Originally posted by Aslyfox 1 are they worth their reputations
I'd say yes. In my view it's a combination of image quality (incl pixie dust) and small size. Small size means I
will use them, which makes the image quality really count. The world's best lens wouldn't do much good sitting on the shelf at home (and all my bigger lenses do just that).
Originally posted by Aslyfox 2 I notice that the older FAs are faster, is that because of the different focal lengths or other reasons
The FAs also are a bit bigger than the DAs. Not by much, but the 77 is slightly bigger than the 70, the 43 than the 40.
Originally posted by Aslyfox 3 if only one can be chosen, [ excluding the 40 mm, I have the 40mm XS ] which one would be the best?
The one with the focal length best fitting your shooting. My most used Limited is probably the DA70 (both on APS-C and FF).
To list mine:
DA15 - unique lens for APS-C, and in some ways the "best" lens I have simply because it does what it does so well. But it's too wide for general use IMO.
DA21 - a more diverse wide lens for APS-C. Not one I have used a lot, though. I guess I tend to jump to 28mm if I need something longer than 15.
FA31 - didn't use it much on APS-C for some reason, but it's wonderful on FF - a joy to use and yields consistently great images.
FA43 - a favourite both on APS-C and FF, but not as consistent in its output, a bit more "temperamental". A perfect all-round focal length and tiny size makes this a definite must-have for me.
DA70 - a perfect mate to the 43 for both formats. Always happy with the results, enough so that I don't really crave the 77. Would I get the 77 (instead of the 70) if I didn't already have the 70? Tough call, but probably yes - even though the price difference would be hard to justify.
Edit: My DAs are all SMC (since I got them before the HDs were launched). The 15 and 21 I'd have no other way. All the other's I'd prefer the HD version (unless there was too much of a price difference).