SMCP-FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited vs. 35mm f/2.0 SMCP-FA AL

Kestrel1029 · 12-15-2011, 09:13 AM

Hi all,

I am contemplating the purchase of one of the two above mentioned lenses.

What I am looking for is a lens in "normal" FOV and these two are at the top of my list. The qualities that I want in a lens is overall sharpness and very good color rendition.

I would appreciate any comments from owners who have one or both of these lenses. Thanks inn advance.

Cheers,
Tim

**Deimos** · 12-15-2011, 09:21 AM

My personal fav FOV is 28mm, which I think corresponds nicely to your eye's natural FOV. That said the 35 will be closer to that natural FOV. I have the 43, just got it, I usually use 28mm and feared the 43 would be too long. It doesnt seem that way so far, just one step back and I have a similar FOV to the 28mm lens I use.

So in short: the 35 will likely have the "better" FOV but the 43 will likely produce slightly rendering, colours, bokeh etc. It really is a special lens

EDIT: re: APS-C

JinDesu · 12-15-2011, 09:26 AM

43mm is normal FOV for a fullframe camera. 28mm is normal FOV for APS-C camera.

Yamakasi · 12-15-2011, 09:50 AM

i hv both lens before at the same time..somehow i like the 43 shots beta...eventually i sold the 35 after getting the 31...so if u are thinking of getting 31 in the future...go for 43 now

sterretje · 12-15-2011, 10:06 AM

As the others indicated, 43 is not really "normal" on APSc. It's however depending on what you like to shoot if 35 or 43 will work for you as a "normal" lens.

If you have a zoom that covers both length, set it for a week on 35 and see if it works; same for 43. Base your decision on that. Like Deimos, I prefer the wider side as well and therefore use the FA31Ltd.

**GeneV** · 12-15-2011, 10:48 AM

My personal preference is for a longish normal, and the FA35/2 works well for me.

Just1MoreDave · 12-15-2011, 11:24 AM

Originally posted by GeneV

My personal preference is for a longish normal, and the FA35/2 works well for me.

Me too. Using the kit lens as a focal length test bed is a good idea, because normal is not the same for everyone and is not simply the result of a math formula.

As for the lenses, I think the FA 35/2 is really very good for the qualities listed, sharpness and color rendition. I think it matches the K35/3.5 for sharpness and is much better than the other f2 lens options from Pentax and Takumar. If you can get this lens for close to its price before it was discontinued, $300, it's a good deal.

I've never used the FA43 but the FA43 is probably better, because it was built to be better. Build quality and feel are certainly better. I think the biggest reason not to get this lens is focal length not meeting the normal needs. Price is also an issue.

A third option is the DA 35mm f2.8 Macro Limited. That has all the great Limited features, including high price, but adds 1:1 macro and takes away one stop of speed.

Kestrel1029 · 12-15-2011, 01:39 PM

Thanks to all for their replies. The focal length test is a good idea. I have reviewed alot of my shots and I do tend to have shots in a wide variety of focal lengths. I do not have the kit lens however, never did. I bought my K20D as a body and the 16-45mm zoom to go with it.

I don't think I can go wrong with either selection. Part of my reason for a new lens is to work in lower light situations, which both of these lenses have a speed advantage over the 16-45.

12-15-2011, 09:13 AM	#1
Kestrel1029 New Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Philadelphia, PA Photos: Gallery Posts: 15	SMCP-FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited vs. 35mm f/2.0 SMCP-FA AL Hi all, I am contemplating the purchase of one of the two above mentioned lenses. What I am looking for is a lens in "normal" FOV and these two are at the top of my list. The qualities that I want in a lens is overall sharpness and very good color rendition. I would appreciate any comments from owners who have one or both of these lenses. Thanks inn advance. Cheers, Tim

12-15-2011, 09:21 AM	#2
Deimos Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Kingdom of Wonder Posts: 1,708	My personal fav FOV is 28mm, which I think corresponds nicely to your eye's natural FOV. That said the 35 will be closer to that natural FOV. I have the 43, just got it, I usually use 28mm and feared the 43 would be too long. It doesnt seem that way so far, just one step back and I have a similar FOV to the 28mm lens I use. So in short: the 35 will likely have the "better" FOV but the 43 will likely produce slightly rendering, colours, bokeh etc. It really is a special lens EDIT: re: APS-C Last edited by Deimos; 12-15-2011 at 09:29 AM.

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12-15-2011, 09:26 AM	#3
JinDesu Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,624	43mm is normal FOV for a fullframe camera. 28mm is normal FOV for APS-C camera.

12-15-2011, 09:50 AM	#4
Yamakasi Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 71	i hv both lens before at the same time..somehow i like the 43 shots beta...eventually i sold the 35 after getting the 31...so if u are thinking of getting 31 in the future...go for 43 now

12-15-2011, 10:06 AM	#5
sterretje Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,534	As the others indicated, 43 is not really "normal" on APSc. It's however depending on what you like to shoot if 35 or 43 will work for you as a "normal" lens. If you have a zoom that covers both length, set it for a week on 35 and see if it works; same for 43. Base your decision on that. Like Deimos, I prefer the wider side as well and therefore use the FA31Ltd.

12-15-2011, 10:48 AM	#6
GeneV Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,772	My personal preference is for a longish normal, and the FA35/2 works well for me.

12-15-2011, 11:24 AM	#7
Just1MoreDave Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,838	Originally posted by GeneV My personal preference is for a longish normal, and the FA35/2 works well for me. Me too. Using the kit lens as a focal length test bed is a good idea, because normal is not the same for everyone and is not simply the result of a math formula. As for the lenses, I think the FA 35/2 is really very good for the qualities listed, sharpness and color rendition. I think it matches the K35/3.5 for sharpness and is much better than the other f2 lens options from Pentax and Takumar. If you can get this lens for close to its price before it was discontinued, $300, it's a good deal. I've never used the FA43 but the FA43 is probably better, because it was built to be better. Build quality and feel are certainly better. I think the biggest reason not to get this lens is focal length not meeting the normal needs. Price is also an issue. A third option is the DA 35mm f2.8 Macro Limited. That has all the great Limited features, including high price, but adds 1:1 macro and takes away one stop of speed.

12-15-2011, 01:39 PM	#8
Kestrel1029 New Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Philadelphia, PA Photos: Gallery Posts: 15 Original Poster	Thanks to all for their replies. The focal length test is a good idea. I have reviewed alot of my shots and I do tend to have shots in a wide variety of focal lengths. I do not have the kit lens however, never did. I bought my K20D as a body and the 16-45mm zoom to go with it. I don't think I can go wrong with either selection. Part of my reason for a new lens is to work in lower light situations, which both of these lenses have a speed advantage over the 16-45.