Ok, here's my dilemma:
I have a Sigma 24-60, Sigma 20-40 and Tokina 20-35 and DA40.
The subjects of my images with these lenses would be sunrise or sunsets WITH the sun in frame or near edge.
The Sigmas and Tokina flare badly. Like unuseable badly. I have kept the DA40 specifically for this reason because of its resistance to flare, but one available lens is too limiting.
My choices currently on the table:
FA31, but this is a last resort because using a Cokin filter system (gradient neutral density) is next to impossible. Would require same 400+ investment to use filters (similar to DFA 15-30). Would pair this with the DA40 to give me options FoV wise, but then I start having to carry a 50 or 55 around as well. Not sure I want a specific sunset/sunrise lens kit. My bag is already full. I'm NOT getting rid of my zooms because they are required for waterfall photography.
F/FA 28 - Haven't had real good luck getting a crisp copy of these lenses and they tend to have too much CA for my liking. All PP fixes for CA tend to reduce image quality as far as I'm concerned so I try to avoid that. Not sure how much better flare control I'm getting. Cheapest option of the bunch. See above for multi prime addition hesitancy.
DFA 24-70 - Seems pretty flare resistant, would replace my 24-60, can use filters etc, so this is the way I'm currently leaning, but soooo not into a 1200 hit to my budget.
FA* 24 - Intrigued, by tough to find, don't know much about image quality other than a step up from FA 28, but worried about flare and CA.
My shooting style in these type of situations on a K1 is 30-55mm so far.
Crop mode is not an option, otherwise I'd use my beloved Tamron 17-50.
Some of these images go to galleries and print so they must pass QC with Editors and art consumers.
Price is not real a deal breaker, but....
Size and weight have no relevance. IQ, Flare control and focal length are the parameters.
I'm also open to other brands if which I know nothing about, like Zeiss etc, though MF is not my preference.
I'm about 70% convinced I "have" to go with the DFA 24-70, but maybe someone has other options. I really need this lens by September 1-ish and I'm not sure the DFA 24-70 budget would be there by that time.
Thoughts?
Last edited by nomadkng; 07-11-2016 at 02:26 PM.