[RickyFromVegas]

I've been saving money to for a body upgrade for some time. And pretty soon, I can meet the goal to buy a K-5.
But I've been eying on 31mm lately. I've had Sigma 30 1.4 (sold now and have tammy 17-50), so I'm familiar with the focal length, but I have a few lenses in that range to be able to justify the purchase.

So torn with limited (ha) choices between the lens and the body.
My current lens gear is Tammy 17-50, Sigma 28mm mini-wide, 40mm ltd, A501.7.
But If I were to get 31mm, I'd sell 40ltd because I barely used 40mm when I had Sigma 30mm.
I would like to keep them all, but I don't think I should considering money is a bit tight lately...

Ugh. Sorry for venting.

[SpecialK]

I'd dump the 3 primes as the 17-50 is a good performer. I'd probably consider another lens not in the 17-50 range before a new body, unless you want more FPS or better high-ISO IQ. But, only you can decide what to do for yourself.

[wlachan]

I wouldn't to be honestly, and I would plan ahead and see what lenses are really needed. You don't buy something just because it is good. It has to be useful to be appreciated.

[fuent104]

What do you like to shoot?

[lytrytyr]

Nothing longer than 50mm?

[RickyFromVegas]

I also have Samyang 85mm, Super Takumar 105 and sears 135.
Honestly, I don't like the range beyond 85.
I mostly used 30mm, 50mm, and 70mm. And I normally do Portraits, so longer than 70 is...not my cup of tea.
I bought a Tammy 17-50 for a walk-around lens when I just don't want to change the lens, which is in most cases outside photoshoots.
I keep searching for something better even though I have everything I need. It's a problem.

[Pablom]

I keep searching for something better even though I have everything I need. It's a problem.

it's understandable, you're in good company

[vrrattko]

Ricky, if you find most of the photos around that 31 mm focal lenght, than I would advise to get FA31. Even more if you use also film camera....

[sjwaldron]

You already sold the Sigma? That was fast. I think in this case, the K-5 would make a significant difference over the K20D compared to buying the 31mm lens. The FA 31mm is an all-rounder lens, so I think it's at odds with standard zoom lenses. The FA 31 is only 1 1/3rd stops faster than that Tamron zoom lens as well (difference between the K-5 and K20D is that or more in ISO). So... if you feel comfortable with the Tamron zoom and like the results from it, I'd say go with the K-5. Even if the K-5 does get replaced in 4 months, it will start off at an expensive price.

[Piotr]

I have both K-20D and K-5.
The difference is huge.
Go for K-5. Take a lot of great shots and in the future you will buy 31Ltd.
As an example, just today I took a shot with ISO 3200 in dark restaurant. It wolud be much more difficult with K-20D.

Pentax K-5 ,Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 3,3-4,0/28-85
1/25s iso3200

[Pentaxor]

I've been saving money to for a body upgrade for some time. And pretty soon, I can meet the goal to buy a K-5.
But I've been eying on 31mm lately. I've had Sigma 30 1.4 (sold now and have tammy 17-50), so I'm familiar with the focal length, but I have a few lenses in that range to be able to justify the purchase.

So torn with limited (ha) choices between the lens and the body.
My current lens gear is Tammy 17-50, Sigma 28mm mini-wide, 40mm ltd, A501.7.
But If I were to get 31mm, I'd sell 40ltd because I barely used 40mm when I had Sigma 30mm.
I would like to keep them all, but I don't think I should considering money is a bit tight lately...

Ugh. Sorry for venting.

it depends on what you shoot and what you need about the FA31? do you need the 1 and 1/3 stop advantage? how much do you like the Tamron 17-50 and is the performance enough for you?

the reasons on considering the FA31 are, you want an FA LTD, you would use it more or most of the time, FA31 magic? , you think that you would need thst focal length more than the others, size portability. also consider if the K20D is enough for you right now, because if you think that it outlived it's usefulness, it should be pretty easy which purchase to go for.

[aleonx3]

I use the 31mm mainly for indoor shots as I often use f2-f2.5 to get sharp and clean flash shots.... it is also my "goto" lens when I absolutely have to get the shot right... Also, for shots with small group of people the 31mm is fine but not quite wide enough for large group of people.

[robbiec]

Get the 31, the K-5 will depreciate in the near term (and more so since it will be replaced in a few months) while a Limited will always hold its value. The K-5 is a very real upgrade from the K20D in near enough every measurable area especially ISO but the 31 is something you only need to buy once... while a camera will change every 2-3 years.
Suggest keeping the 17-50 as a staple lens, sell the Sig 28 and 40 ltd, keep the A50 as it gives you a bit of speed for lower light scenarios and it has reasonable bokeh @ f/1.7 for portraits.

[frank]

Get the K5 (it's a steal at the current price) and sell your K20D (still can grab some money if sold now), that's my suggestion.

As to 31, you can always get it later on ...

[Ex Finn.]

Get the K5 (it's a steal at the current price) and sell your K20D (still can grab some money if sold now), that's my suggestion.

As to 31, you can always get it later on ...

Like he said.