[Bob83]

Hi all!

i'm looking at getting a fast prime for those occasions where my main lens won't cut it. (its a DA16-45 f4 btw)

i am regrettably in an area where there isn't a camera shop that stocks pentax within about 400KM, so any purchase would be over the internet. buying a lens sight unseen makes me nervous. even if the supplier is 100% reliable, am i ordering the right one?
That is where the online community will hopefully come to my rescue
I'm after suggestions, comments, experiences on the following;

prime, between, say 20mm and 50mm.
aperture f2.8 or wider
definately AF (i have an old MF one, and MF at f2.8 in low light i find tricky at best. i will completely understand if the camera also has a hard time, but i'd like to have the option)
budget? well not too extravagant. if its going to be too expensive, i might give up on the idea and save up for the DA*50-135 i ALSO want
(sigh! there goes the LBA again)

from my reading, the FA31mm f1.8 would be perfect (if it was about half the price)
the FA50mm f1.4 is a real possibility at the the price. only drawback is 50mm is a little too long for what i'd like.

Thanks for any help

[nulla]

What about the DA 35mm?


https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/showproduct.php?product=311&cat=34

[wavecurrent]

The FA35 F2 is a very good and sharp lens, the only minus is the PF wide open!

Mike

[dazman]

Hi Bob,

If the FA31mm is more than you want to spent, then I would suggest the FA or DA 35mm. You can find plenty of info/user reports on these lens & many more in the forum lens review database...such a great resource https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/index.php

I have the FA 50 and like you mentioned find it a touch too long (my range 28-40, hence my buying the DA35 soon).I do still use the FA 50 and the results can be brilliant, it's worth having one in your kit. Look through all your photos to find out which length you use...that's the prime lens to buy.

As for buying online, I haven't had any issues when buying from B&H in the US or from the the marketplace on this forum. However as the AUD$ is sinking like the titanic, buying local maybe a cheaper option at present. Digital Camera Warehouse is the best priced retailer in Australia and provide wonderful service Digital Camera Warehouse Australia - Discount Digital Cameras shipped Australia Wide - Home

[tybeck]

I'll throw in the DA 40mm or FA 43mm Limiteds. I have the DA 40mm and find it to be a convenient focal length for street photography. Thought it you're leaning toward the mid to low 30s in focal length they might be a touch too long.

[Red]

I'll throw in the DA 40mm or FA 43mm Limiteds. I have the DA 40mm and find it to be a convenient focal length for street photography. Thought it you're leaning toward the mid to low 30s in focal length they might be a touch too long.

Love the 40 too.


There is a 28mm 2.8 on the marketplace right now.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographers-marketplace/38322-pentax-smcp-f-28-2-8-a.html

[BBear]

The FA35 F2 is a very good and sharp lens, the only minus is the PF wide open!

Mike

I also vote for the FA 35mm f/2 for one specific motive: most of the time when you need the speed, it is because you are shooting indoors.. and though the FA 50 is a bit faster, the 35mm is wider and perfect for indoors.

At least this is the application i find myself most needing the 35mm...



Regarding the PF @ wide open, fortunately I havent come across that yet...

[paolojackson]

I agree with FA/DA 35. You have already stated that 50mm might be too long and I couldn't agree more. I love my 50 but I've been wanting a 35mm for the length while shooting indoors.

[RBellavance]

I also vote for the FA 35mm f/2 for one specific motive: most of the time when you need the speed, it is because you are shooting indoors.. and though the FA 50 is a bit faster, the 35mm is wider and perfect for indoors.

At least this is the application i find myself most needing the 35mm...

My thoughts exactly, and also the reason why I got the FA35.

I personally don't feel f/2.8 is fast enough for a prime (macros and telephotos excluded).

[wlachan]

FA35/2 is it.

[benjikan]

Hi all!

i'm looking at getting a fast prime for those occasions where my main lens won't cut it. (its a DA16-45 f4 btw)

i am regrettably in an area where there isn't a camera shop that stocks pentax within about 400KM, so any purchase would be over the internet. buying a lens sight unseen makes me nervous. even if the supplier is 100% reliable, am i ordering the right one?
That is where the online community will hopefully come to my rescue
I'm after suggestions, comments, experiences on the following;

prime, between, say 20mm and 50mm.
aperture f2.8 or wider
definately AF (i have an old MF one, and MF at f2.8 in low light i find tricky at best. i will completely understand if the camera also has a hard time, but i'd like to have the option)
budget? well not too extravagant. if its going to be too expensive, i might give up on the idea and save up for the DA*50-135 i ALSO want
(sigh! there goes the LBA again)

from my reading, the FA31mm f1.8 would be perfect (if it was about half the price)
the FA50mm f1.4 is a real possibility at the the price. only drawback is 50mm is a little too long for what i'd like.

Thanks for any help

If f2.8 works for you I suggest these possibilities. One of my favorite lenses has always been the Tamron28-75 f2.8 lens. It is sharp from wide open to f16. I would also suggest looking at the FA 35 f2.0 and the Pentax Limited 43 f1.9 lens. However the 40 Limited is sharp from f2.8 and could do the trick. It may be a bit too long for interiors however.

Ben

[audiobomber]

Considering that you have the 16-45mm F4, is F2.8 going to be fast enough? That's only one stop difference. I'd suggest you get at least F2.0 for two stops improvement. The 16-45mm is very sharp, even wide open. The other possibility would be a good bounce flash like the Pentax 540 or Sigma 530 Super and learn to use it well.

[MrA]

There's always the Sigma 30mm/f1.4, unless you want Pentax-branded.

[RussellW]

I have the Sigma 24 f1.8 macro, EX DG. Which has suited my needs.
I have used BH Photo video in the US and here in Aus camera warehouse in Sydney escpecially now with the exchange rate

[felix68]

Hi all!

from my reading, the FA31mm f1.8 would be perfect (if it was about half the price)
the FA50mm f1.4 is a real possibility at the the price. only drawback is 50mm is a little too long for what i'd like.

Thanks for any help

From experience, the FA31 is perfect and worth twice the price. Check out some equivilent Can0n L glass in the 30mm range and then see if you like the price of the FA31... Pentax is practically giving it away!
I would highly recommend the FA50mm, as does everyone. It may seem a bit long but it is breathtaking and cheap.