Pentax SMCP-FA 43mm f/1.9 Standard Auto Focus Limited Edition Lens - Black

2014-03-24T21:00:00

I was a bit reluctant to get this, as I already had the 40mm da limited. I love the 31mm and 77mm fa limiteds, so I figured I would probably love this one too. I own the K-5ii-s and the K-01. So far I have only used it on the K-01 (but if it does well on the k-01 it will do great on the k-5 iis). It is a good companion to the k-01. Focusing is very accurate. I took it to a couple concerts and left it on f/2 the majority of the time. I was pretty blown away about how sharp the images were that wide open. There was also a good amount of detail, even though I was shooting at ISO 12,800. It definitely is sharper at the wider apertures than the 31mm da limited. However, the bokeh is more jagged and not as smooth as the 31mm. This is most likely due to the fact the 43mm has 8 aperture blades and the 31 and 77 have 9. I actually like that the bokeh is different, the straight edged bokeh looks cool in certain applications. It is quite a bit cheaper than the other two, so in all honesty, this is probably the best value-for-quality of the 3.

Marcus P.

2014-01-12T19:00:00

These are film-era lenses with screw-drive autofocus. Pretty quick but make a slight noise. The older SMC coating is also prone to fringing wide-open in high contrast situations. Luckily there's a PP adjustment in your Pentax body to help minimize. Quirks aside, they quite possibly capture the most stunning and vibrant photos on film or your DSLR sensor. Which help explain their continued production and high demand. The FA-43 is the most compact and versatile FA-Limited. If you can only afford to buy one or carry one, this is it. Make no mistake, it is every bit as good as its siblings. So good, it even came in Leica mount. If you are good at composition, your photos WILL stand out!

Christian V.

2013-04-27T21:00:00

The 43mm Limited is one of the best lenses available for 35mm cameras, regardless of brand. The autofocus is fast and accurate, while manual focus is easily possible with the long focus throw of the manual ring. The aperture ring clicks like a Takumar. This lens is made of metal and glass; I doubt there is a single piece of plastic anywhere in the construction other than insulators. The 43mm Limited is sharp, nimble, and handsome. It pairs perfectly with Pentax's smaller cameras, like the MZ-S, K-5, or LX. I use it most often with the MZ-S, and the pair feel like they were made for each other. 35mm autofocus photography doesn't get any better than an MZ-S with the 43mm Limited and Portra 400. If you are a Pentax shooter, I highly recommend this lens. The field of view is a tad bit wider than a 50mm, and it focuses close enough to be useful as a close-up lens. It is not a macro, but you can get some good shots of flowers and products with this lens. As with the other Limiteds, it is usable wide open, and remains sharp and beautiful all the way through the aperture range. I cannot recommend this lens more highly, especially on 35mm. On APS-C digital, the focal length becomes 65mm, somewhat difficult to use in my opinion. I prefer a wider "normal" than 65mm. Others use 50mm lenses on their APS-C digital cameras all day long and have no qualms about it, so it is personal preference. I feel that this lens was built for 35mm full frame, and that's how I will continue to use it.

Tadpole

2013-03-25T21:00:00

This lens makes me want to get rid of my Pentax DA 18-135 zoom lens. It's that good. There's just no comparison. The lens never leaves my camera. Nuff said.....

FRANK W.

2013-02-15T19:00:00

This is my favorite lens for walk around when I hang out with my friends, especially in the evenings. It's so nice not to have to carry heavy lens and the outcome is constantly awesome. Sometimes it misses the focus a bit in low light conditions but that doesn't happen much, it might well be shaky hands. I wonder how this lens would perform mounted in a FF body.

seb

2012-12-12T19:00:00

good lens for photographing people at first I thought the focal length would not be wide enough but that has not been a problem lens does not come with a hood as stated

RICHARD A.

2012-09-04T21:00:00

great for indoor low light great colors and sharp when used with my K-5

RICHARD A.

2012-04-15T21:00:00

My K5 is still a great camera. This lens also works very sweetly on my NEX 7 with an adapter.

Richard R.

2010-08-19T21:00:00

One of the best lenses for K mount. Solid construction, fast and accurate focus, and extremely sharp with creamy bokeh. Easily a top choice for indoor portraits. This lens has always delivered, whether on my K20D, K-x or even the *ist DS. Highly recommended and a must have for any Pentax photographer.

Lefty S.