FA 31 & FA 43 Reason to own both?

steve1307 · 04-12-2013, 01:23 AM

It's occasionally been in the back of my mind but now that the FA31 is under a grand locally (for the moment) I'm seriously considering picking it up and selling my DA35 macro, which doesnt get used so much any more. That lowers the financial burden a bit.

I've alway found the FA43 is a little bit long for the family at home, its fast enough though. DA35 is a bit too close to the 43 and the DA21 is which I do use at home perhaps a tad too slow and wide for those family shots and doesn't (can't) have the nice OOF transition Iike the FA31.

At the moment I'm finding my DA21 (twitch's DA21 actually) the most useful lens. I've used it more than any other lens this year apart from a few specific long lens DA*300 outings.

The DA21 really useful for my work too, when I've been photographing factory sites & machinery. It's had a few weeks working in asia and 2 trips to South Africa in the last 5 months flying solo.

The old 35mm equivalent on 135film FOV really seems to work in those situtations were you just want to get the overall picture and the details.
I suppose I could have taken a kit lens but what fun would that be.

I think I've found a reason to own both the 31 and 43. did that sound convincing?

RonHendriks1966 · 04-12-2013, 01:47 AM

I have the FA 31mm and that is fantastic.

The FA43mm isn't on my list yet, since I have the DA40mmLtd. The FA77mm isn't on my list yet since I have the FA*85mm/f1.4.

So basicly you do need all three!

**Digitalis** · 04-12-2013, 01:53 AM

Originally posted by vrrattko

I would like to challenge the opinion that FA43 is not sharp in the corners

Well my observations are based on performance on a full frame Leica M9 and Leica Monochrom - Performance on smaller APS-C sensors will be different because of the smaller part of the image circle being used. But when compared to the Leica 50mm f/1.4 ASPH Summilux-M the FA43 is only able to compete at apertures of f/3.5 and smaller, the Leica lens is consistently sharper across the frame than the pentax lens is at apertures wider than f/2.8. At f/4.5 the FA43 is just as sharp as the Leica 50mm f/1.4 ASPH Summilux-M - the Pentax lens also handles flare better than the Leica lens, which is undoubtedly the benefit of pentax SMC ghostless coatings.

Docrwm · 04-12-2013, 05:31 AM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

For me it's not *quite* that simple, but I'm finding harder to find reasons to hold on to the DA40 and DA70, despite their beauty, joy in use and excellent IQ.
I can't see the DA15 and DA21 being redundant for some time.

Well, from his signature line, Twitch has found the DA15 limited to be hard to let go of too

johnmflores · 04-12-2013, 05:54 AM

Originally posted by steve1307

It's occasionally been in the back of my mind but now that the FA31 is under a grand locally (for the moment) I'm seriously considering picking it up and selling my DA35 macro, which doesnt get used so much any more. That lowers the financial burden a bit.

I've alway found the FA43 is a little bit long for the family at home, its fast enough though. DA35 is a bit too close to the 43 and the DA21 is which I do use at home perhaps a tad too slow and wide for those family shots and doesn't (can't) have the nice OOF transition Iike the FA31.

At the moment I'm finding my DA21 (twitch's DA21 actually) the most useful lens. I've used it more than any other lens this year apart from a few specific long lens DA*300 outings.

The DA21 really useful for my work too, when I've been photographing factory sites & machinery. It's had a few weeks working in asia and 2 trips to South Africa in the last 5 months flying solo.

The old 35mm equivalent on 135film FOV really seems to work in those situtations were you just want to get the overall picture and the details.
I suppose I could have taken a kit lens but what fun would that be.

I think I've found a reason to own both the 31 and 43. did that sound convincing?

I sold the DA35 Macro in order to get the FA31, partly because I wanted an aperture ring when shooting video on non-Pentax cameras. The FA31 is as good as everyone says, but I do miss the compactness and close focusing of the DA35 Limited from time to time. It's a really versatile lens.

I've compensated by getting the FA43. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

k100d · 04-13-2013, 06:36 PM

used to have the 31, 43 and 77 ... the 43 (and the 77) are weak in the corners open, technically the 31 is the best lens out of the three. the 43 and 77 have a more "unique" charm and more specialty lenses imo

but using the FA's on crop always seems like such a downgrade esp if you have the chance to use them FF

Driline · 04-13-2013, 08:27 PM

Originally posted by k100d

used to have the 31, 43 and 77 ... the 43 (and the 77) are weak in the corners open, technically the 31 is the best lens out of the three. the 43 and 77 have a more "unique" charm and more specialty lenses imo

but using the FA's on crop always seems like such a downgrade esp if you have the chance to use them FF

Why did you dump the FA's?

k100d · 04-13-2013, 08:45 PM

Originally posted by Driline

Why did you dump the FA's?

i loved the lenses, absolutely recommend that you complete the set

it was just the pentax system wasn't for me in the end ... although with this FF thing going on, i would have loved to try the "3 Kings" on a FF body but by now i believe the lenses are too overpriced

chickenandavocado · 04-13-2013, 11:27 PM

ive owned
15
21
40
70

fa 31
fa 77

sold all da's except for da 15 to fund the fa 31 and fa 77...

replaced with current kit:

15
31
77

perfect spacing for a 3 lens kit... 21 can be cropped from 15 if needed (or step back and use the 31).... so let that go first

15 cant be replaced (small / light wa prime)

40 was nice.. my first prime... was a joy to use but couldnt justify keeping after i got the 31 (it saw no use)

70 was rarely used... small / light but the bokeh was quite harsh... 77 on the other hand much creamier and renders oof much nicer

Allison · 04-14-2013, 04:33 AM - **1 Like**

I had the 35 macro and the 77 when the 43 came along and asked me to buy it. Given how much I love the 77 and how I always felt that my 50 was just a bit too long must of the time, I thought that the 43 would be just right...and it was! Then a few weeks later the 31 appeared and asked me to take it home. This was a hard decision because I already had the 35 macro and a 28 (oldie but goodie that I inherited from my dad), but it also meant completing the collection in black MIJ and who could pass that opportunity up?

I thought after I got the 31 that I would end up selling the 35, but I am keeping it. It is smaller and the macro function makes it very handy. the 31 is great for a wide portrait that includes the scene. The 43 seems to live on my camera as the everyday lens, but I am keeping my 50 because sometimes i want the way it renders an image and it is different from the 43. I keep thinking about the 15, but I don't want to buy any more da lenses. The ff desire is really the only thing keeping the LBA in check.

The truth is, you can always find a reason to own more lenses.

Driline · 04-14-2013, 07:11 AM

Originally posted by Allison

The 43 seems to live on my camera as the everyday lens

I thought perhaps after you acquired the 31, the 43 would no longer see daylight

But that's a good thing since currently that is the only lens I have now on my camera. I'm looking at the DA 15, 21, and also a used DA* 16-50 if the price is right. I've also read good reviews on the Tamron 17-50 zoom as well, but again those are zooms and quite frankly I'm looking for the best IQ I can get in a wide lens and not sure either the Pentax or Tamron zoom can deliver.

slipdm16 · 04-15-2013, 07:28 PM

I have the DA 15 and soon your 18-135! Anyways, I love the wide perspective the 15 offers along with excellent sharpness all over. Also, it can do great close-ups and capture the whole scene behind it with a nice bokeh. I like the construction/look of the FA's better than the DA's (have the 77mm also).

Driline · 04-15-2013, 07:52 PM

Originally posted by slipdm16

I have the DA 15 and soon your 18-135! Anyways, I love the wide perspective the 15 offers along with excellent sharpness all over. Also, it can do great close-ups and capture the whole scene behind it with a nice bokeh. I like the construction/look of the FA's better than the DA's (have the 77mm also).

I would have swapped lenses and paid you cash on top of that

slipdm16 · 04-16-2013, 08:22 AM

Originally posted by Driline

I would have swapped lenses and paid you cash on top of that

If only it were for sale

Driline · 04-16-2013, 11:11 AM

Originally posted by slipdm16

If only it were for sale

As soon as PayPal clears your check I'll be lookin real hard

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04-12-2013, 01:23 AM	#46
steve1307 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,130	It's occasionally been in the back of my mind but now that the FA31 is under a grand locally (for the moment) I'm seriously considering picking it up and selling my DA35 macro, which doesnt get used so much any more. That lowers the financial burden a bit. I've alway found the FA43 is a little bit long for the family at home, its fast enough though. DA35 is a bit too close to the 43 and the DA21 is which I do use at home perhaps a tad too slow and wide for those family shots and doesn't (can't) have the nice OOF transition Iike the FA31. At the moment I'm finding my DA21 (twitch's DA21 actually) the most useful lens. I've used it more than any other lens this year apart from a few specific long lens DA*300 outings. The DA21 really useful for my work too, when I've been photographing factory sites & machinery. It's had a few weeks working in asia and 2 trips to South Africa in the last 5 months flying solo. The old 35mm equivalent on 135film FOV really seems to work in those situtations were you just want to get the overall picture and the details. I suppose I could have taken a kit lens but what fun would that be. I think I've found a reason to own both the 31 and 43. did that sound convincing?

04-12-2013, 01:47 AM	#47
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	I have the FA 31mm and that is fantastic. The FA43mm isn't on my list yet, since I have the DA40mmLtd. The FA77mm isn't on my list yet since I have the FA*85mm/f1.4. So basicly you do need all three!

04-12-2013, 01:53 AM	#48
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by vrrattko I would like to challenge the opinion that FA43 is not sharp in the corners Well my observations are based on performance on a full frame Leica M9 and Leica Monochrom - Performance on smaller APS-C sensors will be different because of the smaller part of the image circle being used. But when compared to the Leica 50mm f/1.4 ASPH Summilux-M the FA43 is only able to compete at apertures of f/3.5 and smaller, the Leica lens is consistently sharper across the frame than the pentax lens is at apertures wider than f/2.8. At f/4.5 the FA43 is just as sharp as the Leica 50mm f/1.4 ASPH Summilux-M - the Pentax lens also handles flare better than the Leica lens, which is undoubtedly the benefit of pentax SMC ghostless coatings.

04-12-2013, 05:31 AM	#49
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock For me it's not quite that simple, but I'm finding harder to find reasons to hold on to the DA40 and DA70, despite their beauty, joy in use and excellent IQ. I can't see the DA15 and DA21 being redundant for some time. Well, from his signature line, Twitch has found the DA15 limited to be hard to let go of too

04-12-2013, 05:54 AM	#50
johnmflores Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somerville, NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,361	Originally posted by steve1307 It's occasionally been in the back of my mind but now that the FA31 is under a grand locally (for the moment) I'm seriously considering picking it up and selling my DA35 macro, which doesnt get used so much any more. That lowers the financial burden a bit. I've alway found the FA43 is a little bit long for the family at home, its fast enough though. DA35 is a bit too close to the 43 and the DA21 is which I do use at home perhaps a tad too slow and wide for those family shots and doesn't (can't) have the nice OOF transition Iike the FA31. At the moment I'm finding my DA21 (twitch's DA21 actually) the most useful lens. I've used it more than any other lens this year apart from a few specific long lens DA*300 outings. The DA21 really useful for my work too, when I've been photographing factory sites & machinery. It's had a few weeks working in asia and 2 trips to South Africa in the last 5 months flying solo. The old 35mm equivalent on 135film FOV really seems to work in those situtations were you just want to get the overall picture and the details. I suppose I could have taken a kit lens but what fun would that be. I think I've found a reason to own both the 31 and 43. did that sound convincing? I sold the DA35 Macro in order to get the FA31, partly because I wanted an aperture ring when shooting video on non-Pentax cameras. The FA31 is as good as everyone says, but I do miss the compactness and close focusing of the DA35 Limited from time to time. It's a really versatile lens. I've compensated by getting the FA43. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

04-13-2013, 06:36 PM	#51
k100d Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 3,911	used to have the 31, 43 and 77 ... the 43 (and the 77) are weak in the corners open, technically the 31 is the best lens out of the three. the 43 and 77 have a more "unique" charm and more specialty lenses imo but using the FA's on crop always seems like such a downgrade esp if you have the chance to use them FF

04-13-2013, 08:27 PM	#52
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697 Original Poster	Originally posted by k100d used to have the 31, 43 and 77 ... the 43 (and the 77) are weak in the corners open, technically the 31 is the best lens out of the three. the 43 and 77 have a more "unique" charm and more specialty lenses imo but using the FA's on crop always seems like such a downgrade esp if you have the chance to use them FF Why did you dump the FA's?

04-13-2013, 08:45 PM	#53
k100d Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 3,911	Originally posted by Driline Why did you dump the FA's? i loved the lenses, absolutely recommend that you complete the set it was just the pentax system wasn't for me in the end ... although with this FF thing going on, i would have loved to try the "3 Kings" on a FF body but by now i believe the lenses are too overpriced

04-13-2013, 11:27 PM	#54
chickenandavocado Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 327	ive owned 15 21 40 70 fa 31 fa 77 sold all da's except for da 15 to fund the fa 31 and fa 77... replaced with current kit: 15 31 77 perfect spacing for a 3 lens kit... 21 can be cropped from 15 if needed (or step back and use the 31).... so let that go first 15 cant be replaced (small / light wa prime) 40 was nice.. my first prime... was a joy to use but couldnt justify keeping after i got the 31 (it saw no use) 70 was rarely used... small / light but the bokeh was quite harsh... 77 on the other hand much creamier and renders oof much nicer

04-14-2013, 04:33 AM - 1 Like	#55
Allison Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 667	I had the 35 macro and the 77 when the 43 came along and asked me to buy it. Given how much I love the 77 and how I always felt that my 50 was just a bit too long must of the time, I thought that the 43 would be just right...and it was! Then a few weeks later the 31 appeared and asked me to take it home. This was a hard decision because I already had the 35 macro and a 28 (oldie but goodie that I inherited from my dad), but it also meant completing the collection in black MIJ and who could pass that opportunity up? I thought after I got the 31 that I would end up selling the 35, but I am keeping it. It is smaller and the macro function makes it very handy. the 31 is great for a wide portrait that includes the scene. The 43 seems to live on my camera as the everyday lens, but I am keeping my 50 because sometimes i want the way it renders an image and it is different from the 43. I keep thinking about the 15, but I don't want to buy any more da lenses. The ff desire is really the only thing keeping the LBA in check. The truth is, you can always find a reason to own more lenses.

04-14-2013, 07:11 AM	#56
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697 Original Poster	Originally posted by Allison The 43 seems to live on my camera as the everyday lens I thought perhaps after you acquired the 31, the 43 would no longer see daylight But that's a good thing since currently that is the only lens I have now on my camera. I'm looking at the DA 15, 21, and also a used DA* 16-50 if the price is right. I've also read good reviews on the Tamron 17-50 zoom as well, but again those are zooms and quite frankly I'm looking for the best IQ I can get in a wide lens and not sure either the Pentax or Tamron zoom can deliver.

04-15-2013, 07:28 PM	#57
slipdm16 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Minneapolis, MN Photos: Albums Posts: 159	I have the DA 15 and soon your 18-135! Anyways, I love the wide perspective the 15 offers along with excellent sharpness all over. Also, it can do great close-ups and capture the whole scene behind it with a nice bokeh. I like the construction/look of the FA's better than the DA's (have the 77mm also).

04-15-2013, 07:52 PM	#58
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697 Original Poster	Originally posted by slipdm16 I have the DA 15 and soon your 18-135! Anyways, I love the wide perspective the 15 offers along with excellent sharpness all over. Also, it can do great close-ups and capture the whole scene behind it with a nice bokeh. I like the construction/look of the FA's better than the DA's (have the 77mm also). I would have swapped lenses and paid you cash on top of that

04-16-2013, 08:22 AM	#59
slipdm16 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Minneapolis, MN Photos: Albums Posts: 159	Originally posted by Driline I would have swapped lenses and paid you cash on top of that If only it were for sale

04-16-2013, 11:11 AM	#60
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697 Original Poster	Originally posted by slipdm16 If only it were for sale As soon as PayPal clears your check I'll be lookin real hard