Originally posted by jerrymouse I own both and DA 40 rendering and bokeh seems better to me (at least for portraits and casual use).
DA 35 is better for macro of course.
I don't know why, but I can't really connect to DA 35 (yet). Maybe it's because of size or because I got it as second lens.
MF with DA 35 is almost better than my on manual lenses. DA 40 has short focus throw, so MF is a bit harder.
I second everything said here. I had the DA 35 twice (and sold it twice) and don't know why I didn't like it (which is part of why I bought it a second time). The focal length was never right for me, and I only liked the bokeh some of the time. Great for macro, when you can get that close though! Loved the size, pull out hood, and manual focusing though. Personal thing!
The 40 grew on me a lot more. I bought it for the cool factor, but am really impressed with its sharpness and how it renders. I like a lot of people shots and for this I prefer not only the focusing speed, but the look of the 40 compared to the 35. Manual focus though? I have other lenses for that
So bottom line--this will be a very personal decision!