[alfdog]

LBA is starting to creep its ugly head...

I sold my FA 50 a while ago, because I felt it was really only usable at f2.0

I have since gotten a FA 31, then a FA 77, I really like the limited primes, there's just something about the bokeh and rendering that is great.

So, I do think that a 1.4 lens would be nice in certain situations. I like SDM. I think the "look" of the DA55 with it's hood is just sexy. Weather proofing a plus. Sharpness across the frame, also a plus.

However, I do not think the bokeh of the DA 55 is that great. Maybe it's just me, but I've look at just about every example I can find online, and I'm just not in love with the bokeh I'm seeing from this lens.

So, FA 43... how can I go wrong with this lens? I'd have the whole limited set. Everyone raves about the 3D images it produces.

In terms of focal length, is 43 far enough from 31. Is the 55mm far enough from 77mm?

Should I just get both, lol

Also, not considering the Sigma, nice creaminess, but I'm put off by the onion bokeh and size and weight.

Currently I'm leaning towards the 43mm, but any input from other members who have experience with these lenses would be great.

Thanks,

Alfred

[Ira]

Pick me, teacher! I know! I know!

Both.

[Adam]

FA43 only. The DA has slower SDM-only AF and it will get to you.

[mz-3]

I sold both, and keep DA 40

[Eagle_Friends]

I sold both, and keep DA 40

Agreed

DA 40, most underrated lens in the DA lineup. The quality is superb.

[JHD]

The DA40 is the standard by which I judge all all other lenses. The quality a tantamount to challenge!

[Nick Siebers]

I am with you, mz-3, eagle, JHD. Love my DA40. Some here have dismissed it as worse than the FA43 at every aperture... I almost can't believe a lens could be better than my DA40. But I can't bring myself to drop $500 or more just to prove it. I have even been a little disappointed with the DA35, as it just doesn't quite seem to measure up.

alfdog - I don't think you can go wrong with either of those two, but I wonder if the DA55 is really that much of an upgrade over your old FA50.

[a a i b]

Pick me, teacher! I know! I know!

Both.

Heh. Not a bad answer.

The 43 is sharp-sharp, the 55 is dreamy-creamy.

[Ari]

Both. As Adam said, SDM is definitely slower on the DA*55, but beautiful rendering and bokeh. And 43 and 55 is far away enough from each other. And if you change your mind, you can always make me a good offer on the 43

[krypticide]

Love my 43mm, not sure about the 55mm. I don't care as much about sharpness as I care about the overall look of the image, but I haven't seen enough 55mm images to make a judgment.

[axl]

I'd get both.
In fact I'm planning to do so myself.
In my current line up I have 43/50/55/85. The gap between 43 and anything above 70 is too big IMO. And 55 makes excellent portrait lens on APSC. Not that 43 can't do portraits but 55 is better length (IMO).
If you want to have the best of both get 43ltd and 55*. If you want to save get 43ltd and K55.

[farfisa]

I'd get both. In fact, I did. They've both been my favourite lens at one time, along with the 77 (while the 31 is great, it's never been a favourite). The DA*55 is great for when the 77 is too long, and also has its own beautiful rendering.

Bokeh is better than the FA50. Just is. Colour, contrast, everything but size, but if you like the look of the DA*55, then that's one more reason!

I don't mind the focus speed at all. Trying it out in the store it might seem slow, but in use, going point to point is just fine.

Wide open, I can find issues with the bokeh from both--a lot of rings, if that's not your thing. Stopping down a stop and a bit they both shine. I don't know what images you've been looking at though.

For people I prefer the DA*55 as well--nicer colour for skin tones, and the extra focal length and speed helps.

But honestly, they're both fantastic, and they both could be your only lens and you'd be happy. Many times using either I've thought--do I really need all these other lenses?

The difference in focal length between the 31 and the 43 is pretty big in practice.

The DA40 is a great lens too, but if you're talking about f/2, you're probably not looking for an f/2.8 lens, eh?

[legacyb4]

And if Ari doesn't want the 55, you can make me a good offer on the 55 ;-)

And if you change your mind, you can always make me a good offer on the 43

[WerTicus]

I vote for DA limited, they just pwn.

You think 'naa too slow' but they just are perfection in every other way.

[ilya80]

FA43 fo sho