[aslyfox]

. . . It was my idea to buy the 77 last year, but then I compared it with the new FA*50/1.4 and
decided for the 50mm, because it is completly made of pur pixie dust and it can crop a 77 on the K1.

Olaf

I believe the OP is talking about the new Pentax-D FA * 50mm F 1.4

[Darkover]

I believe the OP is talking about the new Pentax-D FA * 50mm F 1.4

Yes he did. The Pentax names are so complicate. It is easier to remember the purchase price than the lens name.
So please be carefull! Everybody who believes in pixie dust for the 31, 43, 77 should not touch the new 50 or his wallet will become empty.

Olaf

[aslyfox]

I have found these charts to be very helpful

Pentax K-Mount Lenses Explained: The differences between various Pentax lens series

The Pentax Camera Lens Compatibility Chart

[ffking]

I'd say the 35mm is in every way the better choice - unless you want your images to have a totally unique and wonderful look

[leekil]

Only just yesterday have I had any interest in a different 35mm-ish lens than the FA31, and that was only because I wanted a slightly smaller lens to carry around on the occasion. But I may use the FA31 more heavily than most; I have taken about 15% of my Pentax digital photos with it.

[angerdan]

I am thinking about buying a new lens in the range 30-35mm.

1. What would you think?
2. I like to buy small lens for my K1 when I did not like to carry to much or and that did not stand out compared the HD50/1.4 or the 28-70/2.8
3. Is the something (small) from Sigma I should thing about?

1. I would wait for the new D FA* 35mm 1.4 SDM AW. Suits well to your D FA* 50mm
   It could be announced next year and is already on the roadmap for 2019!
2. Then the HD FA 35 would be a good compromise, but lacks Quick Shift and WR.
3. Not really, the FA 31mm makes more fun and the awaited D FA* 35mm will be better in every way.

CP+ 2019 - New lens roadmap - DA Standard Zoom added - Fish-Eye Zoom removed - PentaxForums.com
http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/lens/images/K_Mount_Lens.pdf

[Just1MoreDave]

One way to make a choice like this is how the new lens integrates with your other lenses or plans for lenses. If you have/plan for the FA77, lean towards the FA31. An APS-C shooter might want the DA 35 Limited to team up with the DA21 or other Limiteds. The FA31 has a 58mm filter and cap - sometimes it's nice to have all the same cap size.

I've seen a lot of comparisons over the years between the FA31 and older FA35. I can see that the FA31 is better, especially as it transitions from in focus to out of focus. I would probably like it but I doubt I would take the kind of shots where it would matter.

[mikesbike]

I already have long had the FA 35mm f/2 lens, which i especially favored with my film bodies. I liked its modest wide angle FOV for a non-exaggerated capture of more into the frame compared to a 50mm "normal" lens. it was often between it and the FA 43mm f/1.9 which was true normal with no exaggerations.

What intrigues me now about the FA 31mm is in addition to its fine performance, and the fact it offers rather close to a degree of WA to a 28mm lens on FF, yet when used with APS-C it is very close to giving the natural quality of perspective and providing more into the frame comparable to what the FA 43mm lens does for FF use, that is making it more versatile than a 50mm "normal" lens. Unfortunately, it is unable to also do so in a comparably super compact form as the FA 43mm, but with the degree of performance it can deliver one cannot complain. If one shoots APS-C and FF, it is then much more versatile than a 35mm lens.

I keep nudging myself to spend more money and get one, since the same logic applies as did the FA 43mm with my film bodies!!

[pschlute]

I can see that the FA31 is better, especially as it transitions from in focus to out of focus.

Exactly. This is the defining quality of this lens.

It will not be for everyone though. Lack of quick shift may make it troublesome for street photography, and it can exhibit terrible CA in the wrong circumstances.

[y0chang]

I got a FA 31mm in a trade with another Pentaxian who wanted my DA 21mm and cash. At first I was tentative because I already owned the Plastic Fantastic 35mm f2.4, I find the focal length a bit weird and at first it was tough to nail focus. Little did I know that the FA 31mm has now become my favorite lens on full frame. Its absolutely the best lens I own in K-mount. The rendering, the bokeh, the sharpness is just stunning. I even turn off image correction sometimes because I like the vignetting. Its so good that I now want the 77mm as a compliment to the lens for portraits.

This was taken by my FA 31mm to show you what you can create. Nothing I own can create this other than the FA 31mm.

[angerdan]

This was taken by my FA 31mm to show you what you can create. Nothing I own can create this other than the FA 31mm.

Awesome image!

You can upload images into the gallery:
Pentax User Photo Gallery - PentaxForums.com

Then they'll be linked in you profile gallery and the lens galleries
Pentax Camera & Lens Sample Photo Search Engine - PentaxForums.com

[Darkover]

Okay it happend.
I played with both lens for a hour and then I decided for the 31mm.
Not cheap of course but for me the better decision.

Now I have to find some good 31mm places in Tokyo, but that should be possible. :-)

Olaf

[y0chang]

Okay it happend.
I played with both lens for a hour and then I decided for the 31mm.
Not cheap of course but for me the better decision.

Now I have to find some good 31mm places in Tokyo, but that should be possible. :-)

Olaf

Congrats and definitely post some shots of your new lens

[Darkover]

I fear the 31mm is a bad lens for
Tokyo because it is not waterproof. :-)

Olaf

[Darkover]

This is a first picture with the 31mm, a nice lens!