[RickyFromVegas]

When I saw this post, there were still 3 available for $245.
I did tell you to get it asap, didn't I?

[altovintner]

When I saw this post, there were still 3 available for $245.
I did tell you to get it asap, didn't I?

Yes, indeed you did! I have failed. Failed! Please forgive me.

[RickyFromVegas]

Browse through buy/sell section of this forum. They occasionally have da40 for sale around $300.

It really is worth it in my opinion, even at a full price.

[miltona580]

It's still available on Buy.com at the 245 price.

[DogLover]

I prefer the FA43 to the DA40, but at $245, I'd say get the 40. Regarding the FA31, it is obviously one of the most (actually, the most) sought after lens in the Pentax line-up, you just have to decide if you're willing to pony up for a lens like that. Don't discount the Sigma 30, though. I had one and really liked it. Wish I still had it.

[axl]

If you still can get DA40 for 245 then get it and get 31 later. It will be around 1-1.1k anyway.

For me personally 31 doesn't cut it as walk around lens. I much prefer 24 for that purpose and used to use 43 when I had it for that purpose. Having said that, DA40 was my first Pentax prime and I have rather fond memories of it. The FOV might be tad narrow at times but you'll end up taking that lens anywhere and everywhere, especially if you use camera without grip. Of course it won't match 31 for IQ (frankly there is only one Pentax lens that does match it IMO and that's K50/1.2) but it still delivers a punch well above it's price tag!

[pz1fan]

What about the FA35? That seems like the best value. Available new again.

[Nick Siebers]

FA 31 proved to be just a little too bulky for me to carry it around all the time, and I worried about damaging it, at the price. Now I have a DA40 for everyday use, and a Sigma 28/1.8 for when I don't mind bulky. Win Win!

[abacus07]

I was buying at 250 but the lowest price I can find is 350. Still a good deal though. If only there was a 28-30mm pancake.

[RonHendriks1966]

If only there was a 28-30mm pancake.

Still not very popular in lens research poll:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/146454-wich-le...r-d-money.html

[RioRico]

If only there was a 28-30mm pancake.

My M28/2.8 is pretty damn close to pancake-dom, extending just 32mm from the camera body. Of my fifteen 28's, it's by far the thinnest. No AF; what a pity. CIF works fine for me.

[chickenandavocado]

if u have money to burn: FA31 without a doubt
if u want good price : performance bang for buck: DA40

i personally preferred FOV of the FA31, but the DA40 was my first prime

it certainly gets used a lot less after i got FA31 but im still keeping it for days where i want to go ultra compact (note: fa31 is actually quite chunky; well in comparison to the other pentax limiteds at least)

it comes down to:
1) ur FOV preference (i find 40 a bit too long for most applications and i have to do a fair bit of walking around)
2) money

[twitch]

I own both the 40 & 31. If I ever lost or broke the 40, then oh well.... If I ever lost or broke the 31 I'd immediately buy a new one to replace it. The 40 is a good lens, but the 31 is truly a great one.

[Michaelina2]

Beware... the DA 40 carries a curse.

It answers the question "What's all this chatter about the Pentax Limiteds?" Once you start using it, you will never be satisfied until you get them all. The 40 was my 'slippery slope' lens and I've spent a ton acquiring some of its siblings.

I've read that the only true cure for LBA is buying every one (including M42's).

Anyway, you have been warned...

Enjoy the season...

[altovintner]

Well, I had to run out for some errands yesterday that took up quite a bit of time. Turns out I have missed out on the $245 opportunity to buy the 40mm, either via Amazon, or Buy.com.

On the other hand, based on RioRico's advice, I shot a bunch of shots with my 18-55 at 31mm and 40mm and compared them. Considering the most frequent things I am shooting out here in New Mexico, the 31mm looks like a better focal length for me. Thanks, RioRico.

Hence, I am putting my pennies in a jar as we speak to save up for the FA 31mm. The honest truth is that I probably could live ok with the 18-55 kit lens, but I WANT the 31.