Pentax smc DFA 50mm f/2.8 Macro

Is the Pentax smc DFA 50mm f/2.8 Macro 50mm lens from Pentax dated compared to other more modern designs…?

The Pentax smc DFA 50mm f/2.8 Macro lens is reasonably chunky and sports a functional look – the manual focus ring is relatively large, with fine grooves spaced quite widely apart and there’s a decent-sized focus distance indicator screen with a reproduction ratio guide running from 1:25 to 1:1. On the side of the lens barrel, you’ll find a clamp switch that locks the AF in place when turned to the On position; this holds the focus in place when composing your shot.
The finish is predominantly plastic and the whole thing weighs in at 265g – two factors which don’t quite match the fairly steep price tag. It’s also quite noisy with no motor to reduce AF noise, so you’ll be greeted by some loud whirrs and buzzes as it focuses.
The manual focus ring is weighted fairly well, offering good levels of control, though it’s not quite as refined as some, while the front element does protrude quite a way from the lens during close focusing.