Pentax SMC FA 43MM F1.9 LIMITED Pro Reviews

Although a fairly unusual focal length for APS-C DSLRs the 43mm proves to be a versatile lens with excellent imaging properties. It is fairly expensive, but suggests comparison with Leica quality at a fraction of Leica prices. In this sense it is good value for money. It will be appreciated most by those who need a lens capable of producing large prints or the highest quality for magazine reproduction. It is compact, ideal for travelling light, and has a superior rendering to say the 50mm f/1.4 FA lens.

There's no denying the sex appeal of the silver 43mm ƒ/1.9 - it almost evokes a feeling of nostalgia for bygone days of manual film cameras. It looks good, and performs well enough to buy as a walkaround lens that acts as a slightly-longer-than 50mm when mounted on a dSLR. I could have done with a more advanced focus system; oddly enough the smaller 40mm ƒ/2.8 pancake lens focuses faster and quieter, and is equipped with Pentax's ''quick-shift'' system to allow manual override of the autofocus at any time. Optically, it's better than average but not extraordinary: chromatic aberration is slightly pronounced, and corner softness is an issue when shooting wide open. But if you're into that look, and want to look good while getting it, then this is the lens for you.