DA40mm vs DA35mm Macro

[Brianskivvy]

I've just gotten my kx a couple of months back and am in the search of a new lens now (LBA......) and I've zoomed down to 2 lens at the moment.

Basically, I like the Macro function of the DA35mm but at times a fast auto-focus seems to be the key and I've read a few threads on the pentaxforums that focusing on the DA35 seems a little slower than the DA40. Hope there's someone who has used both the lens and is able to provide some advice. I would like to know the sharpness of both the lens and also what which lens is the better lens as a general walk around lens.

To sum it up:
1. Focusing
2. Sharpness
3. Versatility

Cheers!

 

[maxtmhz]

hi brian, i have a 35mm. so perhaps i can give you some of my input wrt your 3 questions.

1. Focusing takes a slightly longer time for my 35mm.
I don't really see it as a weakness of the lens.
It is an inherent problem due to its ability to focus down to 1:1 magnification.
That means that it takes a longer time to rotate from one end to the other end on the focus ring.

2. The lens is extremely sharp across the aperture stops, including F2.8.
It is a prime lens, therefore i would expect it to be sharp anyway.
Perhaps online reviews will give u a better answer.

3. As for versatility, i think the answer is obvious!
Furthermore, i feel that 35mm lens on a non-full frame camera is just nice for portrait shots.
I will choose 35mm over the 40mm definitely. =)

 

[Brianskivvy]

hi brian, i have a 35mm. so perhaps i can give you some of my input wrt your 3 questions.

1. Focusing takes a slightly longer time for my 35mm.
I don't really see it as a weakness of the lens.
It is an inherent problem due to its ability to focus down to 1:1 magnification.
That means that it takes a longer time to rotate from one end to the other end on the focus ring.

2. The lens is extremely sharp across the aperture stops, including F2.8.
It is a prime lens, therefore i would expect it to be sharp anyway.
Perhaps online reviews will give u a better answer.

3. As for versatility, i think the answer is obvious!
Furthermore, i feel that 35mm lens on a non-full frame camera is just nice for portrait shots.
I will choose 35mm over the 40mm definitely. =)

Hey Max, thanks for sharing. Do you find the wide angle a problem when you are doing macro? And also I heard that the lens hood get in the way when you try to do a 1:1 macro, does it bother you.

Anyway, possible to share a few portraits & macro shot with this lens?

Thanks

 

[maxtmhz]

I dont have my pictures with me.
But here is a good link which you can check it out.

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/26045-da-35-ltd-first-shots.html

To get such close up shots, you will have to position your lens very very close to the subject, thus exposing it to damage if you aren't careful. Yup, the lens hood sometimes touches my subject due to the close focusing range. So make sure you get a UV filter to protect the front element.

So far I been using it to shoot inanimate objects such as flowers. Insects should have escaped by the time i position my lens 1 cm away from it. ;p

That is the trade-off for having a 35mm macro lens. Putting that aside, it's still a very versatile lens for both protrait and macro.

 

[Baracus]

To get such close up shots, you will have to position your lens very very close to the subject, thus exposing it to damage if you aren't careful. Yup, the lens hood sometimes touches my subject due to the close focusing range. So make sure you get a UV filter to protect the front element.

So far I been using it to shoot inanimate objects such as flowers. Insects should have escaped by the time i position my lens 1 cm away from it. ;p

That is the trade-off for having a 35mm macro lens. Putting that aside, it's still a very versatile lens for both protrait and macro.

True. Macro with the DA35 is a very close encounter. DFA100 is much more suited for insects and smaller objects.

I've only shot with the DA35, but I've heard that DA35 gets sharper from f4 onwards, while the DA40 is already sharp wide-open (f2.8). :dunno: As for focusing speed, the DA35 is slower, especially if you're shooting macro followed by "normal" shooting. Longer focusing distance mah...

Some DA35 portraits at f2.8

Shot in the rain. Misfocused on bouquet instead of face due to shallow DOF. :sweat:

It all boils down to your macro usage since there's not much difference in IQ or focal length. Not sure about the price difference. Personally, I'd go for the DA40 for the compactness.

 

[maxtmhz]

Both lens are impressive. One being a pancake lens, the other being a macro lens. it really depends on the types of shoots you take. COnsider 40mm if you have no need for macro shoots. otherwise, 35mm is a real joy to handle.

 

[kengoh]

I have the DA40/F2.8 Ltd. Love the size, build & the image quality, very sharp even at wide open. Scored the highest rating (9.8) in http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/category-SMC-Pentax-DA-Lenses.html under DA series Primes.
just that no marco feature...

If need marco then get the DA35 which is also a good lens.

 

[Brianskivvy]

True. Macro with the DA35 is a very close encounter. DFA100 is much more suited for insects and smaller objects.

I've only shot with the DA35, but I've heard that DA35 gets sharper from f4 onwards, while the DA40 is already sharp wide-open (f2.8). :dunno: As for focusing speed, the DA35 is slower, especially if you're shooting macro followed by "normal" shooting. Longer focusing distance mah...

Ah.... thanks for pointing that out, is there anyone with both lens to comment on this?

Basically I would be using this as a walk around lens, wonder if I should get the DA40 instead and forgo the DA35 and save up for maybe a 50mm or 100mm macro lens next time as the applications for a longer FL seems like a more practical choice?

 

[LancerEX]

get the da40, more compact than da21.

for macro, better get da100wr. da35 not wide enough though, da21 or da15 better.

 

[Brianskivvy]

get the da40, more compact than da21.

for macro, better get da100wr. da35 not wide enough though, da21 or da15 better.

Seems like my road map is to collect all the pancakes already... Haha

 

[gigahz]

Get the 40mm period
If you want macro get the 100mm instead

 

[felixcat8888]

Seems like my road map is to collect all the pancakes already... Haha

Don't orget the 3 Limiteds too . . . (31, 43 and 77) :devil:

 

[Brianskivvy]

Don't orget the 3 Limiteds too . . . (31, 43 and 77) :devil:

Haha I never forget, just out of reach at the moment

I think after reading the reviews and everyone's advice, I've kinda know which lens i will get already. Now I'm just waiting for someone to dump it in BNS......

 

[felixcat8888]

Haha I never forget, just out of reach at the moment

I think after reading the reviews and everyone's advice, I've kinda know which lens i will get already. Now I'm just waiting for someone to dump it in BNS......

See my signature and you roughly know what I have . . .

Plus I have other lenses not in my siggy . . .

 

[alanpotpot]

For walk-around and general shooting the 35mm might be better. The 40mm might be a bit long.

Use your kit lens then set it to 35. Then shoot for a week using that focal length. The next week set to 40.

 

[maxtmhz]

lol, that is a viable solution too...

 

[scorpioh]

See my signature and you roughly know what I have . . .

Plus I have other lenses not in my siggy . . .

I see a 77. ^^ congrats!

 

[scorpioh]

To TS: If I could only have one lens, I would get the DA35. It's just so much more versatile. DA40 can be tight at imes and doesn't focus close. The macro on the DA35 isn't for bugs and and insects. But for stationary objects, especially close focusing for product shots, it is very useful. Can be used as a portrait and landscape lens too. 35mm on aps-c is a pretty wonderful FL.

 

[maxtmhz]

To TS: If I could only have one lens, I would get the DA35. It's just so much more versatile. DA40 can be tight at imes and doesn't focus close. The macro on the DA35 isn't for bugs and and insects. But for stationary objects, especially close focusing for product shots, it is very useful. Can be used as a portrait and landscape lens too. 35mm on aps-c is a pretty wonderful FL.

i second what you said.
If both lens cost the same, and i can only take one,
It will be 35mm. The ability to take macro opens up a new realm of photography.

 

[istDeS]

See my signature and you roughly know what I have . . .

Plus I have other lenses not in my siggy . . .

Where is the small princess? :bsmilie: