FA 31 or DA*16-50 AND FA 35/2

Driline · 02-09-2014, 06:17 PM

Well I took Sandy Hancocks advice from the forum and picked up a nice used DA*16-50 from "Henry's" in Canada off of ebay for $600. Looking forward to using this with my DA*50-135 lens.

cali92rs · 02-09-2014, 08:04 PM

Originally posted by Driline

Well I took Sandy Hancocks advice from the forum and picked up a nice used DA*16-50 from "Henry's" in Canada off of ebay for $600. Looking forward to using this with my DA*50-135 lens.

I think you made the right choice...besides WR, there are things the 31mm can't do. Namely be a fairly wide angle lens AND a ahort telephoto

pinholecam · 02-09-2014, 09:46 PM

If you plan for FF, FA31ltd.
Better T-stop, smoother bokeh, the high price we pay for it is because its a 31mm (wide) on FF, fast f1.8, smooth bokeh and small for a WA.
On aps-c, its a bit wasted for the cost.

16-50 and FA35 would be a far more versatile combo on aps-c.

Driline · 08-17-2014, 09:05 AM

I just purchased the FA 31 "Made in Japan" version for $750. Now that I have both lenses I can see the need to own both and am glad I do. I really like the versatility and IQ of the 16-50. The colors are great and at 31mm at F5.6 its almost indistinguishable from the FA 31. So both lenses totaled $1,350 used. Good deals can be had at used prices. You just have to be patient.

**Mikesul** · 08-17-2014, 02:47 PM

Thanks for letting us know how this turned out. I am sure I am not the only one who has shared your agony about which lens to get. It is nice to see that you were able to get both. I have and frequently use the DA*16-50 but I am still waiting for the opportunity and funds to come together for an FA 31. Be sure to post some photos when you get a chance.

**manishved** · 08-17-2014, 03:20 PM

While I use all the lenses you mentioned (as well as the FA 43), my FA31 (MIJ) is way sharper and has better color rendition than the DA*16-50. I use the 16-50 for range, but switch to FA31 for portraits (with larger groups).

Originally posted by Driline

I just purchased the FA 31 "Made in Japan" version for $750. Now that I have both lenses I can see the need to own both and am glad I do. I really like the versatility and IQ of the 16-50. The colors are great and at 31mm at F5.6 its almost indistinguishable from the FA 31. So both lenses totaled $1,350 used. Good deals can be had at used prices. You just have to be patient.

Driline · 08-17-2014, 05:19 PM

I'll have to do some comparison pictures, buy I must say the DA*16-50 copy I have is incredibly good. It didn't hurt either that is was recently sent to Canada Pentax repair for SDM replacement and alignment FREE under warranty. I need to put the FA 31 through its paces before I can make any amateurish attempt to evaluate it properly. Here's a quick FA 31 pic though for now....Colors are very nice and bokeh exceptional of course.

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02-09-2014, 06:17 PM	#16
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697 Original Poster	Well I took Sandy Hancocks advice from the forum and picked up a nice used DA16-50 from "Henry's" in Canada off of ebay for $600. Looking forward to using this with my DA50-135 lens.

02-09-2014, 08:04 PM	#17
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,354	Originally posted by Driline Well I took Sandy Hancocks advice from the forum and picked up a nice used DA16-50 from "Henry's" in Canada off of ebay for $600. Looking forward to using this with my DA50-135 lens. I think you made the right choice...besides WR, there are things the 31mm can't do. Namely be a fairly wide angle lens AND a ahort telephoto

02-09-2014, 09:46 PM	#18
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,706	If you plan for FF, FA31ltd. Better T-stop, smoother bokeh, the high price we pay for it is because its a 31mm (wide) on FF, fast f1.8, smooth bokeh and small for a WA. On aps-c, its a bit wasted for the cost. 16-50 and FA35 would be a far more versatile combo on aps-c.

08-17-2014, 09:05 AM	#19
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697 Original Poster	I just purchased the FA 31 "Made in Japan" version for $750. Now that I have both lenses I can see the need to own both and am glad I do. I really like the versatility and IQ of the 16-50. The colors are great and at 31mm at F5.6 its almost indistinguishable from the FA 31. So both lenses totaled $1,350 used. Good deals can be had at used prices. You just have to be patient.

08-17-2014, 02:47 PM	#20
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	Thanks for letting us know how this turned out. I am sure I am not the only one who has shared your agony about which lens to get. It is nice to see that you were able to get both. I have and frequently use the DA*16-50 but I am still waiting for the opportunity and funds to come together for an FA 31. Be sure to post some photos when you get a chance.

08-17-2014, 03:20 PM	#21
manishved Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: N. Calif Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,651	While I use all the lenses you mentioned (as well as the FA 43), my FA31 (MIJ) is way sharper and has better color rendition than the DA*16-50. I use the 16-50 for range, but switch to FA31 for portraits (with larger groups). Originally posted by Driline I just purchased the FA 31 "Made in Japan" version for $750. Now that I have both lenses I can see the need to own both and am glad I do. I really like the versatility and IQ of the 16-50. The colors are great and at 31mm at F5.6 its almost indistinguishable from the FA 31. So both lenses totaled $1,350 used. Good deals can be had at used prices. You just have to be patient.

08-17-2014, 05:19 PM	#22
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697 Original Poster	I'll have to do some comparison pictures, buy I must say the DA*16-50 copy I have is incredibly good. It didn't hurt either that is was recently sent to Canada Pentax repair for SDM replacement and alignment FREE under warranty. I need to put the FA 31 through its paces before I can make any amateurish attempt to evaluate it properly. Here's a quick FA 31 pic though for now....Colors are very nice and bokeh exceptional of course.