[Clavius]

I have the 35 ltd, and it's very nice walkaround lens with macro as a bonus. But the focus throw is enormous and when light is not optimal it can hunt through it's entire focus throw. A focus limiter would have been very usefull with this one.

For very active kids I find the FA 50 very handy, so I don't really see how the FA 43 ltd's Focal Lenght would be to long.

[yorik]

If you have the kit lens (or similar) spend several days with it set to each of the focal lengths that you are considering to find
out what works best for you (what matches the way you see things, or want to). Different strokes for different folks, when it
comes to FOV.

(I personally love the 43 - everything about it, including the FOV)

[jk333]

I think 40 or so is a nice focal length for and outdoor walkaround lens. If you'll be using it for indoor portraits and shots though, both 35 and 43 are too long, imo. 31 is pushing it but usable... 28 is better. 24 would be perfect. IMO, 21 is preferable indoors to 28.

Keep in mind, it doesn't matter how sharp or fast or colorful a lens is. If you're looking for non-face shots, IE, actions shots, full body shots, you're lens can be too long. A ~40mm lens is going to be too long indoors for those type of shots. 35 is too... 31 is the first I could use and really, 28 is the first that I'd recommend.

That's just my 2 cents. To me, people are dead on if you're walk around is for outdoors, but if you want it indoors too, you need to go wider.

[Blue]

as far as the 31 vs. 43 goes, it really depends on the situation and how tight the area you are shooting in. The DA 35 LTD is definitely very versatile.

[gottlob]

Thanks, everyone, for your thoughtful responses.