I ordered it as soon as it was announced back in January. It was a no brainer for me: a 50mm (135 equiv.) lens with a 1:1 macro ability would be the perfect walk around lens for me...
Since then I had to wait, and wait, and wait (and wait
), until this morning, when I got it at last... I left early from work so now I can share this with you.
Introducing the 35 macro Limited:
First conclusions:
- I wouldn't have believed it if I ddn't see it with my own eyes: on 1:1 macro's it's easier to handhold this lens than it is with my beloved FA 50 macro. With this last one I could only get sharp pics at 1:1 if I held shutterspeed well above 1/15s. With the DA 35 I got sharp pics at 1/8s (and I believe I can do even better.) Not sure why this is. Maybe the throwdistance is so short that my left hand can both hold the lens and the subject? I don't know...
- Aamof, the throw distance is so short it's a challenge to not get the subject in the shadow of the lens, which will make lighting the subject a pain. Moreover: there's no way you can use the lens shade (which is very well made btw.) if you are near 1:1. That said, even a little change in position will change the outcome dramatically, so you can make a different photo, by just turning a little to the left or right. Swell! I don't think this is a good lens for insects, but I'm going to try anyway...
- This is a first class optical performer:
- This lens is tack sharp. I'm weighing my words, but I think both my 31 ltd and FA 50 macro can't compete with the DA in terms of sharpness...
- Bokeh is creamy like butter...
- There is no (repeat: absolutely NO) signs of CA even in backlit situations with strong contrast. That is a first to me...
- in my filmdays I was always using a 50mm. I just like that focal length, which can be used both as a WA or tele lens. The DA is the first lens that reminds me of my 50mm days...
- Construction is super, this is a real Limited, yet still better: I don't know how they did it, but while manual focus is like using a MF lens of the eighties, AF is speedy and accurate (unlike the FA Limiteds) Even when using AF near 1:1 there is little hunting. The manual override is the cherry on the pie!
- Compared to the DA 21 and DA 70 (the other 2 Ltd lenses I have) this is no small lens, but it is small compared to my FA 50 macro. Considering I have a ist D, dimensions are almost ideal, and very nice to use...
- I think the DA 21 + DA 35 + DA 70 is a very nice travel combination (if you like primes, that is), and I could even see myself on my deserted island with only a ist D and DA 35...
I had to wait very long, but here is one happy camper!
This is a shot I made this afternoon (ist D + DA 35, 1/125s, f/4,5 @ ISO 200):