Dilemma: What to keep FA20-35, FA20, FA24-90, FA35

Wild Mark · 06-22-2018, 10:43 PM

Acknowledgement up front - I am fortunate to find myself in this dilemma

. While knowing how hard it is to get some of these lenses (perhaps 5 years of hard looking), I think that I have probably overdone the collection just a bit (note: I have FA31 FA43 and FA77 that are not going anywhere).

Assuming a travel lens kit is an important factor, what would you keep and what would you let go in the above list. Reasons would be appreciated - especially if you have experience with them all (ps I have only just acquired the FA20-35 so I have no experience with it yet).

Also, note I have not got the FA28 - it went years ago as it was not a shadow of a lens against the F28 - in this light is the FA24 a glaring absence? and if so, how would the dilemma look after its inclusion.

Many thanks for PF thoughts

alamo5000 · 06-22-2018, 10:52 PM - **1 Like**

The FA20 is HORRIBLE. You should get rid of it immediately. I will give you my address so that you can mail it to me. Think of how many problems that will solve for you!

Adam · 06-22-2018, 10:53 PM

Maybe shelf the 24-90mm for the D FA 28-105mm? If find newer zooms to be quite a bit better than film-era ones.

Otherwise all those lenses are quite good. If I had to get rid of another it would be the 20mm, given you have the zoom, which is very convenient for travel.

Wild Mark · 06-22-2018, 11:16 PM

Originally posted by alamo5000

The FA20 is HORRIBLE. You should get rid of it immediately. I will give you my address so that you can mail it to me. Think of how many problems that will solve for you!

You very nearly convinced me ........

---------- Post added 23-06-18 at 04:19 PM ----------

Originally posted by Adam

Maybe shelf the 24-90mm for the D FA 28-105mm? If find newer zooms to be quite a bit better than film-era ones.

Otherwise all those lenses are quite good. If I had to get rid of another it would be the 20mm, given you have the zoom, which is very convenient for travel.

Yes I was thinking the 24-90mm was on the outer. Unsure if I would buy the DFA 28-105 given I am happy with FA77 at the short tele end. The beauty with having only the 77mm as a short tele (when travelling) is I can use crop mode if need be to get a little more reach.

**twilhelm** · 06-23-2018, 01:50 AM

While the FA35 is a good lens, you already have the 31, and both zooms cover that length. Personally I can’t speak for the 20, but Adam is right that new zooms tend to be better, especially on a digital camera.

Good luck with the decision.

pinholecam · 06-23-2018, 02:07 AM

Assuming portability and ease of use, then IQ to the edges and for mostly stopped down use.
I'd sell all of them and get a DFA28-105, and then add one of the UWA options (Samyang 14, Irix 15, Laowa 12)
Otherwise, sell most of them except the 20-35 or 20 and then get a DFA28-105.

The 20-35 and 20 are getting harder to get by the day and the former is really unique as its a wide with good coverage in a small form factor, I would not sell it just because of these reasons.

Sandy Hancock · 06-23-2018, 02:46 AM - **1 Like**

I had the FA20 and FA20-35 at the same time. I still have the FA20, and despite my love affair with the DFA15-30 I can't bring myself to part with the prime.

As a fellow FA31 owner, I never even considered the FA35. I do have the Sigma 35/1.4 Art, because it offers that extra bit of pop and silent AF, but my heart is still with the Princess.

I also have the F28, and like you my search for a 28mm prime is over unless a K28/2.0 Hollywood drops in my lap

So personally, I would keep the FA20 and sell the other three. But the FA20-35 is a very compact option if you like its rendering.

---------- Post added 23-06-18 at 07:21 PM ----------

Originally posted by alamo5000

The FA20 is HORRIBLE. You should get rid of it immediately. I will give you my address so that you can mail it to me. Think of how many problems that will solve for you!

LOL. Nice try.

Wild Mark · 06-23-2018, 03:02 AM

@Sandy Hancock I think we are on the same page - because I do not have the DFA 15-30 I am therefore reluctant to part with the FA20-35. Keeping the FA20 is becoming clearer

@pinholecam - your sentiment is re: 20-35 and 20 getting harder to get is not lost on me. They are good lenses - selling these really light compact lenses would probably be a mistake. Travel light is an important factor.

@twilhelm - you are right! as Sandy suggested, the FA35 is excessive.

sadly, the FA24-90 is getting no love here. But I have to say it is a fine lens and only just, by a whisker, missed out on an outing to China for a month holiday (a few months ago). Not surprisingly, the 24-90 stayed at home as the FA31, FA43 and FA77 kept it out of the bag.

Perhaps it is the FA24-90 and FA35 that are finding new homes - anyone disagree?

Sandy Hancock · 06-23-2018, 03:21 AM

Originally posted by Wild Mark

Perhaps it is the FA24-90 and FA35 that are finding new homes - anyone disagree?

Not I

HarisF1 · 06-23-2018, 03:54 AM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

Not I

The core lenses are there. I had a very similar kit a few months ago but instead of the FA20 I had the A20, and in place of the 24-90 I chose the 28-105.

I've now got the 20-35, DA55 and FA85 in the bag with the 28-105. Lost a bit of speed at the wide end but gained a bit of versatility.

**monochrome** · 06-23-2018, 04:26 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by Wild Mark

Perhaps it is the FA24-90 and FA35 that are finding new homes - anyone disagree?

I have had and sold those two lenses. I don’t miss the 24-90 at all (though I commonly used it with my MZ-S) since I have the 28-105. I replaced my FA35/2 with the FA31 and I confess I miss the lens. There’s something unique about the color rendering.

I’ve never had the other two, but your current tentative plan sounds about right to me.

Ronald Oakes · 06-23-2018, 06:31 AM - **1 Like**

Definetly loose the 24-90.
This may not be the End result , just a starting point.

---------- Post added 06-23-18 at 06:35 ----------

Originally posted by Wild Mark

Perhaps it is the FA24-90 and FA35 that are finding new homes - anyone disagree?

Right On ! Ive only used these lenses from Helenjo's collection , but I think your choices are Spot On !
To me the FA 24-90 was the very least impressive in the bunch. (although very good)

**Pentax Syntax** · 06-23-2018, 06:35 AM

Don’t toss the 24-90 FA if you have a good copy. It’s light weight and optical qualities make it a keeper. The 24 wide end is hard to duplicate with any of the modern zooms except the heavy 24-70 2.8. The FA 35 is a great lens but duplicated by what you have. Just my two cents.

photoptimist · 06-23-2018, 08:03 AM

FA20, FA31, FA43, and FA77 is a very nice progression of primes so you could sell off the other three lenses.

But for a compact travel kit, a DFA28-105 would be the most versatile. You could also throw the FA20 or FA20-35 in a pocket or belt-pouch for complete coverage from wide angle to medium telephoto.

It also depends on how you feel about changing lenses during travel.

Ronald Oakes · 06-23-2018, 08:10 AM

Originally posted by photoptimist

FA20, FA31, FA43, and FA77 is a very nice progression of primes so you could sell off the other three lenses.

But for a compact travel kit, a DFA28-105 would be the most versatile. You could also throw the FA20 or FA20-35 in a pocket or belt-pouch for complete coverage from wide angle to medium telephoto.

Or......You could also throw that FA20-35 up for Sale on here if its in nice shape , and I will Buy it Soooo Fast ….. You will think its Yesterday !
At a Reasonable price of course.....

Maybe that should tell you something ?

06-22-2018, 10:43 PM	#1
Wild Mark Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Newcastle Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,954	Dilemma: What to keep FA20-35, FA20, FA24-90, FA35 Acknowledgement up front - I am fortunate to find myself in this dilemma . While knowing how hard it is to get some of these lenses (perhaps 5 years of hard looking), I think that I have probably overdone the collection just a bit (note: I have FA31 FA43 and FA77 that are not going anywhere). Assuming a travel lens kit is an important factor, what would you keep and what would you let go in the above list. Reasons would be appreciated - especially if you have experience with them all (ps I have only just acquired the FA20-35 so I have no experience with it yet). Also, note I have not got the FA28 - it went years ago as it was not a shadow of a lens against the F28 - in this light is the FA24 a glaring absence? and if so, how would the dilemma look after its inclusion. Many thanks for PF thoughts

06-22-2018, 10:53 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	Maybe shelf the 24-90mm for the D FA 28-105mm? If find newer zooms to be quite a bit better than film-era ones. Otherwise all those lenses are quite good. If I had to get rid of another it would be the 20mm, given you have the zoom, which is very convenient for travel. 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:

06-23-2018, 04:26 AM - 3 Likes	#11
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by Wild Mark Perhaps it is the FA24-90 and FA35 that are finding new homes - anyone disagree? I have had and sold those two lenses. I don’t miss the 24-90 at all (though I commonly used it with my MZ-S) since I have the 28-105. I replaced my FA35/2 with the FA31 and I confess I miss the lens. There’s something unique about the color rendering. I’ve never had the other two, but your current tentative plan sounds about right to me. Last edited by monochrome; 06-23-2018 at 05:50 AM.

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06-22-2018, 10:52 PM - 1 Like	#2
alamo5000 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 2,962	The FA20 is HORRIBLE. You should get rid of it immediately. I will give you my address so that you can mail it to me. Think of how many problems that will solve for you!

06-22-2018, 11:16 PM	#4
Wild Mark Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Newcastle Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,954 Original Poster	Originally posted by alamo5000 The FA20 is HORRIBLE. You should get rid of it immediately. I will give you my address so that you can mail it to me. Think of how many problems that will solve for you! You very nearly convinced me ........ ---------- Post added 23-06-18 at 04:19 PM ---------- Originally posted by Adam Maybe shelf the 24-90mm for the D FA 28-105mm? If find newer zooms to be quite a bit better than film-era ones. Otherwise all those lenses are quite good. If I had to get rid of another it would be the 20mm, given you have the zoom, which is very convenient for travel. Yes I was thinking the 24-90mm was on the outer. Unsure if I would buy the DFA 28-105 given I am happy with FA77 at the short tele end. The beauty with having only the 77mm as a short tele (when travelling) is I can use crop mode if need be to get a little more reach.

06-23-2018, 01:50 AM	#5
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	While the FA35 is a good lens, you already have the 31, and both zooms cover that length. Personally I can’t speak for the 20, but Adam is right that new zooms tend to be better, especially on a digital camera. Good luck with the decision.

06-23-2018, 02:07 AM	#6
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,709	Assuming portability and ease of use, then IQ to the edges and for mostly stopped down use. I'd sell all of them and get a DFA28-105, and then add one of the UWA options (Samyang 14, Irix 15, Laowa 12) Otherwise, sell most of them except the 20-35 or 20 and then get a DFA28-105. The 20-35 and 20 are getting harder to get by the day and the former is really unique as its a wide with good coverage in a small form factor, I would not sell it just because of these reasons.

06-23-2018, 02:46 AM - 1 Like	#7
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	I had the FA20 and FA20-35 at the same time. I still have the FA20, and despite my love affair with the DFA15-30 I can't bring myself to part with the prime. As a fellow FA31 owner, I never even considered the FA35. I do have the Sigma 35/1.4 Art, because it offers that extra bit of pop and silent AF, but my heart is still with the Princess. I also have the F28, and like you my search for a 28mm prime is over unless a K28/2.0 Hollywood drops in my lap So personally, I would keep the FA20 and sell the other three. But the FA20-35 is a very compact option if you like its rendering. ---------- Post added 23-06-18 at 07:21 PM ---------- Originally posted by alamo5000 The FA20 is HORRIBLE. You should get rid of it immediately. I will give you my address so that you can mail it to me. Think of how many problems that will solve for you! LOL. Nice try.

06-23-2018, 03:02 AM	#8
Wild Mark Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Newcastle Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,954 Original Poster	@Sandy Hancock I think we are on the same page - because I do not have the DFA 15-30 I am therefore reluctant to part with the FA20-35. Keeping the FA20 is becoming clearer @pinholecam - your sentiment is re: 20-35 and 20 getting harder to get is not lost on me. They are good lenses - selling these really light compact lenses would probably be a mistake. Travel light is an important factor. @twilhelm - you are right! as Sandy suggested, the FA35 is excessive. sadly, the FA24-90 is getting no love here. But I have to say it is a fine lens and only just, by a whisker, missed out on an outing to China for a month holiday (a few months ago). Not surprisingly, the 24-90 stayed at home as the FA31, FA43 and FA77 kept it out of the bag. Perhaps it is the FA24-90 and FA35 that are finding new homes - anyone disagree?

06-23-2018, 03:21 AM	#9
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	Originally posted by Wild Mark Perhaps it is the FA24-90 and FA35 that are finding new homes - anyone disagree? Not I

06-23-2018, 03:54 AM	#10
HarisF1 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 543	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock Not I The core lenses are there. I had a very similar kit a few months ago but instead of the FA20 I had the A20, and in place of the 24-90 I chose the 28-105. I've now got the 20-35, DA55 and FA85 in the bag with the 28-105. Lost a bit of speed at the wide end but gained a bit of versatility.

06-23-2018, 06:31 AM - 1 Like	#12
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,585	Definetly loose the 24-90. This may not be the End result , just a starting point. ---------- Post added 06-23-18 at 06:35 ---------- Originally posted by Wild Mark Perhaps it is the FA24-90 and FA35 that are finding new homes - anyone disagree? Right On ! Ive only used these lenses from Helenjo's collection , but I think your choices are Spot On ! To me the FA 24-90 was the very least impressive in the bunch. (although very good)

06-23-2018, 06:35 AM	#13
Pentax Syntax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 595	Don’t toss the 24-90 FA if you have a good copy. It’s light weight and optical qualities make it a keeper. The 24 wide end is hard to duplicate with any of the modern zooms except the heavy 24-70 2.8. The FA 35 is a great lens but duplicated by what you have. Just my two cents.

06-23-2018, 08:03 AM	#14
photoptimist Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,127	FA20, FA31, FA43, and FA77 is a very nice progression of primes so you could sell off the other three lenses. But for a compact travel kit, a DFA28-105 would be the most versatile. You could also throw the FA20 or FA20-35 in a pocket or belt-pouch for complete coverage from wide angle to medium telephoto. It also depends on how you feel about changing lenses during travel.

06-23-2018, 08:10 AM	#15
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,585	Originally posted by photoptimist FA20, FA31, FA43, and FA77 is a very nice progression of primes so you could sell off the other three lenses. But for a compact travel kit, a DFA28-105 would be the most versatile. You could also throw the FA20 or FA20-35 in a pocket or belt-pouch for complete coverage from wide angle to medium telephoto. Or......You could also throw that FA20-35 up for Sale on here if its in nice shape , and I will Buy it Soooo Fast ….. You will think its Yesterday ! At a Reasonable price of course..... Maybe that should tell you something ?