Originally posted by JenniferLeigh
Thanks for the replies. How are you liking your XS so far Medium FormatPro? Most my filters are 58mm, I saw a 27-58mm step up ring on ebay.
There doesn't seem to be much for the 27mm thread.
I love how low profile the Limited hood is and would like something similar. Does anyone know the depth of the 40mm Limited Hood?
The newer version 40mm f2.8 xs as a type of basic outfit lens is far above average. The two best things about it are the size and above average optical quality. Also the fact that when purchased as an outfit lens that the average consumer can't help but notice they're saving about 150 if purchased seperately.
...And let the controversy begin... But this is what I've noticed so far in many, many test pics. It's not entirely sceintific just yet at to all of the stats and figures, but is based upon very finely detailed printed images; and thoroughly magnified ones of various subjects under real world conditions. So if this reads as being a bit off the mark, please take a stand and chime in anyone.
I've found that this "newer version" of the Pentax 40mm f2.8 xs to be alomost identical optically (in results) to the former model; except that the older model is somewhat larger and does accept a larger filter - but the older one also has a type of focus index on it - whereas the newer one does not. I was quite suprised by this one. I thought that the larger optical spacing and also size of the optics would make a much more noticable difference, but I have yet to notice that difference. But also please notice the considerable price difference between the two.
Optically the existing xs holds it own quite well against any lens in the current Pentax PK mount (noting the next paragraph) at a price range below $600; especially in the zoom lens mounts. And the existing xs even holds up well against most (but not quite all) in the price range above 1k - quite an accomplishment.
Then there's the Pentax FA 43mm f1.9... About the same focal length as the two mntioned above lens, but the difference really shows in the 1.9 aperature range. I also did in fact notice that this 43 is indeed better under all ranges than the current xs. The 43 also has adjustable aperature range on the lens for more traditional photographers such as myself; and also a depth of field scale of sorts, and focus index. Current price at a bit over 500, but well worth it.
If someone likes a wider field of view than the so called traditional lens I would highly recommend both the Pentax FA 31mm f1.8 and also the Pentax DA 35mm f2.8 (somewhat refered to as a macro - of sorts).
If someone wants to get a bit closer with a fixed lens; then might I suggest both the Pentax 55mm f1.4 or the Pentax 77mm f1.8.
I would even strongly suggest that the Zeiss manual focus lens' might very well be worth a try.
I've had more types of camera
systems over the years than I want to admit to. While the K-01 with the xs lens is quite the impressive set-up... It's never quite in the same ballpark as a Leica ranrgefinder, yet... For a non full frame digital this one almost sets a new type of benchmark. I find myself using this xs lens about a third of the time - if the composition is able to be framed correctly.