Walkabout lens trial of the DA40XS

[pinholecam]

I got this lens off another fellow Pentaxian as he just got the K-01 with DA40XS kit and did not need the lens.
Since this lens wouldn't be expensive and would provide a unique low encumbrance package with the K5, I got one.
I really don't actually need one since I already have the FA43Ltd.
But the price is too tempting for what is supposed to be optically the same as the DA40ltd and new rounded aperture.


Since I found some time on hand. I immediately set about trying out the lens.

My favorite feline model was waiting for me at the usual spot.

40XS f2.8


Chanced on a rather grand Malay wedding with a nice big tentage. The folks there were very nice. Allowed me to shoot around and even told me that I could come back tomorrow at 12pm ("the bride is very pretty " they told me ;p )
My congratulations to the couple.

40XS f2.8


Sitting area for the couple

40XS f2.8


Flowers for the couple

40XS f2.8
notice how it manages to handle the HDB flats in the background, which are linear elements and sometimes makes a bokeh quite 'busy' for some lenses. In this case, I'm pretty pleased with the o/p of the DA40XS.

So far it looked good. The 40XS does produce pretty pleasant bokeh imo.

 

[pinholecam]

Cycled over to Bottle Tree Village area to get some fresh air, warm sunshine and photo opportunities.

RC enthusiast at the controls

Big Boys's Toys

I can see lots of photo opportunities here. Race car photography anyone?
The day was near an end, so there weren't that many RC enthusiasts, so I left w/o doing any 'action' shots.


Passed by the organic farm. Young Chye Sims (I think they are called Rape in western countries)

OT a bit. Rape is certainly quite a embarrassing word to use for us Asians.
I ever chanced upon a menu in China what had the dish "Fried Rape"
(yeah! Thanks again Google, for a literal translation)

 

[pinholecam]

This bicycle caught my attention. Wonder what was inside the shelter.

DA40XS f2.8


Worker trawling for prawns for the prawn fishing pond a few hundred meters away.

Fresh from the pond.
Can't get any fresher.

DA40XS f4

 

[Armondsi]

nice photos.. i am tempted to get one as well maybe you can give some comments on the handling of K-5 together with the lens, is it balanced with the K-5 body?

 

[gummy73]

Nice Pics with a nice little lens:thumbsup:

 

[pinholecam]

Bottle Tree Village

DA40XS f8


Hyacinth overlooks Bottle Tree Village

DA40XS f5.6


Fangipani beside a old wooden dam

Lovely way to spend a weekend.

DA40XS has proved versatile enough so far in my walkabout. Without any other lens, it had managed to cover closeups and some scenery.

 

[pinholecam]

Now for people shots. Something that holds a practical implication for me (ie. take photos of family).
I moved over to the children's netting pond to catch the children at their business.

Anticiaption

a small one amidst the chaos

DA40XS f4


My catch

Flower in the playground

 

[pinholecam]

Adorable eyes

The Elephant Rider

First steps (Yishun waterfront park)

By the time I reached Yishun Waterfront park, the Sun was almost gone. Grabbed the last photo of the day above and packed up, fully satisfied with the new purchase.
At this point, the DA40XS is certainly the smallest and lightest lens I can snap on to my K5 while still providing a fast aperture and more importantly a rather versatile focal length. People; Children; Scenery; small items; shallow DOF; all can be done by it reasonably well. Focus was snappy too.
I had this slung over my shoulder most of the time, even when cycling and I did not feel that it jutted or dangled oddly. Neither did it offer any significant encumbrance.
No regrets getting this lens to play around.

 

[fengwei]

Nice photos and write-up, JK. I didn't use it much on K01 but tried it on both MZ-S and K5, the AF is really fast on these two cameras. Whoever sold this lens will regret

 

[edutilos-]

Looks very sharp. Definitely getting one. :heart:

 

[simon6z]

this lens is the one that seduces me to pentax but no money to get one that time

 

[sunnycamera]

Nice photos and write-up, JK. I didn't use it much on K01 but tried it on both MZ-S and K5, the AF is really fast on these two cameras. Whoecer sold this lens will regret

so, it does cover 35 full frame for the DA40 XS ???

 

[creampuff]

Nice cycleabout images JK. Your photos do capture people going about their lives pretty well. Actually I can't for the life of me wonder why anyone would want to sell off the DA40XS without even giving themselves the chance to discover what this lens is capable off. I remember what an old photojournalist friend's advice that no photographer can lay claim to understand the ins and outs of a lens until the've used it continuously for at least 3 months. So I guess by that yardstick, whoever letting the DA40XS too early might not really know what they're missing.

 

[edutilos-]

Nice cycleabout images JK. Your photos do capture people going about their lives pretty well. Actually I can't for the life of me wonder why anyone would want to sell off the DA40XS without even giving themselves the chance to discover what this lens is capable off. I remember what an old photojournalist friend's advice that no photographer can lay claim to understand the ins and outs of a lens until the've used it continuously for at least 3 months. So I guess by that yardstick, whoever letting the DA40XS too early might not really know what they're missing.

Well, some people say that they have the 40mm Limited... In which case, can't blame them. :bsmilie:

 

[zoom3]

Beautiful series :thumbsup: Credit goes to the photographer first, equipment second !

 

[hjbyeo]

JK, no wonder u didn't wait to press on with the deal! Hahaha...

Excellent review!

 

[LiverpoolMadman]

Is there any filters for 40XS and where to buy and how much ?

 

[hjbyeo]

Is there any filters for 40XS and where to buy and how much ?

Forget the filters. Just use it as it is, and let the optics speak for itself.

I think this is perhaps the best "lens cap" you'll ever get!

 

[pinholecam]

Guys, thanks for the kind comments.

I'm just thankful that seller was willing to part with it. Win/Win imo, the K-01 cost him just under $700 after selling me the DA40XS.
Unbelievable price for such a new camera that is APS-C with proven K5 sensor, peaking and full K-mount compatibility.

nice photos.. i am tempted to get one as well maybe you can give some comments on the handling of K-5 together with the lens, is it balanced with the K-5 body?

Balanced with lens and K5?
With this lens, I can ONLY feel the K5
At times, due to habit, I try to hold out my left hand to support the lens barrel, but there isn't one.
I like the feel of it with the K5. Totally unobtrusive. Light too.
I must say that its not the most beautiful lens in terms of exterior design, but I can easily live with that.

Is there any filters for 40XS and where to buy and how much ?

Like what Bernard said. Just UAI. Given the price, not worth putting on any filter. even $30-$40 is already about 10% of the cost of the lens.
Cheaper filters, may degrade optical performance
(its true, I just ditched an old HOYA 77mm clear filter tha I used o my Sigma 10-20 that caused me major hazing under front lighting conditions, and I did not even realize it until a few moths ago! )

 

[ageha]

The shots got me interested in the lens...