Stopped down to 2.8 or 4 the 43ltd is a top lens. You talked of a two-persons-conflict, but you mentioned some more: the collector, the user, the one that earns/has the money and someone who askes for quality. And you forgot the one who wants to play with those toys. Let's see: The collector may take the 43ltd, perhaps. The one searching for a toy, too (it looks great on a MEsuper!). If money is an issue your choice is clear. Quality: Why don't you take a 50 / 1.4? And the user: What angle of view do you like more? (I prefer the wider one.) Forgot someone?
Hope that helps Best, Bernd ---original message--- Mark Erickson Fri, 03 Dec 2004 21:16:27 -0800 The collector in me is in conflict with the user, and I've been wondering: A clean SMC-A 50mm F2 lens can easily be had for, say, US$ 50. The 43mm Limited lens is a little wider, a tiny bit faster, and about eight times more expensive. Can anyone with real-world experience comment on how much better it really is optically? I'd consider sharpness, contrast, bokeh, and any other visible effects fair game. Thoughts? --Mark
