[bassek]

The DA limiteds are excellent (I have DA14, 40 and 70) but I think the designation of 3 "Amigos" or "Princesses" is reserved for FA limiteds and still quite deserving IMO.

The DA14 was not given the limited name, however it is a terrific one.

Seb

[zapp]

The 20-40 zoom is a limited lens as well.

We can also mention the trinity of 2.8 zooms, but Pentax only developed one of them.

[Jonathan Mac]

In the DA Limiteds if I had to pick three to cover a good range it'd be the 21mm, 35mm and the 70mm. That's what I mainly used when I went to Japan and I had a great time photographing with the DA Limiteds.

[Theov39]

Thanks for all the replies! That is very helpful. I have the DA 15 and DA 21 and really like them, esp the DA 15, and wondered which one to add next. The 70 seems to be the obvious choice in terms of focal length. The DFA 100 Macro WR (the latest version ) is not a Limited lens but to me both the built quality and the image quality puts it squarely in that camp and it makes a great mid-range telephoto lens too.

---------- Post added 04-24-20 at 03:56 AM ----------

If you have to have only three DA limited lenses I'd say you should pick:

DA 15 or 21
DA 35 or 40
DA 70

Pick the 15 over the 21 if you prefer a 24 over a 28 on Full Frame, or just like very wide angle.

Pick the 21 over the 15 if street photography appeals more than very wide angle.

Pick the 40 over the 35 if Macro isn't as important as extremely small size.

Pick the 35 if you want what is arguably the most versatile DA limited lens. It is the equivalent of a nice 50mm macro on 35mm film. Reasonably fast, sharp and able to do 1:1 macro shots all in a relatively small package.

The 70 is a no brainier if you are like me and like a roughly 100mm perspective on 35mm film for portraits. If that seems too long then skip it but it really is a nice portrait lens.

Great advice. Thank you.

---------- Post added 04-24-20 at 03:58 AM ----------

Three Amigos refers to a campy American comedy movie not worthy of the attaching to the FA Limited. In Japan the FA Limiteds are given the honorific Three Princesses, referring to the Imperial daughters.. There are five DA Limiteds. I do not know of a corresponding honorific for the DA Limiteds. If you multiply the FL of the FA Limiteds by .67 you’ll have an approximation of the corresponding FoV on an APSc sensor (the math isn’t perfect, but it is easier).

FA31 = 20.77 = DA21
FA43 = 28.81 (30) = no direct comparison
FA77 = 51.59 = no direct comparison

A better way to think of the DA Limited set is to compare to the classic film five lens set of 20, 28, 50, (85), 105
15 = 22
21= 31.5
35 = 52.5
40 = 60
70 = 105

DA*16-50 and DA* 50-135 compare to 24-70 and 70-210.

Makes sense. Are the DA Limited lenses equal to, or very close to, the optical image quality to the Three Amigos or is that too subjective to say?

[selfnoise]

I separate the DA limiteds into the cake stack (21, 40, 70) and the Barrels (35, 15, 20-40).

[Theov39]

In the DA Limiteds if I had to pick three to cover a good range it'd be the 21mm, 35mm and the 70mm. That's what I mainly used when I went to Japan and I had a great time photographing with the DA Limiteds.

That is a great choice for travel. Nice and compact too. I'd probably substitute the 15 for the 35 simply because I rarely ever used my 50mm lens back in my lens days despite always owning one, but always used my 24mm lens.

[aslyfox]

although no way considered a " limited " because of its built

the SMC Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 XS [ the best lens in its class ( of 1 ) ] shares the optics of the SMC Pentax-D A 40mm F2.8 Limited

so if cost is an issue now, it might be considered so you could get 35mm Limited and 70mm Limited now

Description:
The SMC Pentax DA 40mm XS is based on the optical design of the SMC Pentax DA 40mm Limited, but its exterior is designed by Marc Newson so as to match the design of the K-01 mirrorless camera. The lens will work with Pentax DSLRs as well as with the K-01.

It is smaller being only 9.2 mm thick. The aperture blades are rounded which produces a smooth bokeh. The front element has SP coating which repels dust, water and grease and which makes it easier to wipe the front element clean.

Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/smc-pentax-da-40mm-f2.8-xs.html#ixzz6KX0d1htN

[selfnoise]

I generally use 21 40 70. The 35 is the best optically but it's larger and I find the long focus throw annoying. I've actually been appreciating the 40 more and more these days...

[bdery]

No I was thinking more along the lines... “Mistress", "Good Lady”, “Friendly Lady”, "Deviate Lady", "Street Lady", "Retro Lady", "Special Lady”, “Femme Fatale”, “Sweetheart”, "Lady Luck”, "Gorgeous Lady”, “Duchess” and "HM The Queen".

So, we'd have the Three Princesses and the Five Ladies?

That actually sounds pretty good!

[Kerrowdown]

So, we'd have the Three Princesses and the Five Ladies?

That actually sounds pretty good!

Aye a great combo...

[MrB1]

I generally use 21 40 70. The 35 is the best optically but it's larger and I find the long focus throw annoying. I've actually been appreciating the 40 more and more these days...

I agree - that is a good triad, but I do prefer the 35 rather than 40 as the standard lens of the three, with its useful close-focus capability. The long focus throw is not usually a problem if quick-shift is used first, to get near the range of the subject, before using auto-focus.

Philip

[kiwi_jono]

The DA14 was not given the limited name, however it is a terrific one.

Seb

DOH! I miss typed - I have a DA15 of course.

[UncleVanya]

I like the perspective of the da
40 - slightly longer than "normal" is a nice perspective for intimate portrait shots. I also find the size pts people at ease. I use it when shooting on the street in non stealth mode. When I approach people they tend to be at ease with that tiny lens pointed at them. It also renders nicely.

[aslyfox]

. . . I use it when shooting on the street . . .

at times I like a long telephoto for street photography
if I am spotted, I need the extra distance between myself and my target

I've slowed down due to age

____________

on topic, I have the SMC DA limiteds and I like them

along with 2 of the 3 FA Limiteds

which I like as well

if anyone wants to get rid of a good FA 31mm Limited for an unbelievable low price

let me know

" that's a joke, boy "

You Tube

You Tube

[Paul the Sunman]

I like the perspective of the da
40 - slightly longer than "normal" is a nice perspective for intimate portrait shots. I also find the size pts people at ease. I use it when shooting on the street in non stealth mode. When I approach people they tend to be at ease with that tiny lens pointed at them. It also renders nicely.

Independent of its role as a lens, the DA40 Limited is simply a beautiful object.