Originally posted by Merv-O I note that there are two 40mm Pentax pancake lenses, the XC version and the LTD version. Can someone please tell me the difference between these two as the price points are about $150.00 different for these'
Thanks guys...I want to buy one for the new KP I bought on special
Hey, Merv-O -- I just had exactly the same question, re: the differences between the two 40mm Pentax Pancakes - the pricier LTD version and the less expensive XC version, and as far as I have been able to figure out, it boils down to a few things:
* the LTD version comes equipped with an extra 'Quick-Shift' focus ring - which allows you to fine-tune any AF (autofocus) by simply turning the QS focus ring which briefly converts the lens to manual focusing but still keeps it in AF mode. It's a useful feature for fine-tuning focusing, especially at wide-open apertures.
* the QC version being mostly plastic is actually lighter than the LTD version (which is already tiny and light)
* optically speaking the two lenses appear to be ALMOST identical - with the possible exception of the fact that the QC has rounded aperture-blade-tips, which theoretically can result in a slightly more visually appealing bokeh effect. Having said that, quite a few QC users have raved about the optical quality of their less-espensive 40mm siblings.
My personal take is that for all intents and purposes, apart from the foregoing, both lenses will give you, literally, identical results. Because of that, I was on the verge of purchase the less expensive (QC) version, to save myself a few bucks - when I stumbled across an LTD version for a truly reasonable (low) price, so I'm buying it instead.
From what I can tell though, you can't go wrong with either of them