Looking for a second 35mm for street

Alnjpn · 12-26-2018, 06:44 PM

Hi all,

I have been using the plastic DA35 2.4 for street photography. I really like the field of view it gives on my K3, plus it is fast focusing. However, I find the lens difficult to love. The front element is a little exposed and the build is sharp and plasticky. So I am looking for a lens that gives me the same field of view, is fast focusing and lovable at the same time - any ideas? I have used the da40xs which I do really like but it is just a bit too tight. My budget is around 200 dollars second hand. Thanks.

Kozlok · 12-26-2018, 07:15 PM - **3 Likes**

Save up and get an Fa31. You can get a used one with some scratches on it for ~500-600 if you are patient. The Sigma 30’s are worse than the FA for street photography, but I do like the Sigma for posed portraits.

**AstroDave** · 12-26-2018, 07:18 PM - **1 Like**

Do you need autofocus?

There are any number of older 28, 31, and 35 mm lenses - many of which perform admirably on the new APS-C cameras. Take a look at the lens review database for the FA, F, A, M and K lenses: Pentax Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Many of these lens come from the "old days" and have a substantial feel and construction!

**pepperberry farm** · 12-26-2018, 07:25 PM - **1 Like**

look for a good, used copy of the DA35 Macro Limited - I was in the same spot with my DA35/2.4

**UncleVanya** · 12-26-2018, 07:41 PM - **1 Like**

FA 35... better build and just nicer than the DA 35 F2.4

**brightseal** · 12-26-2018, 09:12 PM

I've been spending way too much time online lately and the pickins' are slim to none, the K1 killed the after market. You can not find even a used 35mm for under $200 except for the M35. All you can do is save your searches and wait it out. Check the marketplace here often, you might get lucky. If you see something, pounce quickly. The next 35 is probably the FA 35 for maybe $250.

Maybe consider an F 24-50 or F 35-70? DA 16-45 ? DA 18-55 ?

Good Luck

Also remember the shopping season is over so you may see something pop up in the coming weeks.

Oh did you see this? for $200: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/380422-sa...tax-d-bg2.html

hcc · 12-27-2018, 12:45 AM

Originally posted by Kozlok

Save up and get an Fa31. You can get a used one with some scratches on it for ~500-600 if you are patient. The Sigma 30’s are worse than the FA for street photography, but I do like the Sigma for posed portraits.

+1 for the FA31mm f1.8 Ltd. A great lens IMHO. Worth its money and a good longer term investment.

My 5 cents.

bassek · 12-27-2018, 12:59 AM

I find the 35mm a bit narrow for street photo on crop. How about the 21mm limited? It should fit your budget used.
Zooms are found cheap, but I assume (as they would be obvious) they were out of the question?

Seb

**aslyfox** · 12-27-2018, 04:03 AM

if you truly want the same exact " field of view " as the 35mm, you are stuck with a 35mm lens

otherwise, might I suggest 28mm

I have a Kiron, one of the companies that provided lenses to Vivitar to market under that brand name:

Kino Precision Japan Kiron 28mm F2 MC P/KA

check the reviews for 28mm variations

some examples can be found in these threads

Kiron Lens Club - PentaxForums.com

DSLR fun with 28mm: Club for any 28mm lens - Page 10 - PentaxForums.com

Docrwm · 12-27-2018, 05:54 AM

The F35-70 can be had CHEAP and is often called a "stack of primes". It's small and fast AF.

tryphon4 · 12-27-2018, 11:30 AM

Originally posted by Alnjpn

My budget is around 200 dollars second hand.

FA 31mm F1.8 Ltd or FA 35mm F2 are stellar lenses-I own both- but too expensive regarding your budget.
You may find a good used 35mm F2.8 in K mount (e.g. Vivitar or Panagor Auto Wide-Angle 35mm f1.9 ; Cosina or Petri or Vivitar VMC 35mm f2.8 Cosinon W MC).

niblue · 12-27-2018, 01:28 PM

If you're on a limited budget it might make more sense to get a different focal length (say 24mm or 28mm) rather than doubling up on 35mm. Yes the 35mm F2.4 is quite cheap feeling but it's a decent performer and you'll have to spend a fair amount of cash to get a better AF 35mm. If you don't mind AF then you could look at one of the older MF Pentax lenses or even something in M42 (maybe the 37mm MIR-1b, which can be had cheap and is a nice lens).

**mikesbike** · 12-27-2018, 05:39 PM

If you want a different but still excellent 35mm prime, plus 1 in favor of the FA 35mm f/2. Faster for lower light situations than the DA model, and built much better with a metal mount and dedicated hood. It is also full-frame for film shooting or on a K-1.

Alnjpn · 12-27-2018, 07:30 PM - **1 Like**

Thanks everyone for the advice. I am choosing between the FA35 and DA35 2.8macro - both are similarly priced here. The 31 ltd is a nice thought but just out of my price range. I have the da21 which I use occasionally but find it a little wide for my style of shooting. Hopefully one of these 35s will be my New Years present. Thanks again!

**aslyfox** · 12-27-2018, 07:31 PM

Originally posted by Alnjpn

Thanks everyone for the advice. I am choosing between the FA35 and DA35 2.8macro - both are similarly priced here. The DA31 ltd is a nice thought but just out of my price range. I have the da21 which I use occasionally but find it a little wide for my style of shooting. Hopefully one of these 35s will be my New Years present. Thanks again!

good choices

12-26-2018, 06:44 PM	#1
Alnjpn Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Osaka Posts: 158	Looking for a second 35mm for street Hi all, I have been using the plastic DA35 2.4 for street photography. I really like the field of view it gives on my K3, plus it is fast focusing. However, I find the lens difficult to love. The front element is a little exposed and the build is sharp and plasticky. So I am looking for a lens that gives me the same field of view, is fast focusing and lovable at the same time - any ideas? I have used the da40xs which I do really like but it is just a bit too tight. My budget is around 200 dollars second hand. Thanks.

12-26-2018, 09:12 PM	#6
brightseal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 629	I've been spending way too much time online lately and the pickins' are slim to none, the K1 killed the after market. You can not find even a used 35mm for under $200 except for the M35. All you can do is save your searches and wait it out. Check the marketplace here often, you might get lucky. If you see something, pounce quickly. The next 35 is probably the FA 35 for maybe $250. Maybe consider an F 24-50 or F 35-70? DA 16-45 ? DA 18-55 ? Good Luck Also remember the shopping season is over so you may see something pop up in the coming weeks. Oh did you see this? for $200: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/380422-sa...tax-d-bg2.html Last edited by brightseal; 12-26-2018 at 09:21 PM.

12-27-2018, 04:03 AM	#9
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	if you truly want the same exact " field of view " as the 35mm, you are stuck with a 35mm lens otherwise, might I suggest 28mm I have a Kiron, one of the companies that provided lenses to Vivitar to market under that brand name: Kino Precision Japan Kiron 28mm F2 MC P/KA check the reviews for 28mm variations some examples can be found in these threads Kiron Lens Club - PentaxForums.com DSLR fun with 28mm: Club for any 28mm lens - Page 10 - PentaxForums.com Last edited by aslyfox; 12-27-2018 at 04:33 AM.

12-27-2018, 07:30 PM - 1 Like	#14
Alnjpn Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Osaka Posts: 158 Original Poster	Thanks everyone for the advice. I am choosing between the FA35 and DA35 2.8macro - both are similarly priced here. The 31 ltd is a nice thought but just out of my price range. I have the da21 which I use occasionally but find it a little wide for my style of shooting. Hopefully one of these 35s will be my New Years present. Thanks again! Last edited by Alnjpn; 12-27-2018 at 07:37 PM.

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12-26-2018, 07:15 PM - 3 Likes	#2
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	Save up and get an Fa31. You can get a used one with some scratches on it for ~500-600 if you are patient. The Sigma 30’s are worse than the FA for street photography, but I do like the Sigma for posed portraits.

12-26-2018, 07:18 PM - 1 Like	#3
AstroDave Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2007 Location: Flagstaff, Arizona Posts: 1,637	Do you need autofocus? There are any number of older 28, 31, and 35 mm lenses - many of which perform admirably on the new APS-C cameras. Take a look at the lens review database for the FA, F, A, M and K lenses: Pentax Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Many of these lens come from the "old days" and have a substantial feel and construction!

12-26-2018, 07:25 PM - 1 Like	#4
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,660	look for a good, used copy of the DA35 Macro Limited - I was in the same spot with my DA35/2.4

12-26-2018, 07:41 PM - 1 Like	#5
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	FA 35... better build and just nicer than the DA 35 F2.4

12-27-2018, 12:45 AM	#7
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	Originally posted by Kozlok Save up and get an Fa31. You can get a used one with some scratches on it for ~500-600 if you are patient. The Sigma 30’s are worse than the FA for street photography, but I do like the Sigma for posed portraits. +1 for the FA31mm f1.8 Ltd. A great lens IMHO. Worth its money and a good longer term investment. My 5 cents.

12-27-2018, 12:59 AM	#8
bassek Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 706	I find the 35mm a bit narrow for street photo on crop. How about the 21mm limited? It should fit your budget used. Zooms are found cheap, but I assume (as they would be obvious) they were out of the question? Seb

12-27-2018, 05:54 AM	#10
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	The F35-70 can be had CHEAP and is often called a "stack of primes". It's small and fast AF.

12-27-2018, 11:30 AM	#11
tryphon4 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Drome, France Posts: 303	Originally posted by Alnjpn My budget is around 200 dollars second hand. FA 31mm F1.8 Ltd or FA 35mm F2 are stellar lenses-I own both- but too expensive regarding your budget. You may find a good used 35mm F2.8 in K mount (e.g. Vivitar or Panagor Auto Wide-Angle 35mm f1.9 ; Cosina or Petri or Vivitar VMC 35mm f2.8 Cosinon W MC).

12-27-2018, 01:28 PM	#12
niblue Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Posts: 181	If you're on a limited budget it might make more sense to get a different focal length (say 24mm or 28mm) rather than doubling up on 35mm. Yes the 35mm F2.4 is quite cheap feeling but it's a decent performer and you'll have to spend a fair amount of cash to get a better AF 35mm. If you don't mind AF then you could look at one of the older MF Pentax lenses or even something in M42 (maybe the 37mm MIR-1b, which can be had cheap and is a nice lens).

12-27-2018, 05:39 PM	#13
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,549	If you want a different but still excellent 35mm prime, plus 1 in favor of the FA 35mm f/2. Faster for lower light situations than the DA model, and built much better with a metal mount and dedicated hood. It is also full-frame for film shooting or on a K-1.

12-27-2018, 07:31 PM	#15
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by Alnjpn Thanks everyone for the advice. I am choosing between the FA35 and DA35 2.8macro - both are similarly priced here. The DA31 ltd is a nice thought but just out of my price range. I have the da21 which I use occasionally but find it a little wide for my style of shooting. Hopefully one of these 35s will be my New Years present. Thanks again! good choices