Yesterday the Pentax user group in Singapore had an informal gathering to mark the New Year. As we've been hanging out together for a group for a few years already it was a good time to catch-up with one another on a personal level and like all such meetings, the discussion turned to our gear: what we use including other makes and formats, how we use it, the subjects we shoot, lens comparisons and pretty much everything under the sun.
We had a nice mix of new users, people dabbling with old lenses, experienced shooters and serious amateurs alike, including a few who have owned or used almost every lens in Pentax's line-up past and present, old and new. In summary, the few general observations that I've noted:
1)
Images taken through normal AF thru the viewfinder are never as sharp as those taken by Live View. This was tested on the spot at different apertures in daylight with different K-5s with the Sigma 30mm, DA* 55mm, DA* 24mm, FA 77mm, FA 135mm, DA 17-70mm, DA 18-135mm. The worse performer strangely enough was the FA 135mm. I love this lens but I think like all FA/F series lenses, it may be showing its age.
2) The DA 18-135mm beats the DA 17-70mm in terms of center sharpness at max aperture and stopped down. AF speed wise, there's just no contest, the DC motor is a lot faster. The only significant downside is the lack of distance markings but as an all in one lens, the DA 18-135mm shines. The DA 17-70mm isn't bad, better than the DA 16-45mm imo, but it struggles to hold its own against the DA 18-135mm. I dare say this lens will easily trounce other superzooms in the 18-200mm, 18-250mm range.
3) Sigma 30mm beats FA* 24mm wide open, but the Sigma's color rendition is a lot cooler (bluer). Yes, I've compared an f/1.4 lens against an f/2 lens and the focal lengths are different. Both are terrific lenses but the center sharpness of the Sigma is nothing short of astonishing, only let down by the very obvious cooler image rendering. Vignetting is also evident, but it definitely amazed a number of my friends who have the excellent FA 31mm. My take, if you appreciate fine workmanship and quality and want an enduring keeper get the FA 31mm. If you want to have a beater to use for the next 5 years but you don't care a hoot about long term build quality, consider the Sigma.
4) One thing we noted that removing any filters (however good the brand or quality is) made an obvious difference in picture quality and edge contrast. Obviously if that goes against one's belief or paranoia about front element protection, then be content to accept the obvious trade-off in picture quality. If you don't pixel peep, don't blow-up and just take casual snaps, skip this. When using large aperture lenses, having a deep hood does improve image contrast noticeably.
5) Many in our group have dabbled into mirrorless cameras with positive results. We had members who have used the Sony NEX, Fuji X10 & X100, Ricoh GR & GXR, Panasonic and other M4/3 cameras. All raved the compact dimensions and the decent picture quality plus the options to use different lenses with adapters. However, most found some niggling issues with their cameras - WB off, aperture unit failures with the Fuji X10 and Ricoh GXR. Generally good for portability but for serious shooting, the DSLRs come out.
With the results from point 1), I will most definitely buy the APS-C mirrorless K-mount camera that I'm certain Pentax has in the works.
6) DA* 55mm beats Sigma 50mm, F 50mm f/1.7, FA 50mm f/1.4. So I lent my DA* to my buddy who has the other lenses and done his own lens tests but he hasn't posted his results. Locally as well as in China, he's the acknowledged Pentax authority so when he says the DA* is the best of the lot (and the most expensive too), that's all I need to know. One thing to note is that the Sigma's FOV is a little wider, so it's true focal length is probably a little less than 50mm. Sorry Frank for the spoiler.
7) Made in Vietnam makes no difference. My silver FA 77mm (MIV) was found to be tack sharp and some who had MIJ versions offered to swop theirs with mine. Err... no thanks. Those who have the DA 70mm but tried the FA 77mm for the first time are always surprised at what the FA 77mm can do. Yes, it has definitely the wow factor. I'm not sure about others but some like me who have both lenses have perhaps toyed with the idea to get rid of their DA 70mm at some point.
Back to the topic, bottomline: where it's made is not important, but
what's important is whether you got a good copy. I can relate this experience with my two FA 43mm, both MIJ. One was a dog with horrid purple fringing while the other had the purple fringing demon in check. In a sense, I really think Pentax users should personally test their lenses before buying because with online purchases it really is a big gamble as online sellers will and do resell the bad copies that get returned.
8) Most popular bag at the meet... Billingham by a mile. For classic styling, compact dimensions and water resistance, the Billinghams are hard to beat. Looking cool is just as important as carrying cool gear.
Will post some shots later, beer photos included.
K-5 DA* 55mm f/1.4 SDM at f/2
Last edited by creampuff; 01-02-2012 at 08:26 PM.