[JJ-eire]

Hello,

So I've been tempted to buy a 43mm limited but I already have the 40mm XS. Would it be worth upgrading?

I would use it mainly on an MZ-S (or Mz30, Mz6, Super A) to shoot around the garden and for general purpose photography, like a 35mm lens.

Advantages in favour of the 43mm:
Aperture ring (great for the MZ-S)
One stop faster
A limited lens so better IQ also

However it would cost me about €390

I already have the 40mm XS, it's FF compatible, I can use it on a few film cameras including the Super A. It's TINY like 50g and it does the job.

So should I give in to G.A.S. or leave it be?

[Bui]

If in doubt, I would buy it, try it, and keep it if I like, sell it if I don't. It's better to try than never be sure.

Beside that half-joke, do you want f1.9?

[nosliwmit]

I love my 43mm Ltd. Since I bought a used one two years ago it's been practically glued to my K-1 Mk II. I say go for it!

[carlb]

Just give in, it's worth it.

[pepperberry farm]

while I cannot compare the FA43 to the XS40, I did compare the FA to the DA40 Limited when I had both...

I liked the DA's shorter MFD, quick shift, and nicer bokeh...

I sold the FA 43 Limited...

[aslyfox]

The XS is the cheaper DA 40mm limited

The FA 43mm Limited was the first Limited produced

And if you wish is now available in HD

The body is different, it has the aperture ring

I have both and wouldn't want to do without my SMC FA 43mm Limited

[Sandy Hancock]

I still have both, but I would pack the FA43 first nearly every time. Including overseas trips with a crop camera.



But it goes alright on film too. That's my wife, pointing to my daughter on the billboard

[savoche]

A limited lens so better IQ also

I believe that the XS is optically identical to the DA40 Ltd, so I wouldn't take that for a given.

Now, I don't have the 40 (any of them), but from what I see they are great performers. I'm very happy with my FA43 and don't plan to get a 40mm, but I am fairly certain I wouldn't get the 43 if I already had a 40 either. I would say the that two are different rather than that one is better than the other.

I do have a DA70, and I see little reason to get an FA77 (unless one should show up at an exceptionally good price, of course...).

But as always, if what you really want is an FA43 then go get it if you have the funds. I would recommend looking on the second-hand market.

[Sandy Hancock]

Having said the above, the 43 is currently the only FA Limited I would consider re-purchasing in the new HD version....

[EssJayEff]

Rent it first . . . you might just like it!

[bdery]

So I've been tempted to buy a 43mm limited but I already have the 40mm XS. Would it be worth upgrading?

To me the 43 is a fantastic lens, well worth owning. The XS40 can be used on FF, but with extremely soft corners.

[Waffles]

The 43 is truly a fantastic lens but, as was mentioned a few posts earlier, the MFD is possibly a weakness depending on how you shoot. I love it as a landscape lens on APS-C but always found it too wide on film. But if you already appreciate the 40mm you should at least give the 43 a shot. Couldnt hurt.

[Kwong]

Hello,

So I've been tempted to buy a 43mm limited but I already have the 40mm XS. Would it be worth upgrading?

I would use it mainly on an MZ-S (or Mz30, Mz6, Super A) to shoot around the garden and for general purpose photography, like a 35mm lens.

Advantages in favour of the 43mm:
Aperture ring (great for the MZ-S)
One stop faster
A limited lens so better IQ also

However it would cost me about €390

I already have the 40mm XS, it's FF compatible, I can use it on a few film cameras including the Super A. It's TINY like 50g and it does the job.

So should I give in to G.A.S. or leave it be?

i have all 3 43 ltd, XS40 and HD 40 LTD. Must say i prefer the 43 overall and the other 2 sort of collect dust. So is it worth upgrading i would say if you need f 1.9 and want that pixie dust experience then yes. Otherwise the XS 40 is very sharp.

[jct us101]

I've been considering it for crop as I used to love the Canon 40mm f/2.8 pancake on my old Rebel SL1. Considering it's even faster, I loved that focal length.

[aslyfox]

I believe that the XS is optically identical to the DA40 Ltd, . . . .

yes, it is

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: SMC Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 XS Reviews - DA XS Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

I have always said that the XS is the best lens in its class [ of one ]