35mm f2.4 low light capable?

Colbyt · 02-25-2011, 04:58 PM

Originally posted by sweetwillow

So how is the 35mm f2.4 for use in low light without a flash? I'm about to purchase my first dslr, although I also own a 35mm slr and have used a 50mm f1.8 on it.

Anyway, I'm thinking of trying the Pentax K-r. My main use for this camera will be kids and lots of indoor shots. I'd really like to use natural lighting. I'm aware that I will need a fast lens and this has been recommended but it's only a f2.4. How does it compare to an f1.8 (as this is the only fast lens that I am familiar with)?

I see that Nikon has the D3100 and I can get the 35mm f1.8G. This seems like a good combo especially since I really have no desire to upgrade to more lenses. But I'm really leaning toward Pentax -call me different.

So, can I get good low light shots with this lens or would that Nikon 35mm 1.8 be best for me? I know this is a Pentax forum so you will be partial but at least you can tell me how well this lens functions in low light.

THANKS!

Speaking only as another newbie who made the switch from film very recently with an DSLR, the higher ISO settings of digital are just another tool to use. They do not seem to impact the final image nearly as much and a higher speed film did.

When using film I was almost never pleased with 1000. 400 was about as high as I ever used and considered acceptable for a decent 5x7 print.

I am seriously considering the purchase of the 35mm 2.4. I think it and the two kit zooms are about all I need for my usage. I personally would like to see the price drop first. What I have done in the meantime is purchase some A lenses as my old M lenses are not fully functional on the k2000.

This is not a great shot but it will show you what a 28mm, 2.8 @ 2.8 ISO/800 will do on a dark and dreary day with a single 40W bulb as the only illumination.

Look forward to seeing more of you.

Attached Images

Pentaxor · 02-25-2011, 07:48 PM

Originally posted by RioRico

Sorry, I'll have to disagree there. I've acquired a batch of decent fast manual primes pretty inexpensively in the last couple months. But it takes a bit of work to find them.

your last statement said it Rico. btw, I was referring to fast wide manual focus Pentax primes. finding something like a K28/2 is rare enough, much more for something sold for less than $400. I knew a forum member who sold his copy for less, but that was only one time and never saw one again. the Kiron/Vivitar 28mm however is cheap and is not that rare. although the price mostly for the K-mount does go out of hand nowadays, and for that, the AF Sigma 28/1.8 would be much of a better option, especially if the Kiron is priced at the same bracket as the Sigma.

sweetwillow · 02-25-2011, 08:53 PM

Thanks for sharing the pic. Looks pretty good.

RioRico · 02-25-2011, 09:54 PM

Originally posted by paperbag846

Agree. As long as you are just looking for something like a 50mm 1.7, they are everywhere.

As are 55/1.8's. But my finds included a 28/2 and a couple 28/2.5's, a 35/2, a couple 50/1.4's, a 55/1.4 -- and those are just the fastest ones in that range. Two for just under US$50, three just under US$20, two for under US$5. And one was a SuperTak 50/1.4.

Originally posted by Pentaxor

btw, I was referring to fast wide manual focus Pentax primes.

Yeah, those are a bit trickier. One must dig through numerous mislabeled wholesale lots to score such. A few pagan sacrifices may be necessary too.

Pentaxor · 02-25-2011, 11:44 PM

Originally posted by RioRico

Yeah, those are a bit trickier. One must dig through numerous mislabeled wholesale lots to score such. A few pagan sacrifices may be necessary too.

or seek the help of a rainmaker.

Damian · 02-26-2011, 11:03 AM

I know this isn't the fastest, but a Pentax-A 35mm f2.8 is a fairly decent lens for the price. I recently picked one up in bargain condition from KEH for $95.00 I think the price has gone up to $109 since then. I get decent results with it. Though it's not THE sharpest lens, it's decently sharp and better IMO then the 28mm f2.8. I've taken quiet a few shots indoors with it at f2.8 and f4, and with Iso 1600 it does quite well. A flash would help a bunch though.
Here's a sample pic I took while learning what the lens could do. I posted this on the 'A' Club so just click the link to see the image.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/attachments/lens-clubs/83979d1298006952-c...p7276-copy-jpg

Also here's another one taken out doors a few days later.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/attachments/lens-clubs/84162d1298176188-c...p7560-copy-jpg

paperbag846 · 02-26-2011, 11:13 AM

Samyang just announced a 35mm 1.4 lens.

Manual focus but still..

Also the sigma 30 1.4

To be honest I would go with the compact pentax 35mm 2.4. I don't find much use for pre f2 anyways.

Damian · 02-26-2011, 11:20 AM

Originally posted by paperbag846

Samyang just announced a 35mm 1.4 lens.

Manual focus but still..

Also the sigma 30 1.4

To be honest I would go with the compact pentax 35mm 2.4. I don't find much use for pre f2 anyways.

Ya, but it's currently selling for $521.05. Thats as mush as a brand new FA35. Unless that price drops to below $300, or it has the best image quality EVER of any 35mm, I don't see a lot of people buying it.

paperbag846 · 02-26-2011, 11:28 AM

Where can one find the FA 35 new?

sweetwillow · 02-26-2011, 02:36 PM

Looks pretty good for no flash. Thanks for sharing!

epqwerty · 02-26-2011, 03:54 PM

Your forgetting one key aspect of the dal 35. It costs less then 1/2 of the new Samyang. And that my friends is very important to lots of people. Unless the Samyang can give you 2x the amount of sharpness then the dal 35 can hold it's own you bang for buck aspect. It is capable in low light also which is what this thread is about.

paperbag846 · 02-26-2011, 03:57 PM

Originally posted by epqwerty

Your forgetting one key aspect of the dal 35. It costs less then 1/2 of the new Samyang. And that my friends is very important to lots of people. Unless the Samyang can give you 2x the amount of sharpness then the dal 35 can hold it's own you bang for buck aspect. It is capable in low light also which is what this thread is about.

Yes you are correct. The DA L looks to be just amazing regardless of price, actually.

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02-25-2011, 04:58 PM	#31
Colbyt Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Central Kentucky Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,417	Originally posted by sweetwillow So how is the 35mm f2.4 for use in low light without a flash? I'm about to purchase my first dslr, although I also own a 35mm slr and have used a 50mm f1.8 on it. Anyway, I'm thinking of trying the Pentax K-r. My main use for this camera will be kids and lots of indoor shots. I'd really like to use natural lighting. I'm aware that I will need a fast lens and this has been recommended but it's only a f2.4. How does it compare to an f1.8 (as this is the only fast lens that I am familiar with)? I see that Nikon has the D3100 and I can get the 35mm f1.8G. This seems like a good combo especially since I really have no desire to upgrade to more lenses. But I'm really leaning toward Pentax -call me different. So, can I get good low light shots with this lens or would that Nikon 35mm 1.8 be best for me? I know this is a Pentax forum so you will be partial but at least you can tell me how well this lens functions in low light. THANKS! Speaking only as another newbie who made the switch from film very recently with an DSLR, the higher ISO settings of digital are just another tool to use. They do not seem to impact the final image nearly as much and a higher speed film did. When using film I was almost never pleased with 1000. 400 was about as high as I ever used and considered acceptable for a decent 5x7 print. I am seriously considering the purchase of the 35mm 2.4. I think it and the two kit zooms are about all I need for my usage. I personally would like to see the price drop first. What I have done in the meantime is purchase some A lenses as my old M lenses are not fully functional on the k2000. This is not a great shot but it will show you what a 28mm, 2.8 @ 2.8 ISO/800 will do on a dark and dreary day with a single 40W bulb as the only illumination. Look forward to seeing more of you. Attached Images

02-25-2011, 07:48 PM	#32
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by RioRico Sorry, I'll have to disagree there. I've acquired a batch of decent fast manual primes pretty inexpensively in the last couple months. But it takes a bit of work to find them. your last statement said it Rico. btw, I was referring to fast wide manual focus Pentax primes. finding something like a K28/2 is rare enough, much more for something sold for less than $400. I knew a forum member who sold his copy for less, but that was only one time and never saw one again. the Kiron/Vivitar 28mm however is cheap and is not that rare. although the price mostly for the K-mount does go out of hand nowadays, and for that, the AF Sigma 28/1.8 would be much of a better option, especially if the Kiron is priced at the same bracket as the Sigma.

02-25-2011, 08:53 PM	#33
sweetwillow New Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: The Land of Enchantment Posts: 16 Original Poster	Thanks for sharing the pic. Looks pretty good.

02-25-2011, 09:54 PM	#34
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by paperbag846 Agree. As long as you are just looking for something like a 50mm 1.7, they are everywhere. As are 55/1.8's. But my finds included a 28/2 and a couple 28/2.5's, a 35/2, a couple 50/1.4's, a 55/1.4 -- and those are just the fastest ones in that range. Two for just under US$50, three just under US$20, two for under US$5. And one was a SuperTak 50/1.4. Originally posted by Pentaxor btw, I was referring to fast wide manual focus Pentax primes. Yeah, those are a bit trickier. One must dig through numerous mislabeled wholesale lots to score such. A few pagan sacrifices may be necessary too.

02-25-2011, 11:44 PM	#35
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by RioRico Yeah, those are a bit trickier. One must dig through numerous mislabeled wholesale lots to score such. A few pagan sacrifices may be necessary too. or seek the help of a rainmaker.

02-26-2011, 11:03 AM	#36
Damian Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: United States Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 278	I know this isn't the fastest, but a Pentax-A 35mm f2.8 is a fairly decent lens for the price. I recently picked one up in bargain condition from KEH for $95.00 I think the price has gone up to $109 since then. I get decent results with it. Though it's not THE sharpest lens, it's decently sharp and better IMO then the 28mm f2.8. I've taken quiet a few shots indoors with it at f2.8 and f4, and with Iso 1600 it does quite well. A flash would help a bunch though. Here's a sample pic I took while learning what the lens could do. I posted this on the 'A' Club so just click the link to see the image. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/attachments/lens-clubs/83979d1298006952-c...p7276-copy-jpg Also here's another one taken out doors a few days later. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/attachments/lens-clubs/84162d1298176188-c...p7560-copy-jpg

02-26-2011, 11:13 AM	#37
paperbag846 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,395	Samyang just announced a 35mm 1.4 lens. Manual focus but still.. Also the sigma 30 1.4 To be honest I would go with the compact pentax 35mm 2.4. I don't find much use for pre f2 anyways.

02-26-2011, 11:20 AM	#38
Damian Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: United States Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 278	Originally posted by paperbag846 Samyang just announced a 35mm 1.4 lens. Manual focus but still.. Also the sigma 30 1.4 To be honest I would go with the compact pentax 35mm 2.4. I don't find much use for pre f2 anyways. Ya, but it's currently selling for $521.05. Thats as mush as a brand new FA35. Unless that price drops to below $300, or it has the best image quality EVER of any 35mm, I don't see a lot of people buying it.

02-26-2011, 11:28 AM	#39
paperbag846 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,395	Where can one find the FA 35 new?

02-26-2011, 02:36 PM	#40
sweetwillow New Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: The Land of Enchantment Posts: 16 Original Poster	Looks pretty good for no flash. Thanks for sharing!

02-26-2011, 03:54 PM	#41
epqwerty Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ontario Posts: 550	Your forgetting one key aspect of the dal 35. It costs less then 1/2 of the new Samyang. And that my friends is very important to lots of people. Unless the Samyang can give you 2x the amount of sharpness then the dal 35 can hold it's own you bang for buck aspect. It is capable in low light also which is what this thread is about.

02-26-2011, 03:57 PM	#42
paperbag846 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,395	Originally posted by epqwerty Your forgetting one key aspect of the dal 35. It costs less then 1/2 of the new Samyang. And that my friends is very important to lots of people. Unless the Samyang can give you 2x the amount of sharpness then the dal 35 can hold it's own you bang for buck aspect. It is capable in low light also which is what this thread is about. Yes you are correct. The DA L looks to be just amazing regardless of price, actually.