Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 

Reply
Show Printable Version Search this Thread
04-15-2018, 02:41 PM   #1
Forum Member




Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 88
Pentax 31mm F1.8 - Sell or Not

I was offered an excellent Sigma 35mm F1.4 ART lens at an excellent price. However, I already have the 31mm FA Limited and not sure whether I should get the Sigma.

The Sigma seems to be fast focussing with nearly silent. Sharpness seems to be better and less CA. It probably lacks the character of 31mm FA Limited..

Since I have no intention to keep both the lenses (If I am getting Sigma, I may sell 31mm FA Limited), I am looking for your suggestions on the comparisons of these two lenses.

-Emsee

04-15-2018, 02:51 PM   #2
Pentaxian
Kozlok's Avatar

Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Albuquerque
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 3,145
Some prefer one, some the other. I think you have to get it, try them both, and decide for yourself based on how you use the FL.
04-15-2018, 02:54 PM   #3
Pentaxian




Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Bremen
Posts: 410
What Kozlok said. It all comes down to personal preference. Have a look at these previous discussions:

FA Ltd 31 vs. Sigma Art 35 - PentaxForums.com

New video review: Pentax 31mm f1.8 limited Vs Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art lens on K1 - PentaxForums.com

Also ask yourself the following questions:

- have you ever felt your 31 Ltd wasn’t sharp enough?
- have you ever found the CAs of your 31 Ltd annoying and not fixable in post?
- have you ever been in a situation where AF noise was annoying or even kept you from taking the shot?

If the answer to all those questions is no just keep your 31 and be happy. It’s one of the best lenses ever made.

Last edited by alpheios; 04-15-2018 at 03:15 PM.
04-15-2018, 03:18 PM   #4
Forum Member




Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 88
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by alpheios Quote
What Kozlok said. It all comes down to personal preference. Have a look at these previous discussions:

FA Ltd 31 vs. Sigma Art 35 - PentaxForums.com

New video review: Pentax 31mm f1.8 limited Vs Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art lens on K1 - PentaxForums.com

Also ask yourself the following questions:

- have you ever felt the need for more sharpness from your 31 Ltd?
- have you ever found the CAs of your 31 Ltd annoying and not fixable in post?
- have you ever been in a situation where AF noise was annoying or even kept you from taking the shot?

If the answer to all those questions is no just keep your 31 and be happy

Thanks. These help me a lot.

I did not find the CA that much bad (non-fixable) based on my experience. Yes, CA is there but with tools it is fixable.

Focusing noise does matter to me.

I will read these reviews and make a decision.

---------- Post added 04-15-18 at 06:19 PM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by Kozlok Quote
Some prefer one, some the other. I think you have to get it, try them both, and decide for yourself based on how you use the FL.
May be I should rent the Sigma 35mm for a week and decide on it. FL wise it is a good for me.

04-15-2018, 03:23 PM - 1 Like   #5
maw
Pentaxian
maw's Avatar

Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Sassari (Italy)
Posts: 1,118
QuoteOriginally posted by emsee Quote
Pentax 31mm F1.8 - Sell or Not
A lens does not necessarily have to be perfect, it is essential to have a good feeling with it.
If you have the opportunity to try them both would be a good starting point.
04-15-2018, 03:26 PM   #6
Administrator
Site Webmaster
Adam's Avatar

Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Arizona
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 51,584
Both lenses are excellent. I think one of the main points to consider is size / weight. I personally prefer the Sigma's bokeh (which makes it a nice portrait lens on crop cameras), but the FA 31mm is just so well-built and compact that I prefer it overall. Plus, you get in-camera correction profiles with the Pentax lens, which is nice.

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)



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:
04-15-2018, 06:46 PM   #7
Otis Memorial Pentaxian
Otis FanOtis FanOtis FanOtis FanOtis FanOtis Fan
Loyal Site Supporter
clackers's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Melbourne
Photos: Albums
Posts: 16,394
I've both, Emsee. The Sigma is sharper but is *much* bigger and heavier.

The 31 is a Limited and sometimes I just don't want to lug a lot of weight and bulk around.

04-15-2018, 07:52 PM   #8
Forum Member




Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 88
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by Adam Quote
Both lenses are excellent. I think one of the main points to consider is size / weight. I personally prefer the Sigma's bokeh (which makes it a nice portrait lens on crop cameras), but the FA 31mm is just so well-built and compact that I prefer it overall. Plus, you get in-camera correction profiles with the Pentax lens, which is nice.
Thanks.

Oh..I forgot about the in-camera correction profiles..Yes, it is important. I can use profiles for Sigma in Lightroom but I am not much excited about that..
04-15-2018, 08:26 PM   #9
Moderator
Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter
Sandy Hancock's Avatar

Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 11,254
I have both too. I prefer the FA31 for general use for its size, weight and out of focus rendering.
If I really want something to snap out of the background with razor sharpness though, the Sigma is the weapon of choice.

I'll be keeping them both until Pentax eventually releases a 35/1.4 of their own. I won't be holding my breath
Reply

Bookmarks
  • Submit Thread to Facebook Facebook
  • Submit Thread to Twitter Twitter
  • Submit Thread to Digg Digg
Tags - Make this thread easier to find by adding keywords to it!
31mm, 35mm, art, fa, fl, k-mount, lenses, ltd, noise, pentax 31mm f1.8, pentax lens, post, questions, sigma, slr lens, vs
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Need help: To sell or not to sell? Igor123 Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 12 09-18-2016 01:11 PM
50mm 1.2...to sell or not to sell? That is the question. RT1 Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 38 06-03-2013 04:13 PM
Vivitar extension tubes: To sell or not to sell? LowVoltage Photographic Technique 8 01-04-2011 12:26 PM
Sell or not sell, that is the question Taff Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 5 10-06-2009 06:19 AM



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:29 PM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top