[ismaelg]

Hi,

I suppose this question has been asked before, but a quick search came up empty.
I have yet to own any of the Limiteds. That's on my goals plan, but at this point, in my humble lens collection, my best lenses are the FA 50 f1.7 and its older brother, the A 50 f1.7. I recently did a Quinceañera (Sweet 15) session outdoors exclusively with the FA. It amazes me how I can post process (work minor skin blemishes) these images at 200% or even 300% crop and still look great. Ridiculous Pixel peeping at 400% start to show some corner sharpness "issues" but it honestly makes no sense to complaint. As you can see I'm happy with it.
My only "issue" is that 50mm can be a bit tight for indoors. Looking forward, I'd love to get a Limited in the 35-40mm range (most likely a 40 since it is more affordable than the 35). How would these compare to the FA 50 f1.7? I'm a sucker for sharpness and overall IQ.
And yes, I know, a FF will suddenly make it wider
Your thoughts?

Thanks,

[ihasa]

Personally I would skip the 40mm and go straight for the 35Ltd, as you already have an excellent FA50/1.7 and 40mm's a bit close IMHO. I say this after briefly owning the 43Ltd. (I couldn't tell hardly any difference between it and my M50/1.7 to be honest!)

If the cost of the 35Ltd is too much, the 35/2.4 is a great non-Limited alternative that will match the crispness of your FA50 IMO.

[vrrattko]

Hi, I had FA50/1,7 and 4 limiteds: FA31, FA43, DA70 and FA77. First let me say, FA50/1.7 is an excellent piece of glass and its IQ is close to Limiteds, really. FA43 is quite close in terms of focal lenght to yours FA50/1,7....between those two I fancy FA43 more because of nicer colour rendering, better CA control and superb contrast. On the other hand I think FA50 produced somewhat smoother bokeh and was more than reasonably sharp.
FA31 is nice too, very good bokeh for that focal lenght....sharpness certainly not worse than FA50/1,7. Bit more versatile than either FA43 or FA50.
And I forgot to mention build quality of limiteds, although that FA50 had a nice feel too. Hope it helps....

[boriscleto]

I can't comment on any limiteds, because I have never owned any. But I do love my FA 50/1.7, though that may have to do with the fact that I only paid $100 for it

[aurele]

i had the F50/1,7 (remplaced by the DA*55) and still have the 40.

Both are very close FL and to be honest, i prefered the 50 over the 40.

Don't get me wrong, the 40 is wonderful, but i found the 50 to be even more.

i would suggest you to go for the 35 macro or the 31 instead of 40.

[Primes4ever]

I have three of the DA Limiteds (15, 40, 70) and the FA31 and all have great IQ and superb build. I have had the F50 1.7 and it is great as far as IQ but the build is lacking. The FA31 is expensive but worth every penny. You would not regret the DA40 either as it is great for walkabouts and indoor usage plus it is light and sharp corner to corner at all apertures. You will never regret purchasing a Limited lens. I am not sure the same can be said of a plastic fantastic unless money is tight.

[cali92rs]

I had a FA 50 1.7 and some limiteds and quite honestly the 50mm is as sharp as any of them. People talk about rendering which is subjective and I see their point....but from a sharpness point of view the 50mm more than holds its own.
Build quality is a different matter, the FA 50mm does have a metal mount but it otherwise plastic.

[Na Horuk]

When people talk about the FA limiteds they tend to mention pixie dust.. as in, some unidentifiable reason why its photos are great, even though they don't measurably stand out against other high end Pentax primes. Guess its one of those things you have to try. I haven't, yet, but I want to

[boriscleto]

When people talk about the FA limiteds they tend to mention pixie dust.. as in, some unidentifiable reason why its photos are great, even though they don't measurably stand out against other high end Pentax primes. Guess its one of those things you have to try. I haven't, yet, but I want to

I've always thought that was something you put up your nose or in a pipe that made you think they are better than other primes

[Jonathan Mac]

I have both the FA 50/1.7 and the DA 35 ltd. They're both excellent lenses but the 35 is definitely my favourite, especially for portraits. It's very, very sharp wide open and the IQ really can't be faulted in any way at all. I find it can add the elusive 3D quality to photos, something that is very rare and the FA 50 can't do.