To 40mmltd or to not 40mmltd, that is the question...

**Alex645** · 11-26-2015, 02:15 PM

Originally posted by lesmore49

I also have an SMC version 40mm Ltd. I like it quite a lot. Aside from it's high quality...metal body...sharp pics....it's also very small. I sometimes attach it to my Pentax Km body (at the time it was promoted as the smallest DSLR available) and I find this combination excellent.....not just for good picture taking ability, but also when I want a small camera body and even smaller lens. In fact the combo of Km and 40mm Ltd....is not much wider or bigger than my Canon G 12 advanced compact.

Now the 40mm Ltd. has what some consider an odd lens cap. It's tiny, has the word Pentax emblazoned on the cap inside and you have to screw it in and screw it out. My view is that it's metal, kind of old fashioned or retro as some might say and when it's screwed in properly it's in solid.

It takes a few seconds longer to deal with it, but who cares....I don't.

If you want a small, high quality lens that is a wonderful picture taker, get it, if it's in your budget.

I see you appreciate fine lenses...you have the 35-105 A Macro Zoom. I do too, great lens.

For anyone that finds the 31.5mm metal screw cap on the 40mm hood a pain, I took someone else's advice and now use the Fujifilm plastic film canister caps. It pops in just perfectly enough to stay snug and not fall off, but very easy to remove when needed.

Last edited by Alex645; 11-26-2015 at 02:27 PM. Reason: Correction: 30.5mm diameter on the lens cap.

kh1234567890 · 11-26-2015, 02:19 PM

I find 40mm an odd focal length which takes some getting used to. The DA40 is sharp, small and all that but somehow never quite right. I would track down a second hand DA21, if I were you, much more fun.

Flickriver: kh1234567890's photos tagged with da40
Flickriver: kh1234567890's photos tagged with da21

**rayallen** · 11-26-2015, 02:33 PM

Originally posted by kh1234567890

I find 40mm an odd focal length which takes some getting used to. The DA40 is sharp, small and all that but somehow never quite right. I would track down a second hand DA21, if I were you, much more fun.

Flickriver: kh1234567890's photos tagged with da40
Flickriver: kh1234567890's photos tagged with da21

Thanks for that comparison between the DA40 and DA21. I'm not sure if it will help the OP but is was just what I needed to see. Thanks again.

Imp · 11-26-2015, 03:01 PM

A good to the point review Pentax DA 35mm F2.4 vs 40mm XS vs 40mm Limited Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

officiousbystander · 11-26-2015, 03:11 PM

Originally posted by Scorpio71GR

Careful once you get a few limiteds you are going to want more.

I bought the 40mm because it was the cheapest of the Ltds. But considering it has been the cause of years of LBA, it's turned out to be the most expensive lens I've bought.

RonHendriks1966 · 11-26-2015, 03:34 PM

The 40 limited is great. Don't get the smaller xs version, since that lens is not as good. You don't need it, you need peanutbutter on your bread. So just order it to make your self happy.

I think it is the faster focusing lens in the Pentax line-up due to the short throw!

pathdoc · 11-26-2015, 03:57 PM

If you want compactness that is unrivalled combined with outstanding optical performance, go for it. I have the SMC version and am in no hurry to trade to HD. It was the first prime I bought for my DSLR, and it has served me very well; the ease with which a camera fitted with it slides out of a camera bag has at times been one of its greatest assets. Pentax film bodies with a program mode will also work with it.

jab2980 · 11-26-2015, 05:09 PM - **1 Like**

The 40 Ltd has incredible border sharpness, fast focusing, and to me the focal length feels more comfortable than a 35 or 50. It is my go-to lens for nature photography right with the D FA 100mm macro and both of those lenses are by far what I have used to capture the most keepers, my favorite photos, and my top sellers. I have a early serial number (under 0009500) MIJ FA 43 and I grab the DA 40 over it 9/10 times. It is a completely different class than the M 50 that we both have... that lens is more like a novelty lens for when I want to experiment. I'd also EASILY rank it #1 over the DA 18-135 @ 40mm, and a couple lenses near its focal length, the DA 35 2.4 and DA 50 1.8. Not that any of those lenses are bad - the 40 just feels like a blend between the FA and DA characteristics to me... it has 50% of the almost magical rendering of the FA series mixed with 50% of the contrast and sharpness of the DA's. I never wonder what my results are going to look like with the DA 40 either... it is predictable in the best way possible. The only way I'd ever get rid of it is if an optically equivalent WR version came out.

6BQ5 · 11-26-2015, 06:34 PM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

Well, do consider the DA35 f/2.4 then. It's no Limited in terms of construction, that's for sure, but it punches well above its weight (literally!). And there's something very satisfying, I find, about getting beautiful images out of such an inexpensive lens

+1. Skip the 40mm for APS all together. The DA 35mm is a great lens and it's priced really well right now. You may appreciate the slightly wider view too. It will act like a nifty-50 on film. When you feel you are "done" with the DA 35mm then knock yourself out with the FA 31mm.

Now, 40mm on FF is a completely different story. Get a MX with a M series 40mm pancake and wow-oh-wow!

mee · 11-26-2015, 06:51 PM

Originally posted by 6BQ5

+1. Skip the 40mm for APS all together. The DA 35mm is a great lens and it's priced really well right now. You may appreciate the slightly wider view too. It will act like a nifty-50 on film. When you feel you are "done" with the DA 35mm then knock yourself out with the FA 31mm.

I came to say the same thing.. I actually used my DA 35mm f/2.4 lens today for family photos since my 16-50mm f/2.8 is in the shop and my 18-135mm WR is too slow. And all I can say is super super sharp and nice color. Especially stopped down to f/4 it starts to show its stuff.

And it is CHEAP.

Nicolas06 · 11-27-2015, 01:35 AM - **3 Likes**

What to say as sombody on a budget your 17-50 provide all the quality and bokeh you could need. you don't need prime to replace it except maybe at 50mm where a DA50 f/1.8 would do wonders. Past 50mm, you could find a used 55-300 the non WR version for 150$ with this combo you cover everything and you can simply stop thinking of buying anything else. That's just not necessary.

If really having a small set-up as walkaround is a must and you gone the 17-50 + DA50 + 55-300 route already, you need to wait for a great DA21 deal and stop here.

The more you'll think the more you'll shop, the more your spend. The picture will not be noticably better because your gerar is already great. What would make the most difference is you as a photographer. When you have alreay a lens a 28mm and 50mm there really no need for something in between at 40mm. Otherwise you'll change lenses all the time... Or realistically use 1-2 of theses 3 lenses most of the time and never use the third.

Yes if you look at my signiature I have 5 primes (and only that), yes it was quite expensive to get it all and I changed my mind a few time. I'll tell you: 5 primes is already a lot. The last thing you want is to change lenses all the time or having too much gear that will stay at home. Or even too much gear in the bag. That just more weight and more money spent. But me honestly, I was not on a budget. Otherwise it would have gone K30 + 17-50 + 55-300 and called it a day.

If you want to improve your photography, don't invest much on gear, invest in yourself as a photographer. Go out take photos.

**Digitalis** · 11-27-2015, 04:52 AM

Originally posted by 6BQ5

Now, 40mm on FF is a completely different story. Get a MX with a M series 40mm pancake and wow-oh-wow!

High resolution body cap basically.

pathdoc · 11-27-2015, 05:28 AM

Originally posted by 6BQ5

Get a MX with a M series 40mm pancake and wow-oh-wow!

I have both, and while I'm still waiting for the film to come back, I can heartily endorse this statement from a handling perspective. IIRC some people have had ergonomic problems with the thing being so damn short, but it wasn't an issue for me.

Originally posted by Digitalis

High resolution body cap basically.

LOL no; that title belongs to the 40XS.

11-27-2015, 01:35 AM - 3 Likes	#26
Nicolas06 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 4,854	What to say as sombody on a budget your 17-50 provide all the quality and bokeh you could need. you don't need prime to replace it except maybe at 50mm where a DA50 f/1.8 would do wonders. Past 50mm, you could find a used 55-300 the non WR version for 150$ with this combo you cover everything and you can simply stop thinking of buying anything else. That's just not necessary. If really having a small set-up as walkaround is a must and you gone the 17-50 + DA50 + 55-300 route already, you need to wait for a great DA21 deal and stop here. The more you'll think the more you'll shop, the more your spend. The picture will not be noticably better because your gerar is already great. What would make the most difference is you as a photographer. When you have alreay a lens a 28mm and 50mm there really no need for something in between at 40mm. Otherwise you'll change lenses all the time... Or realistically use 1-2 of theses 3 lenses most of the time and never use the third. Yes if you look at my signiature I have 5 primes (and only that), yes it was quite expensive to get it all and I changed my mind a few time. I'll tell you: 5 primes is already a lot. The last thing you want is to change lenses all the time or having too much gear that will stay at home. Or even too much gear in the bag. That just more weight and more money spent. But me honestly, I was not on a budget. Otherwise it would have gone K30 + 17-50 + 55-300 and called it a day. If you want to improve your photography, don't invest much on gear, invest in yourself as a photographer. Go out take photos. Last edited by Nicolas06; 11-27-2015 at 12:41 PM.

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11-26-2015, 02:15 PM	#16
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,526	Originally posted by lesmore49 I also have an SMC version 40mm Ltd. I like it quite a lot. Aside from it's high quality...metal body...sharp pics....it's also very small. I sometimes attach it to my Pentax Km body (at the time it was promoted as the smallest DSLR available) and I find this combination excellent.....not just for good picture taking ability, but also when I want a small camera body and even smaller lens. In fact the combo of Km and 40mm Ltd....is not much wider or bigger than my Canon G 12 advanced compact. Now the 40mm Ltd. has what some consider an odd lens cap. It's tiny, has the word Pentax emblazoned on the cap inside and you have to screw it in and screw it out. My view is that it's metal, kind of old fashioned or retro as some might say and when it's screwed in properly it's in solid. It takes a few seconds longer to deal with it, but who cares....I don't. If you want a small, high quality lens that is a wonderful picture taker, get it, if it's in your budget. I see you appreciate fine lenses...you have the 35-105 A Macro Zoom. I do too, great lens. For anyone that finds the 31.5mm metal screw cap on the 40mm hood a pain, I took someone else's advice and now use the Fujifilm plastic film canister caps. It pops in just perfectly enough to stay snug and not fall off, but very easy to remove when needed. Last edited by Alex645; 11-26-2015 at 02:27 PM. Reason: Correction: 30.5mm diameter on the lens cap.

11-26-2015, 02:19 PM	#17
kh1234567890 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Manchester, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,653	I find 40mm an odd focal length which takes some getting used to. The DA40 is sharp, small and all that but somehow never quite right. I would track down a second hand DA21, if I were you, much more fun. Flickriver: kh1234567890's photos tagged with da40 Flickriver: kh1234567890's photos tagged with da21

11-26-2015, 02:33 PM	#18
rayallen Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Forresters Beach, NSW, Australia. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,014	Originally posted by kh1234567890 I find 40mm an odd focal length which takes some getting used to. The DA40 is sharp, small and all that but somehow never quite right. I would track down a second hand DA21, if I were you, much more fun. Flickriver: kh1234567890's photos tagged with da40 Flickriver: kh1234567890's photos tagged with da21 Thanks for that comparison between the DA40 and DA21. I'm not sure if it will help the OP but is was just what I needed to see. Thanks again.

11-26-2015, 03:01 PM	#19
Imp Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Washington, DC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,749 Original Poster	A good to the point review Pentax DA 35mm F2.4 vs 40mm XS vs 40mm Limited Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews

11-26-2015, 03:11 PM	#20
officiousbystander Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery Posts: 912	Originally posted by Scorpio71GR Careful once you get a few limiteds you are going to want more. I bought the 40mm because it was the cheapest of the Ltds. But considering it has been the cause of years of LBA, it's turned out to be the most expensive lens I've bought.

11-26-2015, 03:34 PM	#21
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	The 40 limited is great. Don't get the smaller xs version, since that lens is not as good. You don't need it, you need peanutbutter on your bread. So just order it to make your self happy. I think it is the faster focusing lens in the Pentax line-up due to the short throw!

11-26-2015, 03:57 PM	#22
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	If you want compactness that is unrivalled combined with outstanding optical performance, go for it. I have the SMC version and am in no hurry to trade to HD. It was the first prime I bought for my DSLR, and it has served me very well; the ease with which a camera fitted with it slides out of a camera bag has at times been one of its greatest assets. Pentax film bodies with a program mode will also work with it.

11-26-2015, 05:09 PM - 1 Like	#23
jab2980 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Photos: Albums Posts: 578	The 40 Ltd has incredible border sharpness, fast focusing, and to me the focal length feels more comfortable than a 35 or 50. It is my go-to lens for nature photography right with the D FA 100mm macro and both of those lenses are by far what I have used to capture the most keepers, my favorite photos, and my top sellers. I have a early serial number (under 0009500) MIJ FA 43 and I grab the DA 40 over it 9/10 times. It is a completely different class than the M 50 that we both have... that lens is more like a novelty lens for when I want to experiment. I'd also EASILY rank it #1 over the DA 18-135 @ 40mm, and a couple lenses near its focal length, the DA 35 2.4 and DA 50 1.8. Not that any of those lenses are bad - the 40 just feels like a blend between the FA and DA characteristics to me... it has 50% of the almost magical rendering of the FA series mixed with 50% of the contrast and sharpness of the DA's. I never wonder what my results are going to look like with the DA 40 either... it is predictable in the best way possible. The only way I'd ever get rid of it is if an optically equivalent WR version came out.

11-26-2015, 06:34 PM	#24
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348	Originally posted by BigMackCam Well, do consider the DA35 f/2.4 then. It's no Limited in terms of construction, that's for sure, but it punches well above its weight (literally!). And there's something very satisfying, I find, about getting beautiful images out of such an inexpensive lens +1. Skip the 40mm for APS all together. The DA 35mm is a great lens and it's priced really well right now. You may appreciate the slightly wider view too. It will act like a nifty-50 on film. When you feel you are "done" with the DA 35mm then knock yourself out with the FA 31mm. Now, 40mm on FF is a completely different story. Get a MX with a M series 40mm pancake and wow-oh-wow!

11-26-2015, 06:51 PM	#25
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	Originally posted by 6BQ5 +1. Skip the 40mm for APS all together. The DA 35mm is a great lens and it's priced really well right now. You may appreciate the slightly wider view too. It will act like a nifty-50 on film. When you feel you are "done" with the DA 35mm then knock yourself out with the FA 31mm. I came to say the same thing.. I actually used my DA 35mm f/2.4 lens today for family photos since my 16-50mm f/2.8 is in the shop and my 18-135mm WR is too slow. And all I can say is super super sharp and nice color. Especially stopped down to f/4 it starts to show its stuff. And it is CHEAP.

11-27-2015, 04:52 AM	#27
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by 6BQ5 Now, 40mm on FF is a completely different story. Get a MX with a M series 40mm pancake and wow-oh-wow! High resolution body cap basically.

11-27-2015, 05:28 AM	#28
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	Originally posted by 6BQ5 Get a MX with a M series 40mm pancake and wow-oh-wow! I have both, and while I'm still waiting for the film to come back, I can heartily endorse this statement from a handling perspective. IIRC some people have had ergonomic problems with the thing being so damn short, but it wasn't an issue for me. Originally posted by Digitalis High resolution body cap basically. LOL no; that title belongs to the 40XS.