Originally posted by yyyzzz I have a bunch of 50mm lenses, such as A50/1.2, F50/1.7, and A50/1.4... Why should I get a FA43? What is the advantage of getting a FA43 other than feeling more proud?
I borrowed a FA43 and could not find much optical advantage over the traditional 50mm standard lenses. Yes. The built quality is better. The focal length is a bit better than the 50mm. They are not that important to me.
Thanks.
Seems like AF/MF isn't a big priority, in which case I'd recommend taking a look at the Voigtlander Ultron 40mm if you're looking for something in that focal length. I was in a similar situation to you, have a Pentax A 50mm f/2, FA 50mm f/1.4, and Cosina 55mm f/1.2. I considered the FA 43mm, but when I learned that it's f/1.9 performance wasn't great (good center resolution, poor edge resolution, low contrast), I looked into the Voigtlander more. Starting at f/2.8 the FA 43mm is a great lens (terrific contrast and resolution), but I do enjoy shooting lenses fully open for some pictures if I can, and I'm not always comfortable sacrificing resolution and contrast. Ken Rockwell did a good writeup on the
Voigtlander Ultron 40mm for Nikon that you might want to take a look at.