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09-24-2010, 09:26 AM   #1
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should I trade in DA*16-50mm for a FA31mm ltd?

This is what I have. DA12-24 f4, DA*16-50, DA*50-135, FA75-300 (yeah, I know...the DA*300 would be next on my list!) and I also have a M100mm f4. I currently have a K20d, but have a preorder on a K5. I find I don't use the 16-50 as often as I could or should. I do a lot of kids sports pics, so the 50-135 gets a workout. I would love a good all round prime lens that is easy to carry around and is great for portraits. ( like the good old days with my 50mm on my film camera) I love extreme sharpness and clarity in a lens. So..... I was thinking of trading in (or selling) my K20d with the DA*16-50, and getting a FA 31 ltd, or DA 35mm f2.8 ltd.
What are your opinions out there? Any other lenses that I should be thinking of?
Thanks!

09-24-2010, 10:03 AM   #2
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If you really don't want/don't use the 16-50, I'd suggest selling it and picking up a used Tamron 17-50/2.8 (same range, similar IQ) in case you change your mind, pairing it with a used DA35/2.8 Macro. The FA31 is certainly a great lens, but it's not really a replacement for the 16-50 in any way.
09-24-2010, 10:17 AM   #3
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I have both the DA35 and FA31 and think they both make great lenses that will give you a FOV close to an old 50mm on film. The DA35 is more compact, has a nicer hood, does closeup very well and has quick-shift focusing which is really nice. The FA31 is faster, and it's the FA31 All kidding aside, you can't go too wrong with either one.

But as deadwoldbones pointed out, neither one will "replace" your 16-50. However, if you don't think you're likely to need that zoom range much, you have wide nicely covered by the 12-24 and long by the 50-135, so a nice 31/35 to bridge the two lenses might work well for you.

One other thought. Since you have the 12-24 covering the wide, you could also consider the 17-50's older brother, the 28-75/2.8. I find it to be a great range for people picture taking and the IQ is excellent. It's one of my favorite lenses.
09-24-2010, 10:36 AM   #4
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Yeah, I only suggested the 17-50/2.8 because it costs half of what the 16-50/2.8 does, and would allow him to pick up the DA35 as well (if he got a good deal used). I think a good "normal" zoom is a good thing to have around, even if you don't use it all that much, but maybe not a $600-700 one in that case.

09-24-2010, 11:14 AM   #5
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...she! I can get a used FA31 here in Canada for $970 right now which seems to be a pretty good deal. Trade in wise, apparently I won't get much for the 16-50. Would have to sell privately to get it's worth. If I could find a used Tamron 28-75 here in Canada, I would give that a try. I've looked at that before.
09-24-2010, 11:28 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by deadwolfbones Quote
Yeah, I only suggested the 17-50/2.8 because it costs half of what the 16-50/2.8 does, and would allow him to pick up the DA35 as well (if he got a good deal used). I think a good "normal" zoom is a good thing to have around, even if you don't use it all that much, but maybe not a $600-700 one in that case.
Good point. I agree that in general the 17-50 is probably overall more useful than a 28-75 (on a crop-sensor). I suggested the 28-75 in part because he already has a 12-24. But you really can't go wrong with either Tamron zoom (unless you get a bad copy )
09-24-2010, 12:30 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by mokey Quote
...she! I can get a used FA31 here in Canada for $970 right now which seems to be a pretty good deal. Trade in wise, apparently I won't get much for the 16-50. Would have to sell privately to get it's worth. If I could find a used Tamron 28-75 here in Canada, I would give that a try. I've looked at that before.
Sell it here on the forum and you'll get a good price. $650+, most likely.

09-24-2010, 12:49 PM   #8
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deadwolfbones - I notice that you have both the FA 31, and the DA 35 - which would you say is more useful? I'm starting to think the DA35 myself, but no store around me carries either one.
09-24-2010, 12:59 PM   #9
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Oh no, I think my LBA is kicking in...I've been looking at the FA lovers thread....and now I think FA 43 is in the mix....and maybe the 77ltd.....and maybe.....
09-24-2010, 01:10 PM   #10
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Value for money-wise, the DA 35 is an excellent choice.
Small and with macro capabilities, it's a very fine lens.
I ran a similar course to your intentions, since I have the 12-24 (taking care of the ultra-wide range) and a Tamron 28-75 for a fast normal range zoom, but also had the 16-50 for use in weddings. But the FA ltds are certainly a special trio - their results blow me away every time, even more so than the DA* 16-50 did. So it was sort of easy for me to trade in a 16-50 for members of the FA ltd series - only there is a lot more to save up to get the 3. I'm already contemplating giving the Tamron 28-75 away (even though I REALLY like its versatility and utility for events like weddings) since the FA ltds are that good and I use them almost exclusively ahead of the Tamron.

But it seems you already have made that decision, so now it's back to you - FA 31 or DA 35 macro - tough choice. Speed or macro functions? Consider that...
09-24-2010, 01:21 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by mokey Quote
deadwolfbones - I notice that you have both the FA 31, and the DA 35 - which would you say is more useful? I'm starting to think the DA35 myself, but no store around me carries either one.
The DA35 is by far the more useful lens.

The FA31 has two things going for it: the bokeh and the wider aperture. The DA35 is sharper, has the macro ability if you need to use it (also great for close-up portraiture), smaller, and cheaper, with the same great construction.

Well, I guess the FA31 can also be used on film bodies (and an eventual FF dSLR), so that's another plus in its column.

Essentially, the FA31 is great for portraiture, while the DA35 is great for everything.
09-24-2010, 01:27 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by deadwolfbones Quote
The DA35 is by far the more useful lens.

The FA31 has one thing going for it, and that's the bokeh. The DA35 is sharper, has the macro ability if you need to use it (also great for close-up portraiture), smaller, and cheaper, with the same great construction.

Well, I guess the FA31 can also be used on film bodies (and an eventual FF dSLR), so that's another plus in its column.

Essentially, the FA31 is great for portraiture, while the DA35 is great for everything.
+1

I also have both and think that pretty much sums it up well.

The DA35 is as close to an all-purpose lens as you can get. It really doesn't have too many faults. AF speed isn't as fast as some other primes, but that's in part due to the long throw. If you're just refocusing on objects that are all at least a few feet away, the speed really isn't bad. If you go from close-focus distances to far distance and back, it can take a second or two to refocus.

The FA31 does have the edge in bokeh and is a bit faster and completely usable wide open, giving you an extra stop+ when you need it.

For what it's worth, the DA35 was the first limited lens I bought and I went through a similar decision process last year.
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