The DA15 is renowned (some might say fabled, revered) for the starbursts it produces. The first samples from the upgraded lens seem to confirm that these starbursts have been minimised in line with intentions:

"2. Round-shaped diaphragm for beautiful out-of-focus rendition
All lenses feature a completely round-shaped diaphragm to optimize the performance of their distinctive optics. This diaphragm produces a natural, beautiful bokeh (out-of-focus) effect, while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources."

This development will be welcomed I am sure by a very small minority of DA15 enthusiasts.

Crappy ND filters are ok ........ for B&W. Blown highlights are the downer here for me.

For me the best macro is elegant simplicity, set the subject against a diffuse non-competing background, then focus on the nearest eye. Easier said than done though.

It seems they have managed to solve the tricky problem of the starbursts produced by the DA15.

The Pentax version of the Tokina 12-28 shouldn't be too long.

Maybe that's why the lenses have only had a change of clothes.

Nokia managed to lose about 95% of what it was worth. The future of Nokia depends on Microsoft, the future of MS could prove interesting too. it could easily go either way. Microsoft, Apple, Adobe .......... I wouldn't count on seeing those companies around forever. In fact it's pretty unlikely.

But I feel that the Pentax K3 is yet to play its trump card. I think it will be a barnstormer.

Every chance, I reckon Pentax has very good engineers who have been previously wrongly focused. It's a toughie but it absolutely depends on innovation. In the tech world a lack of constant, rapid innovation means a very prompt demise (Nokia, Blackberry). On the other hand determination to innovate pays dividends (Samsung). Hoya really shafted Pentax and it is not going to be easy for Ricoh to turn it around. Ricoh have been making noises about becoming a player and the K3 is the first chance to demonstrate that they are justified. Coming seven months or so after the D7100 is a very long time, so it needs that much extra.

I don't know, this seems very well thought out indeed to me, very innovative.

Pentax simply has to win substantial market share to prosper long term. I don't see it either, unless there is that ace up the sleeve and/or more innovative models to come and I hope there is/are.

I do think marketing wise then they are getting their act together. It's a shame that the PPG has both been dumbed down and neglected, since excellent images are a powerful marketing tool. But in other areas there is some welcome nouse that was always previously lacking.