[RickyFromVegas]

I promised myself: no more lens buying until next year.

Let's see how far I can go without buying any lenses for the next few months...

Although...that Sigma 30mm is staring me in the eye, and I can't seem to ignore it very well...

Besides, my next purchase SHOULD be a K-5.

[dadipentak]

Referring to your bokeh comment: it is typical for my copy of the FA43 lens. Should/ could I do something about it, you think?

There's nothing wrong there--it looks to me like there was something reflective in the background--drops of water or some such.

[maciek_w]

It was sky peeping through leaves and twigs of trees growing by the street.

[alfdog]

That is properly made 31Ltd, as well as 77.
I don't particularly like 43 though.

I owned the 31mm first, because I got a good deal on it.
The focal length is very useful for somewhat wide shots and what I would consider "casual" environments such as sitting across the table from someone.
Kinda big, but very handy all-purpose focal length.

Second was the 77mm. This lens is simply amazing. I think it might be the best lens Pentax has made, and I say this from someone who has tried almost all of them (except the FA 85mm 1.4).
I feel this lens can be a little "special purpose" because of the focal length.
Focal length has to be appropriate in your situation, and the environment can't be flare inducing (I wouldn't use this lens on a bright sunny day, I'd choose DA*50-135 for that).

Lastly was the 43mm. I wanted to get the DA 55mm 1.4 and agonized over it for a long time. After looking at tons of REAL photographs from this forum and reviews (not technical data). It's my opinion that this has better bokeh.
There are so many opinions on this lens, lol. I wasn't expecting this lens to be as good as the 31mm, or 77mm from what I'd read, But alas I was wrong.
I can easily say that if you're going to own just ONE FA limited (which is highly unlikely after you do own one), this should be it.
Because of the focal length, you're going to be getting closer to people than the 31mm, which makes the bokeh appear creamier than the 31.
I'll say it again, this lens gives better bokeh (at 1.9) than the 31mm, and I know that you can have odd shaped bokeh at 2.8, but it doesn't matter.
It is a MUCH more usable length than the 77mm. The 77mm is for staged portraits, indoor candids where there is room, and outdoor events that do not have harsh light.
Near the end of my Pentax journey, this is the one I reached for in my bag almost all of the time.

Engagement session: 77mm and 31mm primarily
Walk around, one lens, various shooting, a party: 43mm
Dark close environment (restaurant or bar): 31mm

I do think if you wanted an outdoor portrait lens the DA 55mm 1.4 might be the best choice right now, but I never got a chance to use one.
FA Limiteds ARE flare prone, there is a lot to be said for DA lenses in this regard. This is the price you pay for having the better bokeh though.
I prefer the bokeh of the FA limiteds vs the flare resistance of the DA limiteds. If you lived in the tropics or somewhere with lots of harsh bright light, the DA's might be a better option.

I hope my personal experiences can help

Thanks,
Alfred

[deadwolfbones]

43 is also my favorite of the FA's.

[dadipentak]

Good summary, alfdog. The 43 is my least favorite (I seem to have an aversion for middling FLs) but it's still a great lens.

[Chex]

I seem to have an aversion for mid FL's. I only own the 43, but I do wish I had the 31 instead.. My 43 never gets as much camera time as it deserves as my Tamron Adaptall SP 60-300mm Macro seems to live on my camera, only getting changed out for my SuperTak 28mm or Tamron Adaptall SP 24mm. The 43 and my 50 and 55 and standard zooms seem to hangout and collect dust a lot. After forcing myself to throw the 43mm Ltd on yesterday for some much needed camera time, as usual I'm happy with the results. Here's one!

Mommy's Revenge!

[DogLover]

I would have an easier time giving up the 31 than I would either the 43 or the 77. In fact, I'd give up the 31 before the DA*55. The 43,55, and 77 give me everything I need for any kind of portrait, human or animal. I am apparently in the minority, but the 31 is just not in my wheelhouse, FL-wise. I have to concentrate more to use it well, whereas the others seem to come more natural to me. Maybe in time this will change as I have only had the 31 for 5 or 6 months.

[loco]

Chex, that's a terrific image!

[davinci]

Chex, that's a terrific image!

Totally agree!

[tommyx]

Some recent shots of my son, Adam. Turned 8 months recently. FA43




Adam & Grandpa


Having fun with Mummy

[jsherman999]

.

I bought the 77ltd, like most of my lenses I guess, for family snaps. Here's a quick chronology:


.

One of the very first snaps, 2/24/08, K100DS:


10/31/08


2/9/09


11/22/09




And, then....


01/19/10 (newbie!)


5/28/10


2/21/11


4/5/11 (Flu!)


7/3/2011


7/10/11


7/10/11





I guess you could say it's paid for itself already.



.

[the swede]

It has been along time since I posted anything to this thread, so I'll post something I got up to today - buying a new oboe.

This Rigoutat oboe cost as much as a 645D. All the custom handmade sterling silver keywork is what made it cost so much but it is worth it..the low notes on this oboe are beautiful.

Taken with the FA77 f/1.8 Limited + wireless flash

Very nice photographed!

Thought I would share some of the images that these lenses have helped me get. I hope you guys enjoy, maybe it will contribute to some LBA even =)

Thats a good round of pictures! Liked them all!

.
I bought the 77ltd, like most of my lenses I guess, for family snaps. Here's a quick chronology:

Great "snaps"!

[davinci]

All photos re great.
@jsherman- Its amazing to see your kids growing-changing through the camera captures.

[the swede]

Some from 77. mixed apertures.