| Author: | | Veteran Member Registered: February, 2009 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 3,757
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: July 17, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $375.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | super-sharp even wide open, nice bokeh, tiny, 3D | | Cons: | none | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 9
Value: 10
New or Used: New
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When I bought the first copy, I thought I the focal range was odd and that something between 30mm or 35mm lens was better for street shots. I regretted having sold it, so I bought a second copy. Now I think one's preference concerning focal length is an acquired taste. It takes some practice to get used to it. Now I find 40mm just right for street shots (admittedly, I pair it with a 28mm). In any case, much more convenient a range than 50mm...
Superb image quality--to my eyes they look significantly better, although not necessarily sharper, than those produced by the FA 50mm 1.4. There is a certain 3D quality to the pics taken with a limited (due, I think, to an exceptional-quality microcontrast), and the DA 40mm is no exception. No CA, sharp borders... The lens is minuscule, but very well built, which makes it look like a jewel on my K-x. Paired with a K-x it makes a very lightweight, high-quality combo for little money. AF is significantly quicker and much less noisier than that of the FA 50mm 1.4.
| | | | | | | New Member Registered: July, 2010 Location: St. Petersburg Posts: 22
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: July 17, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $340.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | sharpness, size, weight, bokeh, quick shift feature | | Cons: | build quality | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 8
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K20D, K-5iis
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It was the first lim I bought. And I still think it is one of the best lenses Pentax has created so far. It is very sharp and handy because of its size and weight. It is ideal for portraits and landscapes! The only pity is that being assembled in Vietnam it has a lift of its inner part.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: May, 2009 Location: India Posts: 384
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: July 3, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $320.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Outstanding & sharp images, fast auto focus, built & size of the lens | | Cons: | none so far | |
I bought this lens in 2010 and from then it stayed on my K20 most of the time. This is my first limited lens and I am really surprised by its size, built, image sharpness even from corner to corner. Just simply amazing pictures it has produced. I took my nephew's wedding reception shots with this lens, even with built in flash of my K20 it really produced amazingly sharp pictures. I found this lens to be sharp from 2.8 itself and many a times, I couldn't cross f4.0. Really wonderful lens. Thanks Pentax.
-Nalla
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: December, 2010 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 57
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 28, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $285.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Unobtrusive, light, well built, great IQ. | | Cons: | A little faster would be nice | |
What can I say that hasn't already been said? I've used zooms almost exclusively for the past 20+ years, but decided it was time to jump in and purchase a used 'Limited' to see what all the fuss was about. I have not been disappointed.
The IQ from this lens is just terrific. Very good sharpness and contrast, even wide open (although it does seem to improve ever so slightly when stopped down) and nice bokeh IMO. I love the small size when shooting candids on the street as it just so non-threatening compared to a honking great 2.8 zoom. It's light weight and size also make it a joy to carry around on the street. Oh, and I even like the hood/cap set up. I know unscrewing the cap is a bit of a fiddle, but I think it's kinda cool.
If I had to be picky I'd say that it would be nice if it was a touch faster. F1.8 would be great for low light and to get a really buttery bokeh, but I'm not really complaining.
In summary, let me just say that I was impressed enough to go out and buy a matching 70mm/2.4 just a few weeks later. I'm a Limited primes convert!
Here's a couple of examples:
 | | | | | | | Senior Member Registered: June, 2010 Location: Seattle, Wa Posts: 177
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 3, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $380.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Size, AF speed, Bokeh, Sharp | | Cons: | Only f/2.8 (none if your not interested in shooting large aperture) | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 9
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I'm only an amateur hobby photographer so take my opinion for what it is but I highly recommend this lens. I've had this lens for server months now and have only taken it off maybe 2-3 times and that was only because I needed to go wider than 40mm. Before purchasing this lens I had only the 18-55mm kit lens and the M 50mm f1.7. I bought it as a AF alternative to the M 50mm and the only draw back so far is the f/2.8. When I'm trying to get crazy bokeh I have to be a lot close to the subject than the f/1.7 of the M 50mm but thats just the style I like. If you're not so much into shooting at larger apertures than it wouldn't even be an issue. Also I see a lot of complaints about the lens cap but I haven't found it to be an issue at all personally. Hopefully my sample photos below will help anyone considering this lens.
Sample photos from me:
Bokeh Baby by randy.schrotberger, on Flickr
Bo The Bokeh Boxer by randy.schrotberger, on Flickr
Untitled by randy.schrotberger, on Flickr
Chris by randy.schrotberger, on Flickr
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Site Supporter Registered: June, 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Posts: 17,377 | | Review Date: May 31, 2011 | Recommended
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Smallest Prime for k mount, a metal and glass gem | | Cons: | f2.8 maximum aperture | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: New
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This is the smallest prime available for the Pentax system and possibly for any dSLR body. It creates a small package when on the *istD or K200d making it handy in street photography etc. It is an improvement over the old M 40/2.8 pancake which it shares some characteristics and design similarities. The only way to improve upon it would be larger maximum aperture. I like the inverted style hood and the looks it gives this lens.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: January, 2011 Location: Skåne, Sweden Posts: 482
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 28, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $425.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Size, build quality, optical performance | | Cons: | Screw in cap (not a major issue), focal length | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 7
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 9
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K-x, K-5, K-01
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This review is for a mint condition DA40 bought second-hand in Sweden, serial nr is in the 0022xxx-range.
PROS- Very small size and low weight
- Build quality
- AF-speed
- Image quality
- Conversation piece
CONS- Focal length
- Fiddly front cap
Build and parameters
This was my first Limited lens, and now I own all of them. I guess that says something about how great I found the DA40 to be. It is simply a very special lens. The high build quality and solidness of such a small item is very impressive, and with such a low weight it makes your DSLR (or K-01) very light and nimble. The screw-in metal hood is a nice touch and I usually have it on, but I've replaced the screw-in lens cap with a cheap pinch-type for easier everyday use. The focal length may be a bit unorthodox on APS-C, but the charm of the DA40 makes up for that and you will find ways to use it.
Image quality
The image quality is very good. Sharp already wide open and razor-sharp stopped down. Bokeh can be a bit nervous at some times, and halo rings will have a bit of inner glow, much like I have found on the FA43 as well. It adds some character and recognition though, but can not be seen as a strength. CA might occur in high contrast situations, but it is definitely on par with other lenses. Distortion and vignetting is nothing to worry about. Ghosting and flare is generally not a problem, but with a filter (modern Hoya HMC UV) it has shown some ghosting. Generally I've found that ghosting and flare usually is the product of using a filter, and not a fault in lenses. It has been pretty much the same results with cheap (Hoya HMC) as well as expensive (B+W XS-Pro MRC Nano, Kenko Zéta Super MC) filters. My advice is to remove the filter in critical work.
Use and handling
Being probably the smallest DSLR lens on sale, size and weight is obviously not a concern. Well, it might actually be an issue of the lens being too small, if you want to use the lens as a support. This has not been any concern from my side though. Auto-focus is probably the fastest I've seen, and it stems from that the focus throw is short and the mass of glass needed to be moved is very low. I did have some tendencies of back-focus, but I think it is more a problem with the body and (artificial) lightning situation than the lens. As it was one of my first primes, I explored and used it for many situations. I feel that it works best outside as a general purpose lens. It will work for isolating interesting subjects and might do fine for some portrait work as well. Indoors it will feel a bit tight for gatherings or several people, but as an indoor portrait lens it will be just about the right focal length (if shooting in your own home, where you might not have the size of a spacious studio). There are other small 40mm lenses, the DA40 is the smallest and one of the best built. Many, like the Voightländers for example, are pure manual focus. For a Limited, the DA40 is one of the most affordable, both new and used. I feel that it is a great lens to start of exploring primes.
Overall impression
I like my DA40 very much. It is capable of delivering great pictures, and it makes you able to carry your camera all day. The biggest issue might be the focal length, which might not suite all. Like all of the DA Limiteds the maximum aperture is matching those of high quality zooms, but are beaten by the typically faster primes, but that is a compromise worth while, since you will get a very small size and good image quality wide open. Many of the faster primes will not perform as well very well wide open anyway. The DA40 shows of one of the unique things about Pentax and it will be conversation piece with your fellow photographers.
My pictures on flickr with this lens | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: March, 2009 Location: Ohio, USA/ India Posts: 478 | | Review Date: May 15, 2011 | Recommended
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | light, quickshift, fast AF, great for indoor portraits | | Cons: | slow | |
This is a great little lens. It is popular for a reason. It is such a great compact lens that adds almost nothing to the weight of your gear. Many a time this would be the only prime I carry in my bag. Before I bought the FA limiteds this would be my go to lens if I wanted a great portrait shot. The bokeh and sharpness are just stunning. The only negative is a slow speed, but then one cannot have everything. You cannot make such a cute pancake lens (that can almost pass off as a body cap) and have it be f/1.9. If you have never tried a Pentax Limited lens and have always wondered what the fuss was about limiteds, you should start saving for this lens. Considering the relatively low price you may not have to wait long.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: July, 2007 Location: Arnold, Md. Posts: 762
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 24, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $350.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Outstanding images, super fast auto focus | | Cons: | none so far | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
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I bought this because I wanted an innocuous light travel lens. first had it on a K20, then it did better on my K7, but when I put it on my new K5 I get a boner everytime I press the shutter release cause it just can't take a bad picture. | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: July, 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 2,924 | | Review Date: March 29, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $270.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Small, amazing sharpness, very nice bokeh, full frame! | | Cons: | Good but not great resolution, hard to use filters | |
I am one late adopter of this lens. It was actually an impulse purchase after seeing Hinman's K-x + DA 40 shots. I already own the FA35 and FA50. Could the lineup be more crowded? Well, it turned out that it can! I thought the lens would be just a short fling, and that I'll go back to FA 35 after two-three months or so, but it's beena year and the DA40 have been seeing more action than any of my other lenses.
First lets start with the pros. Of course the feature that stands out the most from this lens is the size. It allows for very small and inconspicuous camera packages. With the *istD, I actually can comfortably fit the combo in my winter jacket pocket (K-x fits but not comfortably). Also find is amazing is the balance when used with K10D + grip. I'm sure most SLR users are used to the front-heavy feeling that we get because of big lenses. DA40's weight is pretty much negligible, and therefore allows for very comfortable one-hand operation with K10D + grip.
The supplied hood is great in that it allows for cap-free use (I never cap this lens). Couple this with the great one-hand balance and your camera will almost always be ready for action. Most of the time you only need your right hand to take pictures.
As far as image quality goes, the lens leaves (almost) nothing to be desired. Of particular note is the sharpness, which is great at 2.8 and amazing starting at 3.5. Bokeh is not special but looks very nice. The only downside is the modest fast aperture and resolution. By no means is the lens not fast or resolves badly, it just loses to its faster siblings like the FA35 and FA31.
Build quality is great. all metal construction and feels really nice just to look at.
Buy it! 5 stars | | | | | Senior Member Registered: January, 2008 Location: Flower Mound, Texas Posts: 120
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 9, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $339.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp and small | | Cons: | Funky lens cap. | |
I bought the original version of this lens back in the mid to late 1970's and it was always a favorite of mine when shooting film on my MX. I've been wanting to replicate that combination ever since I bought my first DSLRs (D100, K10, k20). But the camera bodies being so large it didn't seem to be a good combo.
I recently purchased a Kx for the wonderful high ISO capabilities to go along with my beloved K20. And always wanting to have a small walk around camera that would be reminiscent of my MX, it seemed to be the perfect opportunity to finally get a DA version of this wonderful little lens. So it was on sale at B&H and I was delighted to get this mounted on the new Kx body. I was surprised placing these two cameras together that they are nearly identical in size.
I find this lens a real pleasure to use. I'm always impressed with the image quality, color and bohek of this lens. It never disappoints. And having it attached to the Kx makes it a real joy to use. Along with it being a visually stunning combination that just makes sense for a walk around kit.
The only funky thing about this lens is the screw on cap. I ordered a 30mm plastic snap on cap from ebay and stored the screw-on one in the box for safe keeping. So no worrying about losing the original cap.
So that being the only negative I'd rate this lens a 9.9.
| | | | | New Member Registered: February, 2010 Posts: 1
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 5, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $325.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Size, cost, picture quality | | Cons: | | |
I'm an amateur photographer at best, but this is lens is an absolute dream. One of the primary reasons I chose a Pentax dSLR was their reverse compatibility with legacy manual focus primes. This lens shoots just as well as any of those primes, has auto-focus and has a very slim profile (which I consider a plus).
The lens itself is of very high quality construction with a very nice metal hood and lens cap included. It's on my camera 90% of the time due to its portability and fantastic picture quality. The only possible way this lens could be any better would be if it were one F-stop faster.
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: December, 2010 Posts: 30 | | Review Date: March 3, 2011 | Recommended
| Rating: N/A |
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Next month I'm buying either this lens or the DA 35mm 2.4 AL, and I'd like to hear from people who's used both of them. Wich one you think I should buy?
I like the size and sharpnes of this one, but I also like the focal lenght and speed of the 35mm.
I don't know if this is important, but I shoot digital with a K100D, and I'm upgrading to a K7.
On a related note, I've always shot film with a K1000, but I'll have to change that body too, since neither of the two lenses have an aperture ring, any advise?
I'm also posting this on the DA 35 2.4 AL review.
Thank you all for the help!
Regards,
Viernes
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: February, 2011 Location: Bartlesville, OK Posts: 57
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: February 8, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $340.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Incredibly sharp. Good colors and contrast. Conveniently small. | | Cons: | Screw on lens cap | |
I can't praise this lens enough. This lens out-performed my 6MP K100DS. What I mean is, after downloading images to my computer and zooming in many times, the image would remain sharp up until it finally pixelated. The colors and contrast are wonderful. It picks up the subtle skin tones that many other lenses will not. This isn't a "fast lens" but it is faster than most, which has helped my indoor photography. The small size of the lens means that there is always room for it in my lens bag while other, larger lenses may be left behind.
The only reason I don't like the screw-on lens cap is because it takes time to remove. I have missed golden opportunities because I couldn't get it unscrewed fast enough to capture an unexpected moment.
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: August, 2010 Posts: 46
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 18, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $280.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | size/weight, sharpness | | Cons: | screw in hood and lens cap | |
This is my first limited series lens, so maybe I don't have that much to compare against. That said, this is by far my sharpest lens. I've only had it for a couple weeks but so far I am really impressed with the sharpness and color rendition.
I personally find the bokeh more slightly more pleasing on my M 50mm f1.7 prime. Recently I took a picture of my daughter, at roughly 1.5x the min focus distance and was impressed to find that in a 200% crop/zoom I could clearly see a reflection in her eye of; me taking the picture and most of our living room. Talk about resolution!
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