Originally posted by K100Dave FA 50mm 1.4 - Biggest bang for the buck in pentax's line-up. Period!
Originally posted by Stratman I have the SMC-M 50 MM F1.4, but would love to get the "A" version for my K10D, it doesn't play well with the manual lenses, lol
Originally posted by hwblanks I don't own one...yet.
Some of you may think I'm absolutely nuts, but I want to sell my FA43 to get the new DA35 macro. Obviously, the 35 is slower than the 43, so a FA50/1.4 would be just right for a low-light option without breaking the bank.
So many great 50s in the Pentax line-up! Frankly it's hard to choose just one. Kinda partially explains the LBA obsessions. Gotta wonder about Pentax like that...
I highly encourage you guys in the hunt for a fast 50 to take a look at any of the A series lenses if you don't mind manual focus. Even the A 50 f/2.0 is a fantastic lens. The only reason it's so overlooked is the slightly slower speed. Some report a bit of flare wide open, but I haven't seen it in a situation where my 1.7 and kit lens don't do the same. Even then, how often do you shoot wide open a on a sunny day?...
I recently found independent research that shows the A series f/2.0 has better center resolution than the 1.7 and comparable res to the 1.4. Now before some of you jump all over that please know that I don't necissarily agree with the indicated test results as I don't know the methodology of the testing, but this at least shows the difference is hardly worth snubbing the 2.0. There are a few other sources that confirm the A 2.0 is up to task as a great 50mm lens, so if you need a great prime in that focal range, they're worth a look for the price - Even if it's just temporary 'till the 43mm Limited arrives.
Measured Resolution Numbers