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05-15-2010, 09:52 AM   #1
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To those who own the FA50mm 1.4 and the FA43mm 1.9

To those who own or have own the FA50 1.4 and the FA43 1.9
just want to hear your thoughts on this.
i want to know the difference in terms of bokeh, sharpness @1.9
and what else is the difference aside from the fov, the weight and built..
which would you recommend between the 2?

thanks

05-15-2010, 09:57 AM   #2
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While the FA50 is a very nice lens, it really doesn't compare to the FA43 IMO. The 43 is sharper until about F2.8 and the bokeh is a little bit more appealing to me. However, the price difference is quite large, so dollar for dollar, the 50 is probably a better buy. I typically use the 43 as walk around lens, but found the 50 too long for that. As similar as they seem, for me they are quite different. Price no issue, get the 43. More concerned about getting the most for your money, the 50 is the ticket.
05-15-2010, 01:30 PM   #3
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of course, 43 is much better than 50/1.4, not only the sharpness, but also the dreaming bokeh...
If I score them, 50 will get 75 while 43 will get 95
05-15-2010, 01:41 PM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by joeyc Quote
While the FA50 is a very nice lens, it really doesn't compare to the FA43 IMO. The 43 is sharper until about F2.8 and the bokeh is a little bit more appealing to me. However, the price difference is quite large, so dollar for dollar, the 50 is probably a better buy. I typically use the 43 as walk around lens, but found the 50 too long for that. As similar as they seem, for me they are quite different. Price no issue, get the 43. More concerned about getting the most for your money, the 50 is the ticket.
I guarantee the FA 50mm is sharper than the 43mm from f1.4 to f1.8. I've often thought that if I ever got a 43mm, I'd sell the 50 f1.4, but it is such a good night lens for an AF lens.

05-15-2010, 01:47 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by henryjing Quote
of course, 43 is much better than 50/1.4, not only the sharpness, but also the dreaming bokeh...
If I score them, 50 will get 75 while 43 will get 95
Resolution as tested by Photozone on a K10d.




05-15-2010, 01:52 PM   #6
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The FA43 has more obvious donut bokeh but more 3D quality (if you believe such thing). Both are very soft wide open. The FA43 is great one stop down and really great sharpness across the frame at f5.6 on APS-C. Photozone tests are quite accurate on their performance and worth checking. Of the 2, I would avoid the FA50 for the fact that there have been samples separating and Pentax don't stock parts for this lens anymore. Being a wide shooter, I also prefer something wider than longer.
05-15-2010, 01:56 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by wlachan Quote
The FA43 has more obvious donut bokeh but more 3D quality (if you believe such thing). Both are very soft wide open. The FA43 is great one stop down and really great sharpness across the frame at f5.6 on APS-C. Photozone tests are quite accurate on their performance and worth checking. Of the 2, I would avoid the FA50 for the fact that there have been samples separating and Pentax don't stock parts for this lens anymore. Being a wide shooter, I also prefer something wider than longer.
Apparently Pentax made another batch of the FA 50mm f1.4 because BH is stocking it again.

Edit: Here is the link where I posted the Photozone resolution graphs.

http://www.photozone.de/pentax

05-16-2010, 12:21 AM   #8
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So the FA43 beats the FA50 in better OOF / bokeh even if its wider and slower than the 50?
thats all i need to know thank you very much..
05-16-2010, 02:11 AM   #9
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I owned two FA43mm and my first copy I had very nasty purple fringing. Second copy was better but it is still evident. I owned three FA50mm and all fared better in this area than the FA43mm. But the FA43mm does give a better 3D rendition to images.
05-16-2010, 02:20 AM   #10
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I have both and easily prefer the FA43 ltd

One of those lenses with Pixy Dust... I have tried to test to its limits and it keeps giving me great results. It was the last of the 3 limiteds to be purchsed by me and it gets the most use of the 3 now.


Cheers
05-16-2010, 11:59 AM   #11
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what exactly does a 3d rendition looks?
whats a pixy dust?
05-16-2010, 12:52 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by rustynail925 Quote
what exactly does a 3d rendition looks?
whats a pixy dust?
3d is similar to the effect seen with stereo lenses and to take images such as aerial photography and viewed through special glasses.

The Pixie Dust on the other hand is a magical dust that Pentax adds to the SMC and Ghostless Coating on certain lenses that gives them unscientifically explainable optical powers.
05-16-2010, 01:54 PM   #13
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I have and love both. I think either are excellent choices really, however it would be up to you whether or not the extra $$$ that the 43 runs is worth it (and whether YOU see the differences in the images). Both produce great shots and I do think that the FA50 deserves to be in every Pentaxian's lens bag.

Much like the DA70 vrs FA77 debate...you really can't go wrong here.

c[_]
05-17-2010, 01:28 AM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by Blue Quote
3d is similar to the effect seen with stereo lenses and to take images such as aerial photography and viewed through special glasses.

The Pixie Dust on the other hand is a magical dust that Pentax adds to the SMC and Ghostless Coating on certain lenses that gives them unscientifically explainable optical powers.

This is the best explanation of two of the most used terms in regards to the FA Limiteds.
05-17-2010, 08:47 AM   #15
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Hahahahaha BLUE ... lovely explanation.

I love my FA50 f/1.4 ... and yes it is soft wide open for sure.

Although when seeing comparable images ... the 43 is streets ahead of the 50mm.
If i had the cash ... I'd definitely go the FA43 Ltd over the FA50 anyday.

Don't get me wrong though ... the FA50 is really a plastic fantastic ... and is a good lens ... the FA43 is a BETTER lens though.
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