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filmamigo · 10-24-2007, 03:39 PM

These two lenses -- the 40mm 2.8 and the 50mm 1.4 -- are reasonably priced AF primes. Obviously, the pancake is smaller and less obtrusive. But the 50mm is not a large lens either.

I would love to have both, but it's unlikely that I will buy two primes that close in coverage.

How is the image quality of these two lenses? After all, the point of putting a prime on is to maximize IQ (and secondarily to me, decrease the total camera size.)

Both lenses seem to embody certain compromises -- the 40mm in order to fit the pancake size, and the 50mm as an affordable fast f/1.4 lens. Do you see any compromise in your pictures?

joele · 10-24-2007, 03:42 PM

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/13614-help-cho...40mm-50mm.html

egordon99 · 10-24-2007, 04:59 PM

The thread that Joele links to pretty much covers everything, but you mentioned compromise. Sure, the 40mm compromises speed for the sake of compactness. But AFAIK, there are no compromises on the 50mm f/1.4. It is inexpensive because it is a really simple design.

To echo my thoughts on the other thread, I'd go for the 50mm (and I have, it's a great lens)...UNLESS you need the smallest lens possible.

marrngtn · 10-24-2007, 05:32 PM

[quote=filmamigo;110017]These two lenses -- the 40mm 2.8 and the 50mm 1.4 -- are reasonably priced AF primes. Obviously, the pancake is smaller and less obtrusive. But the 50mm is not a large lens either.

I don't have the 40mm but I absolutely love the 50mm.

I just posted this thread with a couple of my 50mm shots.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/13785-favs-50mm-f1-4-a.html

Click on the pics if you would like to go to my photostream. The majority of my recent pics have all been with 50mm.

I switched back to the kit 18-55 a few weeks back and I couldn't take it

. Ran back to the 50mm

.

**tlfaust** · 10-24-2007, 08:14 PM

I'd agree - I chose the 50mm for the speed and bokeh. I'd have a tough time justifying the 40mm. The 31, on the other hand...

[QUOTE=filmamigo;110017]
I would love to have both, but it's unlikely that I will buy two primes that close in coverage.
QUOTE]

filmamigo · 10-25-2007, 12:39 PM

Thanks for input everyone.

So funny that two of us posted at exactly the same time regarding the 40 vs 50.

Something in the air, I guess...

10-24-2007, 03:39 PM	#1
filmamigo Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 797	40mm 2.8 vs 50mm 1.4 -- image quality These two lenses -- the 40mm 2.8 and the 50mm 1.4 -- are reasonably priced AF primes. Obviously, the pancake is smaller and less obtrusive. But the 50mm is not a large lens either. I would love to have both, but it's unlikely that I will buy two primes that close in coverage. How is the image quality of these two lenses? After all, the point of putting a prime on is to maximize IQ (and secondarily to me, decrease the total camera size.) Both lenses seem to embody certain compromises -- the 40mm in order to fit the pancake size, and the 50mm as an affordable fast f/1.4 lens. Do you see any compromise in your pictures?

10-24-2007, 05:32 PM	#4
marrngtn New Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Wash/Balt Metro Photos: Gallery Posts: 16	[quote=filmamigo;110017]These two lenses -- the 40mm 2.8 and the 50mm 1.4 -- are reasonably priced AF primes. Obviously, the pancake is smaller and less obtrusive. But the 50mm is not a large lens either. I don't have the 40mm but I absolutely love the 50mm. I just posted this thread with a couple of my 50mm shots. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/13785-favs-50mm-f1-4-a.html Click on the pics if you would like to go to my photostream. The majority of my recent pics have all been with 50mm. I switched back to the kit 18-55 a few weeks back and I couldn't take it. Ran back to the 50mm.

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10-24-2007, 03:42 PM	#2
joele Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,308	https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/13614-help-cho...40mm-50mm.html

10-24-2007, 04:59 PM	#3
egordon99 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Outside of Philly Posts: 1,561	The thread that Joele links to pretty much covers everything, but you mentioned compromise. Sure, the 40mm compromises speed for the sake of compactness. But AFAIK, there are no compromises on the 50mm f/1.4. It is inexpensive because it is a really simple design. To echo my thoughts on the other thread, I'd go for the 50mm (and I have, it's a great lens)...UNLESS you need the smallest lens possible.

10-24-2007, 08:14 PM	#5
tlfaust Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Wisconsin Photos: Gallery Posts: 182	I'd agree - I chose the 50mm for the speed and bokeh. I'd have a tough time justifying the 40mm. The 31, on the other hand... [QUOTE=filmamigo;110017] I would love to have both, but it's unlikely that I will buy two primes that close in coverage. QUOTE]

10-25-2007, 12:39 PM	#6
filmamigo Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 797 Original Poster	Thanks for input everyone. So funny that two of us posted at exactly the same time regarding the 40 vs 50. Something in the air, I guess...

40mm 2.8 vs 50mm 1.4 -- image quality

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