I'm not sure how this will sound to Pentax users (and others - bless them) who haven't got the new D-FA*50/1.4 but I thought it would be worth saying to see if others feel the same....
When I get a new lens there is always the usual excitement and fun of trying all sorts of angles, lighting, extremes, etc. to work out the qualities and potential uses for it. The "special" lenses have always fitted neatly into their categories and have always matched my expectations (A*85/1.4, K28/2.0, F*300/4.5, etc.) but I wasn't sure what to expect from the D-FA*50/1.4! Of course it was going to deliver the IQ but how does a "50" fit into my shooting style? I have always owned "standard" lenses and have always been happy with my favourites (K50/1.2, F50/1.4) and although one of them is often in the camera bag I very rarely reach for it. I was aware of this in the run up to the launch, and even when I placed the order I knew in the back of my mind that it was likely to be a bit of an expensive "White Elephant", so now the honeymoon is over how do I feel?
Firstly, it was expensive but certainly not a mistake - it's truly a pleasure to use, from the feel of the lens to the sharpness and IQ to the bokeh and AF accuracy - I can find nothing to complain about apart from the size & weight - but I knew about these before purchasing so that was my choice.
Secondly, if I didn't make the most of my other "standard" lenses would I really use this one, or would I feel I was just proving a point (to me? to other Pentax users?). The answer to this one is a definitive Yes - I do use it, I can see where it suits, and it has improved my photography (yes I did say that - even though I've never been of that view before!). I'm mainly using it for portraits/people - not so much the close up head shots that the 85's are so well suited to but the wider shots, shots that never seemed to work so well for me on other lenses. A similar use is for Pets - if you've seen pshlutes beautiful dog photos you'll know what I mean!
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Improved my photography" - Yes! The focus accuracy, sharpness and bokeh combined allow me to capture portraits that I wasn't getting before with a fifty, and the fact that I can crop significantly (thanks to the high MP count of the K1 and the IQ of the lens) has given me the confidence to try shots that I never pulled off before. I know this lens won't improve results for everyone (particularly the higher skilled - of which there are many on here) but I'm sure some will benefit significantly.
It's been a busy few weeks so I haven't done as much with the lens as I would like, but I know I haven't even scratched the surface (Eeeeek - not literally!!!) - Landscape, Townscapes, etc. are next on my list - and I think I'll be selling most of my other 50's soon!
Anyone feel the same? Feel the opposite? Think I'm an idiot (Don't answer that!)
?