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12-24-2014, 08:28 AM   #16
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I vote for the DA35, but both are good choices.

12-24-2014, 08:28 AM - 1 Like   #17
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QuoteOriginally posted by savoche Quote
A 50 mm lens is 50 mm, a 35 mm lens is 35 mm. Always. No exception. Ever.
True, the confusion is that all 35mm lenses on a 1.5 crop sensor camera give a field of view the same as a 50mm will on a non-crop camera. Some people mistakenly think that this is the result of something different about a full frame lens rather than understanding that all lenses with the same focal length yield the same field of view results. When used on the same body. (Focus breathing may modify this when comparing lenses that claim the same focal length when one exhibits it and the other does not.)

Last edited by UncleVanya; 12-24-2014 at 08:50 AM.
12-24-2014, 09:04 AM   #18
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QuoteOriginally posted by dakight Quote
I have a number of zooms in my kit but my only prime is an old SMC Pentax-A 50mm f2.0. Depending on what I find beneath the Christmas tree tomorrow I may be on the hunt for something a tad wider. My budget is limited and I can spend no more than $200. I've narrowed it to a couple of choices:


SMC DA 35mm f2.4 "Plastic Fantastic" which I've seen as low as $115 used.
SMC A 28mm f2.8 at less than $100.


Both of these lenses are favorably reviewed and both are affordable and in fact I could probably buy both but I don't think that's necessary.


Are there any others I should be considering?
Get the K28/3.5. It may be a bit harder to find (but I saw one in the market place lately) but the difference in IQ and build quality vs the faster f/2.8 is definitely worth it.
12-24-2014, 12:52 PM   #19
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QuoteOriginally posted by redrockcoulee Quote
...My point is each of us have favourite and least used focal lenghts, it is a very personal decision, I found the 28 was not wide enough for wide and too wide for normal if that makes any sense. I love the 35 2.4 and find it quite different from the F50 1.7. Whichever one you get you would like though.
Couldn't agree more about lens choice being a personal decision. For a true wide angle of view I use the Sigma 10-20mm f/4, usually at the 10mm end, but the OP was interested in inexpensive lenses and specifically mentioned the A-28mm legacy lens, which would have a similar field of view to the manual cousin.


Last edited by Tamia; 12-24-2014 at 05:40 PM.
12-24-2014, 03:09 PM   #20
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I should have mentioned that I'm not "married" to the Pentax brand but the two lenses that I mentioned happen to be in the price range that is comfortable for me and they seem to be highly rated in the reviews and that is born out by the comments here. I don't mind manual focus but I don't want to step back to stop down metering if it isn't necessary. I'll see what unfolds tomorrow then go from there. Thanks everyone!
12-24-2014, 03:20 PM   #21
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It sounds like you have the range covered by zooms but are looking to shoot more with primes.
So, you can always try the trick of setting your zoom to 28 or 35mm and then just using that focal length for a while.
I have and really like the 35 f2.4.
I have a few 28mms (but not Pentax), and you can find Vivitar or Sears or Tokina 28mm f2.8s very cheaply (i.e., around $30 from KEH.com).
I see that KEH also has a very nice Sigma 24mm f2.8 for $139. That would be even better for wide angle in your price range.
12-24-2014, 05:30 PM   #22
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QuoteOriginally posted by dakight Quote
"Equivalence" is a trap that causes more confusion than it solves
Yep. Just see Parallax's signature!

12-24-2014, 06:15 PM   #23
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40mm pancake

Consider SMC Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 XS.

It really is a nice lens and fits in a filter pouch in most bags. Obviously not as wide at the 35mm but I've never needed to remove it from my bag (since purchase) and the convenience of it always being with you is nice. I have the 35mm 2.4 as well and almost never carry it anymore for this reason.
12-25-2014, 09:48 AM - 1 Like   #24
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Well this question is answered! My daughter gave me a DA 35 f2.4, along with a 500mm mirror lens. I'm very happy.
12-25-2014, 01:29 PM   #25
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QuoteOriginally posted by dakight Quote
Well this question is answered! My daughter gave me a DA 35 f2.4, along with a 500mm mirror lens. I'm very happy.
That is a great gift.
12-25-2014, 03:36 PM   #26
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QuoteOriginally posted by redrockcoulee Quote
And I was given a M28 2.8 and it was the least used lens on my DSLR. I used it more on my Pentax film camera but perhaps as was used to of it with my Spotmatic F.

My point is each of us have favourite and least used focal lenghts, it is a very personal decision, I found the 28 was not wide enough for wide and too wide for normal if that makes any sense. I love the 35 2.4 and find it quite different from the F50 1.7. Whichever one you get you would like though.
Very true ! The focal length that work best depend of what you like.

I'am kind of stuck with my DA35 plastic wonder because it is so good and I have difficulties justifying FA31 or FA43. I have a DA21 that I appreciate... but I would prefer maybe 24mm.

I have the filling I would prefer 15-24-43-77 to what I have currently 15-21-35-77 (with an FA50 I don't like so don't really use in the middle). I didn't find a small 24mm sharp corners to corners and no field curvature through and I'am bit a bit concerned of FA43 sharpness wide open...

And also, there no money in the bank ! So problem is solved for now !
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