Re: The SMC Pentax-DA 40mm Limited Lens
Your impression is incorrect and my statement holds true. ALL DA and DA* lenses (including the 40mm Ltd) are designed excusively for the APS-C sized sensor used by Pentax current range of DSLR's.
The following are quotes from Pentax DA 40mm Limited features list:-
"Designed for exclusive use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras"
"The image circle is designed to match the CCD used in PENTAX digital SLRs"

Re: The Pentax AF540FGZ Flash
You've identified the two features that set it apart from the AF360FGZ. Others include:-
Socket for the Pentax 5P cable
Socket for external power pack
Robust battery cover (the body lugs tend to break on the 360 making it an expensive repair - ie: new body shell is needed rather than new battery cover)
Correct display of zoom setting when fitted to a DSLR ie: 16mm displays as 16mm, not 24 as on the 360 (minor point really).

I occasionally use my 540 as a hammerhead gun set on top of a Hot Shoe Grip and flash bracket (a minor modification to the grip is necessary). I can use it wirelessly or cabled to the hot shoe using an adapter. I can also use the 360 like this, but only in wireless mode which has sometimes let me down in that the 360 has failed to fire.

Hope that helps.

PS: Enjoy the 43mm Ltd, I doubt you'll be disappointed.

Sorry to disappoint. All SMC Pentax-DA and DA* lenses have an image circle to suit the APS-C sized sensors. These lenses will work to some degree on 35mm film bodies in that you will capture an image. Expect to see severe vignetting though.

Another important point for consideration is that DA lenses do not have an aperture ring.

The two D-FA macro lenses (50 & 100mm) have an image circle to suit the 35mm film format and will work fine on the DSLR's.

To answer your original question, my choice would be a FA 43mm Ltd over the DA 40, use it with the AF360FGZ that you have already, then save up for the AF540FGZ. It's a superior flash.

Lenscape,

Your pic was shot with a C***n ? ? ? ? ? ?

Even with the vignetting, it's still a superb lens and I can live with it. When I get time I'll maybe post some of my test results.

Having had this lens for a while now, and made quite a few 'test' shots, I can confirm what has been said on other forums, and that is that at 16mm and wide open, the lens exhibits a very noticeable amount of vignetting. My test shots to prove this were of a white, evenly lit, wall with no filter or lens hood fitted to the lens.

I haven't tested the DA* 50-135mm yet, but I will tomorrow.

That ad is over a year old from September 2006. The first 2 lenses are available now, the 60-250 . . . who knows when?

Thanks Clarky, but I'm sorry to say that I'm keeping the 16-45mm. It's now firmly attached to my *istD body as a spare for those occasions when I don't want to use the K10D.

Gwyn, these garments are truly stunning when viewed close up. All are hand embroidered and are actually worn, not just for museum display. The large triangular shaped ones are draped from the shoulders of a person driving a chariot, and they drag on the ground behind the chariot. Quite amazing.

You can see more examples of the robes and how they are used in this video.

Sorry Matt, maybe I shouldn't have been so insensitive as to post these images.

You'll get one soon, I'm sure. I've not had much chance to give the DA* 50-135mm an outing yet, but I will very soon.

As nobody else seems to have posted much in the way of images from this astonishing lens, here's some for you to take a look at. Mostly the same subject I'm afraid, an embroidery museum in Lorca, near to where I live.

Most of the images are of embroidered garments worn by people, horses and chariots used during Lorca's Semana Santa (Holy Week) during easter.

These are mostly behind glass and I did my best to avoid reflections by holding the AF540FGZ (wireless) high, but still some reflections can be seen even though I had the lens hood up against the glass. I purposely avoided using a polariser.

The gowns displayed on a mauve background are free-standing (no glass).

This museum, the Museo Paso Blanco, is attached to a little church and you can walk freely between the two. The last few images are from within this church.

All pics were taken with a K10D, DA* 16-50mm, and some with the AF540FGZ flash.

The images can be viewed/downloaded for closer scrutiny from here. Enjoy.

A couple of samples:-