[pentagor]

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I discovered, that 28mm is a perfect focal length for walk around. It is "like a glove" for me.
I have a SMC-M 28/2.8 and now I'd like to upgrade to auto focus.
Is there any prime lens (Pentax or third party), which would be as small and light as M 28/2.8, would have an AF and image quality comparable with my M28/2.8?
M/2.8 is a bit soft at f/2.8, but I'm expecting this would be the case with any other lens.
what can you say about Pentax SMC-F 28/2.8? I read a reviews at this forum, but I'd still like to hear a word from you guys...
Will there be a DA 28mm pancake in the future maybe?

Thanx!

[danielchtong]

I discovered, that 28mm is a perfect focal length for walk around. It is "like a glove" for me.
I have a SMC-M 28/2.8 and now I'd like to upgrade to auto focus.
Is there any prime lens (Pentax or third party), which would be as small and light as M 28/2.8, would have an AF and image quality comparable with my M28/2.8?
M/2.8 is a bit soft at f/2.8, but I'm expecting this would be the case with any other lens.
what can you say about Pentax SMC-F 28/2.8? I read a reviews at this forum, but I'd still like to hear a word from you guys...
Will there be a DA 28mm pancake in the future maybe?

Thanx!

I do have FA28mmF2.8.
It is a proven small and wonder work horse. I had a long thread on it compared with a prof Nikon zoom

FA28mm compared with a prof Nikon zoom - Pentax Lenses - Digital SLR Cameras - Steves-digicams.com Forums

Unfortunately the lens has been discontinued. The closest and likely better one would be the 31mm Ltd at twice the cost and weight.

Daniel

[danielchtong]

M/2.8 is a bit soft at f/2.8, but I'm expecting this would be the case with any other lens.

28mm28LowLight.jpg photo - Daniel TONG photos at pbase.com

Taken wide open as you can see. I was stuck at the end of a long dining table in a restaurant. I passed the camera to a waitress. No flash at all.
Is that sharper or less sharp than M28mm? Likely the same



huge file
28mm28LowLight.jpg photo - Daniel TONG photos at pbase.com


Daniel

[egordon99]

The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 might fit the bill. Probably a little bigger/heavier than a 28mm f/2.8, but you do gain two extra stops. Alot more affordable than the 31mm Limited, but comparable (dons flame suit ) image quality.

I had a SMC-A 28mm f/2.8, and while the image quality was great, I wasn't a huge fan of manual focus.

[creampuff]

Like danielchtong I too have the nice and underrated FA 28mm f/2.8. With the crop factor, it really has the FOV close to that of the DA 40mm pancake on film. It's a nice focal length for casual shots like this corrugated cardboard Lego standee

[creampuff]

The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 might fit the bill. Probably a little bigger/heavier than a 28mm f/2.8, but you do gain two extra stops. Alot more affordable than the 31mm Limited, but comparable (dons flame suit ) image quality.

I had a SMC-A 28mm f/2.8, and while the image quality was great, I wasn't a huge fan of manual focus.

I've tried out the Sigma on a friend's Nikon and I have to say it doesn't even come close to the FA 31 Ltd. The lens was backfocusing, center sharpness was good but the edge sharpness was pretty poor. Sure it is fast lens aperture wise, but that's the only thing going for it imo.

[pentagor]

So this means, either I can find a FA 28 or I'm stuck with M 28. There is a gap at this focal length. I'd really appreciate a DA 28.....

[rparmar]

Would you consider the DA21 Limited? It's tiny and is great for street candids. No good if you need something super-fast for indoor use though. FOV equivalent to 31mm, so it's smack dab in the middle of the classic candid wide-angle range (28-35mm).

[pentagor]

Yes rparmar, I was looking at it, but it's just to wide and not fast enough.... Thanks anyway.

[jsherman999]

.


I had the F 28 f/2.8 for a while - I'd say it's just as sharp as the M 28 f/2.8, if not sharper. A good alternative to the FA.


.

[RBellavance]

The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 might fit the bill.

Sigma also makes a 28mm f/1.8. Fits the bill even better

[k100d]

if you can find one, the Sigma 24mm Super Wide seems like a pretty neat lens
Photozone has tested it before

[HermanLee]

Pentagor,

I have Pentax F 28mm/2.8 and all I can say is it's a GREAT LENS.
Considering the price and the performance. It's a great value to price ratio.
Not mentioning the perfect focal length for APS-C sensor.

Mine is sharp wide open and always focus spot on.
The color looks natural too.
The size almost pancake and very light. You hardly feel the weight.

what can you say about Pentax SMC-F 28/2.8? I read a reviews at this forum, but I'd still like to hear a word from you guys...

Thanx!

[danielchtong]

So this means, either I can find a FA 28 or I'm stuck with M 28. There is a gap at this focal length. I'd really appreciate a DA 28.....

There is another one the FA*24mm which was a lot cheaper than the 31mm ltd. For unknown reason, it was (2 yrs ago) cheaper than the non * FA20mm. FA*24mm is probably even rarer than FA28mmF2.8.
Well your M28mm is a capable lens. I do have FA28mm. But if have none, I would not mind being stuck with M28mm though

Daniel

[Miserere]

There is another one the FA*24mm which was a lot cheaper than the 31mm ltd. For unknown reason, it was (2 yrs ago) cheaper than the non * FA20mm. FA*24mm is probably even rarer than FA28mmF2.8.
Well your M28mm is a capable lens. I do have FA28mm. But if have none, I would not mind being stuck with M28mm though

Daniel

Not that rare...if you have the $$$. This one actually has a pretty decent BIN price, seeing how high some of them go for.

And I agree with the OP that 28mm on APS-C makes for a nice prime-walk-around FoV. I'm still stuck with MF 28mm f/2.8, but will eventually get the Sigma 24mm f/1.8. I'll gain 1.3 stops of light...and an extra 3 lbs