernard

Goodoh, pity you are 12,000 miles away, you could borrow my FA50/1.4 til you get sorted

Pete

Hiya
Just as an update for this, my Grandmother gave me my christmas present early too so I now actually have enough money for the new 1.8 lens that is coming out :jumpsupanddownwithexcitement:

However can someone point me in the direction of any reviews or any comparisons between the new smc PENTAX-DA 50mm f/1.8 that is coming out and my other (cheaper) choice the PENTAX-F 50mm f/1.7?

I know one is obviously new and the other discontinued and the 1.7/1.8 aspect however are there going to be any other distinct differences? Im especially interested in the bokeh affects, build quality and just what people's opinions are please. I cant seem to find any pre release photographs taken with the new lens to actually see what any look like.

Thank you once again