[Squirrel]

Am I crazy to pass on the K3 right now and instead get the FA 31? This would be my first prime, so I figure go big or go home, right? I love my DA* 50-135 and it basically stays on my camera. The K3 has been on my mind a lot for the improved AF as well as the improved ISO performance. I don't really feel like spending the cash to buy both at this time, so one or the other. New camera or new lens?

[Jacquot]

What body do you have?

[peterjcb]

always go with the lens.
Cameras will only depreciate but lenses not so much.
When I bought my FA31 I honestly didn't use it all that much but it grew on me and now it's my favorite lens.

[pearsaab]

get the lens...agree that the camera value will go down but the lens stays up there...I have it and it's an awesome lens!!! you won't be disappointed!!!

[interested_observer]

I see in one of your earlier posts you said you just received a K5. In that case, I would go with the 31Ltd. The K5 is a very good body. You can make a case of upgrading to the K3, but the K3 will be depreciating. The 31Ltd on the other hand will not really be depreciating, especially from the current sales price. It is a first rate lens. It will make the K5 a better body and complement your 50-135 very well. You can't beat ISO80 and the 31. In this case, glass would be a better way to go.

Just my opinion - it is your check book.....

[Squirrel]

What body do you have?

Sorry, I definitely left out some info… I just found a very similar post from this summer and was reading through the responses. Difference being that the other poster already had a big prime collection.

I have a K-5, the basic kit lens, the DA 55-300 and my baby, the DA* 50-135 (currently in for repair). I generally have the 50-135 lens on the camera unless I need something wider. I try to avoid needing something wider though just because I prefer to make my 50-135 work for every situation (I know, not possible).

[alamo5000]

31mm.

No doubt.

You can get a camera body later. Bodies go down in price...

[aleonx3]

This is probably the lowest price of the FA 31mm I have seen since I picked up my Pentax camera k100D years ago. I agree with others that it is probably the best time to get them (suspect the new HD coating is coming soon) before they are gone. Since you already have the k-5, so the k-3 can wait (for either further lower price or newer model).

[Squirrel]

I see in one of your earlier posts you said you just received a K5.

I actually bought the camera in April of 2012. I am leaning towards getting the lens though.

[FantasticMrFox]

I don't get the whole 'depreciation' thing in regard to camera bodies. What are you buying a camera for, as a financial investment or to actually take pictures?! I wouldn't care much if the K3 I bought a month ago would suddenly drop to $10 in value, I own it to practice photography, not as an asset in my bank portfolio.

I agree that you should get the lens though. Don't always go for the lens as if it's some kind of natural law, but in this case you've got a very capable body and no prime so far.

Also have a look at the Sigma 35 f/1.4 'Art'. Cheaper, faster and apparently sharper. Bigger though.

[Jacquot]

Get the 31.

[BlakeShellman]

I like my 31mm. It was the first prime I used on my K10D. It's still my favorite.

[normhead]

Having bought the K-3, and owning a K-5, if I had it to do over I'd probably get the 31. The K-5 has more dynamic range, I shoot a lot of wildlife, and there is no high ISO advantage. If anything, in high ISO situations I'm more comfortable with the K-5. The 27 AF points and more decisive AF are big deals for wildlife, but the 14 EV Dynamic Range as opposed to 13 and a comfort with 800 ISO on the K-5 as compared to 640 in the K-3. My guess is the K-3 lost a 1/3 stop in effective low light performance, and it always hurts, going backwards on anything.

[Hogdriver]

Buy the 31mm, you will be very happy with this prime lens.
Get it for $773 on our site...Black Friday Pentax Lens & Flash Deals (2014) - Deals and Savings | PentaxForums.com

[ChristianRock]

When in doubt always go for the lens.