Originally posted by drwho9437 To each their own... I do know the FA35 is quite good, and the FA31 is very good but too expensive for me. I suppose that really only leaves the DA40 and FA43? And I know they are good as well, but I don't know how much better and in what subtle ways they may be. Which is why I asked what I did. I'm sorry if you thought it was vague. But if you think someone reading into the language of a post and trying to ascertain bias, is an insult, then well.... I don't deliver an actual insult. But I hope you will leave me alone in the future....
You have to understand that some people is as sensitive as you are when talking about brand and products preferences. One of your first mistakes was to underestimate the familiarity of Roentarre (and from others) with Canon equipment. Obviously you dont know him but he is one of the most peaceful and respected members of the forum.THat means that some people that respect him might feel offended by your response to his post. As a jelous lurker I have visited is webpage cos it is a pleasure to see some of his pictures. If you do that you will find that he owns a bid deal of Canon equipment and hence you should reconsider the calification of fanboy. We could use a similar argument to yours providing the fact that you only answered possitively to the person that agrees with your initial argument of the EF35 f2 as a good performer. I could say then that you might work a little bit in the fanboy concept and you would feel offended with reason. So let us pass page and try to discuss in a civilized way.
In my particular case, I have used the EF35 as much as you used the Pentax 35 macro (a test run) and either the lens I tried was a dog or the lens itself is simply very limited (in the wrong way). Obviously, you and many others might have a different experience with the same lens. Now, besides the other recommendations I would recommend you to consider also the F or FA28 f2.8. It is quite sharp (you can see some data about it in Photodo). I have used the sigma 28 f1.8 also and if you find a good copy it is a very good and cheap option. The main problem that it has is the QC issues with BF/FF but in the K20d I guess that it can be solved with microadjustments.
I hope we can all have a peaceful discussion without stupid fanboy/troll arguments