Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

strangeboy · 03-06-2013, 11:42 AM

I own the SMC 50mm f1.4. I also own a Zeiss Contax 50mm 1.7 for which I have just ordered an adapter. Love the 50s!
However, every now and again, they are just too long and I find myself reaching for the dreaded 18-55 kit lens... I am not a fan of zooms.

I've got a shoot coming up in a gorgeous space that doesn't have a lot of depth. I'm shopping for a lens that will be a sensible companion (IQ-wise) to the 50s.
Here's where I am:
the 40mm f/2.8 Limited or
the SMC 35mm f2

The new 35 f/2s are overpriced since they're hard to find ($540 on Amazon). BH Photo has them listed ($399), but has NO IDEA when you'll get it, if ever! Used versions come mostly from Japan on ebay and I won't buy a used item from that far away.

Finally, not crazy about the latest 35mm 2.4.

Ok, blah, blah, blah...
What say you?
Thanks!

**boriscleto** · 03-06-2013, 11:46 AM

Which 50/1.4? K, M, A, F, FA? Is AF a must?

strangeboy · 03-06-2013, 11:48 AM

SMC 50mm FA 1:1.4

strangeboy · 03-06-2013, 11:49 AM

Yes. AF is needed as I will occasionally use this lens to shoot dance performances.
Thanks!

Docrwm · 03-06-2013, 12:06 PM

Why not a fan of the 35/2.4? Are you afraid of the plastic mount like some, because the IQ is right up there. The 40 Limited is slower than the 50 you use mostly and will not provide the control of bokeh you are used to at all. It's wider but not significantly wider, although I do like it more as a walk around lens than the 50/1.4 because it is slightly wider. If the space is that much of an issue then a 28-35 would be more useful in my experience. I'm finding that the 30/1.4 is much wider in practical use than the 40 and much faster too.

strangeboy · 03-06-2013, 12:12 PM

Hey, Docrwm. Yes, I'm ashamed to say that the plastic mount on the 35/2.4 concerns me a bit.
What is this 30/1.4 you speak of?

Docrwm · 03-06-2013, 12:14 PM

Originally posted by strangeboy

Hey, Docrwm. Yes, I'm ashamed to say that the plastic mount on the 35/2.4 concerns me a bit.
What is this 30/1.4 you speak of?

Don't worry about the plastic mount - we have nearly zero reports of failures and even metal mounts can fail. The 35/2.4 is an astonishingly good value and is fast and wide. The 30/1.4 is a very recently discontinued Sigma AF lens. There are some still floating around.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/sigma-30mm-f1-4-ex-dc-hsm.html

Jean Poitiers · 03-06-2013, 12:21 PM

Originally posted by strangeboy

.... Yes, I'm ashamed to say that the plastic mount on the 35/2.4 concerns me a bit....

I have had my DA 35/2.4 almost 2 years and there's no problem at all ... and believe me when I say that I change lenses often on my K-5 ... the 35 stays on a lot because the FL is like a "50" on a cropped sensor ... just my 2 cents worth ... J

TenZ.NL · 03-06-2013, 12:25 PM

How about the FA31ltd? Oke it`s pricey but besides that it gives you practicly all you want.

strangeboy · 03-06-2013, 12:36 PM

Ok...
Checked out a few reviews on the Sigma, looks good and I found a couple new. I also like the idea of getting a lens with a decidedly different focal length than my 50s.
Growing more confident about the 35/2.4, and the price is killer.

Regarding the FA31ltd... I WOULD LOVE TO LAY HANDS ON THAT! It's my daily porn movie, but the best price I've seen on that little wet dream is still over $900 bones. Not in the budget right now (sigh!).

The idea of owning a limited lens is what brought me to the 40/2.8. But I can see that butting heads with my 50s...
So, final thoughts here?
35/2.4 or
Sigma 30/1.4

Thank so much.

Docrwm · 03-06-2013, 12:48 PM

Originally posted by strangeboy

Ok...
Checked out a few reviews on the Sigma, looks good and I found a couple new. I also like the idea of getting a lens with a decidedly different focal length than my 50s.
Growing more confident about the 35/2.4, and the price is killer.

Regarding the FA31ltd... I WOULD LOVE TO LAY HANDS ON THAT! It's my daily porn movie, but the best price I've seen on that little wet dream is still over $900 bones. Not in the budget right now (sigh!).

The idea of owning a limited lens is what brought me to the 40/2.8. But I can see that butting heads with my 50s...
So, final thoughts here?
35/2.4 or
Sigma 30/1.4

Thank so much.

The 31 has LOTS of pluses but its price is not one of them

The 35/2.4 is a nice little lens, light, good IQ. But realize that it does not come with a hood - you'll need to purchase one separately if you get the lens. The 31/1.4 comes in a VERY nice case that is fitted to the lens and has a hood in addition to the standard caps.

TenZ.NL · 03-06-2013, 12:49 PM

Originally posted by strangeboy

Ok...
Checked out a few reviews on the Sigma, looks good and I found a couple new. I also like the idea of getting a lens with a decidedly different focal length than my 50s.
Growing more confident about the 35/2.4, and the price is killer.

Regarding the FA31ltd... I WOULD LOVE TO LAY HANDS ON THAT! It's my daily porn movie, but the best price I've seen on that little wet dream is still over $900 bones. Not in the budget right now (sigh!).

The idea of owning a limited lens is what brought me to the 40/2.8. But I can see that butting heads with my 50s...
So, final thoughts here?
35/2.4 or
Sigma 30/1.4

Thank so much.

The sigma looks like your best option for now. The DA35MacroLTD is also a great little gem but I don`t think it will suit your needs in terms of bokeh.

treebeard · 03-06-2013, 01:02 PM

Originally posted by Docrwm

Don't worry about the plastic mount - we have nearly zero reports of failures and even metal mounts can fail. The 35/2.4 is an astonishingly good value and is fast and wide. The 30/1.4 is a very recently discontinued Sigma AF lens. There are some still floating around.

Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

My vote goes for the 35/2.4, especially for the price. If price is not an issue then I might take a look at the Sigma 30/1.4. I WOULD love to have it for my K-01!

**THoog** · 03-06-2013, 01:17 PM

Also in support of the plastic mount, there are many, many thousands of the 18-55 DA L kit lens in action, and if the plastic mount was as flimsy as people worry that it might be, we would hear about it - it would be up there with "why does my new Pentax rattle when I shake it?"

I have both the 35/2.4 and the Sigma 30/1.4. One is more compact, the other is faster. The screwdrive AF on the Sigma is a little shrill. I'd say they both are sharper wide open than my FA 50/1.4, which doesn't really get going until you stop it down some.

strangeboy · 03-06-2013, 01:28 PM

Hi, THoog...
I've pretty much settled on the Sigma, however:
Why do you own both and which of the 2 do you use most often?
Thanks.

03-06-2013, 11:42 AM	#1
strangeboy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 126	Companion to my SMC 50mm 1.4? I own the SMC 50mm f1.4. I also own a Zeiss Contax 50mm 1.7 for which I have just ordered an adapter. Love the 50s! However, every now and again, they are just too long and I find myself reaching for the dreaded 18-55 kit lens... I am not a fan of zooms. I've got a shoot coming up in a gorgeous space that doesn't have a lot of depth. I'm shopping for a lens that will be a sensible companion (IQ-wise) to the 50s. Here's where I am: the 40mm f/2.8 Limited or the SMC 35mm f2 The new 35 f/2s are overpriced since they're hard to find ($540 on Amazon). BH Photo has them listed ($399), but has NO IDEA when you'll get it, if ever! Used versions come mostly from Japan on ebay and I won't buy a used item from that far away. Finally, not crazy about the latest 35mm 2.4. Ok, blah, blah, blah... What say you? Thanks!

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03-06-2013, 11:46 AM	#2
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	Which 50/1.4? K, M, A, F, FA? Is AF a must?

03-06-2013, 11:48 AM	#3
strangeboy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 126 Original Poster	SMC 50mm FA 1:1.4

03-06-2013, 11:49 AM	#4
strangeboy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 126 Original Poster	Yes. AF is needed as I will occasionally use this lens to shoot dance performances. Thanks!

03-06-2013, 12:06 PM	#5
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Why not a fan of the 35/2.4? Are you afraid of the plastic mount like some, because the IQ is right up there. The 40 Limited is slower than the 50 you use mostly and will not provide the control of bokeh you are used to at all. It's wider but not significantly wider, although I do like it more as a walk around lens than the 50/1.4 because it is slightly wider. If the space is that much of an issue then a 28-35 would be more useful in my experience. I'm finding that the 30/1.4 is much wider in practical use than the 40 and much faster too.

03-06-2013, 12:12 PM	#6
strangeboy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 126 Original Poster	Hey, Docrwm. Yes, I'm ashamed to say that the plastic mount on the 35/2.4 concerns me a bit. What is this 30/1.4 you speak of?

03-06-2013, 12:14 PM	#7
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by strangeboy Hey, Docrwm. Yes, I'm ashamed to say that the plastic mount on the 35/2.4 concerns me a bit. What is this 30/1.4 you speak of? Don't worry about the plastic mount - we have nearly zero reports of failures and even metal mounts can fail. The 35/2.4 is an astonishingly good value and is fast and wide. The 30/1.4 is a very recently discontinued Sigma AF lens. There are some still floating around. https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/sigma-30mm-f1-4-ex-dc-hsm.html

03-06-2013, 12:21 PM	#8
Jean Poitiers Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,076	Originally posted by strangeboy .... Yes, I'm ashamed to say that the plastic mount on the 35/2.4 concerns me a bit.... I have had my DA 35/2.4 almost 2 years and there's no problem at all ... and believe me when I say that I change lenses often on my K-5 ... the 35 stays on a lot because the FL is like a "50" on a cropped sensor ... just my 2 cents worth ... J

03-06-2013, 12:25 PM	#9
TenZ.NL Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Below sealevel Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,100	How about the FA31ltd? Oke it`s pricey but besides that it gives you practicly all you want.

03-06-2013, 12:36 PM	#10
strangeboy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 126 Original Poster	Ok... Checked out a few reviews on the Sigma, looks good and I found a couple new. I also like the idea of getting a lens with a decidedly different focal length than my 50s. Growing more confident about the 35/2.4, and the price is killer. Regarding the FA31ltd... I WOULD LOVE TO LAY HANDS ON THAT! It's my daily porn movie, but the best price I've seen on that little wet dream is still over $900 bones. Not in the budget right now (sigh!). The idea of owning a limited lens is what brought me to the 40/2.8. But I can see that butting heads with my 50s... So, final thoughts here? 35/2.4 or Sigma 30/1.4 Thank so much.

03-06-2013, 12:48 PM	#11
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by strangeboy Ok... Checked out a few reviews on the Sigma, looks good and I found a couple new. I also like the idea of getting a lens with a decidedly different focal length than my 50s. Growing more confident about the 35/2.4, and the price is killer. Regarding the FA31ltd... I WOULD LOVE TO LAY HANDS ON THAT! It's my daily porn movie, but the best price I've seen on that little wet dream is still over $900 bones. Not in the budget right now (sigh!). The idea of owning a limited lens is what brought me to the 40/2.8. But I can see that butting heads with my 50s... So, final thoughts here? 35/2.4 or Sigma 30/1.4 Thank so much. The 31 has LOTS of pluses but its price is not one of them The 35/2.4 is a nice little lens, light, good IQ. But realize that it does not come with a hood - you'll need to purchase one separately if you get the lens. The 31/1.4 comes in a VERY nice case that is fitted to the lens and has a hood in addition to the standard caps.

03-06-2013, 12:49 PM	#12
TenZ.NL Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Below sealevel Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,100	Originally posted by strangeboy Ok... Checked out a few reviews on the Sigma, looks good and I found a couple new. I also like the idea of getting a lens with a decidedly different focal length than my 50s. Growing more confident about the 35/2.4, and the price is killer. Regarding the FA31ltd... I WOULD LOVE TO LAY HANDS ON THAT! It's my daily porn movie, but the best price I've seen on that little wet dream is still over $900 bones. Not in the budget right now (sigh!). The idea of owning a limited lens is what brought me to the 40/2.8. But I can see that butting heads with my 50s... So, final thoughts here? 35/2.4 or Sigma 30/1.4 Thank so much. The sigma looks like your best option for now. The DA35MacroLTD is also a great little gem but I don`t think it will suit your needs in terms of bokeh.

03-06-2013, 01:02 PM	#13
treebeard Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Windham, NH Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 793	Originally posted by Docrwm Don't worry about the plastic mount - we have nearly zero reports of failures and even metal mounts can fail. The 35/2.4 is an astonishingly good value and is fast and wide. The 30/1.4 is a very recently discontinued Sigma AF lens. There are some still floating around. Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database My vote goes for the 35/2.4, especially for the price. If price is not an issue then I might take a look at the Sigma 30/1.4. I WOULD love to have it for my K-01!

03-06-2013, 01:17 PM	#14
THoog Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,685	Also in support of the plastic mount, there are many, many thousands of the 18-55 DA L kit lens in action, and if the plastic mount was as flimsy as people worry that it might be, we would hear about it - it would be up there with "why does my new Pentax rattle when I shake it?" I have both the 35/2.4 and the Sigma 30/1.4. One is more compact, the other is faster. The screwdrive AF on the Sigma is a little shrill. I'd say they both are sharper wide open than my FA 50/1.4, which doesn't really get going until you stop it down some.

03-06-2013, 01:28 PM	#15
strangeboy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 126 Original Poster	Hi, THoog... I've pretty much settled on the Sigma, however: Why do you own both and which of the 2 do you use most often? Thanks.

Companion to my SMC 50mm 1.4?

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!