Low Light, Indoor Normalish

troika · 03-07-2013, 03:16 PM

Wow, things happen fast, I should take a lesson to be patient here.

A Sigma 30mm 1.4 came up in the classifieds today and I almost bought (might still) but told him not to hold up the next deal for me. It's fairly priced, but not cheap and though I love some of the photos I've seen from it posted here, concerns about consistency from lens to lens and size/weight gave me pause. I really wish I had bought one new Adorama or BHP when they were blowing them out.

Then I got a notice from B&H that suddenly FA 35 f2 were in stock new. $400. I see that they have gone through higher and lower price points. I think that's too much for that particular lens, but because it's semi-out of production and there's a big gap in this part of the lineup, it's probably gonna sell out at that price right now. I've seen 43 ltd go used for as low as $450 and I am certain that it is more than $50 better of a lens.

I think I'm going to try to be patient. The DA 35 2.4, especially used, might be a safe experiment or an older MF lens in that general focal length and aperture range. More experience will help me understand what I really want and what it's worth to me. Deals will present themselves. Education and experience will know when I'm looking at the right one. Thanks to you guys for your contributions.

Still no one has stumbled in here who can talk me out of or into my obsession with the idea of the 43 ltd?

troika · 05-26-2013, 11:22 AM

So, I was researching lenses and my search led me back to my own thread and I realize that I should have updated it.

I picked up a used DAL 35/2.4 and still have my K55/1.8. I also picked up a used F50/1.7, which is currently for sale. It's a fine lens, but I've really learned to love my K55 so much that I just never wanted to use it. And the big surprise is how much I like the DAL 35/2.4. It also somewhat marginalized the F50, because I have a AF normalish lens that works really well. I prefer the focal length of the 50s, but in tight spaces, like the dinner party last night, the 35 is more useful and I'm really happy with the pictures I'm getting. It feels cheap and it was cheap, but on the camera, I don't really notice. It looks great and is producing good results, so I'm happy.

In the back of my mind, I wonder how 1.4 might help me out and I think I'll have to own something some day to find out. But, I'm settling in nicely and understanding my camera and how to get a shot a lot better. Thanks for your help.

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03-07-2013, 03:16 PM	#16
troika Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Seattle, WA USA Posts: 1,753 Original Poster	Wow, things happen fast, I should take a lesson to be patient here. A Sigma 30mm 1.4 came up in the classifieds today and I almost bought (might still) but told him not to hold up the next deal for me. It's fairly priced, but not cheap and though I love some of the photos I've seen from it posted here, concerns about consistency from lens to lens and size/weight gave me pause. I really wish I had bought one new Adorama or BHP when they were blowing them out. Then I got a notice from B&H that suddenly FA 35 f2 were in stock new. $400. I see that they have gone through higher and lower price points. I think that's too much for that particular lens, but because it's semi-out of production and there's a big gap in this part of the lineup, it's probably gonna sell out at that price right now. I've seen 43 ltd go used for as low as $450 and I am certain that it is more than $50 better of a lens. I think I'm going to try to be patient. The DA 35 2.4, especially used, might be a safe experiment or an older MF lens in that general focal length and aperture range. More experience will help me understand what I really want and what it's worth to me. Deals will present themselves. Education and experience will know when I'm looking at the right one. Thanks to you guys for your contributions. Still no one has stumbled in here who can talk me out of or into my obsession with the idea of the 43 ltd?

05-26-2013, 11:22 AM	#17
troika Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Seattle, WA USA Posts: 1,753 Original Poster	So, I was researching lenses and my search led me back to my own thread and I realize that I should have updated it. I picked up a used DAL 35/2.4 and still have my K55/1.8. I also picked up a used F50/1.7, which is currently for sale. It's a fine lens, but I've really learned to love my K55 so much that I just never wanted to use it. And the big surprise is how much I like the DAL 35/2.4. It also somewhat marginalized the F50, because I have a AF normalish lens that works really well. I prefer the focal length of the 50s, but in tight spaces, like the dinner party last night, the 35 is more useful and I'm really happy with the pictures I'm getting. It feels cheap and it was cheap, but on the camera, I don't really notice. It looks great and is producing good results, so I'm happy. In the back of my mind, I wonder how 1.4 might help me out and I think I'll have to own something some day to find out. But, I'm settling in nicely and understanding my camera and how to get a shot a lot better. Thanks for your help.