Blind Test (Pentax D-Fa 50mm f2.8 vs Sigma Ex Dg 70mm F2.8 Macro)

normhead · 03-24-2017, 06:15 PM

I own both these lenses, but don't differentiate between them. I take the 50 as part of a set to keep the weight and size of bag down, i use the Sigma when I just go for a "Macro walk" around the property. So I'm not sure I even care which is which. They are both excellent. The 50 macro makes a better walk around lens, especially on the K-1.

pakinjapan · 03-24-2017, 06:24 PM

thank you for the test @Stavri
On your test, both lenses seems to perform very well. It is fun.
Outdoor / real world blind test would be interesting too. In fact, I brought a F28 instead of FA31 because of a similar blind test like this

It is interesting to see that DFA 50 image quality is very similar to FA50 Macro. When I took a closer look at your samples, it just scream [ [ FA non-limited ] ] at me.
I used to do a research before get my 50mm and I was about to buy a DFA50 but then I saw a secondhand FA50 macro available. I read somewhere that F, FA, and DFA 50 macro are very similar. so I end up with FA version because of its build quality.
I am sure your DFA50 will have no problem find a new owner in the marketplace.

Originally posted by Stavri

Thanks to all the members for their contribution....

Lens Y = Pentax D-FA 50mm f2.8 macro
Lens X = Sigma Ex Dg 70mm F2.8 macro

I put the 50mm f2.8 macro on the marketplace when I got the Sigma, now I'm having second thoughts parting with it...(jewel of a lens)

**clackers** · 03-24-2017, 06:32 PM

I'm really proud of this lens - great engineering with just a 49mm filter size.

**BigMackCam** · 03-25-2017, 02:20 AM

Originally posted by Stavri

Thanks to all the members for their contribution....

Lens Y = Pentax D-FA 50mm f2.8 macro
Lens X = Sigma Ex Dg 70mm F2.8 macro

I put the 50mm f2.8 macro on the marketplace when I got the Sigma, now I'm having second thoughts parting with it...(jewel of a lens)

What I find most surprising about this test is that, for once, I guessed right

Seriously, though, both lenses obviously perform really well. In your situation, I'd be inclined to keep the one with the most useful focal length for you. After a little gentle post-processing, the differences would be negligible, I think...

Stavri · 03-25-2017, 06:24 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

What I find most surprising about this test is that, for once, I guessed right

Seriously, though, both lenses obviously perform really well. In your situation, I'd be inclined to keep the one with the most useful focal length for you. After a little gentle post-processing, the differences would be negligible, I think...

Indeed, the Sigma when pixel peeped on my 4K screen might be a tad sharper but Pentax has more contrast right of the bat ( the sigmas images need a slight adjustment ) both equally impressive lenses. The real winner ( if there's such a thing) it's the Pentax lens, small compact and incredibly sharp and contrasty. The optical formula and the coating on this lens are superb, a real staple of Pentax pedigree. Ricoh should weatherseal and put a DC motor on this baby and we'd be all set for another decade...

tibbitts · 03-28-2017, 05:27 PM

I've read that barrel wobble is a problem on the Pentax but don't have any experience. Can anyone comment? Has anyone tested with the barrel at least moderately with pressure applied in various directions?

I don't have experience with the Sigma either, but it would be good to know if there are any mechanical issues with it as well.

**sibyrnes** · 03-28-2017, 06:02 PM

Originally posted by tibbitts

I've read that barrel wobble is a problem on the Pentax but don't have any experience. Can anyone comment? Has anyone tested with the barrel at least moderately with pressure applied in various directions?

I don't have experience with the Sigma either, but it would be good to know if there are any mechanical issues with it as well.

i can wobble the end of my my D-FA50 with my hand with the lens fully extended but i don't consider that a problem. It has no effect on image quality. The physical build of the lens is a result of the low price but the IQ, especially the sharpness, is hard to match at any price.

03-24-2017, 06:24 PM	#32
pakinjapan Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,041	thank you for the test @Stavri On your test, both lenses seems to perform very well. It is fun. Outdoor / real world blind test would be interesting too. In fact, I brought a F28 instead of FA31 because of a similar blind test like this It is interesting to see that DFA 50 image quality is very similar to FA50 Macro. When I took a closer look at your samples, it just scream [ [ FA non-limited ] ] at me. I used to do a research before get my 50mm and I was about to buy a DFA50 but then I saw a secondhand FA50 macro available. I read somewhere that F, FA, and DFA 50 macro are very similar. so I end up with FA version because of its build quality. I am sure your DFA50 will have no problem find a new owner in the marketplace. Originally posted by Stavri Thanks to all the members for their contribution.... Lens Y = Pentax D-FA 50mm f2.8 macro Lens X = Sigma Ex Dg 70mm F2.8 macro I put the 50mm f2.8 macro on the marketplace when I got the Sigma, now I'm having second thoughts parting with it...(jewel of a lens) Last edited by pakinjapan; 03-24-2017 at 06:32 PM.

03-25-2017, 06:24 AM	#35
Stavri Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: at a Bean & Leaf Photos: Albums Posts: 1,832 Original Poster	Originally posted by BigMackCam What I find most surprising about this test is that, for once, I guessed right Seriously, though, both lenses obviously perform really well. In your situation, I'd be inclined to keep the one with the most useful focal length for you. After a little gentle post-processing, the differences would be negligible, I think... Indeed, the Sigma when pixel peeped on my 4K screen might be a tad sharper but Pentax has more contrast right of the bat ( the sigmas images need a slight adjustment ) both equally impressive lenses. The real winner ( if there's such a thing) it's the Pentax lens, small compact and incredibly sharp and contrasty. The optical formula and the coating on this lens are superb, a real staple of Pentax pedigree. Ricoh should weatherseal and put a DC motor on this baby and we'd be all set for another decade... Last edited by Stavri; 03-25-2017 at 07:15 AM.

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03-24-2017, 06:15 PM	#31
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	I own both these lenses, but don't differentiate between them. I take the 50 as part of a set to keep the weight and size of bag down, i use the Sigma when I just go for a "Macro walk" around the property. So I'm not sure I even care which is which. They are both excellent. The 50 macro makes a better walk around lens, especially on the K-1.

03-24-2017, 06:32 PM	#33
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	I'm really proud of this lens - great engineering with just a 49mm filter size.

03-25-2017, 02:20 AM	#34
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,670	Originally posted by Stavri Thanks to all the members for their contribution.... Lens Y = Pentax D-FA 50mm f2.8 macro Lens X = Sigma Ex Dg 70mm F2.8 macro I put the 50mm f2.8 macro on the marketplace when I got the Sigma, now I'm having second thoughts parting with it...(jewel of a lens) What I find most surprising about this test is that, for once, I guessed right Seriously, though, both lenses obviously perform really well. In your situation, I'd be inclined to keep the one with the most useful focal length for you. After a little gentle post-processing, the differences would be negligible, I think...

03-28-2017, 05:27 PM	#36
tibbitts Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Oklahoma USA Posts: 2,193	I've read that barrel wobble is a problem on the Pentax but don't have any experience. Can anyone comment? Has anyone tested with the barrel at least moderately with pressure applied in various directions? I don't have experience with the Sigma either, but it would be good to know if there are any mechanical issues with it as well.

03-28-2017, 06:02 PM	#37
sibyrnes Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 447	Originally posted by tibbitts I've read that barrel wobble is a problem on the Pentax but don't have any experience. Can anyone comment? Has anyone tested with the barrel at least moderately with pressure applied in various directions? I don't have experience with the Sigma either, but it would be good to know if there are any mechanical issues with it as well. i can wobble the end of my my D-FA50 with my hand with the lens fully extended but i don't consider that a problem. It has no effect on image quality. The physical build of the lens is a result of the low price but the IQ, especially the sharpness, is hard to match at any price.