Sample Images

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Make PENTAX Corporation Model PENTAX K10D ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 40.0mm Exposure Data: f/2.8 @ 1/800s Size 3872x2592	Make PENTAX Corporation Model PENTAX K10D ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 40.0mm Exposure Data: f/10.0 @ 1/640s Size 2592x3872
Make PENTAX Corporation Model PENTAX K10D ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 40.0mm Exposure Data: f/2.8 @ 1/1000s Size 2592x3872	Make PENTAX Corporation Model PENTAX K10D ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 40.0mm Exposure Data: f/8.0 @ 1/320s Size 2592x3872
Make PENTAX Corporation Model PENTAX K10D ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 40.0mm Exposure Data: f/2.8 @ 1/2000s Size 3872x2592	Make PENTAX Corporation Model PENTAX K10D ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 40.0mm Exposure Data: f/2.8 @ 1/320s Size 3872x2592

Verdict

The Pentax SMC DA 40mm f/2.8 exhibits a quite harmonious optical performance combined with excellent build quality. It is capable to produce very sharp images across the frame straight from the max. aperture. Distortions are marginal and CAs are a non-issue. Vignetting is quite pronounced at f/2.8 but not a show-stopper. The bokeh (out-of-focus blur) is slightly sub-average and bokeh fringing can be an issue at very large apertures. The lens does also suffer from a focus shift when stopping down - this can have an impact at close focus scenarios. The biggest "problem" of the lens is not quality but its application. It is a comparatively slow lens and not faster than many zooms. Classic "normal" lenses are about as good at comparable apertures but with a lot more potential for low light photography ... at a lower price. Some users may argue with its size and weight but even with the DA 40mm f/2.8 a DSLR is not a pocketable camera. That all said it remains an very good performer and as such it is a welcome addition to the Pentax lens lineup. Optical Quality:     Mechanical Quality: Price/Performance: