Sigma 35mm 1.4 or Pentax FA 31?

Driline · 12-05-2013, 11:47 AM

Just curious if anyone has purchased the Sigma 35mm 1.4 over the Pentax FA 31 or vice versa? And why?

Adam · 12-05-2013, 02:16 PM

Originally posted by Driline

Just curious if anyone has purchased the Sigma 35mm 1.4 over the Pentax FA 31 or vice versa? And why?

The Sigma is better optically, but it's also much, much bigger. It was overwhelming on the K-5, even with the grip on...

**miltona580** · 12-05-2013, 02:45 PM

Originally posted by Adam

The Sigma is better optically, but it's also much, much bigger. It was overwhelming on the K-5, even with the grip on...

Heresy! I hear the Sigma lens lacks pixie dust too!

**jeffshaddix** · 12-05-2013, 02:56 PM

I'll throw another option your way: Zeiss 35/2 ZK. I chose it over both those. It's got the perfect combination of performance and size for my use.

Driline · 12-05-2013, 05:04 PM

Originally posted by jeffshaddix

I'll throw another option your way: Zeiss 35/2 ZK. I chose it over both those. It's got the perfect combination of performance and size for my use.

Does it have the "pixie dust" ?

Driline · 12-05-2013, 05:29 PM

I'll be looking at getting the FA 31 next year, but I'm afraid if I do that my DA 21, and FA 43 will only collect dust.

yorik · 12-05-2013, 07:23 PM

I can't speak about the 21, but I have the 31 and 43 (and the 77

) and the 43 still gets plenty of use. For example, If I know that I'm going to be photographing people, I take the 43 or 77. The 31 comes out if I feel I need the extra width.

twitch · 12-05-2013, 07:27 PM

I use the 43 a lot even though I have the 31. It's the FA50 that isn't getting much use now.

Driline · 12-05-2013, 07:35 PM

Originally posted by twitch

I use the 43 a lot even though I have the 31. It's the FA50 that isn't getting much use now.

I see the DA 21 in your arsenal of lenses became a causality of war. Did the FA 31 contribute to its demise?

twitch · 12-05-2013, 07:43 PM

Originally posted by Driline

I see the DA 21 in your arsenal of lenses became a causality of war. Did the FA 31 contribute to its demise?

Yes it did, I had 4 DA ltds before buying the FA31, and the difference in IQ was so significant that I decided to replace all of my DA ltds with FA ltds. I also had a FA*24 but it too was a casualty of the FA31. It's a dangerous lens

yorik · 12-05-2013, 07:47 PM

Originally posted by twitch

It's the FA50 that isn't getting much use now

That's true for me too... But it was the 77 (and later the 43) that led to the FA50 being shelved.

That being said, the soft bokeh of the 50 wide open (or near there) is quite beautiful.

Driline · 12-05-2013, 08:37 PM

Originally posted by twitch

Yes it did, I had 4 DA ltds before buying the FA31, and the difference in IQ was so significant that I decided to replace all of my DA ltds with FA ltds. I also had a FA*24 but it too was a casualty of the FA31. It's a dangerous lens

So it looks like I may end up with a new trio of lenses next year

FA 31, FA 43, and the DA*50-135. And I thought I was done with LBA

But the DA 21 has such great starbursts. Do you miss that or does the FA 31 pick up the slack there too?

LeRolls · 12-05-2013, 08:43 PM

I recently purchased the FA31 and was a bit hesitant at first but now I'm in love with it. I also own the 43 and 77 both of which I also cherish. The FA Limiteds have way more character (pixie dust) than anything Sigma has to offer in my opinion and that goes a long way for me personally. YMMV.

bossa · 12-05-2013, 08:59 PM

Originally posted by Driline

Does it have the "pixie dust" ?

Pixie Poop is overrated.

PS: Would you mind explaining Pixie Dust? I have a feeling there's no such thing.

twitch · 12-05-2013, 09:10 PM

Sharp where is should be sharp, smooth elsewhere, and nice colours. Get all 3 and that's pixie dust IMHO.

12-05-2013, 11:47 AM	#1
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697	Sigma 35mm 1.4 or Pentax FA 31? Just curious if anyone has purchased the Sigma 35mm 1.4 over the Pentax FA 31 or vice versa? And why?

12-05-2013, 02:16 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Originally posted by Driline Just curious if anyone has purchased the Sigma 35mm 1.4 over the Pentax FA 31 or vice versa? And why? The Sigma is better optically, but it's also much, much bigger. It was overwhelming on the K-5, even with the grip on... 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:

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12-05-2013, 02:45 PM	#3
miltona580 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 309	Originally posted by Adam The Sigma is better optically, but it's also much, much bigger. It was overwhelming on the K-5, even with the grip on... Heresy! I hear the Sigma lens lacks pixie dust too!

12-05-2013, 02:56 PM	#4
jeffshaddix Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,473	I'll throw another option your way: Zeiss 35/2 ZK. I chose it over both those. It's got the perfect combination of performance and size for my use.

12-05-2013, 05:04 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 jeffshaddix I'll throw another option your way: Zeiss 35/2 ZK. I chose it over both those. It's got the perfect combination of performance and size for my use. Does it have the "pixie dust" ?

12-05-2013, 05:29 PM	#6
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697 Original Poster	I'll be looking at getting the FA 31 next year, but I'm afraid if I do that my DA 21, and FA 43 will only collect dust.

12-05-2013, 07:23 PM	#7
yorik Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Scotts Valley, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 991	I can't speak about the 21, but I have the 31 and 43 (and the 77 ) and the 43 still gets plenty of use. For example, If I know that I'm going to be photographing people, I take the 43 or 77. The 31 comes out if I feel I need the extra width.

12-05-2013, 07:27 PM	#8
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	I use the 43 a lot even though I have the 31. It's the FA50 that isn't getting much use now.

12-05-2013, 07:35 PM	#9
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697 Original Poster	Originally posted by twitch I use the 43 a lot even though I have the 31. It's the FA50 that isn't getting much use now. I see the DA 21 in your arsenal of lenses became a causality of war. Did the FA 31 contribute to its demise?

12-05-2013, 07:43 PM	#10
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	Originally posted by Driline I see the DA 21 in your arsenal of lenses became a causality of war. Did the FA 31 contribute to its demise? Yes it did, I had 4 DA ltds before buying the FA31, and the difference in IQ was so significant that I decided to replace all of my DA ltds with FA ltds. I also had a FA*24 but it too was a casualty of the FA31. It's a dangerous lens

12-05-2013, 07:47 PM	#11
yorik Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Scotts Valley, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 991	Originally posted by twitch It's the FA50 that isn't getting much use now That's true for me too... But it was the 77 (and later the 43) that led to the FA50 being shelved. That being said, the soft bokeh of the 50 wide open (or near there) is quite beautiful.

12-05-2013, 08:37 PM	#12
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697 Original Poster	Originally posted by twitch Yes it did, I had 4 DA ltds before buying the FA31, and the difference in IQ was so significant that I decided to replace all of my DA ltds with FA ltds. I also had a FA24 but it too was a casualty of the FA31. It's a dangerous lens So it looks like I may end up with a new trio of lenses next year FA 31, FA 43, and the DA50-135. And I thought I was done with LBA But the DA 21 has such great starbursts. Do you miss that or does the FA 31 pick up the slack there too?

12-05-2013, 08:43 PM	#13
LeRolls Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: PSL, FL Posts: 4,504	I recently purchased the FA31 and was a bit hesitant at first but now I'm in love with it. I also own the 43 and 77 both of which I also cherish. The FA Limiteds have way more character (pixie dust) than anything Sigma has to offer in my opinion and that goes a long way for me personally. YMMV.

12-05-2013, 08:59 PM	#14
bossa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Adelaide Posts: 4,546	Originally posted by Driline Does it have the "pixie dust" ? Pixie Poop is overrated. PS: Would you mind explaining Pixie Dust? I have a feeling there's no such thing.

12-05-2013, 09:10 PM	#15
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	Sharp where is should be sharp, smooth elsewhere, and nice colours. Get all 3 and that's pixie dust IMHO.