Originally posted by chd I'm on the fence on picking up the HD FA 43mm F1.9 Limited prime lens, and I'm looking for thoughts on how much of an upgrade it would be...
I use the K-1, and I currently have the 28-105 kit lens, the 100mm 2.8 macro, and an older FA SMC 50mm 1.4.
The new 50mm 1.4 prime looks like a great lens, but it's pricey and (I gather) pretty big and heavy.
The 43mm 1.9 is a pretty old design, but it still seems to get good reviews, and it's smaller, lighter, and cheaper than the new 50mm; how much of an upgrade would it be from what I currently have?
Thanks!
My take:
the 28-105 (which I do not own) is a very sharp lens, covering a very significant FL. It is not a heavy lens to carry around
The FA 50mm 1.4 is an old school lens that I do own, and use it often when I want to travel light.
Now I own the FA 43mm (not the D-FA version), and again use it when I want to travel light. It is certainly a sharp lens. Some do not like the bokeh it produces.
Now to your question of "how much of an upgrade" will it be ? In my opinion it will not be an upgrade, it will be different. You have a capable zoom that covers that FL, and you have a faster 50mm. Get the 43mm by all means but I cannot see it will improve your photos.
I am firmly of the belief that in the hands of a good photographer a milk bottle selo-taped to the front of you camera will produce a great image. Do not think that a legendary lens will suddenly turn your images into contest winners. Only you can do that....and it matters not what lens you use