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07-29-2018, 08:58 PM - 21 Likes   #1
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Comparing the FA 50/1.4 and D FA* 50/1.4

I hardly ever really test lenses, but as a service to this fine group, I have made an exception.
This is going to be a pretty big page, as it comprises 16 1000x1000 pixel details ranging from f/1.4 to f/16 for both lenses, as well as smaller full frame images (1024x683 pixel) at f/1.4, f/2.8, f/5.6 and f/11.
This is by no means definitive, it's just old Wheatfield setting up a tripod in his backyard and photographing some flowers.
I've arranged the pictures to make direct comparison by aperture value as easy as possible.

I hope this doesn't break the internet.
Please don't quote this post ad infinitum. It's just far too much bandwidth to take up if the files get repeated numerous times.

FA 50/1.4 @ 1.4


D FA* 50/1.4 @ 1.4


FA 50/1.4 @ 2


D FA* 50/1.4 @ 2


FA 50/1.4 @ 2.8


D FA* 50/1.4 @ 2.8



FA 50/1.4 @ 4


D FA* 50/1.4 @ 4


FA 50/1.4 @ 5.6


D FA* 50/1.4 @ 5.6


FA 50/1.4 @ 8


D FA* 50/1.4 @ 8


FA 50/1.4 @ 11


D FA* 50/1.4 @ 11



FA 50/1.4 @ 16


D FA* 50/1.4 @ 16


And the rendering comparisons. I jumped 2 f/stops for this.

FA50 @ 1.4


D FA50 @ 1.4


FA50 @ 2.8


D FA50 @ 2.8


FA50 @ 5.6


D FA50 @ 5.6



FA50 @ 11



D FA50 @ 11


07-29-2018, 09:02 PM - 1 Like   #2
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Thanks for the series - the FA50 is no slouch it’self but the DFA is stunning.
07-29-2018, 09:02 PM - 1 Like   #3
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There's a clear difference across the board, from sharpness to bokeh to aberrations and contrast. Thanks for posting these!

Adam
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07-29-2018, 09:02 PM   #4
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Nice! thanks for the comparison! Edge to edge there is no question that the new D-FA is amazingly sharp, even at f/2, especially in comparison to the FA 50.

07-29-2018, 09:08 PM - 1 Like   #5
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The pollen on the bottom of the flower on the FA 50 looks worse at 2.8 than it does at 1.4 and 2. Is there perhaps a focus inaccuracy?
07-29-2018, 09:10 PM   #6
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Looks to me that the new D FA 50 is better in all shots. As it should be i guess.
07-29-2018, 09:11 PM   #7
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Thanks for the effort. the new DFA is definitely sharper and has smoother bokeh, also more corrected but the FA is no slouch in this test. Is there some slight vignetting @f1.4 from both lenses?

07-29-2018, 09:29 PM   #8
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Thanks so much for doing this and posting!

There is a slight difference in focus point between FA50 and DFA*50 (FA focused a little back from DFA), but does not matter as its obvious that the DFA*50 is significantly sharper while also having creamier bokeh too.

Well I would certainly be happy using the DFA* 50 wide open!
07-29-2018, 09:31 PM - 5 Likes   #9
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For the photos of the single flower all of the FA 50 photos look to me like they are back focused compared to the D FA*. That makes the FA look worse than it is. I'm curious if you relied on auto focus for these?
Despite that, this is a clear demonstration of the difference in Bokeh between the lenses. Also, the D FA doesn't have the glowing effect at f1.4

Thanks for posting!
07-29-2018, 09:37 PM - 3 Likes   #10
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I don't need this lens... I don't need this lens... I don't need this lens...
07-29-2018, 09:45 PM - 5 Likes   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by leekil Quote
The pollen on the bottom of the flower on the FA 50 looks worse at 2.8 than it does at 1.4 and 2. Is there perhaps a focus inaccuracy?
Possibly, though more likely a slight breeze. It doesn’t seem to matter how still it is, as soon as I set up a tripod the air starts moving.
As I said, it’s not a definitive test.

---------- Post added 07-29-18 at 10:51 PM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by Qman Quote
For the photos of the single flower all of the FA 50 photos look to me like they are back focused compared to the D FA*. That makes the FA look worse than it is. I'm curious if you relied on auto focus for these?
Despite that, this is a clear demonstration of the difference in Bokeh between the lenses. Also, the D FA doesn't have the glowing effect at f1.4

Thanks for posting!
Yes I used AF for initial focus. I did dial both lenses in recently, the D FA the day I got it and the FA yesterday. It had shifted one point since the last time I adjusted it. The FA is a lower contrast lens. I expect this causes the camera to find a different place to focus on a 3D object.
I could have found a brick wall I suppose, but flowers are so much nicer.
07-29-2018, 09:59 PM   #12
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Thanks for sharing this test!
07-29-2018, 10:01 PM   #13
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Thanks for doing this. Was wondering if I should invest in the DFA or if the FA will suffice. Perhaps I'm not at the skill level to really take advantage of the difference in quality, but the DFA is begging to be bought.
07-29-2018, 10:11 PM   #14
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I'm also going someone will do likewise comparisons with the DA*55.
07-29-2018, 10:21 PM - 1 Like   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by UncleVanya Quote
I'm also going someone will do likewise comparisons with the DA*55.
No promise, but I plan to do it in a camera store this weekend (on my K3). And I will compare it with my FA50 macro too. Again, No promise.
anyone in Japan should be able to try it at Yodobashi or BicCamera near you, I guess.
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