Originally posted by galaxytab I wonder if the 35mm lens is a good one for such use cases? Is there a big difference between 50mm and 35mm angle of view? What other affordable lens do you recommend for trip photography?
Yes, I do a lot of my travel photos with the DA 35mm f2.4. Most of them (And i usually travel with 14mm, 35mm, 100mm, and one other random prime).
Yes, there is a noticeable difference between 35mm and 50mm.
Alternatives? DA 35mm f2.8 macro, but it costs a lot more. FA 35mm f2, practically the same optical design as the DA 35mm f2.4, quite popular, but not as affordable. F 28mm is a good lens, older, but its a bit wider and still sharp. DA 21mm is great, too. I got one not that long ago, and am using it quite a lot. Another alternative is the DA 40mm XS (and the Limited versions of this lens). There are lots of threads comparing DA 35mm f2.4 to DA 40mm XS. But if you already have 50mm, then it makes more sense to go for the 35mm.
IF you don't mind manual focus, you can also get Zeiss Flektogon 35mm (surprisingly affordable for Zeiss, even if its East German Zeiss. Decent lens, might need adapter) or Samyang 35mm (popular lens, very sharp, super fast aperture, but big and manual focus only).
You can get a used DA 35mm for low prices. Even a new one is not expensive. And if if you order from Japan, you can get it in special colours - in case your camera is not the usual black.
Here is a thread dedicated to the DA 35mm f2.4, just so you can see what it can be capable of in good hands:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/196639-da35-f2-4-plastic-...c-club-65.html
And user reviews here:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-DA-L-35mm-F2.4-AL.html tl; dr: Get the DA 35mm f2.4. I stopped using my kit lens after I got it. My first Pentax DA prime, don't regret it. Best alternative is DA 35mm f2.8 limited, gives you true macro, high optical correction, but a lot more expensive. FA 35mm f2 is another possibility, but its prices seem to be rather high lately, too high to justify it over the DA f2.4.
Last edited by Na Horuk; 06-11-2017 at 06:09 AM.