[pinholecam]

This was originally posted in the local forum, but I think some folks here might be interested in this lens, so I copied it over here.
Apologies ahead for some of the local terminology used in the post. (its just a cut and paste)

I got this lens off another fellow Pentaxian as he just got the K-01 with DA40XS kit and did not need the lens.
Since this lens wouldn't be expensive and would provide a unique low encumbrance package with the K5, I got one.
I really don't actually need one since I already have the FA43Ltd.
But the price is too tempting for what is supposed to be optically the same as the DA40ltd and new rounded aperture.


Since I found some time on hand. I immediately set about trying out the lens.

My favorite feline model was waiting for me at the usual spot.

40XS f2.8


Chanced on a rather grand Malay wedding with a nice big tentage. The folks there were very nice. Allowed me to shoot around and even told me that I could come back tomorrow at 12pm ("the bride is very pretty " they told me ;p )
My congratulations to the couple.

40XS f2.8


Sitting area for the couple

40XS f2.8


Flowers for the couple

40XS f2.8
notice how it manages to handle the HDB flats in the background, which are linear elements and sometimes makes a bokeh quite 'busy' for some lenses. In this case, I'm pretty pleased with the o/p of the DA40XS.

So far it looked good. The 40XS does produce pretty pleasant bokeh imo.

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Last edited by pinholecam; 03-04-2012 at 12:12 AM.

[pinholecam]

Cycled over to Bottle Tree Village area to get some fresh air, warm sunshine and photo opportunities.

RC enthusiast at the controls



Big Boys's Toys

I can see lots of photo opportunities here. Race car photography anyone?
The day was near an end, so there weren't that many RC enthusiasts, so I left w/o doing any 'action' shots.


Passed by the organic farm. Young Chye Sims (I think they are called Rape in western countries)

OT a bit. Rape is certainly quite a embarrassing word to use for us Asians.
I ever chanced upon a menu in China what had the dish "Fried Rape"
(yeah! Thanks again Google, for a literal translation)

[pinholecam]

This bicycle caught my attention. Wonder what was inside the shelter.

DA40XS f2.8


Worker trawling for prawns for the prawn fishing pond a few hundred meters away.



Fresh from the pond.
Can't get any fresher.

DA40XS f4

[pinholecam]

Bottle Tree Village

DA40XS f8


Hyacinth overlooks Bottle Tree Village

DA40XS f5.6


Fangipani beside a old wooden dam



Lovely way to spend a weekend.


DA40XS has proved versatile enough so far in my walkabout. Without any other lens, it had managed to cover closeups and some scenery.

[pinholecam]

Now for people shots. Something that holds a practical implication for me (ie. take photos of family).
I moved over to the children's netting pond to catch the children at their business.

Anticiaption




a small one amidst the chaos

DA40XS f4


My catch



Flower in the playground

[pinholecam]

Adorable eyes



The Elephant Rider



First steps (Yishun waterfront park)


By the time I reached Yishun Waterfront park, the Sun was almost gone. Grabbed the last photo of the day above and packed up, fully satisfied with the new purchase.
At this point, the DA40XS is certainly the smallest and lightest lens I can snap on to my K5 while still providing a fast aperture and more importantly a rather versatile focal length. People; Children; Scenery; small items; shallow DOF; all can be done by it reasonably well. Focus was snappy too.
I had this slung over my shoulder most of the time, even when cycling and I did not feel that it jutted or dangled oddly. Neither did it offer any significant encumbrance.
In fact it made my K5 look like a K-01
No regrets getting this lens to play around.

[fuent104]

Thanks for sharing. These are some informative results.

[devorama]

That first cat picture shows great sharpness at wide open. :-)

[Anvh]

From what i see not different then the DA40 i've and thats a good thing =]

[repaap]

Wow, great shots and looks like a great performer too. And it is quite cheap for what it does! Thaks for posting!

[Jonathan Mac]

Looks like performance is excellent, certainly when it's in good hands (and in front of a good eye).

Thanks for the samples and enjoy your new lens.

[Docrwm]

Thanks for sharing. Looks to be a solid addition to the Pentax Lens Lineup!

[RioRico]

And now the lens deserves a review! In our user review database, of course. All I see there are the basic specs. At 50g it's certainly a candidate for my ultra-light mini-kit, maybe booting-out my tiny Meyer Helioplan 40/4.5 (100g). Now if only Pentax-Ricoh will deliver a 24mm or 28mm pancake of similar weight & thickness & price...

[Anvh]

Not sure it needs a review though, just look up a review about the DA40 limited and you know how it preforms, the rounded aperture blades and the SP coating won't make a world of a differnce.
The biggest differnce is the build quality, no quickshift, no hood and the price and we're all able to get a fair idea about that and if you like the build quality and the handling is a personal question and one you can only find out by trying the lens yourself.

Now the qustion comes though, DA40XS or the DA35 f/2,4?
I hope they also packed the DA21 limited into a cheaper package that might be very interesting for most.

[lytrytyr]

The database does have separate reviews of the DA 18-55 II and DA L 18-55.
Locating reviews of the DA 40 XS separate from the DA 40 Ltd would be comparable.