[emsee]

I am thinking of replacing my Pentax 24-70mm F2.8 Lens with the Pentax D-FA 28-105mm lens + Pentax FA 50mm F1.4 combo. Could someone please let me know whether the 28-105mm is optically equal to Pentax 24-70mm F2.8 at similar apertures and focal lengths?

My plan is to use 28-105mm as a general walk-around lens and for indoor shots I have primes (planning to add FA 50mm F1.4 also as the price is very low right now).

I will be getting a K-1 Mark II (missed the battery grip offer) also.

-emsee

[Paul the Sunman]

I have the DFA 28-105 but not the 24-70. Optically, it is excellent, and by reputation better than the 24-70. Of course it is slower, but also much smaller and lighter. I also have the very large 15-30 and 70-200 and didn't want another monster in my bag, so the 28-105 is a great alternative.

[monochrome]

I have both lenses. Thee 28~105 is an excellent lens, but not the equal of the 24~70.

[Adam]

I am thinking of replacing my Pentax 24-70mm F2.8 Lens with the Pentax D-FA 28-105mm lens + Pentax FA 50mm F1.4 combo. Could someone please let me know whether the 28-105mm is optically equal to Pentax 24-70mm F2.8 at similar apertures and focal lengths?

My plan is to use 28-105mm as a general walk-around lens and for indoor shots I have primes (planning to add FA 50mm F1.4 also as the price is very low right now).

I will be getting a K-1 Mark II (missed the battery grip offer) also.

-emsee

In terms of wide-open sharpness, they are about the same at the wide end, with the 28-105mm being sharper at 70mm than the 24-70mm.

The 28-105mm does exhibit noticeably more vignetting, however, so you should be prepared to compensate for it in post.

See: HD Pentax-D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR Review - Sharpness | PentaxForums.com Reviews

Adam
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[emsee]

In terms of wide-open sharpness, they are about the same at the wide end, with the 28-105mm being sharper at 70mm than the 24-70mm.

The 28-105mm does exhibit noticeably more vignetting, however, so you should be prepared to compensate for it in post.

See: HD Pentax-D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR Review - Sharpness | PentaxForums.com Reviews

How bad is the vignetting?

Also, in terms of contrast and flare control any comparisons?

Since you have mentioned that at 70mm, the 28-105mm is sharper at wide open (5.6). I am assuming that you are mentioning 24-70mm also wide open (F2.8) at this focal length or are they at the same aperture (F5.6)?

[Paul the Sunman]

How bad is the vignetting?

Oops, forgot to mention that. Vignetting with the 28-105 is noticeable, but easily fixable with one click in post. Because of that, it's not something I ever think about.

Here's an example comparing uncorrected (left) and corrected (right) from LR. At 28mm f/4.5. For this image I prefer the uncorrected.

[Adam]

How bad is the vignetting?

Also, in terms of contrast and flare control any comparisons?

Since you have mentioned that at 70mm, the 28-105mm is sharper at wide open (5.6). I am assuming that you are mentioning 24-70mm also wide open (F2.8) at this focal length or are they at the same aperture (F5.6)?

Check out our reviews for those comparisons.

Both lenses are capable of taking great photos. IMO the key factors for deciding between the two are price, weight, and whether or not you need F2.8. If you need something that's good corner-to-corner, that's where primes step in. Another thing I'll add- if you want the VF to be very bright, i.e. for manual focusing or if you don't live in a sunny place, perhaps the F2.8 lens would be better.

Personally I've opted for the 28-105mm as my walkaround lens.

Adam
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PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

[wstruth]

FWIW I read the reviews here for both lenses and finally decided to go with the 28-105 and the three amigos. I don't regret it at all. Maybe, if I was doing event shooting I would consider the 24-70 but for my walk about needs the 28-105 delivers.

I also have the 50 1.4 and do like it a lot, but for the edge sharpness the wide end. The reviews here match my experience for the lens. That said it is another great little lens since I bought it to get a more film like rendering. It would make for a nice companion.

[btnapa]

I am thinking of replacing my Pentax 24-70mm F2.8

I own the 28-105 and I am thinking about replacing it with the 24-70! I bought the 28-105 mainly for its price point and compactness. I have used it extensively for personal and assignment work. It is a great lens and the image quality is very good. The only drawback for me is the lack of f2.8. I do have the FA Limited trio which I do use for special occasions such as portrait sessions and the times that I have time to change lenses going from 31 to 43 to 77 when the situation calls for it. There is no denying that the zoom is a lot more convenient but for absolute compactness and best image quality the primes rule.

[jab2980]

24-70 if you're doing weddings or similar events (when you need the 2.8), 28-105 for when you still want great results without the extra size and weight. I'd only be able to justify the 24-70 over the 28-105 if I were more active in the event shooting line of work. The 28-105 is a budget lens but nothing about its feel, looks, or results are cheap. Sorry that I don't have more examples, but here's a few shots that I've taken with it: Pentax D-FA 28-105 | Flickr.