FA 35 f2? DA 35 f2.8 Limited? DA40?

robjmitchell · 09-20-2014, 04:09 PM

Both your lenses offer fantastic value for what they are. Upgrading to a similar lens is not going to gain you a lot, where as buying lenses to fill holes is going to be more productive.
That being said buy the 43ltd, fall in love, then sell the other two. The focal length on Aps-C is a little weird, but is some respects that means you can do more with it!
The other thing to do is join the single lens challenge group and spend a month shooting with your chosen lens. Its quite a challenge to get a photo every day, with the 43ltd I thought it would be possible to do a single lens 365 challenge!

yusuf · 09-20-2014, 10:52 PM - **1 Like**

FA35 f2 - undoubtedly one the best 35mm Pentax produced.

stevebrot · 09-22-2014, 03:00 PM

Originally posted by luftfluss

From what I understand, the DA 35/2.4 is simply a slightly reworked FA 35/2.

This is often stated and the lens diagrams are essentially similar, but I would really be interested in seeing comparison photos on both APS-C and FF including bokeh and PF resistance. My suggestion to Ishmael is that if he is happy with the DA 35/2.4 he will likely not see any improvement with the FA 35/2 justifying the cost to upgrade.

Steve

theraven871 · 09-24-2014, 12:59 PM

The Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art.
This isn't just one of the best lenses in this focal ranges, this is one of the best lenses ever made.
It can be pricey at around $900 US. But there simply is no comparison.
Its in a completely different league.

AtitG · 09-27-2014, 11:37 AM

Its amazing how you can do weddings anniversary event with just 2 prime lens.ü

**ismaelg** · 09-27-2014, 06:27 PM

Originally posted by AtitG

Its amazing how you can do weddings anniversary event with just 2 prime lens.ü

It all depends on the job. In this type of event (which was way slower than a hectic wedding), among other things, every single shot is a prospect large print sale. That alone justifies the "hassle" of carrying 2 bodies (not really a hassle, they are quite light...) in the quest of the best possible image quality with what I have available.
In contrast, I just got back today from another photo job, but this time a medical symposium/conference with workshops for doctors, paramedics, nurses and emergency response personnel. This is the 5th consecutive year I do this event. (No, I still can not claim to be a doctor or a paramedic.... yet... ) These images are going to be used for their online page and promotions on further events. No prints are expected to be sold. The place was tight and packed with people. The workshop rooms even more. The light was not really horrible. Ceilings and walls were light colored. So in this case, I used the trusty old 18-55 AL-II at its sweet spot: between f5.6 and f8. That, combined with the AF360 flash and ISO1600 (a walk in the park for the K5II) did the job.
So it all depends on the job and on what's in your bag...

By the way, don't dismiss the 18-55 that fast.... It is still capable under the right conditions.....

Thanks,

MadMathMind · 09-27-2014, 07:23 PM

Originally posted by Stavri

If pentax re-introduced the DA 35mm f2.4, put a metal mount and sold it in the $300-400 range people would start to really appreciate and respect it more. The lens has great sharpness, same coating as the Fa 43mm and fast AF, which is all a person really needs.

Agree. It looks and feels incredibly cheap.

It's a surprisingly capable lens. It's really hard not to be amazed every time amazing things come out of it. It's not good to judge a lens by its appearance, but man...the DA35 really challenges your opinion of what a quality lens should look and feel like!

**filoxophy** · 09-27-2014, 07:47 PM

I got the DA35/2.4 as insurance against buying the 35 Ltd. I'm a primes shooter, and I usually reach for something wider or longer than 35mm...true to habit, the 35/2.4 hasn't seen much use, to be honest. Should do a Single In with it to get acclimated to that FL.

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09-20-2014, 04:09 PM	#16
robjmitchell Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne Aus Posts: 1,776	Both your lenses offer fantastic value for what they are. Upgrading to a similar lens is not going to gain you a lot, where as buying lenses to fill holes is going to be more productive. That being said buy the 43ltd, fall in love, then sell the other two. The focal length on Aps-C is a little weird, but is some respects that means you can do more with it! The other thing to do is join the single lens challenge group and spend a month shooting with your chosen lens. Its quite a challenge to get a photo every day, with the 43ltd I thought it would be possible to do a single lens 365 challenge!

09-20-2014, 10:52 PM - 1 Like	#17
yusuf Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palo Alto, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,497	FA35 f2 - undoubtedly one the best 35mm Pentax produced.

09-22-2014, 03:00 PM	#18
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by luftfluss From what I understand, the DA 35/2.4 is simply a slightly reworked FA 35/2. This is often stated and the lens diagrams are essentially similar, but I would really be interested in seeing comparison photos on both APS-C and FF including bokeh and PF resistance. My suggestion to Ishmael is that if he is happy with the DA 35/2.4 he will likely not see any improvement with the FA 35/2 justifying the cost to upgrade. Steve

09-24-2014, 12:59 PM	#19
theraven871 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 86	The Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art. This isn't just one of the best lenses in this focal ranges, this is one of the best lenses ever made. It can be pricey at around $900 US. But there simply is no comparison. Its in a completely different league.

09-27-2014, 11:37 AM	#20
AtitG Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 269	Its amazing how you can do weddings anniversary event with just 2 prime lens.ü

09-27-2014, 06:27 PM	#21
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,681 Original Poster	Originally posted by AtitG Its amazing how you can do weddings anniversary event with just 2 prime lens.ü It all depends on the job. In this type of event (which was way slower than a hectic wedding), among other things, every single shot is a prospect large print sale. That alone justifies the "hassle" of carrying 2 bodies (not really a hassle, they are quite light...) in the quest of the best possible image quality with what I have available. In contrast, I just got back today from another photo job, but this time a medical symposium/conference with workshops for doctors, paramedics, nurses and emergency response personnel. This is the 5th consecutive year I do this event. (No, I still can not claim to be a doctor or a paramedic.... yet... ) These images are going to be used for their online page and promotions on further events. No prints are expected to be sold. The place was tight and packed with people. The workshop rooms even more. The light was not really horrible. Ceilings and walls were light colored. So in this case, I used the trusty old 18-55 AL-II at its sweet spot: between f5.6 and f8. That, combined with the AF360 flash and ISO1600 (a walk in the park for the K5II) did the job. So it all depends on the job and on what's in your bag... By the way, don't dismiss the 18-55 that fast.... It is still capable under the right conditions..... Thanks,

09-27-2014, 07:23 PM	#22
MadMathMind Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Houston, TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,717	Originally posted by Stavri If pentax re-introduced the DA 35mm f2.4, put a metal mount and sold it in the $300-400 range people would start to really appreciate and respect it more. The lens has great sharpness, same coating as the Fa 43mm and fast AF, which is all a person really needs. Agree. It looks and feels incredibly cheap. It's a surprisingly capable lens. It's really hard not to be amazed every time amazing things come out of it. It's not good to judge a lens by its appearance, but man...the DA35 really challenges your opinion of what a quality lens should look and feel like!

09-27-2014, 07:47 PM	#23
filoxophy Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,132	I got the DA35/2.4 as insurance against buying the 35 Ltd. I'm a primes shooter, and I usually reach for something wider or longer than 35mm...true to habit, the 35/2.4 hasn't seen much use, to be honest. Should do a Single In with it to get acclimated to that FL.