I'm reasonably sure it was an f1.4 lens. It was supposed to be a "direct" replacement for the FA50 f1.4 for 35mm film SLR's, hence the f1.4 and the 30mm focal length.

When the DA*30 f1.4 disappeared from the lens road map, the teleconverter disappeared too. I don't know why.

I am sure that if the DA*30 f1.4 has IQ like the DA*55 f1.4, then I will be getting it.

DA*35? Are you referring to the DA*30 f1.4 that was shelved? If it can replicate the IQ of the DA*55, then I am sure we would all be very happy.

Beautiful photo of a beautiful girl. I know there are a few criticisms, but to me, a photo can look too perfect, so a few minor issues make the photo look better IMO.

Great shot!!

I purchased the DA*55 about 6 months ago. Actually, Richard Day purchased it for me in the UK and shiiped it out to me because at that time the lens prices over there were cheaper than Australia!

Anyway, it was only recently that I decided to give this lens a workout and boy, I was not disappointed, this lens will end up being considered a classic. It is super sharp, has excellent bokeh, colour and contrast, it has that 3D look and excellent build quality. Yes, it may be a gnats slower to focus, but that is because the focus throw is longer due to the fact that it is an f1.4 lens and therefore requires accurate focusability. Give me accuracy over speed any day.

Have a look at my DA*55 gallery and look at the flowers, they exhibit wonderful 3D look as well as superb overall IQ. I am not posting examples here as Pentax USer reduces them down from their original 1,200pixel width which ruins the resolution and their impact. Better to look at my gallery.

http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/da55

Superb lens in anyone's language with exemplary IQ and worth every penny.

Look at my DA*60-250 f4 images below for confirmation. I have not posted the images here because they are 1,200pixels wide and when they are downsized here to 800 pixels, there is resolution loss. Better to see them in a bigger version:
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/da60_250

Pay particular attention to these images:

http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/113910488


and a crop of it which has no sharpening applied:

http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/113910489

Also look at this gallery which has quite a few 60-250 shots in it. The tiger photo is taken with the DA*60-250:
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/taronga_zoo_280609

Also these galleries as well has some 60-250 shots in it:
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/k7

http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/taronga_zoo_oct2009

All images should have the lens used listed underneath the image.

I think you've summed it up admirably, John.

I was not advocating using the lens wide open, but stopped down a few stops, as is best to do with any lens, to begin to get the best out of it.

Thank you for your kind appraisal, Andrew.

The problem here is also of a little bit of reduction issue with Pentax User reducing the images from their original 1000 pixel width to the small 800pixel width and thus taking the edge off their sharpness as they do look sharper on my PBase site.

Having said that, the dreamy look to the bokeh at the very wide apertures can be used in some instances for a particular effect that may be required. On the shot of the fragapani at f1.2, the DOF is only about 5mm, so there is very little of that shot that actually is in focus!

Here is a shot from the A50/1.2 @ f5:




And one at f6.3




A crop:




Again, the two landscape shots are at 1024 pixel width so suffer somewhat from the reduction of Pentax User forum. The vertical image is ok as it is a 800pixel high shot.

Very nice shot, John. Clean and crisp and nice composition.

Amazing photos!