AF 35 f2 or AF50 f1.4

Optigrab · 08-04-2008, 08:04 AM

Originally posted by sabarrett

How about the Sigma 30/1.4? Its obviously more money, but you would get the speed.

I second this recommendation. For low, light indoor use (in tight spaces, as the OP indicated), this seems like an even better combination of FOV and speed.

I still toy with the idea of selling my FA35 ad buying the Sigma 30/1.4 for exactly that reason. But the FA35 is such a good performer...

JJJPhoto · 08-04-2008, 08:09 AM

Originally posted by TourDeForce

I actually was looking to buy one of those myself. If you have to have a prime, the 30mm EX 1.8 might be a consideration too. I gave up on the wider primes because...

Regarding the Sigma 28mm f1.8 versus the 30mm f1.4 ... I had both and kept the 28mm f1.8 and sold the 30mm 1.4.

The 28mm is sharper wide open at 1.8 than the 30mm is stopped down to 1.8 ... and the 30mm wide open at 1.4 isn't particularly sharp. Granted, the 30mm wasn't horrible, but I found the 28mm to be sharper.

Since I also have the DA40 2.8 and the FA50 1.4 I figured I was better served with the 28 than the 30.

I'm still debating whether or not to purchase the 20mm 1.8, but that lens is even softer wide open than the 30mm ... so I "probably" won't buy it.

Anyway, if you can find the 28mm I'd take the 28mm over the 30.

BBear · 08-04-2008, 09:27 AM

Having both (35 f/2 & 50 f/1.4) i have to say that I would LOVE to use the 50mm a LOT more than I currently do... but unfortunately it is too long for most of my indoors and even some of the outdoors...

Maybe it is just excitiment for a new lens, but fact is I havent touched my 50mm since I got the FA35 few weeks ago...

Speedwise, the FA35 is relatively fast, though the 50mm has the edge, but I am getting used to bump up the ISO when required to make the shot while using the 35mm is extreme situations.

BBear · 08-04-2008, 09:31 AM

Originally posted by Optigrab

I still toy with the idea of selling my FA35 ad buying the Sigma 30/1.4 for exactly that reason. But the FA35 is such a good performer...

I researched a bit before buying the FA35 and was also considering Sigma's fast/wide lenses... but they were way heavier and in few situations BF/FF in the K10D... and the FA35 had a great rep among users...

davef · 08-04-2008, 11:18 AM

Both the FA35 and FA50 you mention are excellent lenses. I've used both and preferred the FA35, especially for indoor work. In addition to these, the DA35, DA40 and FA43 are all highly regarded as are the 50mm manual focus lenses. Of the 50's, the A1.7/F1.7 is my favourite from a colour, contrast and IQ perspective. I suspect this in the minority opinion! Dave

UliBär · 08-04-2008, 02:26 PM

I have both (FA 50/1.4 & FA 35/2) and can only say the 35 is always in my bag - if it is not already mounted.

I later bought the 50 but i find myself only using it if i'm absolutely sure i really need 1.4

The 35 has definitely taken over the place of the former 50/55 for my analog bodies. On crop it's a near perfect normal!

varnco · 08-05-2008, 07:20 AM

Originally posted by JJJPhoto

Regarding the Sigma 28mm f1.8 versus the 30mm f1.4 ... I had both and kept the 28mm f1.8 and sold the 30mm 1.4.

The 28mm is sharper wide open at 1.8 than the 30mm is stopped down to 1.8 ... and the 30mm wide open at 1.4 isn't particularly sharp. Granted, the 30mm wasn't horrible, but I found the 28mm to be sharper.

Since I also have the DA40 2.8 and the FA50 1.4 I figured I was better served with the 28 than the 30.

I'm still debating whether or not to purchase the 20mm 1.8, but that lens is even softer wide open than the 30mm ... so I "probably" won't buy it.

Anyway, if you can find the 28mm I'd take the 28mm over the 30.

Looks like the Pentax 35 f/2 or the Sigma 28 f/1.8 will likely suit my needs best, so I'll focus (LOL) on chasing one of those down.

If you don't mind, what is the exact version of the 28mm 1.8 that you recommend. I'll add it to my list and keep an eye out for one.

Last edited by varnco; 08-05-2008 at 10:24 AM.

barbosas · 08-05-2008, 10:32 AM

See my sig, i have the FA35, FA50 and FA77

I was planning selling the 35 and the 50 to buy the FA43... but these 2 are such good performers, that i don't have guts to sell them.

if could only have two, i would choose the FA77 + (FA35 or FA43), with the FA35 ahead of the FA43

FHPhotographer · 08-05-2008, 11:30 AM

I have the 50 f/1.4 and love it; just got the DA35 and don't love it. The 35 is very good but the resolution and low light isn't as good as the 50 at nearly three times the price. I haven't used the FA35, but I hear it's excellent and at a much more reasonable price. For me, the modest telephoto of the 50 seems to work better for walk-around general shooting than the "normal" 35mm. I'm thinking of returning the 35 and replacing it with 70, either Sigma or Pentax.
FHPhotographer

varnco · 08-05-2008, 12:01 PM

Leaning towards the Sigma 28mm f/1.8 EX DG, running for about $270.

There is an older Sigma 28mm f/1.8 II, but I can't seem to find it anywhere for sale.

Thanks for all the feedback.

k100d · 08-05-2008, 04:21 PM

Originally posted by Steinback

I'm currently trying to find an FA 35 in Canada. I already have an M50 F2, a Super Takumar 50 F1.4 and an SMC Tak 55 F1.8, so as much as I would like an autofocussing 50mm I really don't need a 4th lens in that focal range.

when i had my FA35, i had purchased it from BH
the best source is BH or Japanese eBay stores, it should sell for a tad under $300

stevebrot · 08-05-2008, 06:38 PM

I have several 50mm lenses and just bought the FA 35/2 this Spring. The Pentax 50s are fine lenses as is the FA 35. The main consideration is what FOV works best for you. I have found that 50mm is simply too long for most indoors shooting, but works great for flowers and portraits.

Then there is the matter of perspective. The FA 35 will yield a significantly different view than the FA 50 in terms of relative placement of foreground vs background objects.

A good compromise might be to buy the FA35 and also pick up a used manual focus 50mm. There are usually pretty good deals on Pentax-A, Pentax-M, or SMC Takumar 50mm lenses on the bay and elsewhere. Or go even cheaper and get an off-brand 50mm. Most are pretty good and some can even deliver truly impressive results. See the "Off-Brand Club" thread for some examples.

Steve

BTW...My FA 35/2 is probably the best all-round lens I own. Oh...also...$299 USD is the de facto list price for mail order.

varnco · 08-06-2008, 11:21 PM

Just ordered the Sigma 28mm f/1.8.... thanks for all the feedback.

It was the right price, since I spent so much on the 77 limited.

Steinback · 08-07-2008, 12:59 PM

Varnco, make sure you post up a thread with some samples when you get the lens in as I'm still working out which lens I'm going to pick up and I would be curious to hear what you think of the Sigma 28mm in person.

varnco · 08-07-2008, 08:10 PM

Will post picts after I get it.

That's the least I could do with all the helpful replies I received on this thread, helping me decide.

08-05-2008, 11:30 AM	#24
FHPhotographer Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Fountain Hills, AZ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,297	I have the 50 f/1.4 and love it; just got the DA35 and don't love it. The 35 is very good but the resolution and low light isn't as good as the 50 at nearly three times the price. I haven't used the FA35, but I hear it's excellent and at a much more reasonable price. For me, the modest telephoto of the 50 seems to work better for walk-around general shooting than the "normal" 35mm. I'm thinking of returning the 35 and replacing it with 70, either Sigma or Pentax. FHPhotographer Last edited by FHPhotographer; 08-05-2008 at 11:35 AM. Reason: typo

08-05-2008, 06:38 PM	#27
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	I have several 50mm lenses and just bought the FA 35/2 this Spring. The Pentax 50s are fine lenses as is the FA 35. The main consideration is what FOV works best for you. I have found that 50mm is simply too long for most indoors shooting, but works great for flowers and portraits. Then there is the matter of perspective. The FA 35 will yield a significantly different view than the FA 50 in terms of relative placement of foreground vs background objects. A good compromise might be to buy the FA35 and also pick up a used manual focus 50mm. There are usually pretty good deals on Pentax-A, Pentax-M, or SMC Takumar 50mm lenses on the bay and elsewhere. Or go even cheaper and get an off-brand 50mm. Most are pretty good and some can even deliver truly impressive results. See the "Off-Brand Club" thread for some examples. Steve BTW...My FA 35/2 is probably the best all-round lens I own. Oh...also...$299 USD is the de facto list price for mail order. Last edited by stevebrot; 08-05-2008 at 06:43 PM.

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08-04-2008, 08:04 AM	#16
Optigrab Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Brooklyn, NY U.S.A. Posts: 33	Originally posted by sabarrett How about the Sigma 30/1.4? Its obviously more money, but you would get the speed. I second this recommendation. For low, light indoor use (in tight spaces, as the OP indicated), this seems like an even better combination of FOV and speed. I still toy with the idea of selling my FA35 ad buying the Sigma 30/1.4 for exactly that reason. But the FA35 is such a good performer...

08-04-2008, 08:09 AM	#17
JJJPhoto Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 419	Originally posted by TourDeForce I actually was looking to buy one of those myself. If you have to have a prime, the 30mm EX 1.8 might be a consideration too. I gave up on the wider primes because... Regarding the Sigma 28mm f1.8 versus the 30mm f1.4 ... I had both and kept the 28mm f1.8 and sold the 30mm 1.4. The 28mm is sharper wide open at 1.8 than the 30mm is stopped down to 1.8 ... and the 30mm wide open at 1.4 isn't particularly sharp. Granted, the 30mm wasn't horrible, but I found the 28mm to be sharper. Since I also have the DA40 2.8 and the FA50 1.4 I figured I was better served with the 28 than the 30. I'm still debating whether or not to purchase the 20mm 1.8, but that lens is even softer wide open than the 30mm ... so I "probably" won't buy it. Anyway, if you can find the 28mm I'd take the 28mm over the 30.

08-04-2008, 09:27 AM	#18
BBear Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: CT / NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 822	Having both (35 f/2 & 50 f/1.4) i have to say that I would LOVE to use the 50mm a LOT more than I currently do... but unfortunately it is too long for most of my indoors and even some of the outdoors... Maybe it is just excitiment for a new lens, but fact is I havent touched my 50mm since I got the FA35 few weeks ago... Speedwise, the FA35 is relatively fast, though the 50mm has the edge, but I am getting used to bump up the ISO when required to make the shot while using the 35mm is extreme situations.

08-04-2008, 09:31 AM	#19
BBear Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: CT / NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 822	Originally posted by Optigrab I still toy with the idea of selling my FA35 ad buying the Sigma 30/1.4 for exactly that reason. But the FA35 is such a good performer... I researched a bit before buying the FA35 and was also considering Sigma's fast/wide lenses... but they were way heavier and in few situations BF/FF in the K10D... and the FA35 had a great rep among users...

08-04-2008, 11:18 AM	#20
davef Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ontario Posts: 433	Both the FA35 and FA50 you mention are excellent lenses. I've used both and preferred the FA35, especially for indoor work. In addition to these, the DA35, DA40 and FA43 are all highly regarded as are the 50mm manual focus lenses. Of the 50's, the A1.7/F1.7 is my favourite from a colour, contrast and IQ perspective. I suspect this in the minority opinion! Dave

08-04-2008, 02:26 PM	#21
UliBär Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Braunschweig, Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 59	I have both (FA 50/1.4 & FA 35/2) and can only say the 35 is always in my bag - if it is not already mounted. I later bought the 50 but i find myself only using it if i'm absolutely sure i really need 1.4 The 35 has definitely taken over the place of the former 50/55 for my analog bodies. On crop it's a near perfect normal!

08-05-2008, 07:20 AM	#22
varnco Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Phoenix Photos: Albums Posts: 100 Original Poster	Originally posted by JJJPhoto Regarding the Sigma 28mm f1.8 versus the 30mm f1.4 ... I had both and kept the 28mm f1.8 and sold the 30mm 1.4. The 28mm is sharper wide open at 1.8 than the 30mm is stopped down to 1.8 ... and the 30mm wide open at 1.4 isn't particularly sharp. Granted, the 30mm wasn't horrible, but I found the 28mm to be sharper. Since I also have the DA40 2.8 and the FA50 1.4 I figured I was better served with the 28 than the 30. I'm still debating whether or not to purchase the 20mm 1.8, but that lens is even softer wide open than the 30mm ... so I "probably" won't buy it. Anyway, if you can find the 28mm I'd take the 28mm over the 30. Looks like the Pentax 35 f/2 or the Sigma 28 f/1.8 will likely suit my needs best, so I'll focus (LOL) on chasing one of those down. If you don't mind, what is the exact version of the 28mm 1.8 that you recommend. I'll add it to my list and keep an eye out for one. Last edited by varnco; 08-05-2008 at 10:24 AM.

08-05-2008, 10:32 AM	#23
barbosas Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lisbon Photos: Gallery Posts: 683	See my sig, i have the FA35, FA50 and FA77 I was planning selling the 35 and the 50 to buy the FA43... but these 2 are such good performers, that i don't have guts to sell them. if could only have two, i would choose the FA77 + (FA35 or FA43), with the FA35 ahead of the FA43

08-05-2008, 12:01 PM	#25
varnco Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Phoenix Photos: Albums Posts: 100 Original Poster	Leaning towards the Sigma 28mm f/1.8 EX DG, running for about $270. There is an older Sigma 28mm f/1.8 II, but I can't seem to find it anywhere for sale. Thanks for all the feedback.

08-05-2008, 04:21 PM	#26
k100d Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 3,911	Originally posted by Steinback I'm currently trying to find an FA 35 in Canada. I already have an M50 F2, a Super Takumar 50 F1.4 and an SMC Tak 55 F1.8, so as much as I would like an autofocussing 50mm I really don't need a 4th lens in that focal range. when i had my FA35, i had purchased it from BH the best source is BH or Japanese eBay stores, it should sell for a tad under $300

08-06-2008, 11:21 PM	#28
varnco Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Phoenix Photos: Albums Posts: 100 Original Poster	Just ordered the Sigma 28mm f/1.8.... thanks for all the feedback. It was the right price, since I spent so much on the 77 limited.

08-07-2008, 12:59 PM	#29
Steinback Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: GTA, ON, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,673	Varnco, make sure you post up a thread with some samples when you get the lens in as I'm still working out which lens I'm going to pick up and I would be curious to hear what you think of the Sigma 28mm in person.

08-07-2008, 08:10 PM	#30
varnco Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Phoenix Photos: Albums Posts: 100 Original Poster	Will post picts after I get it. That's the least I could do with all the helpful replies I received on this thread, helping me decide.