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audiobomber · 05-16-2010, 08:31 AM

I bought the DA 40 strictly for its size. I already had an FA 35 and FA 50, so the FL was not a factor, nor was IQ which is great in all three.

The size of the K-x cries out for a pancake lens, and the the excellent high ISO performance makes up for the 40mm's marginal 2.8 aperture. I convinced myself that having all three lenses made sense because I keep the FA's in the main kit with the K20 and the 40mm stays with the K-x and DA 18-250. I chose the 40mm over the other DA Limited pancakes for its all-purpose focal length. In retrospect, it was the right choice.

I had had the DA 40 in online shopping carts on several occasions, but I never closed the deal because of some other priority. I pulled the trigger finally because of the Pentax Canada rebate had just ended and I had lost my opportunity. Then I saw Don's Photo was still advertising $350. I figured I'd never see that price again, so I bit.

Adam · 05-16-2010, 12:59 PM

Originally posted by WerTicus

I do love my DA 70 to bits... tempted to get the 40 even though i dont really care for the focal length.

How's this for DOF and sharpness motivation:

dgaies · 05-16-2010, 02:34 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Its reviews have been read 41,305 times- that's several thousand more than those of the DA* 50-135mm, which I think is next in line.

Total speculation, but perhaps part of why the DA40 review has been read the most is because if you are reading reviews in an effort to try and decide what lens to buy, there's a good chance you'd read the DA40 review if you were also considering an FA35, DA35, FA43, FA50 (all popular lenses as well). The DA40 kind of sits in the sweet spot of focal lengths (and is pretty well priced) such that it would be a likely candidate when comparing against any of the mentioned lenses.

JHD · 05-16-2010, 03:12 PM

Originally posted by dgaies

Total speculation, but perhaps part of why the DA40 review has been read the most is...

There isn't anything quite like it. Out of all my lenses...

Sigma 10~20
Sigma 17~70
Sigma 30 1.4 forthcoming
DA 40 Limited
FA 50 1.4
Tamron 90 2.8
DA 55~300

the DA 40 is the one I am most fond of.

JHD · 05-16-2010, 03:23 PM - **1 Like**

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**Digitalis** · 05-16-2010, 05:14 PM

Originally posted by Adam

that is some impressive bokeh there, no double lining anywhere.That kind of background is murder on some lenses.

dgaies · 05-16-2010, 05:23 PM

Originally posted by JHD

There isn't anything quite like it. Out of all my lenses...

the DA 40 is the one I am most fond of.

I agree the DA40 is a fantastic lens, especially for its size and cost. I actually recently sold my DA40 after I bought the FA43 and have already have a few second thoughts about that decision.

Adam · 05-16-2010, 09:40 PM

Originally posted by Digitalis

that is some impressive bokeh there, no double lining anywhere.That kind of background is murder on some lenses.

Yeah, I was quite impressed myself, especially considering that this was just a snapshot. It was among the first photos I took with the lens, using the *ist DS2.

legacyb4 · 05-16-2010, 09:51 PM

I grabbed my copy as well when the prices were a little friendlier.

What I like about the DA 40mm is the ability to focus a little closer than its siblings (the 43mm and 50mm) which gives some nice results shooting close up and a little wider.

Originally posted by audiobomber

I had had the DA 40 in online shopping carts on several occasions, but I never closed the deal because of some other priority. I pulled the trigger finally because of the Pentax Canada rebate had just ended and I had lost my opportunity. Then I saw Don's Photo was still advertising $350. I figured I'd never see that price again, so I bit.

Eagle_Friends · 05-16-2010, 11:54 PM

Originally posted by JHD

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simply beautiful!

audiobomber · 05-17-2010, 04:45 AM

Originally posted by legacyb4

I grabbed my copy as well when the prices were a little friendlier.

What I like about the DA 40mm is the ability to focus a little closer than its siblings (the 43mm and 50mm) which gives some nice results shooting close up and a little wider.

I remember just over a year ago seeing it advertised for $214.

Which 50mm do you mean? The FA 50mm 1.4 has slightly better magnification (.15 vs .13X). I'm a bit frustrated with the inability to focus on a single blossom, but adding a Raynox 250 fixes it.

yeatzee · 05-17-2010, 07:39 AM

Originally posted by audiobomber

I remember just over a year ago seeing it advertised for $214.

Which 50mm do you mean? The FA 50mm 1.4 has slightly better magnification (.15 vs .13X). I'm a bit frustrated with the inability to focus on a single blossom, but adding a Raynox 250 fixes it.

And nowadays you can't even find a used one for $300!

WerTicus · 05-17-2010, 08:10 AM

i just sold my FA 50 to fund a Sigma 50mm

got $350, which is pretty good for me :P

tangus · 05-17-2010, 01:28 PM

DA 15 limited is becoming more and more popular, too. Many pentaxians are in urgent need of compact-size wide angle.

cardinal43 · 05-17-2010, 03:55 PM

Originally posted by KjetilH

My DA40s SN is 0000662.
Chose it after finding f/2.8 a decent speed, and 50mm too narrow, and other primes too pricey. Bought it used from a long-time Pentax user a couple of years ago.

I'm right behind you guys. Mine is #0018799.

IIRC, I paid $325 last November.

05-16-2010, 12:59 PM	#17
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608 Original Poster	Originally posted by WerTicus I do love my DA 70 to bits... tempted to get the 40 even though i dont really care for the focal length. How's this for DOF and sharpness motivation: Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

05-16-2010, 03:23 PM - 1 Like	#20
JHD Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,406	CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE FULL SIZE CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE FULL SIZE Uploaded with ImageShack.us Last edited by JHD; 05-16-2010 at 05:26 PM.

05-16-2010, 09:40 PM	#23
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608 Original Poster	Originally posted by Digitalis that is some impressive bokeh there, no double lining anywhere.That kind of background is murder on some lenses. Yeah, I was quite impressed myself, especially considering that this was just a snapshot. It was among the first photos I took with the lens, using the ist DS2. Adam* PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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05-16-2010, 08:31 AM	#16
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	I bought the DA 40 strictly for its size. I already had an FA 35 and FA 50, so the FL was not a factor, nor was IQ which is great in all three. The size of the K-x cries out for a pancake lens, and the the excellent high ISO performance makes up for the 40mm's marginal 2.8 aperture. I convinced myself that having all three lenses made sense because I keep the FA's in the main kit with the K20 and the 40mm stays with the K-x and DA 18-250. I chose the 40mm over the other DA Limited pancakes for its all-purpose focal length. In retrospect, it was the right choice. I had had the DA 40 in online shopping carts on several occasions, but I never closed the deal because of some other priority. I pulled the trigger finally because of the Pentax Canada rebate had just ended and I had lost my opportunity. Then I saw Don's Photo was still advertising $350. I figured I'd never see that price again, so I bit.

05-16-2010, 02:34 PM	#18
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by Adam Its reviews have been read 41,305 times- that's several thousand more than those of the DA* 50-135mm, which I think is next in line. Total speculation, but perhaps part of why the DA40 review has been read the most is because if you are reading reviews in an effort to try and decide what lens to buy, there's a good chance you'd read the DA40 review if you were also considering an FA35, DA35, FA43, FA50 (all popular lenses as well). The DA40 kind of sits in the sweet spot of focal lengths (and is pretty well priced) such that it would be a likely candidate when comparing against any of the mentioned lenses.

05-16-2010, 03:12 PM	#19
JHD Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,406	Originally posted by dgaies Total speculation, but perhaps part of why the DA40 review has been read the most is... There isn't anything quite like it. Out of all my lenses... Sigma 10~20 Sigma 17~70 Sigma 30 1.4 forthcoming DA 40 Limited FA 50 1.4 Tamron 90 2.8 DA 55~300 the DA 40 is the one I am most fond of.

05-16-2010, 05:14 PM	#21
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by Adam that is some impressive bokeh there, no double lining anywhere.That kind of background is murder on some lenses.

05-16-2010, 05:23 PM	#22
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by JHD There isn't anything quite like it. Out of all my lenses... the DA 40 is the one I am most fond of. I agree the DA40 is a fantastic lens, especially for its size and cost. I actually recently sold my DA40 after I bought the FA43 and have already have a few second thoughts about that decision.

05-16-2010, 09:51 PM	#24
legacyb4 Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tri-Cities, British Columbia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,784	I grabbed my copy as well when the prices were a little friendlier. What I like about the DA 40mm is the ability to focus a little closer than its siblings (the 43mm and 50mm) which gives some nice results shooting close up and a little wider. Originally posted by audiobomber I had had the DA 40 in online shopping carts on several occasions, but I never closed the deal because of some other priority. I pulled the trigger finally because of the Pentax Canada rebate had just ended and I had lost my opportunity. Then I saw Don's Photo was still advertising $350. I figured I'd never see that price again, so I bit.

05-16-2010, 11:54 PM	#25
Eagle_Friends Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 971	Originally posted by JHD CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE FULL SIZE CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE FULL SIZE Uploaded with ImageShack.us simply beautiful!

05-17-2010, 04:45 AM	#26
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by legacyb4 I grabbed my copy as well when the prices were a little friendlier. What I like about the DA 40mm is the ability to focus a little closer than its siblings (the 43mm and 50mm) which gives some nice results shooting close up and a little wider. I remember just over a year ago seeing it advertised for $214. Which 50mm do you mean? The FA 50mm 1.4 has slightly better magnification (.15 vs .13X). I'm a bit frustrated with the inability to focus on a single blossom, but adding a Raynox 250 fixes it.

05-17-2010, 07:39 AM	#27
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675	Originally posted by audiobomber I remember just over a year ago seeing it advertised for $214. Which 50mm do you mean? The FA 50mm 1.4 has slightly better magnification (.15 vs .13X). I'm a bit frustrated with the inability to focus on a single blossom, but adding a Raynox 250 fixes it. And nowadays you can't even find a used one for $300!

05-17-2010, 08:10 AM	#28
WerTicus Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Perth Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 1,514	i just sold my FA 50 to fund a Sigma 50mm got $350, which is pretty good for me :P

05-17-2010, 01:28 PM	#29
tangus Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Pennsylvania, US Posts: 106	DA 15 limited is becoming more and more popular, too. Many pentaxians are in urgent need of compact-size wide angle.

05-17-2010, 03:55 PM	#30
cardinal43 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,412	Originally posted by KjetilH My DA40s SN is 0000662. Chose it after finding f/2.8 a decent speed, and 50mm too narrow, and other primes too pricey. Bought it used from a long-time Pentax user a couple of years ago. I'm right behind you guys. Mine is #0018799. IIRC, I paid $325 last November.

DA pancake - most popular lens?

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