40mm limited versus 43mm limited - Page 2

augustmoon · 07-20-2008, 12:28 PM

I prefer the look of the FA43 for myself, and find it very well suited for work in the studio both with portraits and with some still life. The super sharp center with the nice OOF edges, work real well for me when I am looking for that look.

I have had both and kept the FA43 for the work I needed in that focal length. As a walk-around lens, I wanted something a little wider. But in the few months I had the DA40 (before going wider) it was my favorite walk-around lens.

It is small and focuses very very fast, and is a plus with the easy quick-shift focus feature.

The DA40 perhaps performs a little more predictably outdoors, with its absence of purple fringing, and its more even sharpness and sharper in the edges and corners at 2.8.

If I had to pick only one of these lenses for many different uses, I'd probably pick the DA40 (which I did until I got the FA43) and if I didn't need to go wider. If I had unlimited funds, I'd kept both. (which I didn't) I'd keep the FA43 for indoors and take the DA40 everywhere else. If they had made a DA30 Ltd. which was exactly like the DA40 Ltd (except for focal length), That'd been perfect.

I am sure I will get another DA40 one day when I have more money.

best

axl · 07-20-2008, 04:00 PM

I went for DA 40.
Never regreted it since, I think there is only one word to describe it:
PERFECT
especialy with it's price tag...

knyghtfall · 07-30-2008, 10:30 PM

Just to show the sharpness, colour and bokeh of the FA 43

Wide open at f1.9, no pp.

aruxaru · 07-31-2008, 08:15 PM

real stupid question... is the FOV the same for the DA and FA?

If so, why do some people mention that the focal length is easier to work with using the DA? surely 3mm can't make that big of a difference?

lastly... not to hijack the thread... but for a walkaround, would the Tamron 28-75 top these at their focal lengths?

Red · 07-31-2008, 09:54 PM

Love the 40mm. Never used the 43mm, so I can't compare or comment on "something special" quality folks attribute to it. I'm sure most would have no regrets with either.

But the 40mm has always delivered the goods.

*jsherman999* · 08-01-2008, 08:03 AM

.

I like the DA 40 for a couple reasons, one of which is that if focuses
quickly and allows you to capture moving/bobbing objects:

Also, it's sharpness kinda gets overlooked, but this is an extremely sharp lens.
I often print things at 8x10 and more, and one of the sharpest prints I've made if not
the sharpest has come from this lens. The image below, when printed large, is
stunningly sharp:

That being said, I think I've seen more 'wow' shots online from the 43 than the
40.

But you can get the 40 for ~$200 used, so it's one of those lenses you can talk
yourself into easily.

.

*falconeye* · 08-01-2008, 06:04 PM

The DA 40 is the perfect walk-around lens, and very sharp as well.
The FA 43 may have the sharpest center resolution of any K mount lens money can buy (as far as I know).

vindrum · 08-02-2008, 11:59 AM

you can try Voigtlander Ultron-the same construction as 43 and 40mm long.very interestig lens

legacyb4 · 09-26-2008, 12:32 PM

Wow, I'm so looking forward to strapping on my 43mm Ltd to my newly acquired used K10D (sitting at a friend's house right now). I was thinking maybe the 50mm f1.4 might be a nice addition but perhaps not!

legacyb4 · 09-26-2008, 12:34 PM

Nice shot. Love the bokeh too!

Originally Posted by knyghtfall

Just to show the sharpness, colour and bokeh of the FA 43

Wide open at f1.9, no pp.

dmjjr · 09-26-2008, 01:05 PM

Have all three "pancakes" wouldn't trade them for any other lenses. Just got the DA 70 which was $200 cheaper than the 77-that's almost enough to buy the DA 40.