Is the 43mm really that bad? (APS-C)

**mikesbike** · 07-08-2019, 09:26 PM

If you are looking for a short telephoto effect, the FA 43mm will provide that when used on APS-C. Bokeh is good, but not as good as the FA 77mm LTD, which is among the best, along with great color. I have both. However, for an all around versatile FL with excellent bokeh, the FA 31mm LTD is that for APS-C use. In the middle, for a normal FL prime lens having excellent bokeh, don't forget the FA 35mm f/2.

ZombieArmy · 07-08-2019, 09:56 PM - **1 Like**

I owned the 43 but it wasn't better than the 40xs in the ways I used the FL. Not a bad lens but make sure you really want the f1.9

Blue · 07-09-2019, 07:57 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

I didn't think that the FA 43 sucked, but I kicked off some nastiness in the FA Limited thread when I said that I preferred the DA40 Ltd over the FA43 Ltd...

but, for the way I shoot, the DA 40 Limited works better for me....

I shoot APS-C only, and not interested in moving to FF - and the DA40 has better MFD, has quickshift, and is better at controlling CA...

Well, I mean that was almost a troll move.

That's a lot like walking into a Corvette auto show and muttering something about a fiberglass junk yard.

Blue · 07-09-2019, 07:59 AM

Originally posted by monochrome

On APSc i prefer the DA40/2.8 Limited, but it isn’t a pure bokeh lens. It’s more of a sharp lens with great colors. The FA43/1.9 is a challenging lens to get right and IMO is better on FF (and film) than on APSc. It is best for compositions with the subject near the center and no concern for edge sharpness. Soft edges are an intentional design feature of the FA43, so don’t expect edge to edge sharpness.

I agree with Monochrome on this.

**pepperberry farm** · 07-09-2019, 08:18 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Blue

Well, I mean that was almost a troll move. :Hysterical: That's a lot like walking into a Corvette auto show and muttering something about a fiberglass junk yard.

someone asked why I was selling the lens, so I answered them... and that's how it started...

(:

**c.a.m** · 07-09-2019, 08:30 AM

Originally posted by jct us101

I see lots of reviews of the 43mm but they all say the bokeh sucks. I haven't been able to find a lot of samples either, so I'm just wondering...does it have that creamy smooth bokeh like the 77mm or is it like any other f/1.8 lens when it comes to that?

Not all of the reviews conclude that the bokeh "sucks." Perhaps you missed some of the positive comments.

Simply, the FA 77mm Limited is capable of producing a 'softer' and 'creamier' bokeh than the FA 43mm Ltd. There are many example images from both lenses at the links suggested in the other posts here. Another source for sample images is Flickr; search for 'Pentax FA 43mm".

- Craig

kevinWE · 07-09-2019, 08:37 AM

Originally posted by jct us101

I have a K-5 and 77mm, but the focal length is turning out incredibly useless for me lately. I really love the bokeh of it and the FA lenses, but the other option I'm seeing other than the 43mm is the 31mm, which is too wide and also too expensive. I see lots of reviews of the 43mm but they all say the bokeh sucks. I haven't been able to find a lot of samples either, so I'm just wondering...does it have that creamy smooth bokeh like the 77mm or is it like any other f/1.8 lens when it comes to that? Feel free to post samples!

I'm not sure how Bokeh can suck. Either you like a busy bokeh or a smooth bokeh, it's a matter of preference. I like a smooth creamy bokeh myself, but that's truly a subjective matter.

**gofour3** · 07-09-2019, 09:46 AM - **2 Likes**

Since the FA43/1.9 was designed for Pentax AF film cameras and any type of film I've shot using the FA43 I've been totally happy with, my conclusion would be that APS-C sucks!

Phil.

zapp · 07-09-2019, 10:05 AM - **1 Like**

I had the 77 mm on K5. Too long, sold it. Years later now with K1 I got another copy and it is perfect. Keep the lens if possible. The 55 mm performed not so well with my K5/3. 43 I never tried, but like the 31 & 77, I would consider it a full frame lens.
The 31 is a wide angle design with stubby lens shade. It feels wrong on apsc.

Gbhati01 · 07-09-2019, 06:47 PM

I had a similar conundrum a few months ago. I had a 77, which I loved but wanted something wider. I also was sceptical of mixed reviews of 43 mm, but took the plunge. And I love my 43mm - it’s my most used lens. I may still like the 77 more, but I shoot more often with my 43 mm.

If bokeh is the only thing you want, then possibly 55 mm might be a better choice. But to me, 43 mm’s true value is in rendering - micro contrast, pixie dust whatever one might call it. I also have more keepers with the 43 mm. In my opinion 77 mm is a bit more temperamental - results can vary from being awesome to nahhh. 43 mm though is a workhorse and more reliable. But this could be my inexperience as well, or a bad lens copy.

Aaron28 · 07-09-2019, 08:53 PM

Originally posted by jct us101

he other option I'm seeing other than the 43mm is the 31mm, which is too wide and also too expensive.

the 40XS is an inexpensive alternative....has 9 blades I believe and typically delivers in regards to bokeh.....I enjoy mine quite a bit......also have the FA 35/f2 and like how it performs....since I am content with them I find no reason to spend what I do not have on the 31 or 43......now if I had the cash.....wouldn't everybody?

oddly I think this is the 2nd post today(of mine) maybe 3rd routing for the 40XS

subidoc · 07-11-2019, 02:55 AM - **1 Like**

To the OP: Have you considered trying the FA 35/F2? It's inexpensive, fast and sharp, lightweight, and comes with a functional hood (pardon me for for missing any related prior comment on this lens. In case I missed it...).

I have found that having a system of lenses that include focal lengths of 28, 35, 50-58, 70-77, 85-100, 100-135 can satisfy most needs (but for LBA).

Sometimes, you connect with images taken with a specific focal length more than others. Personal state of mind, mood, ambient lighting, the subject, etc can greatly influence the perception of our images at the time... That's what art is about. It doesn't have to be perfect. It just needs to make you feel a little better...

Nick Siebers · 07-17-2019, 06:19 PM

I love my FA 43. Probably my favorite lens. TBH I liked the DA 40 quite a bit as well, but the 43 is just a little more interesting. I love it for pictures of people or pets. The FA 77 is also fantastic, in my book, but the narrower field of view can sometimes feel a little limiting. I only use APS-C, FWIW.

johnha · 07-18-2019, 05:56 PM

The FA43 is my favourite lens for film & FF but too long for APS-C for me. I use a 28mm on APS-C for a similar focal length. Since buying the M40/2.8 40mm has been my preferred standard lens for film or the K-1.

I don't care about bokeh, it's not something that excites me.

07-09-2019, 08:30 AM	#21
c.a.m Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,191	Originally posted by jct us101 I see lots of reviews of the 43mm but they all say the bokeh sucks. I haven't been able to find a lot of samples either, so I'm just wondering...does it have that creamy smooth bokeh like the 77mm or is it like any other f/1.8 lens when it comes to that? Not all of the reviews conclude that the bokeh "sucks." Perhaps you missed some of the positive comments. Simply, the FA 77mm Limited is capable of producing a 'softer' and 'creamier' bokeh than the FA 43mm Ltd. There are many example images from both lenses at the links suggested in the other posts here. Another source for sample images is Flickr; search for 'Pentax FA 43mm". - Craig Last edited by c.a.m; 07-09-2019 at 10:06 AM.

07-09-2019, 08:53 PM	#26
Aaron28 Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,131	Originally posted by jct us101 he other option I'm seeing other than the 43mm is the 31mm, which is too wide and also too expensive. the 40XS is an inexpensive alternative....has 9 blades I believe and typically delivers in regards to bokeh.....I enjoy mine quite a bit......also have the FA 35/f2 and like how it performs....since I am content with them I find no reason to spend what I do not have on the 31 or 43......now if I had the cash.....wouldn't everybody? oddly I think this is the 2nd post today(of mine) maybe 3rd routing for the 40XS Last edited by Aaron28; 07-11-2019 at 03:16 PM.

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07-08-2019, 09:26 PM	#16
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,558	If you are looking for a short telephoto effect, the FA 43mm will provide that when used on APS-C. Bokeh is good, but not as good as the FA 77mm LTD, which is among the best, along with great color. I have both. However, for an all around versatile FL with excellent bokeh, the FA 31mm LTD is that for APS-C use. In the middle, for a normal FL prime lens having excellent bokeh, don't forget the FA 35mm f/2.

07-08-2019, 09:56 PM - 1 Like	#17
ZombieArmy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 3,210	I owned the 43 but it wasn't better than the 40xs in the ways I used the FL. Not a bad lens but make sure you really want the f1.9

07-09-2019, 07:57 AM - 2 Likes	#18
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by pepperberry farm I didn't think that the FA 43 sucked, but I kicked off some nastiness in the FA Limited thread when I said that I preferred the DA40 Ltd over the FA43 Ltd... but, for the way I shoot, the DA 40 Limited works better for me.... I shoot APS-C only, and not interested in moving to FF - and the DA40 has better MFD, has quickshift, and is better at controlling CA... Well, I mean that was almost a troll move. That's a lot like walking into a Corvette auto show and muttering something about a fiberglass junk yard.

07-09-2019, 07:59 AM	#19
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by monochrome On APSc i prefer the DA40/2.8 Limited, but it isn’t a pure bokeh lens. It’s more of a sharp lens with great colors. The FA43/1.9 is a challenging lens to get right and IMO is better on FF (and film) than on APSc. It is best for compositions with the subject near the center and no concern for edge sharpness. Soft edges are an intentional design feature of the FA43, so don’t expect edge to edge sharpness. I agree with Monochrome on this.

07-09-2019, 08:18 AM - 1 Like	#20
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,765	Originally posted by Blue Well, I mean that was almost a troll move. :Hysterical: That's a lot like walking into a Corvette auto show and muttering something about a fiberglass junk yard. someone asked why I was selling the lens, so I answered them... and that's how it started... (:

07-09-2019, 08:37 AM	#22
kevinWE Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 497	Originally posted by jct us101 I have a K-5 and 77mm, but the focal length is turning out incredibly useless for me lately. I really love the bokeh of it and the FA lenses, but the other option I'm seeing other than the 43mm is the 31mm, which is too wide and also too expensive. I see lots of reviews of the 43mm but they all say the bokeh sucks. I haven't been able to find a lot of samples either, so I'm just wondering...does it have that creamy smooth bokeh like the 77mm or is it like any other f/1.8 lens when it comes to that? Feel free to post samples! I'm not sure how Bokeh can suck. Either you like a busy bokeh or a smooth bokeh, it's a matter of preference. I like a smooth creamy bokeh myself, but that's truly a subjective matter.

07-09-2019, 09:46 AM - 2 Likes	#23
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,092	Since the FA43/1.9 was designed for Pentax AF film cameras and any type of film I've shot using the FA43 I've been totally happy with, my conclusion would be that APS-C sucks! Phil.

07-09-2019, 10:05 AM - 1 Like	#24
zapp Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,388	I had the 77 mm on K5. Too long, sold it. Years later now with K1 I got another copy and it is perfect. Keep the lens if possible. The 55 mm performed not so well with my K5/3. 43 I never tried, but like the 31 & 77, I would consider it a full frame lens. The 31 is a wide angle design with stubby lens shade. It feels wrong on apsc.

07-09-2019, 06:47 PM	#25
Gbhati01 New Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Posts: 20	I had a similar conundrum a few months ago. I had a 77, which I loved but wanted something wider. I also was sceptical of mixed reviews of 43 mm, but took the plunge. And I love my 43mm - it’s my most used lens. I may still like the 77 more, but I shoot more often with my 43 mm. If bokeh is the only thing you want, then possibly 55 mm might be a better choice. But to me, 43 mm’s true value is in rendering - micro contrast, pixie dust whatever one might call it. I also have more keepers with the 43 mm. In my opinion 77 mm is a bit more temperamental - results can vary from being awesome to nahhh. 43 mm though is a workhorse and more reliable. But this could be my inexperience as well, or a bad lens copy.

07-11-2019, 02:55 AM - 1 Like	#27
subidoc Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Somewhere near the middle... Posts: 325	To the OP: Have you considered trying the FA 35/F2? It's inexpensive, fast and sharp, lightweight, and comes with a functional hood (pardon me for for missing any related prior comment on this lens. In case I missed it...). I have found that having a system of lenses that include focal lengths of 28, 35, 50-58, 70-77, 85-100, 100-135 can satisfy most needs (but for LBA). Sometimes, you connect with images taken with a specific focal length more than others. Personal state of mind, mood, ambient lighting, the subject, etc can greatly influence the perception of our images at the time... That's what art is about. It doesn't have to be perfect. It just needs to make you feel a little better...

07-17-2019, 06:19 PM	#28
Nick Siebers Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Madison, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,165	I love my FA 43. Probably my favorite lens. TBH I liked the DA 40 quite a bit as well, but the 43 is just a little more interesting. I love it for pictures of people or pets. The FA 77 is also fantastic, in my book, but the narrower field of view can sometimes feel a little limiting. I only use APS-C, FWIW.

07-18-2019, 05:56 PM	#29
johnha Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Lancashire, UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,155	The FA43 is my favourite lens for film & FF but too long for APS-C for me. I use a 28mm on APS-C for a similar focal length. Since buying the M40/2.8 40mm has been my preferred standard lens for film or the K-1. I don't care about bokeh, it's not something that excites me.