Originally posted by pjsnell I have a DA40, and although I like it a lot, it isn't what I'd consider "fast". The examples from this thread have me thinking that this lens is the fast 50 I've been looking for.
For those of you who have both, how do they compare?
My thoughts right now are to get the FA50, and sell the DA40 and go for a wider limited lens.
I have both the FA 50mm f/1.4 and the DA 40mm f/2.8 ... and I use the DA40 much more than the FA50.
I love the FA50, and I still use it from time to time, but there are a couple of reasons I personally like the DA40:
-- The DA40 has a shorter focal length that is closer to "normal" than short telephoto.
-- The DA40 has quick-shift manual focus so I don't have to flip the AF/MF switch on the camera.
-- The DA40 has less CA and purple fringe than the FA50.
-- The DA40 is sharper edge to edge while wide open than the FA50.
-- The DA40 is smaller and a little easier to travel with when using a small bag.
Honestly, the only reason I use the FA50 at all now is when I absolutely "need" f/1.4 ... if I know I'm basically going to be shooting in the dark.
I hope the new DA*55mm f/1.4 will be a nice upgrade to the FA50 ... with less CA, better edge-to-edge sharpness, and quick-shift focus. Of course, who knows when the DA*55 will actually show up?