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.

As the oldest lens in the Pentax lineup-it was introduced in 1997-you'd expect the SMC FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited ($599.95) to deliver optical performance that's behind the times. But that isn't the case at all.

Sharp; Compact; Wide aperture; Excellent build quality; True standard-angle design

Slow, noisy autofocus; Some barrel distortion; Dim corners at wide apertures; Omits weather sealing

The Pentax SMC FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited lens ($749.98 direct)  is a compact all-metal prime lens that can be used with Pentax D-SLRs and the K-01 interchangeable lens camera. When used on an APS-C camera it captures a 64.5mm equivalent field of view, which makes it a long normal or short telephoto...

Fast, incredibly sharp, quick focusing, excellent in indoor light and highly compact..... This is a gem of a lens. I had it and then sold it because I have some good lens in the 30-50mm range. But as I was going through my Lightroom catalogue, I just loved the shots I had with this lens.

This lens is the brother of the 77mm and it has the "3d effect." Color rendition and contrast are great. The lens build quality is top notch all metal. Very happy with this lens and the ideal normal length in my opinion.

Build quality; color rendition and contrast

As the oldest lens in the Pentax lineup—it was introduced in 1997—you'd expect the SMC FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited ($599.95) to deliver optical performance that's behind the times. But that isn't the case at all. The svelte, all-metal prime lens is quite sharp, even when paired with the high-resolution full-frame Pentax K-1 ($1,599.00 at Amazon) . It lacks some modern features, including weather sealing and an in-lens focus motor, but it's still the best standard-angle lens you can get for a full-frame Pentax, so we're naming it Editors' Choice. DesignThe FA 43mm ($596.95 at Amazon) set the tone for the Limited series. It's very small, at just 1.1 by 2.5 inches (HD) without its lens hood. It extends when focused close by about a quarter inch. It weighs just 5.5 ounces and supports 49mm front filters. The hood adds about a half inch to the height, but a negligbile amount of weight. A slip-on metal cap is included. Older versions of the FA 43mm are marked Made in Japan, while newer copies...

The Pentax SMC FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited is the oldest lens that Pentax still makes, but its performance has withstood the test of time, and it captures the perfect standard-angle field of view on a full-frame camera.

Sharp; Compact; Wide aperture; Excellent build quality; True standard-angle design

Slow, noisy autofocus; Some barrel distortion; Dim corners at wide apertures; Omits weather sealing

Pentax's Limited lenses have garnered plenty of acclaim and won their share of devotees over their twenty-plus years of existence. The oldest, the SMC FA 43mm F1.9 Limited, debuted in 1997 and is getting a modest refresh in its twenty-fifth year. The new Pentax HD FA 43mm F1.9 Limited ($599.95) improves flare resistance, adds anti-smudge protection to the front glass, and swaps a polygonal aperture for a circular one. The changes aren't huge, but the new HD FA 43mm is just as lovely a lens as the original and an Editors' Choice winner just the same.For Cameras New and Old Some cosmetic changes aside, the HD FA 43mm looks and handles just like the original SMC edition. It's strikingly small, especially when you leave off its threaded hood. The lens measures just 1.1 by 2.5 inches (HD), weighs 5.5 ounces, and supports 49mm threaded filters. The barrel is aluminum and the lens is available in your choice of black or silver. We received the black edition for review. Our Experts ...

The Pentax HD FA 43mm F1.9 Limited introduces some small, but thoughtful, upgrades to one of photography's timeless lenses.

Slim and sharp with f/1.9 aperture; Optics show exceptional character; Aperture ring for 35mm SLR and mirrorless cameras; Rounded aperture blades for circular highlights; HD coating improves flare resistance; Anti-smudge fluorine SP coating

Skips weather protection and Quick Shift focus; Chromatic aberration is apparent; Shows some focus breathing; Busy bokeh look isn't for everyone

John Riley casts his expert opinion on the SMC Pentax-FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited lens.

High quality of construction; Compact; Built on lens hood; High quality results; Fast maximum aperture

High Price

43Ltd is a great portrait lens as FA50/1.4 or A50/1.2. And as similar lenses Pentax is sharp, with great color rendition and has a beautiful bokeh. Additionally, it is compact and well built. Highly recomended.

Size; build; sharpness; color rendition

none

What can I say about the mighty 43mm... For those who are not familiar with Pentax this lens as well as the other FA Limited lenses are known in Pentax circles as the 3 amigos. The 31mmm 43mm and 77mm.... These lenses are every bit as sharp as any L Series lens Canon puts out.