Originally posted by Bauie Thanks to all who have replied. I'm an old film guy so still think of a 50mm lens in terms of 35mm film angle of view. I messed around a bit last night and the 50mm (75mm equiv) would be too long, the 35mm (53mm equiv) would be much more useable. I guess the choice is between the HD Pentax-FA 35mm f/2 Lens
and the Pentax 35mm DA L f/2.4 AL Lens. Neither of these lenses are actually designated as macro, would one be better than the other for close work?
Do not forget the DA 35 F2.8 Macro Limited. It's your best choice if 50mm is too narrow. Otherwise, I would recommend the much cheaper DA 35 F2.4 AL. It's one of the sharpest Pentax lenses outside dedicated macro lenses. I don't think the FA 35 is worthwhile for your usage, you don't need wide aperture, nor aperture ring, nor full frame compatibility.
Bottom line : if cost is not a problem, the DA 35 F2.8 Macro Limited is what you need for ultimate sharpness. Otherwise, the DA 35 F2.4 AL will do the job.