The switch on the body retracts the focus pin that operates the KAF lenses. These new lenses have internal focus mechanisms that are electrically driven by the K10D. The AF/MF switch on the lens will almost certainly be for that - i.e. when in full KAF2 mode.

I wonder if these lenses will also have the regular body-driven focus to provide backward compatibility with all Pentax bodies? Probably, knowing Pentax

Matt

George,
LOL! I'm merely putting forward the argument that I'll need myself when these beauties come out
Matt

In that case the lens diet is still valid
One in, several out is a diet in my books

Matt

Wow! Thanks for the link Barry!
Notice that these are all internal focus and Star lenses
Oooh, I can't wait (except, perhaps for the price!)

...but then they are slated for March 2007 and beyond, so it looks like a little wait is necessary.

Matt

First, welcome to the forums

There's plenty of choice

If you want manual focus, then I would suggest choosing the "A" series lenses (they have an "A" setting on the aperture ring). They're much easier to use with the DSLRs.

A good start for a prime is the SMC-A 50mm/f1.7
You should be able to pick one up for very little money, and it'll be lovely and sharp
The SMC-A 50mm/f1.4 is a lovely lens, but will be around £90.

Of course, you can use the SMC-F and SMC-FA series autofocus lenses, but the primes will usually start around £60 and go up.

It might be best to describe what you want to do so we can make a more specific recommendation?

Matt

Brian,
Looks a great shot! Even at 6Mp
Should do well as a stock image
Matt

Looks like Aysgarth Falls to me... and looks like you had a good time too
Matt

Barry here are some links to shots from the 80-320:

Handheld:
http://www.ephotozine.com/gallery/showlargepic.cfm?photoid=284608
http://www.ephotozine.com/gallery/showlargepic.cfm?photoid=263110

Monopod:
http://www.ephotozine.com/gallery/showlargepic.cfm?photoid=294710
http://www.ephotozine.com/gallery/showlargepic.cfm?photoid=298080
http://www.ephotozine.com/gallery/showlargepic.cfm?photoid=343556

With 1.7x AF on Manfrotto tripod:
http://www.ephotozine.com/gallery/showlargepic.cfm?photoid=447534

As for recommendations, let's say I wouldn't get rid of the 80-320
Matt

Barry,
The crop factor is 1.5x on the Pentax (not 1.6 as on Canons)
So that's 120-480 effective.
I have used it hand held, but it's tricky, especially at the telephoto end! I would say brace it very well. Generally, though, I use a monopod (Manfrotto carbon fibre) and don't have a problem at all with that
Matt

The SMC-FA 80-320 is a fine lens, IMO. I used to have a Sigma 70-300 which just gave "neurgh" (for want of a real word!) images The 80-320 has very good contrast and colour.
Occassionally the images need a little bit more contrast added, but that's easily fixed in PS. I snapped up a mint one at Jessops for £90.
I've even used it with the Pentax 1.7x AF convertor - one shot that I entered into a local competition was a runner up

Hope that helps!
Matt