Which lens?

SMeK · 12-20-2012, 03:31 PM

Hello

Now I have 16-45 and an old M 50F1.7. I was thinking about shorter prime such as 35 f2.4. My question is if it is upgrade over 16-45 in termns of sharpness for that FL? Or shold i buy something else? My budget is $600. I want something faster and sharper,for general street photography.. What do you think?

SOldBear · 12-20-2012, 04:05 PM

If currently I had a 16-45 and an old M50, I'd save a bit more and get a used copy of DA* 50-135mm. It will open a new set of doors.

(I've seen good used copies of DA* 50-135 for $700).

**rbefly** · 12-20-2012, 04:06 PM - **1 Like**

Hello SMeK,
I own both lenses you mentioned, and in my opinion, yes, the DA35 is sharper, and has very fast AF. It is one of my favorite walk-around and street lenses. The I.Q. and color rendition are superb. It does benefit from a lens hood to avoid glare and flare, also to prevent damage; the front element is close to the filter ring.
You might want to check your catalogue of photos taken with the 16-45mm to see if the 35mm focal length is one you use the most. Before I bought the 35mm, I was suprised to find it was (roughly) my second-most used length on the 16-45mm. In first place was 22-25mm. So I also bought a used Miranda 24mm f/2.8, auto aperture but manual focus. About $100.00 USD, a good deal on a fine lens.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/lens-sample-photo-archive/204205-miranda-...-mc-macro.html
Now I take the 24, 35 and a fast fifty, hardly use the 16-45mm much anymore!
Have you seen the "Plastic Fantastic" thread? Lots of good examples there.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/lens-clubs/196639-da35-f2-4-plastic-fantastic-club.html
JMO,
Ron

SpecialK · 12-20-2012, 07:09 PM

I have seen and heard good things about the 35/2.4, and it is inexpensive. Buy a hood for it.

I bought the Sigma 30/1.4 when it was on sale. 35 is too close to the 40 I already have.

12-20-2012, 03:31 PM	#1
SMeK Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 150	Which lens? Hello Now I have 16-45 and an old M 50F1.7. I was thinking about shorter prime such as 35 f2.4. My question is if it is upgrade over 16-45 in termns of sharpness for that FL? Or shold i buy something else? My budget is $600. I want something faster and sharper,for general street photography.. What do you think?

12-20-2012, 04:06 PM - 1 Like	#3
rbefly Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Denver, Colorado Photos: Albums Posts: 2,030	DA 35mm f/2.4? Hello SMeK, I own both lenses you mentioned, and in my opinion, yes, the DA35 is sharper, and has very fast AF. It is one of my favorite walk-around and street lenses. The I.Q. and color rendition are superb. It does benefit from a lens hood to avoid glare and flare, also to prevent damage; the front element is close to the filter ring. You might want to check your catalogue of photos taken with the 16-45mm to see if the 35mm focal length is one you use the most. Before I bought the 35mm, I was suprised to find it was (roughly) my second-most used length on the 16-45mm. In first place was 22-25mm. So I also bought a used Miranda 24mm f/2.8, auto aperture but manual focus. About $100.00 USD, a good deal on a fine lens. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/lens-sample-photo-archive/204205-miranda-...-mc-macro.html Now I take the 24, 35 and a fast fifty, hardly use the 16-45mm much anymore! Have you seen the "Plastic Fantastic" thread? Lots of good examples there. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/lens-clubs/196639-da35-f2-4-plastic-fantastic-club.html JMO, Ron Last edited by rbefly; 12-20-2012 at 04:17 PM.

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12-20-2012, 04:05 PM	#2
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	If currently I had a 16-45 and an old M50, I'd save a bit more and get a used copy of DA* 50-135mm. It will open a new set of doors. (I've seen good used copies of DA* 50-135 for $700).

12-20-2012, 07:09 PM	#4
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	I have seen and heard good things about the 35/2.4, and it is inexpensive. Buy a hood for it. I bought the Sigma 30/1.4 when it was on sale. 35 is too close to the 40 I already have.