DA 50/1.8 or DA35/2.4 or ?

bertwert · 12-30-2015, 07:37 PM

I have found a DA 35, DA 50 and DA 40 XS on the marketplace all within price range.
Now then, which to choose

Prices in CAD:

DA 35	DA 40	DA 50
$100	$150	$110

jon404 · 12-30-2015, 07:49 PM

I have the 35mm f/2.4. Small, light, sharp, excellent. Very usable FL... about the same as a 'standard' 50mm on a full-frame camera. Recommended.

**mgvh** · 12-30-2015, 07:55 PM

I have the DA 21, 35, 40 XS, and 50.
For general use, I use the 21 and 35 most.
But, if you can't afford the 21, I would get the 40 XS first. It's as sharp or sharper than my 35, and it's the most different from anything you have in terms of size.
(Your SuperTak 55 f1.8 should be as good if not better than the DA 50 though it doesn't have autofocus.)

jkomp316 · 12-30-2015, 07:57 PM

im a 28, 50 shooter. usually skip right over the 35.

**Alex645** · 12-30-2015, 07:59 PM

The 35mm is more practical for street photography and a walk-around as you've asked. The 50mm for low light, bokeh, slight compression for portraits. I'd save up for the 35mm f/2.8 macro limited and go with the fast 50mm f/1.8 as you should see a significant IQ improvement over your Sears 50mm f/2.

If you like your 50-200mm zoom, you may like a 55-300mm even more. What if you sold the 50-200mm and with that plus your cash upgrade zooms?

normhead · 12-30-2015, 08:02 PM

Personally, I'd go for the 50, because it's 1.8

But how about one of these.... as discussed here... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/297882-furt...a-35-80-a.html
USED PENTAX AF 35-80 F4-5.6 F 8+ #U490975

Or one of these,
USED PENTAX MF SMC-A 50 F2 8+ #U501699

SMC Pentax-A 50mm F2.8 Macro Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

They have 2, I might just go on line and order one.

They also have an A 50 1.7.

Quote:

Unfortunately when Pentax introduced the A Series lenses in 1984 they also started using plastic on some of the “budget” lenses. The A50/1.7 has the same design/optics as the M50/1.7, but is 20 grams lighter, so the difference is the plastic used in the construction of the A50/1.7. The Achilles heal of the A50/1.7 is the plastic aperture ring/assembly, which is extremely prone to breaking and limiting the movement of the aperture ring.

Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-A-50mm-F1.7-Lens.html#ixzz3vrgGQhno

http://www.henrys.com/62394-USED-PENTAX-MF-SMCA-50-F1-7-8-Plus-.aspx

You could grab one of those two and still have money left for something else. You're young, you probably have eye sight good enough to manual focus.

bertwert · 12-30-2015, 08:10 PM

Originally posted by mgvh

Your SuperTak 55 f1.8 should be as good if not better than the DA 50 though it doesn't have autofocus.

I quite like it, only thing I want is to see the APerture in EXIF. Also native K-mount is nicer

Originally posted by Alex645

If you like your 50-200mm zoom, you may like a 55-300mm even more. What if you sold the 50-200mm and with that plus your cash upgrade zooms?

I would, but I would like a standard/WA faster prime right now (also I want to win the 55-300 giveaway

)

Originally posted by normhead

Or one of these,

It's only 1:2 macro... but it looks nice.
And I've got some cheap extension tubes...
Also AF is overrated

Originally posted by normhead

But how about one of these.... as discussed here...

I'd like a prime for smallness right now

I'll go check out the Henry's used section right now, forgot about them.

**ramseybuckeye** · 12-30-2015, 09:11 PM

To answer the original question, I would go for the new 35, because it's easier to find a used 50/1.7 manual lens. I like the suggestion of a 40 XS too and I also lust after the 21. But those were not in the question, nor the price range.

bertwert · 12-30-2015, 09:18 PM

Originally posted by ramseybuckeye

I like the suggestion of a 40 XS too and I also lust after the 21. But those were not in the question, nor the price range.

A used 40 XS is.
There is one I can afford on the Marketplace right now. WIll have to make a decision quickly.

bertwert · 12-30-2015, 09:25 PM

Originally posted by ramseybuckeye

I would go for the new 35, because it's easier to find a used 50/1.7 manual lens

Also I have a Takumar 55/1.8 covering the 50mm range.
I just want the aperture recorded in EXIF and maybe (just maybe) occasional AF.

**filoxophy** · 12-30-2015, 09:30 PM

The 40XS is great, and truly one of a kind.

As a LENS, I prefer the 50/1.8 of the three. Very good manual focus feel/travel for a plastic lens; fast aperture; the design obviates the need for a hood except near MFD, IMHO (it's basically an [IF] lens, in terms of size).

But if you're just going to get one new, I have a hard time arguing with those who recommended a 35/2.4.

**clackers** · 12-30-2015, 09:53 PM

The 35 is a great base to build around. There were photographers who shot only with that FoV.

hcc · 12-30-2015, 10:50 PM

Originally posted by bertwert

Okay hard question...

I got some Christmas money that I want to get as new lens with.

I can spend up to around $200 ($150 for you Americans) and obviously see the DA 35 and 50.
I'm not sure what FL I prefer, but in time I'll probably own both DA 50 and 35. (Next year maybe...)
Other lenses I would consider to buy, would be F and FA lenses (used) or maybe an A lens depending on the lens.
I don't mind used either.

What do you suggest as a walk-around/landscape/etc... lens?

Looking at your lens line-up, I note that you do not have any fast prime.

For that reason I would suggest the DA50m f1,8 as a logical addition to your lenses.

My 5 cents.

**pentaxus** · 12-30-2015, 11:12 PM

The 50 is great for portraits. 35 is a "normal" lens on APS-C. It just depends what you like to take pictures of.

**UncleVanya** · 12-30-2015, 11:12 PM

My turn to pontificate...

I owned the DA 35 f2.4.
I own the SMC DA 40 limited.
I own an F 50 f1.7.
I own the FA 35 f2.
I own an FA 31 limited.

I find they all make great pictures. The 31 is a legend so we can skip that one. The DA and FA 35 lenses are compact, light, and the focal length is an easy one - very normal and natural to use. The DA 40 is special, it just is seductive and sharp... I like it for close shots and far away landscapes. As an intimate portrait tool it is fantastic. The 50 loves low light, and can shoot nice portraits, but I usually go longer or wider.

What to buy?
Practicality says DA 35, but the DA 40 XS would be my sentimental pick.

12-30-2015, 07:49 PM	#17
jon404 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 696	the 35/2.4 I have the 35mm f/2.4. Small, light, sharp, excellent. Very usable FL... about the same as a 'standard' 50mm on a full-frame camera. Recommended.

12-30-2015, 08:02 PM	#21
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,448	Personally, I'd go for the 50, because it's 1.8 But how about one of these.... as discussed here... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/297882-furt...a-35-80-a.html USED PENTAX AF 35-80 F4-5.6 F 8+ #U490975 Or one of these, USED PENTAX MF SMC-A 50 F2 8+ #U501699 SMC Pentax-A 50mm F2.8 Macro Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database They have 2, I might just go on line and order one. They also have an A 50 1.7. Quote: Unfortunately when Pentax introduced the A Series lenses in 1984 they also started using plastic on some of the “budget” lenses. The A50/1.7 has the same design/optics as the M50/1.7, but is 20 grams lighter, so the difference is the plastic used in the construction of the A50/1.7. The Achilles heal of the A50/1.7 is the plastic aperture ring/assembly, which is extremely prone to breaking and limiting the movement of the aperture ring. Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-A-50mm-F1.7-Lens.html#ixzz3vrgGQhno http://www.henrys.com/62394-USED-PENTAX-MF-SMCA-50-F1-7-8-Plus-.aspx You could grab one of those two and still have money left for something else. You're young, you probably have eye sight good enough to manual focus. Last edited by normhead; 12-30-2015 at 08:20 PM.

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12-30-2015, 07:55 PM	#18
mgvh Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: MD Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,029	I have the DA 21, 35, 40 XS, and 50. For general use, I use the 21 and 35 most. But, if you can't afford the 21, I would get the 40 XS first. It's as sharp or sharper than my 35, and it's the most different from anything you have in terms of size. (Your SuperTak 55 f1.8 should be as good if not better than the DA 50 though it doesn't have autofocus.)

12-30-2015, 07:57 PM	#19
jkomp316 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 227	im a 28, 50 shooter. usually skip right over the 35.

12-30-2015, 07:59 PM	#20
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,526	The 35mm is more practical for street photography and a walk-around as you've asked. The 50mm for low light, bokeh, slight compression for portraits. I'd save up for the 35mm f/2.8 macro limited and go with the fast 50mm f/1.8 as you should see a significant IQ improvement over your Sears 50mm f/2. If you like your 50-200mm zoom, you may like a 55-300mm even more. What if you sold the 50-200mm and with that plus your cash upgrade zooms?

12-30-2015, 08:10 PM	#22
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173 Original Poster	Originally posted by mgvh Your SuperTak 55 f1.8 should be as good if not better than the DA 50 though it doesn't have autofocus. I quite like it, only thing I want is to see the APerture in EXIF. Also native K-mount is nicer Originally posted by Alex645 If you like your 50-200mm zoom, you may like a 55-300mm even more. What if you sold the 50-200mm and with that plus your cash upgrade zooms? I would, but I would like a standard/WA faster prime right now (also I want to win the 55-300 giveaway ) Originally posted by normhead Or one of these, It's only 1:2 macro... but it looks nice. And I've got some cheap extension tubes... Also AF is overrated Originally posted by normhead But how about one of these.... as discussed here... I'd like a prime for smallness right now I'll go check out the Henry's used section right now, forgot about them.

12-30-2015, 09:11 PM	#23
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,288	To answer the original question, I would go for the new 35, because it's easier to find a used 50/1.7 manual lens. I like the suggestion of a 40 XS too and I also lust after the 21. But those were not in the question, nor the price range.

12-30-2015, 09:18 PM	#24
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173 Original Poster	Originally posted by ramseybuckeye I like the suggestion of a 40 XS too and I also lust after the 21. But those were not in the question, nor the price range. A used 40 XS is. There is one I can afford on the Marketplace right now. WIll have to make a decision quickly.

12-30-2015, 09:25 PM	#25
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173 Original Poster	Originally posted by ramseybuckeye I would go for the new 35, because it's easier to find a used 50/1.7 manual lens Also I have a Takumar 55/1.8 covering the 50mm range. I just want the aperture recorded in EXIF and maybe (just maybe) occasional AF.

12-30-2015, 09:30 PM	#26
filoxophy Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,132	The 40XS is great, and truly one of a kind. As a LENS, I prefer the 50/1.8 of the three. Very good manual focus feel/travel for a plastic lens; fast aperture; the design obviates the need for a hood except near MFD, IMHO (it's basically an [IF] lens, in terms of size). But if you're just going to get one new, I have a hard time arguing with those who recommended a 35/2.4.

12-30-2015, 09:53 PM	#27
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,395	The 35 is a great base to build around. There were photographers who shot only with that FoV.

12-30-2015, 10:50 PM	#28
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,001	Originally posted by bertwert Okay hard question... I got some Christmas money that I want to get as new lens with. I can spend up to around $200 ($150 for you Americans) and obviously see the DA 35 and 50. I'm not sure what FL I prefer, but in time I'll probably own both DA 50 and 35. (Next year maybe...) Other lenses I would consider to buy, would be F and FA lenses (used) or maybe an A lens depending on the lens. I don't mind used either. What do you suggest as a walk-around/landscape/etc... lens? Looking at your lens line-up, I note that you do not have any fast prime. For that reason I would suggest the DA50m f1,8 as a logical addition to your lenses. My 5 cents.

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12-30-2015, 11:12 PM	#29
pentaxus Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 1,312	The 50 is great for portraits. 35 is a "normal" lens on APS-C. It just depends what you like to take pictures of.

12-30-2015, 11:12 PM	#30
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,376	My turn to pontificate... I owned the DA 35 f2.4. I own the SMC DA 40 limited. I own an F 50 f1.7. I own the FA 35 f2. I own an FA 31 limited. I find they all make great pictures. The 31 is a legend so we can skip that one. The DA and FA 35 lenses are compact, light, and the focal length is an easy one - very normal and natural to use. The DA 40 is special, it just is seductive and sharp... I like it for close shots and far away landscapes. As an intimate portrait tool it is fantastic. The 50 loves low light, and can shoot nice portraits, but I usually go longer or wider. What to buy? Practicality says DA 35, but the DA 40 XS would be my sentimental pick.