Agreed, as it might be somewhat larger and/or heavier than the Pentax XS 40mm

The Sigma 24-70 f2.8... Optically one incredible lens, try to find a zoom lens that is better in PK. The second best thing about the lens is the constant aperture throughout the zoom range. Add to that, it's a full-frame lens; so if one ever does elect to eventually advance to Pentax full-frame this lens will use the full camera body capability (still) matched to the lens. Outside of lack of weather resistance; it's one incredibly durable lenses. I've bumped that lens around considerably, well beyond what almost any lens should be able to take. It's also keeps up perfectly in most any temperature range, more so than any camera body it's attached to.

The downsides to the lens, the overall size of both length and width, the weight of the lens, and also the 82mm front filter thread. It's a shame to place most any filter on the front of such an optical zoom master, but wait to see the cost of some of those filters in that size range.

The only other downside, wishing it was some form of WR. Unfortunately this variation does not YET have that. Several Sigma insiders have already unofficially hinted that IF their existing Sigma WR glass takes off well that they will be expanding it to future lenses.

The Sigma 24-70 is by far one of my favorite production lenses; outside of the ones which do not have WR

All about marketing and also getting the product onto the shelves.

While doing work throughout Asia recently I noticed Pentax being marketed in one smaller city more than it is marketed throughout all of Europe. Could not also help but notice both Pentax camera bodies and an incredible variety of PK glass that was available at a variety of locations (for people actually to test out and even touch the real product). Not unusual to find many stores there that have 50+ PK glass in stock. If you don't see what you want they will have it in your hands ready to try out in two days.

Think of it this way... Companies such as Lenovo and HP make up a majority of PC sales. Why? Because of both marketing and product placement.

But when was the last time that the average consumer also heard of a 12 core laptop, or could find one of those at their local store?

I've done both the Pentax K5 with and without grip and also two versions of the Pentax K3 with grip. But to first clearly point out... The Pentax K3 is able to easily deal with weather, sand, and even extreme cold - better than any Pentax I've ever owned. It almost makes me want to look forward to what the Pentax full-frame will be like.

Just how well? That the Pentax K3 deals with the weather considerably better than even ANY Nikon on the market, but... That is also without factoring in such items such as batteries which can be carrier remotely from the camera - such as tethered batteries which allow the batteries to remain warm in something such as a jacket - away from the camera.

Just this week I completely tested out my Pentax K3 with all of the current WR lenses (except the 560) to a temperature below negative 30 Celsius. Was able to still capture pictures quite effectively. Can't make those statements about Nikon products outside of their camera bodies, because very few of their lenses offer ANY type of WR. Hint, hint marketing department, as this is something that should clearly be shown when releasing the full-frame soon.

As for that "noticed K-5 issue... I personally have never noticed anything like it with any digital Pentax dslr, except... That as with any digital camera, one should use precaution when changing out memory cards in very rare static conditions

I still use my Pentax K-01 on a regular basis. Like any other camera it has it's strong points and weaknesses, but... Even to this date, Pentax does not make a better digital camera with interchangeable lenses that does better for video.

Just how good?

That the Pentax K-01 does better at video than the much more updated Pentax K3, even the most recent Pentax bodies, even the Pentax medium format.

So good at video, I wouldn't mind even purchasing a second brand new Pentax K-01 if they were available new

[quote][Whats wrong the 35mm DA L F2.4? Its an excellent lens for the price and quite a simple lens so not much to go wrong I would have thought./quote]

Actually not a single item wrong with the DA 35mm. It's relatively small and lightweight in it's lens class, and the price is quite outstanding. It's above average optically, even for a fixed focal length.

But there's also some irony... That this DA 35 and most every single other PK lens is considerably more reliable than something costing many times more - the 16-50

Quite incorrect perspective. Pentaxian

I've had the Pentax 16-50 since day number one when it was released. The first one did not last even six months of casual use before needing complete replacement. got the second replacement Pentax 16-50; it lasted less than one year.

Now reacquired a third copy just recently. It has already shown many issues. It's about on par for quality and reliability (but the 16-50 still being worse than) with the Pentax 35mm DA L F2.4. Even the Rokinons are better, darn even the Mitakon, except they don't have the locking aperture,

To conclude, I've had nothing but bad experiences with the Pentax 16-50. I'm certainly not alone on that one,

The Pentax 16-50 (Sudden Death Motor, SDM) is simply not a reliable lens. One could never rely on having that lens without having a back up.

Quite sad really. That one would actually have the genuine need for a secondary lens in case of failure of the Pentax 16-50. That 16-50 is by far one of the worst examples of PK ever made; nothing comes close. I'd even settle for any of the entry level lenses before wanting or needing to use the 16-50

I've seen many personal examples of the Pentax 16-50 needing to be repaired more than once within two years of non professional use

Compare the design of the new Tokina to a design that's been out for a while; the Sigma 24-80 f2.8

The Sigma has a slightly longer reach in higher end focal length, the constant aperture, and also full frame. The best thing about the Sigma is the considerably better optics. Scratch that, the best optics of any PK zoom presently on the market

The Sigma 24-70 f2.8 remains as one of the best PK zooms ever made; also a full-frame lens.

It will be interesting to see if Zeiss ever brings back some of it's PK. The Schneider (currently highest priced PK) tilt and shift will become considerably more appealing for full-frame. I'll still end up using it on the Pentax non full-frame whenever the lens becomes available though

Let me give some examples...

Schneider-Kreuznach would have not even bothered to release (their yet to be released is more like it) their new full frame tilt & shift which is also the highest priced current Pentax PK lens on the market - had they not received some sort of advance word on the upcoming Pentax full-frame,

As for Sigma... It's still a bit up in the air. I'm sure they will be watching the numbers on the two soon to be released full-frame lenses and also Pentax full-frame camera body sales. Sigma will most definitely be bringing their one single WR lens over to Pentax quite soon. Hopefully there will be much more coming from Sigma