Pentax DA 35mm F2.4 vs 40mm XS vs 40mm Limited
Image Quality: Bokeh
For this test, we placed the test camera on a tripod with a foregrounded subject and a colorful, busy mid-range background. We shot each lens near its minimum focusing distance at f/2.4 or f/2.8 through f/11.
- Single-point Live View autofocus (on the center of the bottle)
- ISO 80
- JPEG (highest quality)
- White balance set to Auto
- Auto-exposure; Multi-segment / Evaluative metering
- Image mode set to camera default ("Bright")
- Dynamic range extension off; In-camera lens corrections off
- Camera on tripod, 2-second self-timer; SR off
Conclusions
Once again, we find that all three lenses perform well, and very similarly to one another. Really, the only substantive difference comes from the DA 40mm f/2.8 XS's rounded aperture blades, which give it slightly rounder bokeh highlights than the DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited when the lens is stopped down. To be honest, even that difference requires a very, very discerning eye. The DA 35mm f/2.4 definitely produces the least rounded bokeh highlights—they're distinctly hexagonal from f/4 onward.
If any lens is a winner in this category it's the DA 40 XS, but in our opinion it's pretty much a dead heat between the two 40s.
