[wed7]

Which one to get?
DA 50/1.8
FA 50/1.4
FA 43/1.9
DA 40/2.8 (slow)
FA 35/2

Let me know what you think.

Thank you

[Sandy Hancock]

None of the above.
DA*55 or FA77.

[BATMON]

77 or above

[adpo]

I own the FA50, but not a day goes by where I don't miss the DA*55. Unfortunately, my wallet disagrees with me on that point

[disco_owner]

Yup , Sandy's choice 2nded = DA*55 or FA77

[wed7]

Sorry guys, I cant afford those two, plus, any lens with an * or SDM wil not be on my book.

Thank you.

[DSims]

Which one to get?
DA 50/1.8
FA 50/1.4
FA 43/1.9
DA 40/2.8 (slow)
FA 35/2

Let me know what you think.

Thank you

It's true that the DA*55 and FA77 are the better choices.



But DA50/1.8 may work, as well as FA43/1.9 or DA35/2.4 (don't spend money on FA35/2).


However, if you can afford FA43 you'd be much better off going for the DA*55 instead (for a little more money, of course). FA43 should normally be stopped down to between f/2.2 and f/2.8 for good IQ. With DA*55 you can get away with f/1.6 or f/1.8, and sometimes even f/1.4. And while I haven't owned a DA70/2.4, I believe it may be pretty good wide open as well.


Forget about the F or FA50/1.4 - it's not even as good as the FA43, and should be stopped down at least as much as the FA43.


Both the DA50/1.8 and DA35/2.4 are very good for the price. They're worth trying. The DA35/2.4 can be shot wide open, so it's not as slow an aperture as it sounds like on paper.

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Last edited by DSims; 03-06-2014 at 10:40 PM.

[clackers]

Samyang 85mm f1.4?

[iamwhoiam]

Both the DA50/1.8 and DA35/2.4 are very good for the price. They're worth trying. The DA35/2.4 can be shot wide open, so it's not as slow an aperture as it sounds like on paper.

I just ordered both of these, well almost but my order got messed up and one of the lenses was removed. There were many positive reviews here and elsewhere and they are affordably priced.

[drypenn]

Which one to get?
DA 50/1.8
FA 50/1.4
FA 43/1.9
DA 40/2.8 (slow)
FA 35/2

Let me know what you think.

Thank you

Hi bro/"kababayan"!

I have 4 of the five lenses you've mentioned. I don't have the FA35.

The 35 CAN do portrait but it'll give you the perspective/characteristics of a 35mm, so it's less than ideal for portrait, but an excellent all-around lens. Still I'd get the 35/2.4 over the FA35, because the difference in price is not commensurate to the difference in IQ. Both are ready for the FF, the only real drawback of the DA is the plastic mount.

Back to your question, the FA 43 is obviously the best choice here. The 43, unlike the DA40 is temperamental and has a learning curve, but once you nail the correct perspective, exposure and focus, it's pure bliss and magic. I also have the 77, and the 100Macro, and I love the 77 to death (it's my favorite), but personally the best photo I've taken was with my 43. I'm still looking for my 77 shot that will beat that 43, but in terms of keepers, and shot wide open, the 77 destroys the 43. Every once in a while, the 43 will beat the 77 though.

[calsan]

What about DA70? Need to say your budget and if used is acceptable.

[Adam]

The da 50 will definitely get the job done. If you're fine with manual focus, then you could also look at the samyang 85mm f1.4, which is optically on par with premium lenses.

[wed7]

Thanks to all the quick response, I deliberately presented my list that way because I am currently looking for a standard prime that I can augment with my DA 70 for environmental portraits (hence the FL choice).

Yeah, I know I am cheap.

[Clavius]

Why no love for the FA 50 1.4? Its reputation is much worse then it actually is. Comes from people using it without hood and without calibration I guess. Yes, it's hard to find a good copy, and some calibration to the camera might be needed. And using a lens hood definitely is a good idea with this one. (Although imho, a hood should used with all lenses.) But once you find a good one you'll have the fastest Pentax lens for cheap. The autofocus is very fast too. Can be softish when needed (portraits) and when stopped down pretty sharp as well. Very versatile I would say. And the FA 50 is FF compatible of course, the DA's and DA*'s aren't. I'm not holding my breath for a Pentax FF though, but it rocks on the A7r.

[kieffer]

Which one to get?
DA 50/1.8
FA 50/1.4
FA 43/1.9
DA 40/2.8 (slow)
FA 35/2

Let me know what you think.

Thank you

If you are looking for the best I suggest The Zeiss 50mm 1.4. I have the Pentax 50 1.4, the 43mm 1.9 ltd, the zeiss 50 1.4 and in my opinion zeiss is better by far. Infortunatly it is not currently produced. I found mine last week on Ebay. I also have the 85mm f1.4, 28mm f2 and 50mm f1.4 from zeiss, all outstanding lenses. you can see the difference even on a monitor. in second place I rank the 43mm 1.9 it's a good lens, autofocus and half the zeiss weight (200g against 400g). When i'm going to buy a lens I dont care whith the evaluations from professionals I go on pixel-peeper to make my opinion myself.