Here're some quick'n dirty sample images taken with the K10D and RAW-converted via ACR 3.7.
Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window). Please note that the originals are FULL SIZE
(=several megabytes) which requires quite some bandwidth for downloading so please don't waste the limited resources here.
Make
PENTAX Corporation
Model
PENTAX K10D
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
43.0mm
Exposure Data:
f/1.9 @ 1/1000s
Size
3872x2592
Make
PENTAX Corporation
Model
PENTAX K10D
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
43.0mm
Exposure Data:
f/2.8 @ 1/400s
Size
2592x3872
Make
PENTAX Corporation
Model
PENTAX K10D
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
43.0mm
Exposure Data:
f/5.6 @ 1/160s
Size
2592x3872
Make
PENTAX Corporation
Model
PENTAX K10D
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
43.0mm
Exposure Data:
f/1.9 @ 1/3200s
Size
3872x2592
Make
PENTAX Corporation
Model
PENTAX K10D
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
43.0mm
Exposure Data:
f/2.8 @ 1/1600s
Size
3872x2592
Make
PENTAX Corporation
Model
PENTAX K10D
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
43.0mm
Exposure Data:
f/5.6 @ 1/500s
Size
2592x3872
Make
PENTAX Corporation
Model
PENTAX K10D
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
43.0mm
Exposure Data:
f/1.9 @ 1/1600s
Size
2592x3872
Verdict
Similar to its cousins (DA 40mm f/2.8, FA 50mm f/1.4) the Pentax SMC-FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited
is a very good performer with a few weaknesses. At f/1.9 the contrast and resolution is somewhat soft but beyond the quality is superb and probably as good as it gets on the K10D.
Vignetting and distortions are well controlled whereas CAs could be a little lower for a
fix-focal. I guess many Pentax users will raise an eyebrow or two regarding the following statement but the bokeh (out-of-focus blur) can look a little harsh in certain situations - see the first and fourth sample image above. The build quality of the lens is superb and surely one of the reasons for its rather steep price tag.
