the best and smallest prime

BBear · 02-22-2010, 02:38 PM

he he he

I was reading about this "40mm too short for APS" comments and I was like "who would say that?!?"

And bang! that was me!! he he he.. Funny funny..

Let me correct myself: IMO, the worse thing about the 40LTD is the fact that it is 40mm and it is too LONG or cropped or whatever you want to call it. I love the lens, but I wish it were a bit shorter, like between 30-35mm

with that in mind, i do have the FA35 f/2 + 40 LTD + 50 f/1.4. Out of these options, hands down the FA 35 f/2 would be my first choice, if I had to choose only one lens.

I do use the 40 LTD a lot, and I freakin love the small package, but it is too cropped and 1-stop slower. The 50mm f/1.4 is actually my LEAST used lens, hands down. I should actually sell that thing.

But coming back to the topic, I would definitely recommend the 40 LTD... it is a very good lens indeed.

BB

AirSupply · 02-22-2010, 02:42 PM

Originally posted by BBear

Let me correct myself: IMO, the worse thing about the 40LTD is the fact that it is 40mm and it is too LONG or cropped or whatever you want to call it. I love the lens, but I wish it were a bit shorter, like between 30-35mm

BB

Lol, if it was 30-35mm, it would be the 35mm but without macro

deadwolfbones · 02-22-2010, 02:45 PM

Some more evidence in favor of the DA35:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/32664-theory-d...-ever-tag.html

BBear · 02-22-2010, 02:46 PM

Originally posted by AirSupply

Lol, if it was 30-35mm, it would be the 35mm but without macro...

... and 3x thinner!

GeneV · 02-22-2010, 03:05 PM

Originally posted by BBear

with that in mind, i do have the FA35 f/2 + 40 LTD + 50 f/1.4. Out of these options, hands down the FA 35 f/2 would be my first choice, if I had to choose only one lens.

I do use the 40 LTD a lot, and I freakin love the small package, but it is too cropped and 1-stop slower. The 50mm f/1.4 is actually my LEAST used lens, hands down. I should actually sell that thing.

But coming back to the topic, I would definitely recommend the 40 LTD... it is a very good lens indeed.

BB

I have those three as well, and also rank them in that order of use. The 35/2 is one fine lens. However, the DA40 is about half the length, and its color rendering is a bit snappier. If I have only one prime, it is likely to be the FA35/2. However if I am carrying a trio of lenses, the one in the middle is likely to be the DA40.

Blue · 02-22-2010, 03:17 PM

Originally posted by braver

What about the bokeh on 35mm, 40mm, and 50mm? And, how more macro is DA 35mm vs 40mm -- is the 35mm a real macro?

With the DA 35mm ltd, K20d hand held on a ladder . . .

Compared to the Sigma 105mm macro

GeneV · 02-22-2010, 03:18 PM

Originally posted by Recercare

Choose the DA 40mm. It's sharp, small and with very quick AF....and F2.8 is fast enough for most situations.

I really hate 50mm on APS-C. It's too long for shooting indoors and also too short for portraits. I had the M 50mm F1.7 but sold it. I preferred my DA 40 even though I had to bump ISO in very low light conditions.

Kind regards
.lars

Same here. The only one I find myself using frequently is the FA50 macro, though. The extra length is a plus to me, there. For that wasp shot, I'd rather have a 500mm macro.

Last edited by GeneV; 02-22-2010 at 03:27 PM.

**EsBee** · 02-22-2010, 03:22 PM

Originally posted by braver

OK, now I wonder why would anybody need a DA 40mm if they have the A 50mm f/1.4?

What does need have anything to do with getting a lens?

Even with an FA43 I still got the DA40, and would probably start saving if Pentax announced a DA* 41.5mm f1.x lens

**EsBee** · 02-22-2010, 03:27 PM

Originally posted by Blue

With the DA 35mm ltd, K20d hand held on a ladder . . .

Wow, that took guts!

I mean, handling a K20D and DA35 up that high, what if you had dropped it?

Blue · 02-22-2010, 03:33 PM

Originally posted by EsBee

Wow, that took guts!

I mean, handling a K20D and DA35 up that high, what if you had dropped it?

I had the strap on. I wasn't going to drop it or me!

(I was using a 6ft ladder and was 2/3 up it.)

shiner · 02-22-2010, 03:35 PM

Originally posted by Blue

With the DA 35mm ltd, K20d hand held on a ladder . . .

Compared to the Sigma 105mm macro

OMG, inches from disaster!

tokyoso · 02-22-2010, 03:53 PM

Originally posted by braver

OK, now I wonder why would anybody need a DA 40mm if they have the A 50mm f/1.4?

That's what I asked myself as well. But I don't have the A version, just the M. I love the build quality of the DA limiteds. The older lenses like A and M 50 1.4 are pretty well made too. They just feel nice when you touch them.

I've found that the DA 40mm 2.8 is just right for city street night shots and indoor cafes, but not for dinner table portraits. F2.8 will probably be a problem if you shoot in the wilds at night without a tripod, but you can always lay it on a good rock, or your bike.

Recercare · 02-22-2010, 04:09 PM

Originally posted by tokyoso

I've found that the DA 40mm 2.8 is just right for city street night shots and indoor cafes, but not for dinner table portraits. F2.8 will probably be a problem if you shoot in the wilds at night without a tripod, but you can always lay it on a good rock, or your bike.

That was my main reason for getting the the 28mm. When using the DA 40 for dinner table portraits I had to leave my chair and move 1-2 meters away from table. With the 28mm I can just sit there and fire away.

Kind regards
.lars

braver · 02-22-2010, 10:35 PM

I wonder, how does the FA 43/1.9 compare to the DA 40/2.8 Ltd.?

yeatzee · 02-22-2010, 11:35 PM

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/73525-40mm-da-vs-43mm-fa-2.html

02-22-2010, 03:05 PM	#35
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by BBear with that in mind, i do have the FA35 f/2 + 40 LTD + 50 f/1.4. Out of these options, hands down the FA 35 f/2 would be my first choice, if I had to choose only one lens. I do use the 40 LTD a lot, and I freakin love the small package, but it is too cropped and 1-stop slower. The 50mm f/1.4 is actually my LEAST used lens, hands down. I should actually sell that thing. But coming back to the topic, I would definitely recommend the 40 LTD... it is a very good lens indeed. BB I have those three as well, and also rank them in that order of use. The 35/2 is one fine lens. However, the DA40 is about half the length, and its color rendering is a bit snappier. If I have only one prime, it is likely to be the FA35/2. However if I am carrying a trio of lenses, the one in the middle is likely to be the DA40. Last edited by GeneV; 02-22-2010 at 03:14 PM.

02-22-2010, 03:17 PM	#36
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by braver What about the bokeh on 35mm, 40mm, and 50mm? And, how more macro is DA 35mm vs 40mm -- is the 35mm a real macro? With the DA 35mm ltd, K20d hand held on a ladder . . . Compared to the Sigma 105mm macro Last edited by Blue; 02-22-2010 at 03:23 PM.

02-22-2010, 03:53 PM	#42
tokyoso Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Tokyo Photos: Albums Posts: 723	Originally posted by braver OK, now I wonder why would anybody need a DA 40mm if they have the A 50mm f/1.4? That's what I asked myself as well. But I don't have the A version, just the M. I love the build quality of the DA limiteds. The older lenses like A and M 50 1.4 are pretty well made too. They just feel nice when you touch them. I've found that the DA 40mm 2.8 is just right for city street night shots and indoor cafes, but not for dinner table portraits. F2.8 will probably be a problem if you shoot in the wilds at night without a tripod, but you can always lay it on a good rock, or your bike. Last edited by tokyoso; 02-22-2010 at 04:06 PM.

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02-22-2010, 02:38 PM	#31
BBear Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: CT / NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 822	he he he I was reading about this "40mm too short for APS" comments and I was like "who would say that?!?" And bang! that was me!! he he he.. Funny funny.. Let me correct myself: IMO, the worse thing about the 40LTD is the fact that it is 40mm and it is too LONG or cropped or whatever you want to call it. I love the lens, but I wish it were a bit shorter, like between 30-35mm with that in mind, i do have the FA35 f/2 + 40 LTD + 50 f/1.4. Out of these options, hands down the FA 35 f/2 would be my first choice, if I had to choose only one lens. I do use the 40 LTD a lot, and I freakin love the small package, but it is too cropped and 1-stop slower. The 50mm f/1.4 is actually my LEAST used lens, hands down. I should actually sell that thing. But coming back to the topic, I would definitely recommend the 40 LTD... it is a very good lens indeed. BB

02-22-2010, 02:42 PM	#32
AirSupply Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 153	Originally posted by BBear Let me correct myself: IMO, the worse thing about the 40LTD is the fact that it is 40mm and it is too LONG or cropped or whatever you want to call it. I love the lens, but I wish it were a bit shorter, like between 30-35mm BB Lol, if it was 30-35mm, it would be the 35mm but without macro

02-22-2010, 02:45 PM	#33
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	Some more evidence in favor of the DA35: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/32664-theory-d...-ever-tag.html

02-22-2010, 02:46 PM	#34
BBear Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: CT / NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 822	Originally posted by AirSupply Lol, if it was 30-35mm, it would be the 35mm but without macro... ... and 3x thinner!

02-22-2010, 03:18 PM	#37
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by Recercare Choose the DA 40mm. It's sharp, small and with very quick AF....and F2.8 is fast enough for most situations. I really hate 50mm on APS-C. It's too long for shooting indoors and also too short for portraits. I had the M 50mm F1.7 but sold it. I preferred my DA 40 even though I had to bump ISO in very low light conditions. Kind regards .lars Same here. The only one I find myself using frequently is the FA50 macro, though. The extra length is a plus to me, there. For that wasp shot, I'd rather have a 500mm macro. Last edited by GeneV; 02-22-2010 at 03:27 PM.

02-22-2010, 03:22 PM	#38
EsBee Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: National Capital Region Posts: 739	Originally posted by braver OK, now I wonder why would anybody need a DA 40mm if they have the A 50mm f/1.4? What does need have anything to do with getting a lens? Even with an FA43 I still got the DA40, and would probably start saving if Pentax announced a DA* 41.5mm f1.x lens

02-22-2010, 03:27 PM	#39
EsBee Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: National Capital Region Posts: 739	Originally posted by Blue With the DA 35mm ltd, K20d hand held on a ladder . . . Wow, that took guts! I mean, handling a K20D and DA35 up that high, what if you had dropped it?

02-22-2010, 03:33 PM	#40
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by EsBee Wow, that took guts! I mean, handling a K20D and DA35 up that high, what if you had dropped it? I had the strap on. I wasn't going to drop it or me! (I was using a 6ft ladder and was 2/3 up it.)

02-22-2010, 03:35 PM	#41
shiner Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: N GA USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,127	Originally posted by Blue With the DA 35mm ltd, K20d hand held on a ladder . . . Compared to the Sigma 105mm macro OMG, inches from disaster!

02-22-2010, 04:09 PM	#43
Recercare Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Sweden Posts: 359	Originally posted by tokyoso I've found that the DA 40mm 2.8 is just right for city street night shots and indoor cafes, but not for dinner table portraits. F2.8 will probably be a problem if you shoot in the wilds at night without a tripod, but you can always lay it on a good rock, or your bike. That was my main reason for getting the the 28mm. When using the DA 40 for dinner table portraits I had to leave my chair and move 1-2 meters away from table. With the 28mm I can just sit there and fire away. Kind regards .lars

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02-22-2010, 10:35 PM	#44
braver Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hanover, NH Posts: 157 Original Poster	I wonder, how does the FA 43/1.9 compare to the DA 40/2.8 Ltd.?

02-22-2010, 11:35 PM	#45
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675	https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/73525-40mm-da-vs-43mm-fa-2.html