Hypothetical Question: DA* 55 f/1.4 or FA 43 Limited?

repaap · 04-27-2018, 04:34 AM - **2 Likes**

I actually think that FA 43 has very strong character, unlike DA*55 which is really balanced lens, and it really takes care of skintones well. FA 43 is more rough.

here is funky bokeh of 43

Little stopped down it can be nice too

and great also for portraits like this..

But DA*55 really stands out as portraits lens
(old one on K-7)

W/O with K-3

and ofcourse that shallow Dof with FF

with FA 43 this would not be as good, because ability to focus closer and wider aperture..

Last edited by repaap; 04-27-2018 at 04:37 AM. Reason: links was not correct

**UncleVanya** · 04-27-2018, 06:17 AM

Very helpful comments, thank you.

gm4life · 04-27-2018, 04:53 PM - **1 Like**

I love my DA 55 *. On crop it wouldn’t be a contest especially since you have a 40. Go with the DA 55 it is a sharp lens even wide open... Almost scary sharp stopped down to F2. I find it mounted on my K3 II for weeks at a time.

wstruth · 04-28-2018, 06:10 AM

Originally posted by clackers

Nice pics, Wstruth ... I understand the FA43 comes into its own on the K-1, because Hirakawa designed it around the diagonal of 35mm.

Thanks Clackers, I really do like the 43 on my K-1 though, in many ways it's a match made in heaven.

**UncleVanya** · 11-26-2019, 09:41 AM - **1 Like**

Just browsing old threads of mine...

I thought I'd post an update. I bought the DA* 55 in the end. I found one at a deal I couldn't resist.

Still need to spend more time with it but it's a keeper.

08amczb · 11-26-2019, 10:18 AM

Congratulation! That was my favorite Pentax lens! Just don't leve it on the shelf for an extended period, the SDM doesn't like it!

**UncleVanya** · 11-26-2019, 01:47 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by 08amczb

Congratulation! That was my favorite Pentax lens! Just don't leve it on the shelf for an extended period, the SDM doesn't like it!

I hear this but I have little faith in this. I feel like SDM failing will be more likely to fail completely when left alone due to potential sticktion where friction can get larger after a long period of idle - but non-failing SDM should not care. Point in case, my DA* 50-135 has sat alone unused for a long time (I have too many lenses) and I just picked it up a few days ago and it worked wonderfully. It has always been so with all of my SDM lenses. None have every given me issues based on shelf time. However I could just be lucky.

dcpropilot · 11-28-2019, 05:46 AM - **3 Likes**

The 55*1.4 is an awesome portrait lens....

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04-27-2018, 04:34 AM - 2 Likes	#31
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,133	I actually think that FA 43 has very strong character, unlike DA55 which is really balanced lens, and it really takes care of skintones well. FA 43 is more rough. here is funky bokeh of 43 Little stopped down it can be nice too and great also for portraits like this.. But DA55 really stands out as portraits lens (old one on K-7) W/O with K-3 and ofcourse that shallow Dof with FF with FA 43 this would not be as good, because ability to focus closer and wider aperture.. Last edited by repaap; 04-27-2018 at 04:37 AM. Reason: links was not correct

04-27-2018, 06:17 AM	#32
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,491 Original Poster	Very helpful comments, thank you.

04-27-2018, 04:53 PM - 1 Like	#33
gm4life Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 602	I love my DA 55 *. On crop it wouldn’t be a contest especially since you have a 40. Go with the DA 55 it is a sharp lens even wide open... Almost scary sharp stopped down to F2. I find it mounted on my K3 II for weeks at a time.

04-28-2018, 06:10 AM	#34
wstruth Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: at my kitchen table Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,184	Originally posted by clackers Nice pics, Wstruth ... I understand the FA43 comes into its own on the K-1, because Hirakawa designed it around the diagonal of 35mm. Thanks Clackers, I really do like the 43 on my K-1 though, in many ways it's a match made in heaven.

11-26-2019, 09:41 AM - 1 Like	#35
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,491 Original Poster	Just browsing old threads of mine... I thought I'd post an update. I bought the DA* 55 in the end. I found one at a deal I couldn't resist. Still need to spend more time with it but it's a keeper.

11-26-2019, 10:18 AM	#36
08amczb Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 795	Congratulation! That was my favorite Pentax lens! Just don't leve it on the shelf for an extended period, the SDM doesn't like it!

11-26-2019, 01:47 PM - 1 Like	#37
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,491 Original Poster	Originally posted by 08amczb Congratulation! That was my favorite Pentax lens! Just don't leve it on the shelf for an extended period, the SDM doesn't like it! I hear this but I have little faith in this. I feel like SDM failing will be more likely to fail completely when left alone due to potential sticktion where friction can get larger after a long period of idle - but non-failing SDM should not care. Point in case, my DA* 50-135 has sat alone unused for a long time (I have too many lenses) and I just picked it up a few days ago and it worked wonderfully. It has always been so with all of my SDM lenses. None have every given me issues based on shelf time. However I could just be lucky.

11-28-2019, 05:46 AM - 3 Likes	#38
dcpropilot Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Vermont Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 923	The 55*1.4 is an awesome portrait lens....

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