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12-26-2010, 11:00 PM   #1
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FA*24mmf2.0 or Zeiss ZK 25mmf2.8?

It's a tough call. I had just acquired the former but my heart keeps beckoning me to the latter. I have tasted the ZK 35mm and am awed by its built and optics. I needed to fill in the 24/25mm FL and chanced upon the FA* which I got in a heartbeat. However, I am a little less satisfied in terms of its built compared to the ZKs. (Not to do it any misjustification, the FA*24 is very well-built compared to modern standards.) Should I give up the one stop and get the 25mm? Anyone has made comparsion between the two? Apart from that stop of light, I know I am going to miss the AF and IF which I can live without.

12-27-2010, 03:12 AM   #2
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Can't tell you which to buy, but for the FA*24, make sure the focusing ring works properly for manual focus as it can slip due to age. Also, the inner AL element is molded resin which can turn bad. If the photozone results are accurate, the ZK25 should have better edge sharpness on APS-C even though it is the weakest Zeiss in the series.
12-27-2010, 03:38 AM   #3
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maybe this helps:

Zeiss Distagon ZF T* 25mm f/2.8 - Review / Test Report - Analysis

Pentax SMC-FA* 24mm f/2 AL [IF] - Review / Lab Test Report - Analysis
12-27-2010, 04:00 PM   #4
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I have the Distagon and have been trying to shoot with it more and more to get the hang of it. It'd a big ol' hunk of metal and glass - build quality is just beautiful - but that's part of my problem with it: it's big. Maybe I'm spoiled by the general compactness of other Pentax gear but the Zeiss just seems hugely long for a wide angle.

It think that's the main reason it hasn't really captured my heart the way some other lenses have. To tell you the truth, if I had to sell one of my lenses it'd be the Zeiss. This isn't to say it's not a beautiful lens or that you shouldn't get it. I've never shot or handled a FA* 24 but I'm guessing I'd prefer the Zeiss to it.

12-28-2010, 05:11 PM   #5
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Thanks everyone! I have made up my mind to go for the Zeiss! <:
12-29-2010, 12:10 PM   #6
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That's a shame...

QuoteOriginally posted by scorpioh Quote
Thanks everyone! I have made up my mind to go for the Zeiss! <:
the FA* 24 is the most unjustifiably maligned lens in history...



That one's handheld...a little oversharpened...done on my old computer/monitor - I'll redo it.

Cheers,
Cameron
12-29-2010, 06:47 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by Cambo Quote
the FA* 24 is the most unjustifiably maligned lens in history...



That one's handheld...a little oversharpened...done on my old computer/monitor - I'll redo it.

Cheers,
Cameron
Ah... Don't sway me... d:

12-29-2010, 07:21 PM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by Cambo Quote
"unjustifiably maligned"
Oh, now is this what we're calling "not being as good as Zeiss" these days?
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