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12-20-2013, 04:20 PM   #1
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FA 35 or wait for FA 31

I'm currently looking to purchase an FA 31 probably summer of next year. However I've been eyeing the FA 35 lens at ~$300. Will the FA 35 satisfy my appetite for high IQ and sharpness or should I just wait for the Holy Grail of all Pentax lenses

The 31 (or 35) will be used for low light indoors of family and landscape photo's.

My current arsenal of lenses are as follows:

DA 21

FA 43

DA*50-135

12-20-2013, 04:58 PM   #2
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The 35 is a great lens. I find I personally use it more than than the FA 31 when I owned it. The 31 for me is a shelf queen as I don't like how it distorts for everyday use, that and I'm more of a tele guy anyways. the 35 has the additional benefit of macro, and it's incredibly sharp. At $350 i would find it hard to pass up. The 31 is a fantastic lens, but I may be one of the only people on the planet less than impressed by it.
12-20-2013, 05:11 PM   #3
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I wasn't aware the FA35/2 had a macro function - I don't think mine does, anyway. It has been described as the Poor Man's FA31. Can't say what you should do, but I moved the 31 way down my personal roadmap.
12-20-2013, 05:12 PM   #4
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sounds like Wired is referring to the DA 35mm f/2.8 macro, not the FA 35 f/2

12-20-2013, 05:19 PM   #5
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The construction of the FA35 is no where near your other lenses.
If you just need something to hold you over at that focal length get the DA L35 2.4

OTOH I have an FA35 and don't have a desire to get the FA31.
12-20-2013, 05:25 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by crewl1 Quote
The construction of the FA35 is no where near your other lenses.
If you just need something to hold you over at that focal length get the DA L35 2.4

OTOH I have an FA35 and don't have a desire to get the FA31.
I agree - but as FA's go the quality of assembly is on the high end. The focus ring is actually useable in manual focus, the plastic body has a solid, substantial feel, it comes with a good petal shade and the screwdrive helicoid is robust.

None of which even begins to discuss the IQ, which is close to a Limited lens by my reckoning. I want the three Queens the same as everyone else - but if I never get there the 35/2 will do for me.
12-20-2013, 05:25 PM   #7
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I have the 35 mm F2 and I tried the FA 31. The 31 renders pictures in a way that is very similar if not the same as the FA35. The major difference was the bokeh. For more than 4 times the present cost of the FA35, I sent the FA 31 limited back because IMHO the bokeh difference was not worth that much.

12-20-2013, 05:49 PM   #8
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I have the FA35 and use it as a reason not to get the AF31 - though the comments on build quality are valid.. hmmmm...
12-20-2013, 05:51 PM   #9
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oops yes, I was thinking DA 35 f2.8. sorry my bad.
12-20-2013, 06:01 PM   #10
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This is one of those things where you really have to try both to find your sweet spot. For me DA 35/2.8 ltd worked better 35/2 or 31 ltd, and I dont know why.
12-20-2013, 06:05 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by V'cuz Quote
The major difference was the bokeh.
I care more about the sharpness in the center of the lens and especially in the corners. If I want Bokeh I can use my 43 even though I know the 31 is much better.
12-20-2013, 09:42 PM - 1 Like   #12
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I just got the FA35 and love it.

Here is the review on Photozone - Pentax SMC-FA 35mm f/2 AL - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
and the review for the FA31 - Pentax SMC FA 31mm f/1.8 AL Limited - Lab Test / Review - Analysis

both are "highly recommended" with the same optical quality rating.

I wouldn't waste the extra money on the FA31.
12-22-2013, 02:20 PM   #13
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I will go contrary to most of the posts here and say get the DA (L) 35/2.4 for the moment then get the 31 when you can. Every decision comes down to money and if you've already got it set in your mind that the cost of the 31 is attainable, then why not? There can be only one.

If you love the feel of using the 43, the plasticy FA isn't as good. There is something to be said for aesthetics and feel in the hand, isn't that worth something?

For the people who recommend the FA 35 instead, why didn't you just get the optically identical and much cheaper DA 35/2.4? Hmm?
12-23-2013, 07:42 AM   #14
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Well, my brother turned me on to the Pentax F 35-70 macro. Looking at the user reviews here on the Pentax forum it's almost as good as the FA 35 albeit 3.5 instead of 2.0 at the lowest F stop. But for $39 on Ebay compared to $325 how could I say no? Plus it's a macro. And the guy I bought it from is throwing in a FREE Pentax SFN-1 camera. I'm not sure what I'll do with it but what the heck.

So I will continue my purchase quest for the FA 31 sometime Mid next year or wait of course until Black Friday and get it new for under $900 hopefully.

Pentax User Review
Sharpness FA 35 =9.5
Sharpness F35-70=9.1

Overal score on the FA 35 = 9.1 while the F 35-70 gets an 8.73
12-23-2013, 09:28 AM   #15
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I have both lenses and while I definitely like my F 35-70, especially for the excellent price/performance ratio, I will reach for my FA 35mm in low light situations because it's sharp even wide open at f/2.0
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