DA 35mm f/2.4 vs FA-35mm f/2.0

pentaz · 10-27-2012, 06:00 AM

Is there a big quality imagen and Sharpness diferences between DA 35mm f/2.4 and FA-35mm f/2.0?

Is worth the extra money for FA-35mm f/2.0?

Thanks

ihasa · 10-27-2012, 06:24 AM

I would recommend checking out Frank's thread - https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/118765-da-35mm...ny-photos.html

In my opinion the DA lens is better value, unless you absolutely need an aperture ring. The lenses share the same optical design, but I think the DA lens has had its aperture limited very slightly. That both lenses are very sharp is a 'given', but it was the difference in f2.0 vs f2.4 wide-open bokeh that interested me:

DA-L 35:

FA35:

As you can see, not much in it, and I suspect the aperture was limited to f2.4 to prevent the possibility of purple fringing you can see in the FA35 shot.

ChooseAName · 10-27-2012, 09:53 AM

To me, hypothetical FF compatibility wasn't a big deal, so I sold the FA 35, replaced with the DA 35, and used the leftover money to fund the purchase of an M 85/2. I am satisfied with its performance relative to the FA 35.

ihasa · 10-27-2012, 09:56 AM

The DA35 is also FF compatible too though so that's not really a consideration!

pentaz · 10-27-2012, 11:25 AM

Originally posted by ihasa

The DA35 is also FF compatible too though so that's not really a consideration!

Are you sure about that?

Na Horuk · 10-27-2012, 11:46 AM

Originally posted by pentaz

Are you sure about that?

I think some tests using it on a film camera have shown that its vignetting and corner sharpness is acceptable on FF (film). But its a DA lens, so it has some limitations on older bodies (it doesn't have aperture ring, it has short focus throw without distance scales, ...). If Pentax makes a FF DSLR, it should be fine, though.

dbpaule · 10-27-2012, 02:00 PM

I sold my FA35 yesterday, 'cause the DA35 is IMO kinda sharper and produces more contrast to the pictures. There is also less fringing

Btw: The K-5 focusses a tad faster due to the greater DOF.

Greetz, Paule

**Just1MoreDave** · 10-27-2012, 03:25 PM

Right now, B&H has the DA 35/2.4 at $217, and the FA 35/2 at $475. At that price difference, the FA is not worth the extra cost. In lens terms, you could get the DA 35/2.4 and a used F28/2.8 instead.

The "similar threads" suggestion at the bottom has a completed Marketplace listing for an FA 35/2 at $320. That price might tempt me. It's an extra half-stop, which typically would bump the price difference significantly. It also includes a hood, aperture ring and metal mount. The FA is easier to sell for that same price too, while you'd have to take a loss on the DA, since a buyer can always get a new one.

redrockcoulee · 10-27-2012, 03:44 PM

Originally posted by pentaz

Are you sure about that?

It covers film full frame

ihasa · 10-27-2012, 04:23 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pentaz

Are you sure about that?

100% positive.

Wide open, Ektar film, PZ70.

stevebrot · 10-27-2012, 05:05 PM

Originally posted by dbpaule

I sold my FA35 yesterday, 'cause the DA35 is IMO kinda sharper and produces more contrast to the pictures. There is also less fringing

Btw: The K-5 focusses a tad faster due to the greater DOF.

I own the FA 35/2 and have got to add that I don't know that I have ever had a fringing issue on my K10D despite its being my main walk-around lens on that camera for over three years. (Examples: LINK)

OTOH...I don't shoot wedding dresses, so perhaps my choice of subjects has been the key to my success with this lens?

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

Right now, B&H has the DA 35/2.4 at $217, and the FA 35/2 at $475.

Wow! I paid $299 USD for my FA 35/2 new in 2009. The good news is that the FA 35/2 is available new at retail again. In 2010 the report was that it had been permanently axed by Pentax and at that time was only available in certain markets in the Far East. Why they brought it back is anyone's guess. Cult classic? Or maybe they figured that with used prices peaking over $500, that there was little risk putting it back on sale at $475!

As for the DA 35/2.4 vs. FA 35/2 on FF question. I can affirm that the FA 35/2 is quite usable wide open on 35mm film with no detectable vignette at any apertures

Would I sell it to fund purchase of a DA 35/2.4 and some other lens? No way! The difference in build quality is enough to sway me. I also use it on my K-mount film cameras. Would I recommend the DA 35/2.4 over the FA 35/2 to a new user? Probably. At $475 USD, the FA 35/2 is poor value except as a half-priced alternative to the FA 31/1.8 Limited. With the DA 35/2.4 as a half-priced alternative to the FA 35/2, there is no question...unless, of course, you insist on a metal mount and closer minimum focus and (arguably) more usable manual focus and a half-stop faster maximum aperture and both hood and case as part of the purchase price.

Steve

**Just1MoreDave** · 10-27-2012, 06:34 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

I own the FA 35/2 and have got to add that I don't know that I have ever had a fringing issue on my K10D despite its being my main walk-around lens on that camera for over three years. (Examples: LINK)

OTOH...I don't shoot wedding dresses, so perhaps my choice of subjects has been the key to my success with this lens?

I showed my copy to Marc Sabatella, and just as I was saying "never seen any PF" he was taking a shot with some wicked purple fringing (K200D). So don't let Marc use yours.

stevebrot · 10-27-2012, 09:27 PM

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

So don't let Marc use yours.

Fortunately, Marc is a long ways away from me and my FA 35/2

Steve

ihasa · 10-28-2012, 03:10 AM

This PF thing on the FA35 - is it just wide open, and has it been eradicated in the DA35 by limiting the aperture to f2.4? If so it's not so much of a nod in the DA35's favour, as you can always stop the FA lens down. But the all-important reviews can state (of the DA35) 'no PF - even wide open!'

Pentaxor · 10-28-2012, 05:59 PM - **1 Like**

I had the FA35. it's a great lens and I loved it. I never sold it til I found something better which is the 30/2 Samsung.too bad the lens cannot be adapted on a Pentax body. while it is true that the FA35 could suffer from CA, it does not with regards to purple fringing, atleast from my copy. although such CA is no longer an issue nowadays considering the advancement in post-process correction methods.

all I can say is the FA35 is not for those who are worried about budget and a limited use for it.

10-27-2012, 06:00 AM	#1
pentaz Inactive Account Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 47	DA 35mm f/2.4 vs FA-35mm f/2.0 Is there a big quality imagen and Sharpness diferences between DA 35mm f/2.4 and FA-35mm f/2.0? Is worth the extra money for FA-35mm f/2.0? Thanks

10-27-2012, 06:24 AM	#2
ihasa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: West Midlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,066	I would recommend checking out Frank's thread - https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/118765-da-35mm...ny-photos.html In my opinion the DA lens is better value, unless you absolutely need an aperture ring. The lenses share the same optical design, but I think the DA lens has had its aperture limited very slightly. That both lenses are very sharp is a 'given', but it was the difference in f2.0 vs f2.4 wide-open bokeh that interested me: DA-L 35: FA35: As you can see, not much in it, and I suspect the aperture was limited to f2.4 to prevent the possibility of purple fringing you can see in the FA35 shot. Last edited by ihasa; 10-27-2012 at 09:55 AM.

10-27-2012, 04:23 PM - 1 Like	#10
ihasa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: West Midlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,066	Originally posted by pentaz Are you sure about that? 100% positive. Wide open, Ektar film, PZ70. Last edited by ihasa; 10-27-2012 at 04:30 PM.

10-27-2012, 05:05 PM	#11
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by dbpaule I sold my FA35 yesterday, 'cause the DA35 is IMO kinda sharper and produces more contrast to the pictures. There is also less fringing Btw: The K-5 focusses a tad faster due to the greater DOF. I own the FA 35/2 and have got to add that I don't know that I have ever had a fringing issue on my K10D despite its being my main walk-around lens on that camera for over three years. (Examples: LINK) OTOH...I don't shoot wedding dresses, so perhaps my choice of subjects has been the key to my success with this lens? Originally posted by Just1MoreDave Right now, B&H has the DA 35/2.4 at $217, and the FA 35/2 at $475. Wow! I paid $299 USD for my FA 35/2 new in 2009. The good news is that the FA 35/2 is available new at retail again. In 2010 the report was that it had been permanently axed by Pentax and at that time was only available in certain markets in the Far East. Why they brought it back is anyone's guess. Cult classic? Or maybe they figured that with used prices peaking over $500, that there was little risk putting it back on sale at $475! As for the DA 35/2.4 vs. FA 35/2 on FF question. I can affirm that the FA 35/2 is quite usable wide open on 35mm film with no detectable vignette at any apertures Would I sell it to fund purchase of a DA 35/2.4 and some other lens? No way! The difference in build quality is enough to sway me. I also use it on my K-mount film cameras. Would I recommend the DA 35/2.4 over the FA 35/2 to a new user? Probably. At $475 USD, the FA 35/2 is poor value except as a half-priced alternative to the FA 31/1.8 Limited. With the DA 35/2.4 as a half-priced alternative to the FA 35/2, there is no question...unless, of course, you insist on a metal mount and closer minimum focus and (arguably) more usable manual focus and a half-stop faster maximum aperture and both hood and case as part of the purchase price. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 10-27-2012 at 05:56 PM.

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10-27-2012, 09:53 AM	#3
ChooseAName Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Southeast USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 390	To me, hypothetical FF compatibility wasn't a big deal, so I sold the FA 35, replaced with the DA 35, and used the leftover money to fund the purchase of an M 85/2. I am satisfied with its performance relative to the FA 35.

10-27-2012, 09:56 AM	#4
ihasa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: West Midlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,066	The DA35 is also FF compatible too though so that's not really a consideration!

10-27-2012, 11:25 AM	#5
pentaz Inactive Account Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 47 Original Poster	Originally posted by ihasa The DA35 is also FF compatible too though so that's not really a consideration! Are you sure about that?

10-27-2012, 11:46 AM	#6
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Originally posted by pentaz Are you sure about that? I think some tests using it on a film camera have shown that its vignetting and corner sharpness is acceptable on FF (film). But its a DA lens, so it has some limitations on older bodies (it doesn't have aperture ring, it has short focus throw without distance scales, ...). If Pentax makes a FF DSLR, it should be fine, though.

10-27-2012, 02:00 PM	#7
dbpaule Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: near Berlin Photos: Albums Posts: 9	I sold my FA35 yesterday, 'cause the DA35 is IMO kinda sharper and produces more contrast to the pictures. There is also less fringing Btw: The K-5 focusses a tad faster due to the greater DOF. Greetz, Paule

10-27-2012, 03:25 PM	#8
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Right now, B&H has the DA 35/2.4 at $217, and the FA 35/2 at $475. At that price difference, the FA is not worth the extra cost. In lens terms, you could get the DA 35/2.4 and a used F28/2.8 instead. The "similar threads" suggestion at the bottom has a completed Marketplace listing for an FA 35/2 at $320. That price might tempt me. It's an extra half-stop, which typically would bump the price difference significantly. It also includes a hood, aperture ring and metal mount. The FA is easier to sell for that same price too, while you'd have to take a loss on the DA, since a buyer can always get a new one.

10-27-2012, 03:44 PM	#9
redrockcoulee Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Medicine Hat Posts: 2,306	Originally posted by pentaz Are you sure about that? It covers film full frame

10-27-2012, 06:34 PM	#12
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by stevebrot I own the FA 35/2 and have got to add that I don't know that I have ever had a fringing issue on my K10D despite its being my main walk-around lens on that camera for over three years. (Examples: LINK) OTOH...I don't shoot wedding dresses, so perhaps my choice of subjects has been the key to my success with this lens? I showed my copy to Marc Sabatella, and just as I was saying "never seen any PF" he was taking a shot with some wicked purple fringing (K200D). So don't let Marc use yours.

10-27-2012, 09:27 PM	#13
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Just1MoreDave So don't let Marc use yours. Fortunately, Marc is a long ways away from me and my FA 35/2 Steve

10-28-2012, 03:10 AM	#14
ihasa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: West Midlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,066	This PF thing on the FA35 - is it just wide open, and has it been eradicated in the DA35 by limiting the aperture to f2.4? If so it's not so much of a nod in the DA35's favour, as you can always stop the FA lens down. But the all-important reviews can state (of the DA35) 'no PF - even wide open!'

10-28-2012, 05:59 PM - 1 Like	#15
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	I had the FA35. it's a great lens and I loved it. I never sold it til I found something better which is the 30/2 Samsung.too bad the lens cannot be adapted on a Pentax body. while it is true that the FA35 could suffer from CA, it does not with regards to purple fringing, atleast from my copy. although such CA is no longer an issue nowadays considering the advancement in post-process correction methods. all I can say is the FA35 is not for those who are worried about budget and a limited use for it.