Originally posted by RICHARD L. Tests comparing HD vs non-HD Limited lenses appear somewhere on this Forum (done by M. Bernard Déry, an optical engineer from here in Canada, if I'm right). Most lenses had very similar rendering, not sufficiently different to trash the older SMC coated optics, in my view. Personally, I used the original version of the DA 55-300 mm f/4-5.8 on a K5 with good results but it proved not up to snuff on a K3. Eventually I purchased a used HD DA 55-300 mm f/4-5.8 ED WR on eBay from Japan to replace my defunct FA 80-320 mm zoom and I was astounded at the difference of rendering between the two 55-300 mm DA zooms. The new HD version has strong contrast, enhanced resolution and produces excellent pictures on the K3, one would say it is a totally different design, so much so the performance is superior.
Regards
I had the exact same experience. I replaced my original DA 55-300mm due to the filter threads having been damaged by an accidental bump, and also wanted WR. I was very surprised how much better the WR version was with the HD coatings.
I did see a thread a while back showing comparisons between scenes taken with certain DA Limiteds in the original and HD versions, which showed better contrast in some scenes. Kind of reminded me of using a good haze filter. The protective coating for easier cleaning is also a practical consideration, but these differences are not usually meaningful enough to spend the money giving up a perfectly good lens to get the HD version. The DA 55-300mm might be an exception. I gave away my original version along with my K-r to friends who are unlikely to ever put a filter on it anyway, and I am glad I went for the HD version regarding this lens only.
---------- Post added 04-29-21 at 03:39 PM ----------
Originally posted by Kozlok The edge performance just isn't up to it. If you want a landscape lens, send the 43 back and get the DA40, assuming you are shooting APS-C.
Yep, I have both, but non-HD. Edge-to-edge is definitely better with the DA 40. Great on my KP. But I like my FA 43 for convenient general purpose on my K-1 II, and good in low light situations.
Last edited by mikesbike; 04-29-2021 at 03:40 PM.