DA HD vs SMC built quality

scorpioh · 11-01-2013, 10:26 AM

Has anyone observed a difference in the built quality between the two series? I happened to fiddle a DA40 HD and was surprised how damped and smoothed the focus ring is. The whole lens seems to be built to tighter tolerances with little wobble if any. My good old DA40 SMC felt altogether looser (even when it was newly bought), similar to the rest of the SMC bunch. I am wondering if it is an issue with batch variation or that the HD's manufacturing process was indeed improved. I did recall going through three copies of the DA70 SMC to find a copy that has minimal wobble to the lens barrel though.

Last edited by scorpioh; 11-01-2013 at 11:10 AM. Reason: Lens barrel rather than focusing ring of the DA70

Andi Lo · 11-01-2013, 10:47 AM

Originally posted by scorpioh

Has anyone observed a difference in the built quality between the two series? I happened to fiddle a DA40 HD and was surprised how damped and smoothed the focus ring is. The whole lens seems to be built to tighter tolerances with little wobble if any. My good old DA40 SMC felt altogether looser (even when it was newly bought), similar to the rest of the SMC bunch. I am wondering if it is an issue with batch variation or that the HD's manufacturing process was indeed improved. I did recall going through three copies of the DA70 SMC to find a copy that has minimal wobble to the focusing ring though.

Really interesting... for me the one of the values of DA ltd is the intangible fun I have while using it. Might be a worthwhile upgrade if focusing ring is dampened!

Adam · 11-01-2013, 10:57 AM

Originally posted by scorpioh

Has anyone observed a difference in the built quality between the two series? I happened to fiddle a DA40 HD and was surprised how damped and smoothed the focus ring is. The whole lens seems to be built to tighter tolerances with little wobble if any. My good old DA40 SMC felt altogether looser (even when it was newly bought), similar to the rest of the SMC bunch. I am wondering if it is an issue with batch variation or that the HD's manufacturing process was indeed improved. I did recall going through three copies of the DA70 SMC to find a copy that has minimal wobble to the focusing ring though.

This wasn't my impression after playing with the lenses, but then again, the demo models tend to get abuse. I'll have all 10 SMC/HD limiteds in hand next week to do some testing

scorpioh · 11-01-2013, 11:00 AM

Originally posted by Adam

This wasn't my impression after playing with the lenses, but then again, the demo models tend to get abuse. I'll have all 10 SMC/HD limiteds in hand next week to do some testing

I see. I only had a brief touch on a relatively new demo copy of the HD40 and was immediately surprised by the apparent tight tolerances. Do keep us posted. Thanks!

lesmore49 · 11-01-2013, 11:10 AM

Originally posted by scorpioh

Has anyone observed a difference in the built quality between the two series? I happened to fiddle a DA40 HD and was surprised how damped and smoothed the focus ring is. The whole lens seems to be built to tighter tolerances with little wobble if any. My good old DA40 SMC felt altogether looser (even when it was newly bought), similar to the rest of the SMC bunch. I am wondering if it is an issue with batch variation or that the HD's manufacturing process was indeed improved. I did recall going through three copies of the DA70 SMC to find a copy that has minimal wobble to the focusing ring though.

My 40 Limited SMC and 70 Limited SMC are beautifully damped and smooth. Construction is of a very high standard on both. I bought both of them...new... within the past 18 months.

scorpioh · 11-01-2013, 06:49 PM

Originally posted by lesmore49

My 40 Limited SMC and 70 Limited SMC are beautifully damped and smooth. Construction is of a very high standard on both. I bought both of them...new... within the past 18 months.

I see. I got my mine like 4-5 years ago. Then Pentax could likely have improved their manufacturing and probably not due to the HD and SMC differences. Ok, apart from the subjectivity of "beautifully damped and smooth" though.

lesmore49 · 11-01-2013, 07:17 PM

Originally posted by scorpioh

I see. I got my mine like 4-5 years ago. Then Pentax could likely have improved their manufacturing and probably not due to the HD and SMC differences. Ok, apart from the subjectivity of "beautifully damped and smooth" though.

First thing I noticed when I got my 40 and 70 Limited was how tight they were.

Photo quality is very sharp with both my 40 and 70.

Andi Lo · 11-01-2013, 07:27 PM

Just to clarify, I only accept Takumars as the gold standard of "Dampened"

Compared to Taks the only AF lenses that I'd even consider decently "dampened" is Sigma 10-20mm and Nikon AFS 85mm 1.8.

DA 40 while not as bad as pentax's cheaper lenses, are nowhere close to taks.

Joojoo2010 · 11-02-2013, 01:55 AM

Maybe ur da 40 smc is not ok cos my da 40 is very smooth and well made lens...

bdery · 11-02-2013, 05:25 AM

I could compare the 21 and 40 first hand at the Québec city photo expo yesterday and there was absolutely no difference between the two versions. The rep said only the coating and looks were different

lesmore49 · 11-02-2013, 01:29 PM

Originally posted by Joojoo2010

Maybe ur da 40 smc is not ok cos my da 40 is very smooth and well made lens...

X 2...good point

RonHendriks1966 · 11-02-2013, 01:53 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Adam

This wasn't my impression after playing with the lenses, but then again, the demo models tend to get abuse. I'll have all 10 SMC/HD limiteds in hand next week to do some testing

You could as well do something else with those ten baby's

Na Horuk · 11-02-2013, 04:57 PM

Originally posted by Adam

I'll have all 10 SMC/HD limiteds in hand next week to do some testing

:O
Pleaase take a bunch of photos of them all lined up, that sounds really amazing

Adam · 11-02-2013, 05:06 PM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

:O
Pleaase take a bunch of photos of them all lines up, that sounds really amazing

Will do

The DA 70mm (SMC) is still on back-order but I'm hoping it'll be in before the HD's get here next week.

tram57 · 11-20-2013, 05:03 PM

Originally posted by Adam

This wasn't my impression after playing with the lenses, but then again, the demo models tend to get abuse. I'll have all 10 SMC/HD limiteds in hand next week to do some testing

now that will be a comparison test I'm looking forward too!

11-01-2013, 10:26 AM	#1
scorpioh Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 182	DA HD vs SMC built quality Has anyone observed a difference in the built quality between the two series? I happened to fiddle a DA40 HD and was surprised how damped and smoothed the focus ring is. The whole lens seems to be built to tighter tolerances with little wobble if any. My good old DA40 SMC felt altogether looser (even when it was newly bought), similar to the rest of the SMC bunch. I am wondering if it is an issue with batch variation or that the HD's manufacturing process was indeed improved. I did recall going through three copies of the DA70 SMC to find a copy that has minimal wobble to the lens barrel though. Last edited by scorpioh; 11-01-2013 at 11:10 AM. Reason: Lens barrel rather than focusing ring of the DA70

11-01-2013, 10:57 AM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,593	Originally posted by scorpioh Has anyone observed a difference in the built quality between the two series? I happened to fiddle a DA40 HD and was surprised how damped and smoothed the focus ring is. The whole lens seems to be built to tighter tolerances with little wobble if any. My good old DA40 SMC felt altogether looser (even when it was newly bought), similar to the rest of the SMC bunch. I am wondering if it is an issue with batch variation or that the HD's manufacturing process was indeed improved. I did recall going through three copies of the DA70 SMC to find a copy that has minimal wobble to the focusing ring though. This wasn't my impression after playing with the lenses, but then again, the demo models tend to get abuse. I'll have all 10 SMC/HD limiteds in hand next week to do some testing 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:

11-02-2013, 04:57 PM	#13
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Originally posted by Adam I'll have all 10 SMC/HD limiteds in hand next week to do some testing :O Pleaase take a bunch of photos of them all lined up, that sounds really amazing Last edited by Na Horuk; 11-03-2013 at 03:46 PM.

11-02-2013, 05:06 PM	#14
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,593	Originally posted by Na Horuk :O Pleaase take a bunch of photos of them all lines up, that sounds really amazing Will do The DA 70mm (SMC) is still on back-order but I'm hoping it'll be in before the HD's get here next week. 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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11-01-2013, 10:47 AM	#2
Andi Lo Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 2,924	Originally posted by scorpioh Has anyone observed a difference in the built quality between the two series? I happened to fiddle a DA40 HD and was surprised how damped and smoothed the focus ring is. The whole lens seems to be built to tighter tolerances with little wobble if any. My good old DA40 SMC felt altogether looser (even when it was newly bought), similar to the rest of the SMC bunch. I am wondering if it is an issue with batch variation or that the HD's manufacturing process was indeed improved. I did recall going through three copies of the DA70 SMC to find a copy that has minimal wobble to the focusing ring though. Really interesting... for me the one of the values of DA ltd is the intangible fun I have while using it. Might be a worthwhile upgrade if focusing ring is dampened!

11-01-2013, 11:00 AM	#4
scorpioh Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 182 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam This wasn't my impression after playing with the lenses, but then again, the demo models tend to get abuse. I'll have all 10 SMC/HD limiteds in hand next week to do some testing I see. I only had a brief touch on a relatively new demo copy of the HD40 and was immediately surprised by the apparent tight tolerances. Do keep us posted. Thanks!

11-01-2013, 11:10 AM	#5
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,331	Originally posted by scorpioh Has anyone observed a difference in the built quality between the two series? I happened to fiddle a DA40 HD and was surprised how damped and smoothed the focus ring is. The whole lens seems to be built to tighter tolerances with little wobble if any. My good old DA40 SMC felt altogether looser (even when it was newly bought), similar to the rest of the SMC bunch. I am wondering if it is an issue with batch variation or that the HD's manufacturing process was indeed improved. I did recall going through three copies of the DA70 SMC to find a copy that has minimal wobble to the focusing ring though. My 40 Limited SMC and 70 Limited SMC are beautifully damped and smooth. Construction is of a very high standard on both. I bought both of them...new... within the past 18 months.

11-01-2013, 06:49 PM	#6
scorpioh Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 182 Original Poster	Originally posted by lesmore49 My 40 Limited SMC and 70 Limited SMC are beautifully damped and smooth. Construction is of a very high standard on both. I bought both of them...new... within the past 18 months. I see. I got my mine like 4-5 years ago. Then Pentax could likely have improved their manufacturing and probably not due to the HD and SMC differences. Ok, apart from the subjectivity of "beautifully damped and smooth" though.

11-01-2013, 07:17 PM	#7
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,331	Originally posted by scorpioh I see. I got my mine like 4-5 years ago. Then Pentax could likely have improved their manufacturing and probably not due to the HD and SMC differences. Ok, apart from the subjectivity of "beautifully damped and smooth" though. First thing I noticed when I got my 40 and 70 Limited was how tight they were. Photo quality is very sharp with both my 40 and 70.

11-01-2013, 07:27 PM	#8
Andi Lo Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 2,924	Just to clarify, I only accept Takumars as the gold standard of "Dampened" Compared to Taks the only AF lenses that I'd even consider decently "dampened" is Sigma 10-20mm and Nikon AFS 85mm 1.8. DA 40 while not as bad as pentax's cheaper lenses, are nowhere close to taks.

11-02-2013, 01:55 AM	#9
Joojoo2010 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 306	Maybe ur da 40 smc is not ok cos my da 40 is very smooth and well made lens...

11-02-2013, 05:25 AM	#10
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	I could compare the 21 and 40 first hand at the Québec city photo expo yesterday and there was absolutely no difference between the two versions. The rep said only the coating and looks were different

11-02-2013, 01:29 PM	#11
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,331	Originally posted by Joojoo2010 Maybe ur da 40 smc is not ok cos my da 40 is very smooth and well made lens... X 2...good point

11-02-2013, 01:53 PM - 1 Like	#12
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Originally posted by Adam This wasn't my impression after playing with the lenses, but then again, the demo models tend to get abuse. I'll have all 10 SMC/HD limiteds in hand next week to do some testing You could as well do something else with those ten baby's

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11-20-2013, 05:03 PM	#15
tram57 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 176	Originally posted by Adam This wasn't my impression after playing with the lenses, but then again, the demo models tend to get abuse. I'll have all 10 SMC/HD limiteds in hand next week to do some testing now that will be a comparison test I'm looking forward too!