F50 1.7 vs DA 50 1.8

Motyl · 09-29-2013, 04:04 AM

Hi (sorry for my english)

I want to buy cheap 50 with AF. I'm thinking about new Da50 1.8 or used F50 1.7. In Poland they are in similar price.
The problem is that in Polish photo internet portal DA50 was tested, and conclusion was: Quite good optical, but horrible AF (in terms of accuracy)
Do you have any experience with these lenses?

Kozlok · 09-29-2013, 06:33 AM

This is the first report I've ever heard of autofocus problems with the DA50. Like ALL fast lenses, you usually have to adjust autofocus to your camera. That is normal. I see you have a KX, so that usually means you have to send your camera and lens to your local Pentax warranty center, and they will adjust them together. I had to have my Sigma done this way when I had a KX. If you buy a new DA, they should do that for you for free. If you buy a used F, they will probably charge you for that service.

On the other hand, this is a great excuse to upgrade to a K-30. I think they're pretty cheap everywhere now, and it really is a huge step up, not so much in picture quality, but in camera control. Adjusting focus for each of my lenses really improved my IQ, though.

Na Horuk · 09-29-2013, 09:42 AM

I have read a DA 50mm f1.8 review in a German magazine and it said similarly, that the lens beats most 50mm from other brands, except in AF - that AF is loud and not relatively slow.
But! I expect the AF is about similar as the DA L kit lenses or the DA 35mm f2.4. I wouldnt worry about it. You can always use AF adjustment if its inaccurate, or manual focus with focus peaking - should work great because its a f1,8 lens.
Thing is, the F 50mm f1.7 is also known for loud slow AF. In your place, I would rather buy the DA because it is brand new, has digital lens coatings, and has warranty.

mannyquinto · 09-29-2013, 09:57 AM

I had mine for almost a year now and its my only AF 50mm prime. The thing is, I like the rendering and sharpness but like others have observed, there is a problem in the AF mechanism. I have taken some nice sharp images from this lens but the AF is really bothering me. Sometimes in my frustration I would set the camera to manual focus just to get the shot. But I'm reserving my other comments until I can buy a different camera body and compare.

Motyl · 09-30-2013, 01:11 AM

Slow af, this is not problem for me, but accuracy must be good, so i'm confused.
English version of this test: Pentax smc DA 50 mm f/1.8 review - Autofocus - Lenstip.com

hongzhibin1987 · 10-01-2013, 12:28 PM

Only if you have a AF film, otherwise I'll recommend DA50/1.8 even it is plastic mount.

dankoBanana · 10-01-2013, 01:25 PM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

Thing is, the F 50mm f1.7 is also known for loud slow AF.

slow? :\ I have it and I was surprised by the speed. It could easily match my Limiteds (40&70)

mbukal · 10-01-2013, 02:55 PM

Pentax smc F 50/1, 7 slow ?, then you must think I have one on steroids to achieve the high-speed focusing

!!!

Last edited by mbukal; 10-01-2013 at 03:03 PM.

Na Horuk · 10-02-2013, 07:14 AM

Hm, I admit I don't actually have experience with the F 50mm, I just remember reading a post or two about that on these forums. Might be exaggeration. Just ignore my post, sorry.

hongzhibin1987 · 10-02-2013, 11:25 AM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

Hm, I admit I don't actually have experience with the F 50mm, I just remember reading a post or two about that on these forums. Might be exaggeration. Just ignore my post, sorry.

I think F50/1.7 is very fast----in a violent, noisy way

mbukal · 10-03-2013, 09:31 AM

Originally posted by hongzhibin1987

I think F50/1.7 is very fast----in a violent, noisy way

loud but quick!

09-29-2013, 04:04 AM	#1
Motyl Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Kraków Photos: Gallery Posts: 83	F50 1.7 vs DA 50 1.8 Hi (sorry for my english) I want to buy cheap 50 with AF. I'm thinking about new Da50 1.8 or used F50 1.7. In Poland they are in similar price. The problem is that in Polish photo internet portal DA50 was tested, and conclusion was: Quite good optical, but horrible AF (in terms of accuracy) Do you have any experience with these lenses?

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09-29-2013, 06:33 AM	#2
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,741	This is the first report I've ever heard of autofocus problems with the DA50. Like ALL fast lenses, you usually have to adjust autofocus to your camera. That is normal. I see you have a KX, so that usually means you have to send your camera and lens to your local Pentax warranty center, and they will adjust them together. I had to have my Sigma done this way when I had a KX. If you buy a new DA, they should do that for you for free. If you buy a used F, they will probably charge you for that service. On the other hand, this is a great excuse to upgrade to a K-30. I think they're pretty cheap everywhere now, and it really is a huge step up, not so much in picture quality, but in camera control. Adjusting focus for each of my lenses really improved my IQ, though.

09-29-2013, 09:42 AM	#3
Na Horuk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,620	I have read a DA 50mm f1.8 review in a German magazine and it said similarly, that the lens beats most 50mm from other brands, except in AF - that AF is loud and not relatively slow. But! I expect the AF is about similar as the DA L kit lenses or the DA 35mm f2.4. I wouldnt worry about it. You can always use AF adjustment if its inaccurate, or manual focus with focus peaking - should work great because its a f1,8 lens. Thing is, the F 50mm f1.7 is also known for loud slow AF. In your place, I would rather buy the DA because it is brand new, has digital lens coatings, and has warranty.

09-29-2013, 09:57 AM	#4
mannyquinto Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: manila Posts: 86	I had mine for almost a year now and its my only AF 50mm prime. The thing is, I like the rendering and sharpness but like others have observed, there is a problem in the AF mechanism. I have taken some nice sharp images from this lens but the AF is really bothering me. Sometimes in my frustration I would set the camera to manual focus just to get the shot. But I'm reserving my other comments until I can buy a different camera body and compare.

09-30-2013, 01:11 AM	#5
Motyl Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Kraków Photos: Gallery Posts: 83 Original Poster	Slow af, this is not problem for me, but accuracy must be good, so i'm confused. English version of this test: Pentax smc DA 50 mm f/1.8 review - Autofocus - Lenstip.com

10-01-2013, 12:28 PM	#6
hongzhibin1987 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 441	Only if you have a AF film, otherwise I'll recommend DA50/1.8 even it is plastic mount.

10-01-2013, 01:25 PM	#7
dankoBanana Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Zagreb, Croatia Posts: 535	Originally posted by Na Horuk Thing is, the F 50mm f1.7 is also known for loud slow AF. slow? :\ I have it and I was surprised by the speed. It could easily match my Limiteds (40&70)

10-01-2013, 02:55 PM	#8
mbukal Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: zagreb Posts: 171	Pentax smc F 50/1, 7 slow ?, then you must think I have one on steroids to achieve the high-speed focusing !!! Last edited by mbukal; 10-01-2013 at 03:03 PM.

10-02-2013, 07:14 AM	#9
Na Horuk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,620	Hm, I admit I don't actually have experience with the F 50mm, I just remember reading a post or two about that on these forums. Might be exaggeration. Just ignore my post, sorry.

10-02-2013, 11:25 AM	#10
hongzhibin1987 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 441	Originally posted by Na Horuk Hm, I admit I don't actually have experience with the F 50mm, I just remember reading a post or two about that on these forums. Might be exaggeration. Just ignore my post, sorry. I think F50/1.7 is very fast----in a violent, noisy way

10-03-2013, 09:31 AM	#11
mbukal Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: zagreb Posts: 171	Originally posted by hongzhibin1987 I think F50/1.7 is very fast----in a violent, noisy way loud but quick!