Is FA31 really 2.8 times better than DA40 ?

GeneV · 05-16-2011, 12:21 PM

Originally posted by dgaies

Yeah, I always hated the FA35/2 too

And if it doesn't work wide open in the dark, then what good is it?

dgaies · 05-16-2011, 12:27 PM

Originally posted by GeneV

And if it doesn't work wide open in the dark, then what good is it?

It's looks like that polar bear is eating a giant aspirin tablet; maybe he got a headache trying to decide which ~35mm lens to buy

rfortson · 05-16-2011, 02:19 PM

Okay, I skipped to the end, so if this was mentioned somewhere in the 6 previous pages, I apologize.

Buy the 31 Ltd used. If you don't like it for some reason, you'll get your money back easily. Maybe even make money on the deal.

I don't own the 31, never have. I went the DA route because I'm cheap and I like small. I did own the 77 Ltd for a bit, but didn't use it enough so I sold it.

Blue · 05-16-2011, 02:46 PM

Originally posted by NaClH2O

I didn't say the FA 35 F/2.0 has horrible color rendition I said "the color rendition is OK but not stellar". I also said that the bokeh is "barely OK" not 'terrible'. It's not a terrible lens, just not appealing to me.
Curiously, the DA 35mm F/2.4 does appeal to me and according to what I've been able to figure out the lens elements are identical. I've shot extensively with both and have even done a shoot out for my personal edification, and the FA shots are for the most part "OK", while the DA shots are "NICE!" Personally I chalk it up to sample variation and personal whim.

NaCl(it's not that I dislike the FA 35mm F/2.0 it's just that I don't like it)H2O

The lens elements in the DA 35/2.4 are actually slightly less in diameter than the FA. That and the aperture mechanism are the 2 differences other than the housing.

mccarvindh · 05-16-2011, 04:12 PM

Originally posted by dgaies

It's looks like that polar bear is eating a giant aspirin tablet; maybe he got a headache trying to decide which ~35mm lens to buy

Not sure about the polar bear but I sure need an aspirin! I just set up the tripod and took some boring pictures of some stuff wide open with all the FA Limiteds and the DA 40. Next I took one with all the lenses set to F4.

I am not even sure if this is a helpful exercise. I did it because some of you seem to think that will help you decide. I will post it once they load to flicr.

dgaies · 05-16-2011, 04:13 PM

Originally posted by mccarvindh

Not sure about the polar bear but I sure need an aspirin! I just set up the tripod and took some boring pictures of some stuff wide open with all the FA Limiteds and the DA 40. Next I took one with all the lenses set to F4.

I am not even sure if this is a helpful exercise. I did it because some of you seem to think that will help you decide. I will post it once they load to flicr.

I'm firmly on the side that a few sample shots taken at the same settings don't even remotely come close to telling the whole story... but there are a few people who are anxiously awaiting such a test so I'm sure they will be appreciative.

mccarvindh · 05-16-2011, 04:34 PM

I totally agree with you. I just have the time now, so why not? Here is the link to.... ahem..."comparison" shootout with all the FA limiteds and DA 40https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/144177-fa-limi...ml#post1506023

Ubuntu_user · 05-16-2011, 05:34 PM

This is an amazing thread! To add my voice into all this: I echo what rfortson said, "Buy the 31 Ltd used. If you don't like it for some reason, you'll get your money back easily."

jstevewhite · 05-16-2011, 07:44 PM

Originally posted by Blue

The lens elements in the DA 35/2.4 are actually slightly less in diameter than the FA. That and the aperture mechanism are the 2 differences other than the housing.

SO lemme get this straight... the glass is different, the aperture mechanism is different, and the housing is different, but that's all, right?

sjwaldron · 05-16-2011, 07:49 PM

Originally posted by krendel154

That is what I am looking for: One prime lens that will do everything and in great quality.

The 31mm is very close on APS-C. It has a nice wide aperture and the field of view on APS-C is very close to "normal."

Optionally, you should consider going cheap and getting a DA 35mm f2.4. For the price, it's a great little lens.

Originally posted by JHD

You know what would be interesting is if you / somebody else who owns both lenses mounts a camera on a tripod and then take a series of pictures at various apertures with both lenses. The proof is in the pudding. Everything else is just talk.

I have a website where I do stuff just like that! It's pitch black outside right now, but I'll see if I have anything interesting to photograph in here.

JHD · 05-16-2011, 08:21 PM

Originally posted by sjwaldron

I have a website where I do stuff just like that! It's pitch black outside right now, but I'll see if I have anything interesting to photograph in here.

Excellent and much appreciated! Rather than up loading your pictures on Flickr, could you upload them here with Exif data in tact?

sjwaldron · 05-16-2011, 09:54 PM

Originally posted by JHD

Excellent and much appreciated! Rather than up loading your pictures on Flickr, could you upload them here with Exif data in tact?

What would be the difference between here and my site+Flickr? I always leave EXIF in my photos and flickr displays that. I don't have a membership here, so I were to upload photos here I can't garantee I'll have the space or leave them up in case I need to put different photos up.

I just took the photos and was planning on writing an article for my blog. I have the ulterior motive of hoping to one day hit the minimum payout rate from Google Adsense. It's taken probably 5 years, but I'm half way there.

sjwaldron · 05-16-2011, 11:42 PM

Bing! finished...

JHD, I give you permission to download the full-resolution images and upload them to your gallery here. I included something special in the lens size reference image on my blog, so you can feel at home and get an idea of how big each lens is.

It's great as a tripod screw-driver (like the USD equivalent is). A fast food place gave it to me as change a few months ago... It happens every once in a while!

Photos on Flickr:
Flickr: dslrninja's stuff tagged with comparisonfa31mmda40mm05172011

Article:
Comparison: FA 31mm f1.8 Limited to DA 40mm f2.8 Limited | photographybanzai.com

mccarvindh · 05-17-2011, 06:01 AM

Originally posted by sjwaldron

Bing! finished...

JHD, I give you permission to download the full-resolution images and upload them to your gallery here. I included something special in the lens size reference image on my blog, so you can feel at home and get an idea of how big each lens is.

It's great as a tripod screw-driver (like the USD equivalent is). A fast food place gave it to me as change a few months ago... It happens every once in a while!

Photos on Flickr:
Flickr: dslrninja's stuff tagged with comparisonfa31mmda40mm05172011

Article:
Comparison: FA 31mm f1.8 Limited to DA 40mm f2.8 Limited | photographybanzai.com

Cool blog! Thank you for the comparison.

SpecialK · 05-17-2011, 07:00 AM - **2 Likes**

Quote:

That is what I am looking for: One prime lens that will do everything...

There isn't one. That's why there are different focal lengths.

05-16-2011, 04:12 PM	#125
mccarvindh Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ohio, USA/ India Photos: Gallery Posts: 478	I need an aspirin....or beer Originally posted by dgaies It's looks like that polar bear is eating a giant aspirin tablet; maybe he got a headache trying to decide which ~35mm lens to buy Not sure about the polar bear but I sure need an aspirin! I just set up the tripod and took some boring pictures of some stuff wide open with all the FA Limiteds and the DA 40. Next I took one with all the lenses set to F4. I am not even sure if this is a helpful exercise. I did it because some of you seem to think that will help you decide. I will post it once they load to flicr.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
FA31 Ltd.	DogLover	Ask B&H Photo!	6	04-07-2011 10:20 AM
To Da40..or not to Da40...tiss the question!	Shutter-bug	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	7	10-26-2010 08:46 AM
FA31 and K-7	Danny Delcambre	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	7	07-16-2010 09:27 PM
FA31 problem maybe.. what do you think?	joele	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	9	11-22-2009 04:27 PM

05-16-2011, 12:21 PM	#121
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by dgaies Yeah, I always hated the FA35/2 too And if it doesn't work wide open in the dark, then what good is it?

05-16-2011, 12:27 PM	#122
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by GeneV And if it doesn't work wide open in the dark, then what good is it? It's looks like that polar bear is eating a giant aspirin tablet; maybe he got a headache trying to decide which ~35mm lens to buy

05-16-2011, 02:19 PM	#123
rfortson Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,129	Okay, I skipped to the end, so if this was mentioned somewhere in the 6 previous pages, I apologize. Buy the 31 Ltd used. If you don't like it for some reason, you'll get your money back easily. Maybe even make money on the deal. I don't own the 31, never have. I went the DA route because I'm cheap and I like small. I did own the 77 Ltd for a bit, but didn't use it enough so I sold it.

05-16-2011, 02:46 PM	#124
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by NaClH2O I didn't say the FA 35 F/2.0 has horrible color rendition I said "the color rendition is OK but not stellar". I also said that the bokeh is "barely OK" not 'terrible'. It's not a terrible lens, just not appealing to me. Curiously, the DA 35mm F/2.4 does appeal to me and according to what I've been able to figure out the lens elements are identical. I've shot extensively with both and have even done a shoot out for my personal edification, and the FA shots are for the most part "OK", while the DA shots are "NICE!" Personally I chalk it up to sample variation and personal whim. NaCl(it's not that I dislike the FA 35mm F/2.0 it's just that I don't like it)H2O The lens elements in the DA 35/2.4 are actually slightly less in diameter than the FA. That and the aperture mechanism are the 2 differences other than the housing.

05-16-2011, 04:13 PM	#126
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by mccarvindh Not sure about the polar bear but I sure need an aspirin! I just set up the tripod and took some boring pictures of some stuff wide open with all the FA Limiteds and the DA 40. Next I took one with all the lenses set to F4. I am not even sure if this is a helpful exercise. I did it because some of you seem to think that will help you decide. I will post it once they load to flicr. I'm firmly on the side that a few sample shots taken at the same settings don't even remotely come close to telling the whole story... but there are a few people who are anxiously awaiting such a test so I'm sure they will be appreciative.

05-16-2011, 04:34 PM	#127
mccarvindh Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ohio, USA/ India Photos: Gallery Posts: 478	I totally agree with you. I just have the time now, so why not? Here is the link to.... ahem..."comparison" shootout with all the FA limiteds and DA 40https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/144177-fa-limi...ml#post1506023

05-16-2011, 05:34 PM	#128
Ubuntu_user Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,545	This is an amazing thread! To add my voice into all this: I echo what rfortson said, "Buy the 31 Ltd used. If you don't like it for some reason, you'll get your money back easily."

05-16-2011, 07:44 PM	#129
jstevewhite Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Midwest Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,407	Originally posted by Blue The lens elements in the DA 35/2.4 are actually slightly less in diameter than the FA. That and the aperture mechanism are the 2 differences other than the housing. SO lemme get this straight... the glass is different, the aperture mechanism is different, and the housing is different, but that's all, right?

05-16-2011, 07:49 PM	#130
sjwaldron Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,235	Originally posted by krendel154 That is what I am looking for: One prime lens that will do everything and in great quality. The 31mm is very close on APS-C. It has a nice wide aperture and the field of view on APS-C is very close to "normal." Optionally, you should consider going cheap and getting a DA 35mm f2.4. For the price, it's a great little lens. Originally posted by JHD You know what would be interesting is if you / somebody else who owns both lenses mounts a camera on a tripod and then take a series of pictures at various apertures with both lenses. The proof is in the pudding. Everything else is just talk. I have a website where I do stuff just like that! It's pitch black outside right now, but I'll see if I have anything interesting to photograph in here.

05-16-2011, 08:21 PM	#131
JHD Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,406	Originally posted by sjwaldron I have a website where I do stuff just like that! It's pitch black outside right now, but I'll see if I have anything interesting to photograph in here. Excellent and much appreciated! Rather than up loading your pictures on Flickr, could you upload them here with Exif data in tact?

05-16-2011, 09:54 PM	#132
sjwaldron Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,235	Originally posted by JHD Excellent and much appreciated! Rather than up loading your pictures on Flickr, could you upload them here with Exif data in tact? What would be the difference between here and my site+Flickr? I always leave EXIF in my photos and flickr displays that. I don't have a membership here, so I were to upload photos here I can't garantee I'll have the space or leave them up in case I need to put different photos up. I just took the photos and was planning on writing an article for my blog. I have the ulterior motive of hoping to one day hit the minimum payout rate from Google Adsense. It's taken probably 5 years, but I'm half way there.

05-16-2011, 11:42 PM	#133
sjwaldron Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,235	Bing! finished... JHD, I give you permission to download the full-resolution images and upload them to your gallery here. I included something special in the lens size reference image on my blog, so you can feel at home and get an idea of how big each lens is. It's great as a tripod screw-driver (like the USD equivalent is). A fast food place gave it to me as change a few months ago... It happens every once in a while! Photos on Flickr: Flickr: dslrninja's stuff tagged with comparisonfa31mmda40mm05172011 Article: Comparison: FA 31mm f1.8 Limited to DA 40mm f2.8 Limited \| photographybanzai.com

05-17-2011, 06:01 AM	#134
mccarvindh Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ohio, USA/ India Photos: Gallery Posts: 478	Originally posted by sjwaldron Bing! finished... JHD, I give you permission to download the full-resolution images and upload them to your gallery here. I included something special in the lens size reference image on my blog, so you can feel at home and get an idea of how big each lens is. It's great as a tripod screw-driver (like the USD equivalent is). A fast food place gave it to me as change a few months ago... It happens every once in a while! Photos on Flickr: Flickr: dslrninja's stuff tagged with comparisonfa31mmda40mm05172011 Article: Comparison: FA 31mm f1.8 Limited to DA 40mm f2.8 Limited \| photographybanzai.com Cool blog! Thank you for the comparison.

05-17-2011, 07:00 AM - 2 Likes	#135
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	Quote: That is what I am looking for: One prime lens that will do everything... There isn't one. That's why there are different focal lengths.