[dcBear78]

So tax moneys are about to land in my bank account and each year I like to splurge on a little something for myself. And of course LBA is giving me a bit of a good kick up the ass with the impending (temporary) wealth. By far and away my most used and favourite lenses are my FA31 and FA77. But I don't have anything really in between. Yeah I have a Helios, but that is a bit more specialised type of lens and auto focus is nice to have.

So the two lenses that kind of sit in between are the FA43 and the DA*55 (plus the various 50mm's).

I know it would be nice to round out the three amigos with the FA43, but it's just never sparked my interest. I see great shots with it, but often shots that are not my style (I love it for street photography). The DA* does excite me. It is like my FA77 but not as long, and this is how I would most likely use it. Plus 55mm almost sits exactly in the middle of the 31mm and 77mm. But there is the dreaded SDM problems, but this won't be a problem considering where I will buy it should it need to go back. But it's not an FA....

Costs are pretty much the same, so that really isn't a factor

OK... So pick a side and if need be show proof of your argument.

[alamo5000]

I vote for the 43. Mainly because of the focal length. The 50's (which I have a couple) and the 55 (focal length) are a little tight for my tastes. After I got the 43 I don't carry a 50 around much anymore.

There is no arguing quality either way--but I like the build of the 43...that said I haven't played with the DA 55 so I can't comment.

In the end (to me) it depends on your shooting style. Some people love telephotos. If you find yourself leaning way more towards the 77... and using it more than any other lens... the go with the 55.

If you find yourself using the 31mm more (like I do) then the 43 is the way to go.

[Kozlok]

I think Sandy Hancock has both...perhaps he could chime in. I have neither, but have looked at loads of samples. They render differently, the FA seems more painterly, while the DA* looks more accurate. I'd take the 43.

[jva59]

I have both, though I'm a relatively new owner of the 55. Others will be able to give you more detailed advice, but for what it's worth I don't think you can go wrong with either.

To me the 43 seems to participate in the magic of the other FAs. There are times when, if pressed, I would have said it is my favorite lens. It's also extremely compact and lightweight making it easy to carry and, in combination with the camera on which it's mounted, a relatively unobtrusive package. It works on film cameras too, which means something to me.

The 55 is very sharp. Colors look great. I found the autofocus effective and fast enough on my K 5 II s. Though relatively big by Pentax prime standards, it's not big by others. With it, you'll have a weather sealed prime, so that you needn't tote one of the Pentax big zooms if you expect inclement conditions, which was probably the consideration that tipped the balance for me. You could make your decision easier by turning into a question about which to buy first.

[SpecialK]

the FA43, but it's just never sparked my interest....

The DA* does excite me.

So....

[todd]

I felt similar about the 43 and saved it for last to complete the FAL trio and I join others in saying it is definitely not the least of the three. it fits right in with its unique rendering and you would not be disappointed. I would love having the 55 too though so you can't go wrong here.

[LeRolls]

I have no experience with the 55 but I do love my 43 very much. There are times when I prefer it over my 31 even. It definitely hold it's own with the other two FA Limiteds plus it's the most compact and affordable of the three. I don't think you will be disappointed with either the 55 or the 43 but I know that I would never give up my 43.

[jrpower10]

I don't have the 55. The 43 was the last of the FA limiteds I picked up, and having it now I'm not sure why I waited. I have two 50's that rarely ever see the camera now.

[Driline]

I don't have the 55 but I do have the 43. It's magical. Just look at this close up of a flower in my back yard. This was shot wide open at F1.9 Its also doubles as a sharp landscape lens as well.

[DogLover]

I have both and there is no wrong choice here. I would probably lean towards the 55, especially since your gut is telling you to lean that way too. The 55 is such a sweet portrait lens and renders very much like the FA Ltds. Always nice to have the option of a silent-focusing lens when you need it, too. Only downside is that there are a few folks here that have had a hard time getting a good copy. I was lucky, I guess, in that my first copy was a winner and I've had it for a number of years.

If I had to sell one of them, it'd be the 43, though that is in no way a slight on that lens. It is indeed a worthy member of the FA Ltds. I just have more of a connection to the 55. Here's one reason why. This is a shot of a friend's little girl I took about 4 years ago.

[cali92rs]

Pros of 55mm:
silent focusing, wider aperture, weather sealed
Pros of 43mm:
Compact and light, reliable screw drive, aperture ring

So, it depends which parameters you value most. It's personal preference. As for IQ, I call it a wash,

[Rondec]

I guess I would lean toward the 55 due to focal length. Feels more in between the 31 and 77 than the 43. Both have good rendering. although the 55 is probably a little sharper wide open with more neutral colors.

[ppohja]

The DA* does excite me.
[..]
So pick a side and if need be show proof of your argument.

So take the DA*.

[robjmitchell]

You cant go wrong, If your happy with your helios (assuming 58/2) then the 43ltd gives you a different focal length. I would tend the think the 55 would compete for use with the 77 too much.
The 43 is also my favourite lens!

[cali92rs]

The DA* behaves like the classic 75-80mm portrait lenses of the past on an APS-C camera.