FA20 vs FA 20-35

yusuf · 09-08-2013, 07:37 AM

How do you rate FA20 vs FA 20-35. Both the lenses were evaluated by Photozone as pretty good and similar but like to know the real life difference if any apart from size.

Thanks
Yusuf

steve1307 · 09-08-2013, 07:50 AM

Availability? Try to find an FA 20-35.

northcoastgreg · 09-08-2013, 08:21 AM

Originally posted by steve1307

Availability? Try to find an FA 20-35.

I suspect the FA 20 is even harder to find. I just purchased an FA 20-35. It should be arriving later this week.

Although I would not be inclined to trust photozone, I actually doubt you'd find much real world difference between the two lenses. If so, the main reason for getting the FA 20 would be if you need the f2.8; otherwise, the FA 20-35 makes more sense.

yusuf · 09-08-2013, 09:34 AM

That's correct, both are harder to find. I just bought M24-35, should arrive soon but still would love to cover that 20-23mm range.

Apapukas · 09-08-2013, 09:41 AM

Originally posted by yusuf

I still would love to cover that 20-23mm range.

Try stepping back with M24-35 at 24.

nomadkng · 09-08-2013, 09:45 AM

i have not used the FA 20, so i can't actually compare side by side, but i put alot of stock in a couple pentax pros i know who still use the FA20-35 for their work. that tells me, if it's good enough for editors, it's a great lens. also the fa20-35 is about 100-150 cheaper than the fa20 so it's more budget friendly.

now here's the kicker, i just acquired the eqully as rare(?) sigma 20-40 f2.8. i have done side by side of those 2 lenses and i actually like the sigma better! it's not as saturated but its not quite as warm as the pentax. i had to zoom to about 100-150% to really make minor details visible, but i'm calling the sigma a winner by a fraction,,, AND it's f2.8.

the only other point for the sigma is that the zoom is tighter. i don't have a cokin filter set-up (cumbersome and takes up alot of bag space) so when i use my GND, i actually have to press the filter against the front of the lens. the sigma stays solid, the 20-35 unzooms rather easily which can be annoying at times.

thus, i can see the being a plus for the fa20 as well, no zoom creep to worry about

seventysixersfan · 09-08-2013, 09:52 AM

Originally posted by steve1307

Availability? Try to find an FA 20-35.

KEH offers an excellent condition copy of FA 20-35 for sale here:

http://www.keh.com/camera/Pentax-Autofocus-Zoom-Lenses/1/sku-AP079990368870?r=FE

Originally posted by northcoastgreg

I suspect the FA 20 is even harder to find.

KEH has a bargain condition copy of the FA 20 here:
http://www.keh.com/camera/Pentax-Autofocus-Fixed-Focal-Length-Lenses/1/sku-AP06999029402N?r=FE

lytrytyr · 09-08-2013, 10:20 AM

Originally posted by yusuf

How do you rate FA20 vs FA 20-35. Both the lenses were evaluated by Photozone as pretty good and similar

The zoom seems to have much worse CAs at 20mm than the prime.

I have the FA 20's predecessor, the A20/2.8, and CAs are not a problem.

lytrytyr · 09-08-2013, 10:25 AM

Originally posted by northcoastgreg

I just purchased an FA 20-35. It should be arriving later this week.

Greg, are you replacing your DA 16-45/4?

In other words, reversing Photozone's comment on the FA 20-35:
"The current Pentax SMC DA 16-45mm f/4 ED AL is the obvious replacement for this old fellow."

**Ron Boggs** · 09-08-2013, 01:05 PM

Owned both and sold both after obtaining the 12-24...regret terribly the loss of those lenses and have since repurchased another 20-35 which I intend to keep indefinitely--nice video lens too. 20-35 is the best non-star lens I've ever owned. Sharpness, contrast and color are just fantastic. BTW sold the 12-24 in favor of 15 and 21 limiteds. Actually, each lens mentioned is a great performer...you would not regret owning any of them.

steve1307 · 09-08-2013, 07:56 PM

Originally posted by seventysixersfan

KEH offers an excellent condition copy of FA 20-35 for sale here:

http://www.keh.com/camera/Pentax-Autofocus-Zoom-Lenses/1/sku-AP079990368870?r=FE

KEH has a bargain condition copy of the FA 20 here:
http://www.keh.com/camera/Pentax-Autofocus-Fixed-Focal-Length-Lenses/1/sku-AP06999029402N?r=FE

That KEH 20-35 price is cheaper than I'd seen it for else where. Not that I'm after one - but if an FF Pentax came along...... (oddly the widest thing i'd have would be a 15mm on an "old" K-5IIs crop sensor)

I could see how handy it would be on film or FF but on APS-C it looks like the 16-45 has it covered with an apparently equal IQ/performance albeit in a slightly larger heavier package.

Gray · 09-08-2013, 09:07 PM

I have both. They produce very similar results at 20mm, even with the difference in maximum aperture.

But I use them very differently. The FA 20-35 is my landscape lens, companion to my Sigma 8-16. The FA 20 is companion to my FA 43, part of my small prime kit. The difficulty with the FA 20 is its large 67mm thread and finding a decent hood that doesn't look like a giant saucer or doesn't vignette. I eventually found a short black metal hood that looks very cool and is ideal for my K-5/ASP-C.

EDIT: Oh and the reason, beside their superb imaging qualities, that I hang on to them: full frame - on my ME super and the mystical "K-1" digital.

If I really had to choose between the two: I'd keep the FA 20 because I love using primes.

Here they are side by side to give you an idea of size.

**nater** · 09-08-2013, 09:42 PM

On the used market, a good alternative to the FA 20-35mm f/4 is the Tokina 19-35mm f/3.5-4.5. The Tokina has good resolution and low CA. Downsides are higher distortion and not as good flare control. It will be a lot less expensive than the FA 20-35mm. Review of the Tokina on a Nikon body here:

Tokina AF 193 19-35 mm f/3.5-4.5 review - Introduction - Lenstip.com

yusuf · 09-08-2013, 11:53 PM

Thanks Gray for the comparison. I just hope to find 20-35.

Originally posted by Gray

I have both. They produce very similar results at 20mm, even with the difference in maximum aperture.

But I use them very differently. The FA 20-35 is my landscape lens, companion to my Sigma 8-16. The FA 20 is companion to my FA 43, part of my small prime kit. The difficulty with the FA 20 is its large 67mm thread and finding a decent hood that doesn't look like a giant saucer or doesn't vignette. I eventually found a short black metal hood that looks very cool and is ideal for my K-5/ASP-C.

EDIT: Oh and the reason, beside their superb imaging qualities, that I hang on to them: full frame - on my ME super and the mystical "K-1" digital.

If I really had to choose between the two: I'd keep the FA 20 because I love using primes.

Here they are side by side to give you an idea of size.

hoopsontoast · 09-09-2013, 12:25 AM

I have an FA20-35 as a companion to my FA43. I went for the FA20-35 over the FA20 mainly as I could not find the prime and they were a lot more expensive. At the wide angle I am not sure I would use the wider aperture.
I find it quite a nice range on APS-C covering a little under standard wide to standard 'normal'.
I bought it as a general lens to have on the walk about, and if that FF ever comes into fruition.

It does have issues with CA like the FA43 but thats easily rectified in Lightroom, although the FA20-35 does have some distortion and there is no default profile in LR.

My shots of and with the FA20-35:
Pentax K-7 / FA 20-35mm F/4 - a set on Flickr

09-08-2013, 07:37 AM	#1
yusuf Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palo Alto, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,497	FA20 vs FA 20-35 How do you rate FA20 vs FA 20-35. Both the lenses were evaluated by Photozone as pretty good and similar but like to know the real life difference if any apart from size. Thanks Yusuf

09-08-2013, 07:56 PM	#11
steve1307 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,130	Originally posted by seventysixersfan KEH offers an excellent condition copy of FA 20-35 for sale here: http://www.keh.com/camera/Pentax-Autofocus-Zoom-Lenses/1/sku-AP079990368870?r=FE KEH has a bargain condition copy of the FA 20 here: http://www.keh.com/camera/Pentax-Autofocus-Fixed-Focal-Length-Lenses/1/sku-AP06999029402N?r=FE That KEH 20-35 price is cheaper than I'd seen it for else where. Not that I'm after one - but if an FF Pentax came along...... (oddly the widest thing i'd have would be a 15mm on an "old" K-5IIs crop sensor) I could see how handy it would be on film or FF but on APS-C it looks like the 16-45 has it covered with an apparently equal IQ/performance albeit in a slightly larger heavier package. Last edited by steve1307; 09-08-2013 at 08:05 PM.

09-08-2013, 09:07 PM	#12
Gray Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Cape Town Photos: Gallery Posts: 536	I have both. They produce very similar results at 20mm, even with the difference in maximum aperture. But I use them very differently. The FA 20-35 is my landscape lens, companion to my Sigma 8-16. The FA 20 is companion to my FA 43, part of my small prime kit. The difficulty with the FA 20 is its large 67mm thread and finding a decent hood that doesn't look like a giant saucer or doesn't vignette. I eventually found a short black metal hood that looks very cool and is ideal for my K-5/ASP-C. EDIT: Oh and the reason, beside their superb imaging qualities, that I hang on to them: full frame - on my ME super and the mystical "K-1" digital. If I really had to choose between the two: I'd keep the FA 20 because I love using primes. Here they are side by side to give you an idea of size. Last edited by Gray; 09-08-2013 at 09:52 PM.

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09-08-2013, 07:50 AM	#2
steve1307 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,130	Availability? Try to find an FA 20-35.

09-08-2013, 08:21 AM	#3
northcoastgreg Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,173	Originally posted by steve1307 Availability? Try to find an FA 20-35. I suspect the FA 20 is even harder to find. I just purchased an FA 20-35. It should be arriving later this week. Although I would not be inclined to trust photozone, I actually doubt you'd find much real world difference between the two lenses. If so, the main reason for getting the FA 20 would be if you need the f2.8; otherwise, the FA 20-35 makes more sense.

09-08-2013, 09:34 AM	#4
yusuf Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palo Alto, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,497 Original Poster	That's correct, both are harder to find. I just bought M24-35, should arrive soon but still would love to cover that 20-23mm range.

09-08-2013, 09:41 AM	#5
Apapukas Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Lietuva, Vilnius Posts: 627	Originally posted by yusuf I still would love to cover that 20-23mm range. Try stepping back with M24-35 at 24.

09-08-2013, 09:45 AM	#6
nomadkng Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,448	i have not used the FA 20, so i can't actually compare side by side, but i put alot of stock in a couple pentax pros i know who still use the FA20-35 for their work. that tells me, if it's good enough for editors, it's a great lens. also the fa20-35 is about 100-150 cheaper than the fa20 so it's more budget friendly. now here's the kicker, i just acquired the eqully as rare(?) sigma 20-40 f2.8. i have done side by side of those 2 lenses and i actually like the sigma better! it's not as saturated but its not quite as warm as the pentax. i had to zoom to about 100-150% to really make minor details visible, but i'm calling the sigma a winner by a fraction,,, AND it's f2.8. the only other point for the sigma is that the zoom is tighter. i don't have a cokin filter set-up (cumbersome and takes up alot of bag space) so when i use my GND, i actually have to press the filter against the front of the lens. the sigma stays solid, the 20-35 unzooms rather easily which can be annoying at times. thus, i can see the being a plus for the fa20 as well, no zoom creep to worry about

09-08-2013, 09:52 AM	#7
seventysixersfan Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	Originally posted by steve1307 Availability? Try to find an FA 20-35. KEH offers an excellent condition copy of FA 20-35 for sale here: http://www.keh.com/camera/Pentax-Autofocus-Zoom-Lenses/1/sku-AP079990368870?r=FE Originally posted by northcoastgreg I suspect the FA 20 is even harder to find. KEH has a bargain condition copy of the FA 20 here: http://www.keh.com/camera/Pentax-Autofocus-Fixed-Focal-Length-Lenses/1/sku-AP06999029402N?r=FE

09-08-2013, 10:20 AM	#8
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by yusuf How do you rate FA20 vs FA 20-35. Both the lenses were evaluated by Photozone as pretty good and similar The zoom seems to have much worse CAs at 20mm than the prime. I have the FA 20's predecessor, the A20/2.8, and CAs are not a problem.

09-08-2013, 10:25 AM	#9
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by northcoastgreg I just purchased an FA 20-35. It should be arriving later this week. Greg, are you replacing your DA 16-45/4? In other words, reversing Photozone's comment on the FA 20-35: "The current Pentax SMC DA 16-45mm f/4 ED AL is the obvious replacement for this old fellow."

09-08-2013, 01:05 PM	#10
Ron Boggs Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: MT Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,349	Owned both and sold both after obtaining the 12-24...regret terribly the loss of those lenses and have since repurchased another 20-35 which I intend to keep indefinitely--nice video lens too. 20-35 is the best non-star lens I've ever owned. Sharpness, contrast and color are just fantastic. BTW sold the 12-24 in favor of 15 and 21 limiteds. Actually, each lens mentioned is a great performer...you would not regret owning any of them.

09-08-2013, 09:42 PM	#13
nater Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New England Photos: Albums Posts: 706	On the used market, a good alternative to the FA 20-35mm f/4 is the Tokina 19-35mm f/3.5-4.5. The Tokina has good resolution and low CA. Downsides are higher distortion and not as good flare control. It will be a lot less expensive than the FA 20-35mm. Review of the Tokina on a Nikon body here: Tokina AF 193 19-35 mm f/3.5-4.5 review - Introduction - Lenstip.com

09-08-2013, 11:53 PM	#14
yusuf Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palo Alto, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,497 Original Poster	Thanks Gray for the comparison. I just hope to find 20-35. Originally posted by Gray I have both. They produce very similar results at 20mm, even with the difference in maximum aperture. But I use them very differently. The FA 20-35 is my landscape lens, companion to my Sigma 8-16. The FA 20 is companion to my FA 43, part of my small prime kit. The difficulty with the FA 20 is its large 67mm thread and finding a decent hood that doesn't look like a giant saucer or doesn't vignette. I eventually found a short black metal hood that looks very cool and is ideal for my K-5/ASP-C. EDIT: Oh and the reason, beside their superb imaging qualities, that I hang on to them: full frame - on my ME super and the mystical "K-1" digital. If I really had to choose between the two: I'd keep the FA 20 because I love using primes. Here they are side by side to give you an idea of size.

09-09-2013, 12:25 AM	#15
hoopsontoast Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Oxfordshire Posts: 861	I have an FA20-35 as a companion to my FA43. I went for the FA20-35 over the FA20 mainly as I could not find the prime and they were a lot more expensive. At the wide angle I am not sure I would use the wider aperture. I find it quite a nice range on APS-C covering a little under standard wide to standard 'normal'. I bought it as a general lens to have on the walk about, and if that FF ever comes into fruition. It does have issues with CA like the FA43 but thats easily rectified in Lightroom, although the FA20-35 does have some distortion and there is no default profile in LR. My shots of and with the FA20-35: Pentax K-7 / FA 20-35mm F/4 - a set on Flickr