Originally posted by Omestes Yes, I ask a ton of question, someday I'll actually contribute and answer some. Bare with me, I am but a humble newb.
That out of the way: The other day I went out to a local art fair for some street photography, and brought my DA 35 2.8, since many of the things I read said that 35mm was the perfect "street" length. I didn't like it. It seemed a bit limiting; I had a hard time being stealthy, I felt like I had to get into people's faces to get a good shot. It's IQ also was a bit soft for my tastes. I kicked myself in the pants for not taking my cheap F 35-70mm 3.5 (an oddly cheap and awesome lens that I always forget I own), for the versatility and longer focal distance.
I know people prefer the 35mm length for street style photography, but I kept feeling the need for something a bit longer. I would have brought my A 50mm 1.7, but I figured that manual focus would have been a bit of a detriment.
So... I decided that I probably should get a decent AF 50mm. I've seen several discussion here over the various options, all of which are very useful... But they still leave something in the air... Of the various fast 50s (F/FA), which are in my price range (no *), which renders the most like my A 50 1.7? I love the contrast and quality of color of that lens, of all my lenses it renders color and contrast the best. I read that the F and FA 50 1.7 are the same as the A, is this true? How close does the other AF 50's come? How big, also, is the difference between F and FA, IQ wise?
Further, how big of a mistake would it be to get a 2.8 50mm macro as a general purpose lens? I love sharpness, and I generally tend towards details. Though the speed is a bit worrying for many circumstances (parties, and such)
Right now the DA 40 is barely in my budget (used)... Would that be a better option? Though it seems a bit slow and expensive (awesome reviews though).
I swear, I'll be useful next time...
I would rather be stuck with a 35mm lens than a 50mm lens anytime. I have possibly 10 - 50/55mm lenses starting with the F 50/1.4, I rarely use this focal length anymore. It's generally not wide enough outdoors and too tight indoors for me, it's in no man's land as far as FL...
Your F 35-70/3.5-4.5 is an excellent "street" lens, I have this one and it has not failed to produce. Plus, it has a decent "Macro" mode, nicely sharp and IQ is more than acceptable... The Pentax FA 28-70/4.0 is a surprisingly good lens alternative, more than capable but boring
I'll sell you one of my 50's
well not really, I love them all...