For some time now I've been looking for a lens not to replace DA40ltd but to go nicely with it and Sigma 10-20. I love the IQ of 40 but sometimes I find myself in tight spot with it and 10-20 is often too wide even on 20mm. Indoors my 50/1.7 does great but sometimes I just can't flinch enough. 40 is still decen indoors with decent light but I'd be happy with something tad faster and wider...
I do have Tokina 28/2.8 which is not bad but: MFing is not my strongest point, it's still 2.8 only and it's coating is nowhere close as good as SMC (even sigma's coating for that matter).
So I was looking at some decent performers in the range between 20 and 40.
My thinking:
FA35/2 - good performer, available, affordable but too close to 40 so wouldn't get much of use outdoors
FA31ltd - outstanding lens by all accounts with one fault only: £££ and I'm not too fond of that built in hood
F/FA28/2.8 - I love 28mm FOV on APS-C but they are still 2.8 only (though I think I could live with it) they are very affordable but hugely unavailable
Sigma 24 and 28/1.8 - apparently good lenses, though big and heavy (compared to other options). Very hard to find in London
Sigma 30/1.4 - available in couple of shops, affordable, good focal length, fast, but no SMC, and reportedly soft in corners (I wouldn't mind that in low light but how is it at f8/11 for landscapes???)
any ideas/opinions very welcome
BR
Peter