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05-08-2015, 12:24 PM   #1
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Looking for a prime, what would you buy?

I know this is a loaded question and it all depends on the photographer...
But I figured it'd be fun to hear from the PF community.

Based on my current lens collection below, what would you purchase next?

My current lenses are:
Sigma 8-16
Ricoh 50mm f1.7
DA 18-135mm WR
DA 55-300mm WR

(Oh by the way I'm shooting from a K-30...)

Only criteria: It must be a prime!
There is no cost restraint; but if your suggestion is a FA* 600mm F4... Please list an additional lens that the average enthusiast can afford too!
I'm interested in hearing everyone's thought.
Cheers!

05-08-2015, 12:29 PM   #2
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Something like the Sigma 105mm macro?
05-08-2015, 12:31 PM   #3
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Easy. FA31 silver.
05-08-2015, 12:31 PM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by TER-OR Quote
Something like the Sigma 105mm macro?
hahahaha I do already miss that lens!

But I'm extremely happy with the Sigma 8-16 that was funded by that sale...
I was actually looking at the Sigma 70mm Macro. I know I just got rid of my Sigma macro, but that 70mm is tack sharp man!

Or maybe a FA77...

Or perhaps that Sigma 30mm f1.4 art


I really just don't know!

---------- Post added 05-08-15 at 03:33 PM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by romay Quote
Easy. FA31 silver.
this was another consideration... A fairly expensive consideration... lol

05-08-2015, 12:37 PM   #5
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Tamron's 90mm macro is well-regarded. I think Sigma does a better job these days, though.

A couple of the pancakes would be on my list. The 21mm gives you close to a "normal" view. The 70 is a mini telephoto. The 40 is least expensive, but pretty similar to your 50mm, and your 18-135 is pretty strong at 40mm. All are fun little lenses.

You're loving that 8-16 aren't you?
05-08-2015, 12:37 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by romay Quote
Easy. FA31 silver.
This is the only answer.

When I first started reading about all these lenses, I was hesitant about all the "hype" surrounding this lens.

Then I managed to snag one this past holiday season. The hype is true!

Solid sexy build, super sharp, even wide open. It is of a size and weight that won't constantly penalize you. No fussy lens hoods to deal with either. It's the perfect focal length on APSC. It excels in all situations (portraiture, product shots, event work, landscapes, travel, general walkaround).

It's pricey, but it will kill your LBA dead because it will replace so many lenses.
05-08-2015, 12:44 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by TER-OR Quote
Tamron's 90mm macro is well-regarded. I think Sigma does a better job these days, though.

A couple of the pancakes would be on my list. The 21mm gives you close to a "normal" view. The 70 is a mini telephoto. The 40 is least expensive, but pretty similar to your 50mm, and your 18-135 is pretty strong at 40mm. All are fun little lenses.

You're loving that 8-16 aren't you?
That sigma 8-16 is an entirely different species...
Sometime I don't even take pictures and just walk around my town with that lens on LV... See what the world looks like from 8mm rectilinear at all times. Makes my head hurt.

I've considered the FA31. I heard it has pixie dust in it or something like that? I hope that doesn't affect IQ

ahh decisions decisions...

---------- Post added 05-08-15 at 03:46 PM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by EarlVonTapia Quote
This is the only answer.

When I first started reading about all these lenses, I was hesitant about all the "hype" surrounding this lens.

Then I managed to snag one this past holiday season. The hype is true!

Solid sexy build, super sharp, even wide open. It is of a size and weight that won't constantly penalize you. No fussy lens hoods to deal with either. It's the perfect focal length on APSC. It excels in all situations (portraiture, product shots, event work, landscapes, travel, general walkaround).

It's pricey, but it will kill your LBA dead because it will replace so many lenses.
I wonder...
Could you live with one camera body and the FA31 alone?

I've heard soo much hype about this lens...
Perhaps it's time to start a new fund?

I certainly am not parting with the Sigma 8-16 any time soon.
But I guess I have been motivated to sell lenses I loved in the past...

05-08-2015, 12:47 PM   #8
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One of the three amigos: a FA Limited. The FA31mm or the FA77mm would add nicely to your lens line-up. The best for you may depend what you prefer to shoot. For landscape and indoor, I would say FA31mm.If you want a short tele, the FA77mm. Both FA31mm and FA77mm are outstanding IMO.

There are too many very-very-good reasons we call the FA Limiteds the 'three amigos'...
05-08-2015, 12:57 PM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by hcc Quote
One of the three amigos: a FA Limited. The FA31mm or the FA77mm would add nicely to your lens line-up. The best for you may depend what you prefer to shoot. For landscape and indoor, I would say FA31mm.If you want a short tele, the FA77mm. Both FA31mm and FA77mm are outstanding IMO.

There are too many very-very-good reasons we call the FA Limiteds the 'three amigos'...
Someone is selling the three amigos as a set near me... $1750 for the lot.
But I think he is reasonable and would take $1500.

I wish I had the money...


I think the FA31 will make its way into my bag eventually...
Either before of after a Sigma 150-500...

I need to get a second job
05-08-2015, 12:58 PM   #10
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I say one of the myriad of 28mm manual primes for about $40-$160 on ebay. Get a SMC-A, K, or M....... and enjoy !

---------- Post added 05-09-15 at 03:59 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by UserAccessDenied Quote
Someone is selling the three amigos as a set near me... $1750 for the lot.
But I think he is reasonable and would take $1500.

I wish I had the money...
I need to get a second job
Just buy less expensive lenses ? Plenty of good inexpensive primes for $1750.....I don't have that much for all 27 of mine total !

Last edited by Dlanor Sekao; 05-08-2015 at 01:13 PM.
05-08-2015, 01:11 PM   #11
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only one prime lens, I'd go with the DA 35mm Macro.
05-08-2015, 01:12 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by Dlanor Sekao Quote
I say one of the myriad of 28mm manual primes for about $40-$60 on ebay. Get a SMC-A, K, or M....... and enjoy !

---------- Post added 05-09-15 at 03:59 AM ----------

Just buy less expensive lenses ? Plenty of good inexpensive primes for $1750.....I don't have that much for all 27 of mine total !
I own all of the DA/FA limiteds, and trust me, there's nothing else like them (especially the FA limiteds!). The 31 and 77 deserve the praise that's constantly heaped on them.

To the OP, buy one of the limiteds. It doesn't matter which one, they are all superb.
05-08-2015, 01:13 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by hcc Quote
One of the three amigos: a FA Limited. The FA31mm or the FA77mm would add nicely to your lens line-up. The best for you may depend what you prefer to shoot. For landscape and indoor, I would say FA31mm.If you want a short tele, the FA77mm. Both FA31mm and FA77mm are outstanding IMO.

There are too many very-very-good reasons we call the FA Limiteds the 'three amigos'...
What hcc said. You need to step up your game and get a "real" FA prime. If you shoot lots of portraits, the FA 77. More landscape and indoor shots, the FA 31. Both can be purchased used between $650 and $750. It's doable.
05-08-2015, 01:20 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by UserAccessDenied Quote
I wonder...
Could you live with one camera body and the FA31 alone?
Yes, but I could also say that about the DA21, and DA35 macro (although my preference would be for the 31!).
05-08-2015, 01:23 PM   #15
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