should I get a DA*55 or a FA 43?

safari · 04-09-2009, 07:29 AM

neither of my DA40, DA* 16-50 and 50-135 can generate as good pictures as FA 50/1.4 does. I also have a 31 and 77 (black), 31 is my favorite, and i use it a lot. as for 77, it's another favorite, but has been put in the box for more than a year. should I get a 43 ltd, to complete the FA ltd fleet, or get a brand new DA* standard lens? btw, the local dealers here in beijing city of china are selling them with similar price tags -- 43ltd black brand new for 3180 CNY (464 USD) , & DA* 55 for 3760 CNY (549 USD), or should I exchage my 77 w/ a new *55? (they're sold as exactly the same price)

thanks

*nulla* · 04-09-2009, 07:46 AM

I would go for the latter... it really does get down to usage in my opinion. Its great to have stellar lenses like the 77 limited, but if its been in the bag so long what use is it to your style of shooting.

Neil

**roentarre** · 04-09-2009, 07:48 AM

I would get both.

Currently I am strugling financially. This is why I hold off my LBA

Fa 43mm ltd is a very good performer though. Not so great bokeh but the subject colour and contrast usually pops. The sharpness are very good in a way that turns the images a little crispy

Fa 43mm ltd image gallery

Cheers

safari · 04-09-2009, 07:55 AM

thank you guys

& the gallery is really impressive.

WerTicus · 04-09-2009, 09:04 AM

from what i've seen the da 55 isnt as good as the fa 50 so... no

*farfisa* · 04-09-2009, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by safari

neither of my DA40, DA* 16-50 and 50-135 can generate as good pictures as FA 50/1.4 does. I also have a 31 and 77 (black), 31 is my favorite, and i use it a lot. as for 77, it's another favorite, but has been put in the box for more than a year. should I get a 43 ltd, to complete the FA ltd fleet, or get a brand new DA* standard lens? btw, the local dealers here in beijing city of china are selling them with similar price tags -- 43ltd black brand new for 3180 CNY (464 USD) , & DA* 55 for 3760 CNY (549 USD), or should I exchage my 77 w/ a new *55? (they're sold as exactly the same price)

thanks

I don't think completing the fleet should be a priority if you're not really using the 77

I agree with roentarre's comments. I love the 43 for its focal length, size and sharpness, but it's no 31 (or 77 for that matter) in the bokeh dept. And since you have the 40, it doesn't sound like you need a small prime at that focal length!

I can't tell from your post if you have the FA 50/1.4, but the DA*55 is a bit sharper and more contrasty wide open, and the weather sealing is a nice bonus and the SDM is very silent.

If you can find somebody to swap a 55 for your 77, you might as well!