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04-05-2011, 10:27 PM   #1
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Sell a FA50 for a FA77?

I have a FA 50 f1.4 which was my first prime, which I loved for some time for its nice portraits and Bokeh.
Now I have a FA31, I've got my sights set on a FA77 for portraits.

The question is, would you sell the 50 to fund the 77?
Obviously the 77 is a much better lens, but would I be worth while keeping the 50?
I never really liked the focal length, and was always looking for something wider or longer. But I've taken some great photos with it and am worried that I'll miss it once its gone.

04-05-2011, 10:31 PM   #2
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FOR SURE!

The 50 is so soft wide open, whereas the 77 is pretty sharp wide open.
04-05-2011, 10:33 PM   #3
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They're two different types of lenses- ask yourself where you spend more time shooting! If it varies, maybe keep both?

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04-05-2011, 10:57 PM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by pmastello Quote
I never really liked the focal length, and was always looking for something wider or longer.
You basically answered your own question

QuoteOriginally posted by pmastello Quote
But I've taken some great photos with it and am worried that I'll miss it once its gone.
Add the FA77Ltd and keep the FA50 (for now). If you still reach for your 50 after a while, you should keep it. If you no longer use it, sell it.

From experience:
I use FA31Ltd as my main lens and DFA100WR to 'zoom in' on details or pull things closer. I hardly ever have a real need for something in between.

04-06-2011, 12:27 AM   #5
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Technically speking, 77 blows 50 off the water without effort. Practically speaking, I always felt more at how with 50ish focal length than 77mm. Combo of 31+77 is terrific, but 31+50+77 is even better IMO
04-06-2011, 01:13 AM   #6
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Sell the FA50 if you don't need AF in this FL, get the FA77 AND the K50f1.2.
Then you got these FL covered very well with 31, 50 and 77 ;-)
04-06-2011, 01:18 AM   #7
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Keep the 50. Regardless of IQ, I think the 77 is a little long in some circumstances, would be nice to have a 50 in your bag somewhere. The 77 becomes very claustrophobic in smaller spaces (i.e., indoors) so be aware of that. Best to have a short tele, and normal, option too.

04-06-2011, 03:33 AM   #8
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So here is an example the photos I like from the 50. Yeah, its soft wide open (as these shots are) but it takes some nice portraits.

But my query is more, if I get the 77, will the 50 be gathering dust in my bag?
I can't really afford the 77 any time soon without selling the 50. Its probably a question of 6 months.



04-06-2011, 03:50 AM   #9
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I don't think the 50 is not going to be used. It is unique in f1.4. FA77 is unique too.

Try this at f1.4?

or
04-06-2011, 04:44 AM   #10
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I don't think it's so wise to compare the 50 at 1.4 with the 77 at 1.8. Stop the 50 down.

The 50 is not better than the 77 by any stretch of the imagination but I suspect it would be handy to have a fast prime in that range. I would sell the 50 for the 43, if you were so inclined, but not the 77.
04-06-2011, 05:08 AM   #11
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I'm sorry but you obviously haven't read the fine print in your manual. Every owner of an interchangeable lens camera system is required to own at least one 50mm lens whether you actually use it (and why would you?) or not.

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04-06-2011, 10:30 AM   #12
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Keep the 50 to balance your range. Don't bother w/ the 43 unless you like the feel...the 50's performance is close enough from what I've seen (I have both).
04-06-2011, 11:09 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by paperbag846 Quote
The 50 is not better than the 77 by any stretch of the imagination but I suspect it would be handy to have a fast prime in that range. I would sell the 50 for the 43, if you were so inclined, but not the 77.
Man, this makes 2 times in 24hrs that I've agreed with paperbag. I need to go lie down.
04-06-2011, 12:31 PM   #14
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I would personally keep the FA 50. Yes, the FA 77 has a stellar reputation, but it's focal lenght is less of a constraint than the FA 77. Remember, the FA 77 was designed to be the ultimate portrait lens on 35mm film. Now, on APS-C, it is equivalent to 115 mm which is not the best focal lenght for a portrait lens. On the contrary, the FA 50 becomes a 75mm on APS-C, a much better focal lenght for portrait. In fact, it's almost equivalent to the FA 77 on film. Plus, if you use the FA50 at f2, you should get portraits that are just as sharp as those obtained with the 77. Finally, the best argument to consider is cost. Even if the FA 50 is not as cheap as it used to be (I paid 199$ brand new for mine), it remains a lot cheaper than the FA 77. Considering the previous arguments plus the cost factor, the right choice is evident.
04-06-2011, 12:34 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by DogLover Quote
Man, this makes 2 times in 24hrs that I've agreed with paperbag. I need to go lie down.
I thought something very similar earlier on...
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