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06-26-2017, 04:20 PM   #1
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DA 21 ltd replacement for K-1 ?

Hi guys
the DA21 was my most used and favourite lens on the K5
what should I get for the K1 to take it's place ?
Budget is restrained, arthritis limits weight ...
thinking the FA 28 /2.8...
any other options ?
thank you

06-26-2017, 04:26 PM - 1 Like   #2
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I know it's not the most budget friendly lens but the 31 LTD will have the same FoV and also have the Pixidust of the limited lenses. It is also a lightweight lens, not heavy at all.
06-26-2017, 04:30 PM - 1 Like   #3
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^^ There's your answer. On a value for price basis I'd say it exceeds the FA28, but the cost is another level entirely. Otherwise the FA35/2 (poor man's FA 31 Limited) is available new with warranty.

Last edited by monochrome; 06-26-2017 at 07:18 PM.
06-26-2017, 04:33 PM   #4
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Three lenses, Transit, all very good, in order of new price:

DA35 f2.4, FA35 f2, FA31 Ltd.

If you want something pancakey, have a look at the 40mm f2.8 SX.

06-26-2017, 04:35 PM   #5
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I see a few 28 on marketplace and of cause the legendary 31.
I used to have F28. I really like it. sharp right from f2.8. this page got me to buy the F28. But don't expect it to produce beautiful starbursts like what see from the DA21.

FF lenses: F& FA 28, 50/1.4, 1.7, FA 24-50, 28-70/4, 28-105, 75-300 - PentaxForums.com
Pentax M/K/A Takumar: 28, 35, 50, 85, 100, 105, 135, 200, 300, 400. Tokina 60-120 - PentaxForums.com


this page has a lot of real life image taking via all kind of 28mm on display: DSLR fun with 28mm: Club for any 28mm lens

Last edited by pakinjapan; 06-27-2017 at 01:31 AM.
06-26-2017, 05:00 PM   #6
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Used FA20? If I ever stumbled across one when I have the K-1 in hand, I could be very tempted to slap it on and try it out. And take it home.
06-26-2017, 05:00 PM   #7
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For me the FA35 f2 fits the same sort of role as the 21 (on APS-C) nicely and is a great walk around lens that performs well.

If you had the budget then obviously the 31 ltd would be difficult to beat (and pretty much exactly the same FOV). The 28 is a little wider FOV than 21 on APS-C which may or may not suit you, but the FA35 (or 31) has the advantage of being faster and more control of DOF.

06-26-2017, 05:34 PM   #8
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F 28/2.8 is closest FOV - super sharp and light. You can't go wrong if you can find one.
06-26-2017, 05:41 PM   #9
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Definitely the FA 31mm. Let it perform as it was originally designed, and you will fall in love with it

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06-26-2017, 05:48 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by mattt Quote
F 28/2.8 is closest FOV - super sharp and light. You can't go wrong if you can find one.


Actually, the FA31 has the closest FoV.


DA21 = 68/59.
FA31 = 70/60.
FA28 = 75/65.


Of course, there may be other lens characteristics that are equally, or more, important.
06-26-2017, 06:26 PM   #11
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If you go all-out, the FA 31mm f/1.8 Limited for sure. Otherwise, the FA 35mm f/2 is a great lens at a reasonable price. It is pretty well built, and very lightweight. I don't yet have a K-1, but when I have the occasion to go back to using one of my 35mm film bodies, it is my no.1 go-to all around prime lens, for its versatility and high image quality.
06-26-2017, 06:29 PM - 1 Like   #12
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The DA 21mm just has amazing colours and contrasts. Maybe the DA 40mm limited would give similar style of rendering on FF, at a.. almost similar FoV. Just check if you can live with the FF vignetting
I don't have F or FA 28mm, I have a much earlier M 28mm. It is a decent lens, comes at a great price, but it is not close to the DA 21mm. Not as sharp, not as contrasty.
I don't have experience with the FA 31mm, but I have read next to no negative reviews, so that might be your answer.
Some people say the FA 35mm is the "poor man's" FA 31mm ltd. DA 35mm f2.4 if you want something affordable- I hear it is acceptable on FF, as it is based on the FA 35mm's design. In my experience the DA 35mm is really sharp, great lens, but it doesn't have the magnificent colours of the DA 21mm; few lenses do. Of my lenses, the DA 40mm XS is closest to 21mm in style of rendering. I think both are derived from Tessar designs

Check what is available locally

The problem is that most other modern offerings around that FoV are really big. Samyang 35mm, Sigma 35mm,.. and I'm afraid Pentax will soon start to follow that trend.

tl;dr: DA 40mm limited if you don't mind the vignetting and slightly more telephoto. FA 31mm if you want a legendary lens. FA 35mm f2 for a very reasonable compromise in price, size, speed. DA 35mm f2.4 if you want to go budget
06-26-2017, 07:16 PM   #13
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There's only one answer. Sigma A 35/1.4. No Pentax lens can ever beat it, and sharpness, bokeh, colour rendition, virtually any lack of aberration and the speed make it an unrivalled lens. Bulky it is, true. Arthritis... well, I'd compete with arteriosclerosis and still I chose the Sigma ;-)

Please anyone make a photo like this with fully open aperture of 31 Limited...

Last edited by StefanMikes; 06-26-2017 at 07:24 PM.
06-26-2017, 07:52 PM - 1 Like   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by StefanMikes Quote
There's only one answer. Sigma A 35/1.4. No Pentax lens can ever beat it, and sharpness, bokeh, colour rendition, virtually any lack of aberration and the speed make it an unrivalled lens. Bulky it is, true. Arthritis... well, I'd compete with arteriosclerosis and still I chose the Sigma ;-)

Please anyone make a photo like this with fully open aperture of 31 Limited...
By one theory of analysis of lenses, the lack of aberration of the Sigma is exactly why some people prefer the FA 31.
06-26-2017, 08:09 PM - 1 Like   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by leekil Quote
By one theory of analysis of lenses, the lack of aberration of the Sigma is exactly why some people prefer the FA 31.
Sorry to say it but I asked an Australian friend of mine to take several back lit photos with fully open aperture of the 31 and after I saw the RAWs I went right for Sigma. I cannot afford soft concert photos, not for the price of the Limited.
Interestingly, DxOMark places the Sigma as the #1 lens for Pentax with the 35/2.4 Plastic Fantastic as the fourth best but that is not an FF lens while the Sigma is.
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