Ok, so despite vowing not to buy this lens, I ended up placing an order last Friday at B&H and got the lens today.
First impressions: the damn thing is large! I mean large compared to the diminutive Leica M lenses I have been using. Makes me appreciate my little M lens babies so much more! This lens will sure attract attention.
Focus in low light was not bad at all and always locked on. MF focus ring ok and quite usable. Build seems good. The el-cheapo vinyl "case" that Sony included is a shame, but then I am not paying Leica prices, so probably fine. Be careful when taking the lens out from the vinyl case - the way it is packed, hood on top and lens at the bottom, it almost slipped from my hands - I thought I had it firmly in my grasp, but I was only holding the hood and the lens was perched precariously on it...**phew**
Shots to follow tomorrow in daylight, weather permitting. If it works well from 30mm-60mm then I am blessed.
- Eeraj