is it logical to sell fa50/1.4 and goto da35/2.4 ?

greymda · 10-28-2010, 01:22 AM

to tell the truth more and more i think about the fact that my 50mm doesn't give me enough angle view. say on a party or smth i cannot shoot the persons sitting "against" me, and so on.

maybe 35mm would be okay, for my cases?

so my question is: would it be logical to switch from 50/1.4 to 35/2.4 or i should keep them both?

to make things even clearies, let's have a poll, too (but please leave arguments).

sorry for my english

axl · 10-28-2010, 01:59 AM

they are two very different lenses. 35 is normal lens, moderately fast. 50/1.4 on APSC is fast short portrait lens.
In your place I'd keep both, they will have their uses IMO

simico · 10-28-2010, 02:08 AM

Borrow or rent the DA 35 if you can. If that's not possible then just buy it, use it for some time and then you can decide whether it fits you or not, and whether you should sell your FA 50 or not. That's something only you can decide based on your experience with the lenses.

**newmikey** · 10-28-2010, 02:22 AM

You have answered your own question when you said "my 50mm doesn't give me enough angle view". You know what you want, you just need us to vindicate your decision, which is fine. Now there will be purists who will say "NEVER sell the fifty!" but what would you do with it seeing your statement above? Just have it laying on a table as a paper weight?

The 35 seems to be an extremely capable performer with no real no-no's. I'd say, go for it!

Boris · 10-28-2010, 02:27 AM

If you sell FA 50, you can always buy it back later. If you buy DA 35/2.4 and are dissatisfied with it, you can sell it as well. It all boils down to some money, and not that much money because we're not talking about gear that is terribly expensive.

I voted "Keep FA 50/1.4" because:

1. It is good to have fast AF glass.
2. You never know when it may come in handy.
3. Your photographic preferences may change.

openyourap · 10-28-2010, 02:30 AM - **1 Like**

I'd always want the normal range covered, so would want something around 35mm. You might like to look at the 35 Limited macro. It's just a touch slower, but macro offers another raft of shooting possibilities.

Depending on your style, however, you might also look a little wider still - 21mm 3.2 Limited.

chalion · 10-28-2010, 02:49 AM

Originally posted by openyourap

I'd always want the normal range covered, so would want something around 35mm. You might like to look at the 35 Limited macro. It's just a touch slower, but macro offers another raft of shooting possibilities.

Depending on your style, however, you might also look a little wider still - 21mm 3.2 Limited.

+1

I own a F50mm 1.7 and the new DA 35mm 2.4 AL. I bought the 50mm because the price was right, but it was not wide enough for my tastes. I just received my 35mm Tuesday evening and have not had alot of use of it yet, but if I could have afforded getting an even wider lens, I may have gone that route. Do not get me wrong, the 35mm should be wide enough for my needs, but wider is better, right?

elho_cid · 10-28-2010, 03:45 AM

Actually after buying the FA 35 f2 I had little use for the FA 50 f1,4 and sold it. No remorse at all. But I have other 50mm lenses to compensate (A 50 1,7 and DFA f2,8 macro)

**Rondec** · 10-28-2010, 04:30 AM

I too, sold my FA 50. I just don't like that focal length on APS-C. I tend to shoot at 35 mm or at 70mm, but not too much in between. The question is what focal length works for you?

To me, 50mm is either not long enough or not wide enough in general. On the other hand, it is a great lens and the price has gone up considerably. You may be better just getting a DA 35 to complement it, rather than selling it (who says you have to sell lenses?).

bdery · 10-28-2010, 04:51 AM

They are different animals. There are things only a f1,4 lens will let you shoot. And for me, 35 mm would be too cramped for the kind of shots you describe, though I'm sure the DA35 is a fine lens.

I went with the (more expensive) DA21 LTD myself for the shots you describe. Or I use my Sigma 17-70 at 17 f2,8.

Urkeldaedalus · 10-28-2010, 06:46 AM

Originally posted by axl

they are two very different lenses. 35 is normal lens, moderately fast. 50/1.4 on APSC is fast short portrait lens.
In your place I'd keep both, they will have their uses IMO

I agree with this. In a new user's case I'd probably start with the 35 mm, though.

paperbag846 · 10-28-2010, 07:02 AM

I'd keep the 50mm if you want the low depth of field... and really, that's it.

My 50's are handy in certain situations but not very forgiving in the focal length. That said, some of my best pictures have come from the 50's (and neither of them are THAT fast!)

If money is an issue, maybe consider selling the FA 50 1.4 for 300, and then buying the 35 2.4, and a manual focus 50mm 1.4, for about 300 (might cost you a little more than 300).

I don't find that my 50's would be so great for shots where I can't take any time preparing because the focal length is so tight... I don't really miss AF on my 50's. I miss AF on my 28mm.

Adam · 10-28-2010, 07:48 AM

They're totally different lenses- on digital, one is a short tele, the other is more of a normal lens. If you're into low-light shooting, then you'll probably want to keep the 50mm.

The DA 35mm is based on the FA 35mm, which was a superb lens. I'd recommend getting it regardless of whether or not you're going to sell the 50 (and I suggest you don't simply because it's of more value to the end user than its current price on the used market)

**Lowell Goudge** · 10-28-2010, 07:58 AM

I have never ever sold a lens, so for me, the answer is no, it is not logical.

But to be fair, I will explain why it is not a logical selection to sell the FA50F1.4

This lens as others explain, has a field of view that is now what would be considered flattering for portrait as a short telephoto.

additionally, with the longer focal length and 1.5 stops faster maximum aperture, wide open this lens will have considerably different depth of field and ability to separate foreground from background than the DA35F2.4.

The maximum aperture will also have some attraction for low light shooting, and some advangates there over the DA35 as well.

The DA35mm will still be a good lens, for it's uses, but just different uses than the FA50F1.5 I can see using both personally

Jodokast96 · 10-28-2010, 08:27 AM

If you are truly not happy with the focal length, and keeping both was an option, why not go a third route. Sell them both and get a Sigma 28 f/1.8 or Sigma 30 f/1.4? I think it would be a big loss on your part to give up the speed. Just my opinion.

View Poll Results: If you should by a new fixed prime lens, it would be:
Pentax SMC FA 50mm F1.4	19	31.67%
Pentax SMC DA 35mm F2.4 AL	41	68.33%
Voters: 60. You may not vote on this poll

10-28-2010, 01:22 AM	#1
greymda Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Moldova, EU Posts: 150	is it logical to sell fa50/1.4 and goto da35/2.4 ? to tell the truth more and more i think about the fact that my 50mm doesn't give me enough angle view. say on a party or smth i cannot shoot the persons sitting "against" me, and so on. maybe 35mm would be okay, for my cases? so my question is: would it be logical to switch from 50/1.4 to 35/2.4 or i should keep them both? to make things even clearies, let's have a poll, too (but please leave arguments). sorry for my english

10-28-2010, 07:48 AM	#13
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	They're totally different lenses- on digital, one is a short tele, the other is more of a normal lens. If you're into low-light shooting, then you'll probably want to keep the 50mm. The DA 35mm is based on the FA 35mm, which was a superb lens. I'd recommend getting it regardless of whether or not you're going to sell the 50 (and I suggest you don't simply because it's of more value to the end user than its current price on the used market) Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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10-28-2010, 01:59 AM	#2
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	they are two very different lenses. 35 is normal lens, moderately fast. 50/1.4 on APSC is fast short portrait lens. In your place I'd keep both, they will have their uses IMO

10-28-2010, 02:08 AM	#3
simico Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Budapest Posts: 821	Borrow or rent the DA 35 if you can. If that's not possible then just buy it, use it for some time and then you can decide whether it fits you or not, and whether you should sell your FA 50 or not. That's something only you can decide based on your experience with the lenses.

10-28-2010, 02:22 AM	#4
newmikey Site Supporter Join Date: May 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,287	You have answered your own question when you said "*my 50mm doesn't give me enough angle view*". You know what you want, you just need us to vindicate your decision, which is fine. Now there will be purists who will say "NEVER sell the fifty!" but what would you do with it seeing your statement above? Just have it laying on a table as a paper weight? The 35 seems to be an extremely capable performer with no real no-no's. I'd say, go for it!

10-28-2010, 02:27 AM	#5
Boris Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Israel Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 932	If you sell FA 50, you can always buy it back later. If you buy DA 35/2.4 and are dissatisfied with it, you can sell it as well. It all boils down to some money, and not that much money because we're not talking about gear that is terribly expensive. I voted "Keep FA 50/1.4" because: 1. It is good to have fast AF glass. 2. You never know when it may come in handy. 3. Your photographic preferences may change.

10-28-2010, 02:30 AM - 1 Like	#6
openyourap Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 171	I'd always want the normal range covered, so would want something around 35mm. You might like to look at the 35 Limited macro. It's just a touch slower, but macro offers another raft of shooting possibilities. Depending on your style, however, you might also look a little wider still - 21mm 3.2 Limited.

10-28-2010, 02:49 AM	#7
chalion Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: SE Pennsylvania Photos: Albums Posts: 628	Originally posted by openyourap I'd always want the normal range covered, so would want something around 35mm. You might like to look at the 35 Limited macro. It's just a touch slower, but macro offers another raft of shooting possibilities. Depending on your style, however, you might also look a little wider still - 21mm 3.2 Limited. +1 I own a F50mm 1.7 and the new DA 35mm 2.4 AL. I bought the 50mm because the price was right, but it was not wide enough for my tastes. I just received my 35mm Tuesday evening and have not had alot of use of it yet, but if I could have afforded getting an even wider lens, I may have gone that route. Do not get me wrong, the 35mm should be wide enough for my needs, but wider is better, right?

10-28-2010, 03:45 AM	#8
elho_cid Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Prague Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,199	Actually after buying the FA 35 f2 I had little use for the FA 50 f1,4 and sold it. No remorse at all. But I have other 50mm lenses to compensate (A 50 1,7 and DFA f2,8 macro)

10-28-2010, 04:30 AM	#9
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	I too, sold my FA 50. I just don't like that focal length on APS-C. I tend to shoot at 35 mm or at 70mm, but not too much in between. The question is what focal length works for you? To me, 50mm is either not long enough or not wide enough in general. On the other hand, it is a great lens and the price has gone up considerably. You may be better just getting a DA 35 to complement it, rather than selling it (who says you have to sell lenses?).

10-28-2010, 04:51 AM	#10
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	They are different animals. There are things only a f1,4 lens will let you shoot. And for me, 35 mm would be too cramped for the kind of shots you describe, though I'm sure the DA35 is a fine lens. I went with the (more expensive) DA21 LTD myself for the shots you describe. Or I use my Sigma 17-70 at 17 f2,8.

10-28-2010, 06:46 AM	#11
Urkeldaedalus Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Iowa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,369	Originally posted by axl they are two very different lenses. 35 is normal lens, moderately fast. 50/1.4 on APSC is fast short portrait lens. In your place I'd keep both, they will have their uses IMO I agree with this. In a new user's case I'd probably start with the 35 mm, though.

10-28-2010, 07:02 AM	#12
paperbag846 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,395	I'd keep the 50mm if you want the low depth of field... and really, that's it. My 50's are handy in certain situations but not very forgiving in the focal length. That said, some of my best pictures have come from the 50's (and neither of them are THAT fast!) If money is an issue, maybe consider selling the FA 50 1.4 for 300, and then buying the 35 2.4, and a manual focus 50mm 1.4, for about 300 (might cost you a little more than 300). I don't find that my 50's would be so great for shots where I can't take any time preparing because the focal length is so tight... I don't really miss AF on my 50's. I miss AF on my 28mm.

10-28-2010, 07:58 AM	#14
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,888	I have never ever sold a lens, so for me, the answer is no, it is not logical. But to be fair, I will explain why it is not a logical selection to sell the FA50F1.4 This lens as others explain, has a field of view that is now what would be considered flattering for portrait as a short telephoto. additionally, with the longer focal length and 1.5 stops faster maximum aperture, wide open this lens will have considerably different depth of field and ability to separate foreground from background than the DA35F2.4. The maximum aperture will also have some attraction for low light shooting, and some advangates there over the DA35 as well. The DA35mm will still be a good lens, for it's uses, but just different uses than the FA50F1.5 I can see using both personally

10-28-2010, 08:27 AM	#15
Jodokast96 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Erial, NJ USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,134	If you are truly not happy with the focal length, and keeping both was an option, why not go a third route. Sell them both and get a Sigma 28 f/1.8 or Sigma 30 f/1.4? I think it would be a big loss on your part to give up the speed. Just my opinion.