FA 31 & FA 43 Reason to own both?

Driline · 03-26-2013, 05:48 PM

I recently purchased a brand spanking new FA 43 and am in awe of the Image Quality and the photo's I've been taking with it. My question is for those of you that have both the FA 31 and FA 43. Is there a reason to own both? If you own the FA 31 what possible reason is there for you to pop the FA 43 on? Both are equally amazing, but the FA 31 gives a broader field of view.

After purchasing this lens I've decided that I'm a prime lens guy instead of a zoom dude. I've got a DA 18-135mm that I will sell and replace with another limited lens. Hence my dilemma regarding the FA 43 and FA 31. If I don't purchase the FA 31, then I will most likely get the DA 15mm and use both it and the FA 43 together.

Adam · 03-26-2013, 05:54 PM

The 31mm renders images much differently IMO, being a wide-angle lens and all.

**Deimos** · 03-26-2013, 05:55 PM

Maybe im not the best to talk because I have the 43, the 31, the 15 and the 77

I started with the 15 and 43. The 77 is great but more special use for me. Then I got the 31. For me it is everything it was hyped to be

I now use the 31 most by far, but the size/speed/IQ of the 43 means that there will always be a place for it when I want a light kit, especially when going out at night

the 43 and 15 do make a great (small) combo though. but the 31 is amazing and has a very unique look to the images. bokeh is perfect

Driline · 03-26-2013, 06:05 PM

Originally posted by Deimos

Maybe im not the best to talk because I have the 43, the 31, the 15 and the 77

the 43 and 15 do make a great (small) combo though. but the 31 is amazing and has a very unique look to the images. bokeh is perfect

So what you're saying is I really need all 3

I would probably purchase the 15 first and later the 31 if you're saying the 43 : 15 is a good combo.

Driline · 03-26-2013, 06:06 PM

Originally posted by Deimos

Maybe im not the best to talk because I have the 43, the 31, the 15 and the 77

I started with the 15 and 43. The 77 is great but more special use for me. Then I got the 31. For me it is everything it was hyped to be

I now use the 31 most by far, but the size/speed/IQ of the 43 means that there will always be a place for it when I want a light kit, especially when going out at night

the 43 and 15 do make a great (small) combo though. but the 31 is amazing and has a very unique look to the images. bokeh is perfect

One more question to ponder. Would you dump the 43 and 15 just to have the 31?

**Deimos** · 03-26-2013, 06:10 PM

Originally posted by Driline

One more question to ponder. Would you dump the 43 and 15 just to have the 31?

Thats a hard one. The 15 has produced some of my best shots and you cant get that wide with the 31.

I would prob play with the 43 and 15 for awhile and see how you feel. You can always sell the 43 and "upgrade" to the 31 if you wanted later, or just buy them all

Docrwm · 03-26-2013, 06:10 PM

Originally posted by Driline

One more question to ponder. Would you dump the 43 and 15 just to have the 31?

Well, you could get the K-5iis and the 31 and get a $250 rebate from Pentax........

Driline · 03-26-2013, 06:26 PM

Originally posted by Docrwm

Well, you could get the K-5iis and the 31 and get a $250 rebate from Pentax........

I just bought the K5 so that's out unfortunately.

**pearsaab** · 03-26-2013, 06:28 PM

Originally posted by Driline

I recently purchased a brand spanking new FA 43 and am in awe of the Image Quality and the photo's I've been taking with it. My question is for those of you that have both the FA 31 and FA 43. Is there a reason to own both? If you own the FA 31 what possible reason is there for you to pop the FA 43 on? Both are equally amazing, but the FA 31 gives a broader field of view.

After purchasing this lens I've decided that I'm a prime lens guy instead of a zoom dude. I've got a DA 18-135mm that I will sell and replace with another limited lens. Hence my dilemma regarding the FA 43 and FA 31. If I don't purchase the FA 31, then I will most likely get the DA 15mm and use both it and the FA 43 together.

i have the 15, 31, and 77 and love all 3...i do not have the 43 and don't feel like i am missing anything

bossa · 03-26-2013, 06:42 PM - **1 Like**

As you probably already know the following represents the FOV on FF of the APSC lenses you are considering.

15mm = 22.5mm on FF (21mm) Wide Angle
21mm = 31.5mm on FF (35mm) Wide Angle
31mm = 46.5mm on FF (maybe 48 if you agree that it's really a 32mm lens) (50m) Standard Lens
43mm = 64.5mm on FF
55mm = 82.5mm on FF (85mm) Portrait lens
77mm = 115.5mm on FF Short Telephoto

My Advice (but it really depends on what you shoot):

Buy the Sigma 8-16mm Zoom as it's probably as good or better than the 15mm
Buy all the lenses in the following order if you can't buy them outright

1. 31 (standard Lens)
2. Sigma 8-16mm Zoom (Super-wide to Wide)
3. 55 (Portrait lens)
4. 77 (short Telephoto)
5. 43 (Alternative Standard Lens)

Sandy Hancock · 03-26-2013, 06:46 PM

The FA31 gives wonderful out-of-focus rendering, while the FA43 can be a bit temperamental.
9 blade vs 8 blade iris gives different starbursts.
I also get the impression the FA31 is sharper in the corners, but the FA43 may have better centre sharpness (which is really saying something!).

As bossa has said, the normal angle of view the FA31 gives on APS-C makes it exceptionally useful. The 43 is more of a specialty focal length, but I have never regretted putting it on the camera.

Primes4ever · 03-26-2013, 06:53 PM

I have the 31 and love it. I also have the 15, 21, 40 and 70 and would not part with any of them. After the 31 I would suggest the 15, then...... You can never have enough primes.

Bob from Aus · 03-26-2013, 07:03 PM

Why wasn't the question 'is there a reason not to own both?'

mikeSF · 03-26-2013, 07:03 PM

You need both.

scratchpaddy · 03-26-2013, 07:08 PM

Pfffft. Who needs a reason to buy a new lens?

The FA31 is the lens. People have nothing bad to say about it beyond the price. I don't have it, and I never will, because I love my Sigma 30mm f/1.4 too much. As others have said, the "normal" focal length is exceptionally useful. You don't have to spend $1000 to get an exceptional normal lens, though.

I'd get the 15mm first, for sure. There are some situations where normal isn't nearly wide enough.

03-26-2013, 05:48 PM	#1
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697	FA 31 & FA 43 Reason to own both? I recently purchased a brand spanking new FA 43 and am in awe of the Image Quality and the photo's I've been taking with it. My question is for those of you that have both the FA 31 and FA 43. Is there a reason to own both? If you own the FA 31 what possible reason is there for you to pop the FA 43 on? Both are equally amazing, but the FA 31 gives a broader field of view. After purchasing this lens I've decided that I'm a prime lens guy instead of a zoom dude. I've got a DA 18-135mm that I will sell and replace with another limited lens. Hence my dilemma regarding the FA 43 and FA 31. If I don't purchase the FA 31, then I will most likely get the DA 15mm and use both it and the FA 43 together.

03-26-2013, 05:54 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	The 31mm renders images much differently IMO, being a wide-angle lens and all. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

03-26-2013, 06:42 PM - 1 Like	#10
bossa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Adelaide Posts: 4,546	As you probably already know the following represents the FOV on FF of the APSC lenses you are considering. 15mm = 22.5mm on FF (21mm) Wide Angle 21mm = 31.5mm on FF (35mm) Wide Angle 31mm = 46.5mm on FF (maybe 48 if you agree that it's really a 32mm lens) (50m) Standard Lens 43mm = 64.5mm on FF 55mm = 82.5mm on FF (85mm) Portrait lens 77mm = 115.5mm on FF Short Telephoto My Advice (but it really depends on what you shoot): Buy the Sigma 8-16mm Zoom as it's probably as good or better than the 15mm Buy all the lenses in the following order if you can't buy them outright 1. 31 (standard Lens) 2. Sigma 8-16mm Zoom (Super-wide to Wide) 3. 55 (Portrait lens) 4. 77 (short Telephoto) 5. 43 (Alternative Standard Lens) Last edited by bossa; 03-26-2013 at 07:26 PM.

03-26-2013, 06:46 PM	#11
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	The FA31 gives wonderful out-of-focus rendering, while the FA43 can be a bit temperamental. 9 blade vs 8 blade iris gives different starbursts. I also get the impression the FA31 is sharper in the corners, but the FA43 may have better centre sharpness (which is really saying something!). As bossa has said, the normal angle of view the FA31 gives on APS-C makes it exceptionally useful. The 43 is more of a specialty focal length, but I have never regretted putting it on the camera. Last edited by Sandy Hancock; 03-26-2013 at 06:52 PM.

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03-26-2013, 05:55 PM	#3
Deimos Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Kingdom of Wonder Posts: 1,777	Maybe im not the best to talk because I have the 43, the 31, the 15 and the 77 I started with the 15 and 43. The 77 is great but more special use for me. Then I got the 31. For me it is everything it was hyped to be I now use the 31 most by far, but the size/speed/IQ of the 43 means that there will always be a place for it when I want a light kit, especially when going out at night the 43 and 15 do make a great (small) combo though. but the 31 is amazing and has a very unique look to the images. bokeh is perfect

03-26-2013, 06:05 PM	#4
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697 Original Poster	Originally posted by Deimos Maybe im not the best to talk because I have the 43, the 31, the 15 and the 77 the 43 and 15 do make a great (small) combo though. but the 31 is amazing and has a very unique look to the images. bokeh is perfect So what you're saying is I really need all 3 I would probably purchase the 15 first and later the 31 if you're saying the 43 : 15 is a good combo.

03-26-2013, 06:06 PM	#5
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697 Original Poster	Originally posted by Deimos Maybe im not the best to talk because I have the 43, the 31, the 15 and the 77 I started with the 15 and 43. The 77 is great but more special use for me. Then I got the 31. For me it is everything it was hyped to be I now use the 31 most by far, but the size/speed/IQ of the 43 means that there will always be a place for it when I want a light kit, especially when going out at night the 43 and 15 do make a great (small) combo though. but the 31 is amazing and has a very unique look to the images. bokeh is perfect One more question to ponder. Would you dump the 43 and 15 just to have the 31?

03-26-2013, 06:10 PM	#6
Deimos Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Kingdom of Wonder Posts: 1,777	Originally posted by Driline One more question to ponder. Would you dump the 43 and 15 just to have the 31? Thats a hard one. The 15 has produced some of my best shots and you cant get that wide with the 31. I would prob play with the 43 and 15 for awhile and see how you feel. You can always sell the 43 and "upgrade" to the 31 if you wanted later, or just buy them all

03-26-2013, 06:10 PM	#7
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by Driline One more question to ponder. Would you dump the 43 and 15 just to have the 31? Well, you could get the K-5iis and the 31 and get a $250 rebate from Pentax........

03-26-2013, 06:26 PM	#8
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697 Original Poster	Originally posted by Docrwm Well, you could get the K-5iis and the 31 and get a $250 rebate from Pentax........ I just bought the K5 so that's out unfortunately.

03-26-2013, 06:28 PM	#9
pearsaab Otis Memorial Pentaxian Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2011 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,900	Originally posted by Driline I recently purchased a brand spanking new FA 43 and am in awe of the Image Quality and the photo's I've been taking with it. My question is for those of you that have both the FA 31 and FA 43. Is there a reason to own both? If you own the FA 31 what possible reason is there for you to pop the FA 43 on? Both are equally amazing, but the FA 31 gives a broader field of view. After purchasing this lens I've decided that I'm a prime lens guy instead of a zoom dude. I've got a DA 18-135mm that I will sell and replace with another limited lens. Hence my dilemma regarding the FA 43 and FA 31. If I don't purchase the FA 31, then I will most likely get the DA 15mm and use both it and the FA 43 together. i have the 15, 31, and 77 and love all 3...i do not have the 43 and don't feel like i am missing anything

03-26-2013, 06:53 PM	#12
Primes4ever Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Cambridge, Ontario Posts: 179	I have the 31 and love it. I also have the 15, 21, 40 and 70 and would not part with any of them. After the 31 I would suggest the 15, then...... You can never have enough primes.

03-26-2013, 07:03 PM	#13
Bob from Aus Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,094	Why wasn't the question 'is there a reason not to own both?'

03-26-2013, 07:03 PM	#14
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	You need both.

03-26-2013, 07:08 PM	#15
scratchpaddy Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Phoenix Posts: 3,361	Pfffft. Who needs a reason to buy a new lens? The FA31 is the lens. People have nothing bad to say about it beyond the price. I don't have it, and I never will, because I love my Sigma 30mm f/1.4 too much. As others have said, the "normal" focal length is exceptionally useful. You don't have to spend $1000 to get an exceptional normal lens, though. I'd get the 15mm first, for sure. There are some situations where normal isn't nearly wide enough.