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07-02-2020, 12:18 AM   #1
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Choosing between the M 28/2.8 and the M 28/3.5

I know this question has been asked many a times before…

I am seeking a 28mm lens to compliment my 50 but cannot for the life of me decide between the 2.8 (first version with the chrome ring) and the 3.5. Price is not an issue, I know someone selling both for the same amount.

From what I have read, the 3.5 is much sharper than the 2.8 but otherwise the user reviews on this website seem to rate them both in a very positive light.

I’m looking for a versatile 28 that I can use during daytime and nighttime which points me to the 2.8 for the extra half stop but then everyone says its a blurry mess compared to the 3.5.

Is there something I am missing here?

PS: I’m shooting film, not digital.

07-02-2020, 12:35 AM   #2
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I have both.
don't use them very much but they are both nice lenses.
the 3.5 striked me indeed as a bit sharper and especially a bit nicer rendering (on digital..).

on a 28mm, 2.8 vs 3.5 would be secondary for me.
07-02-2020, 12:42 AM   #3
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I have had the M 28mm f/2.8 in my bag since the mid eighties. It saw extensive use in my film days and I loved it. The 1.5x crop factor on my digital made for a slightly weird (to me) focal length and I didn't use it much. Until I discovered how well it works for street photography, that is. I usually mount it on a Samsung NX100, dial in focus at three meters, aperture at f/11 and shoot away. Wonderful!

I have no experience of the f/3.5, but I can't imagine that the difference is huge. You could just stop the f/2.8 down and keep the wide open option for low light. The safe option would be the f/3.5 but why not get both? Just to be sure, no gear acquisition syndrome. Then again, life is too short to have just one 28mm.
07-02-2020, 12:56 AM   #4
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I have both. I think the main difference is starbursts. 2.8 is among the best in M series and 3.5 simply sucks. 2.8 also handle flare and vignetting really well, thought I don't remember any vignetting issues with 3.5 either. If starbursts don't matter, I suggest either one

My single in challenge albums, if you like to check yourself.

M28/2.8 in APSC

M28/3.5 in APSC

M28/3.5 in FF

I'll shoot a month in FF with M28/2.8 in August.


Last edited by iheiramo; 07-02-2020 at 01:47 AM.
07-02-2020, 01:18 AM   #5
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Thank you for the replies guys!

QuoteOriginally posted by iheiramo Quote
I have both. I think the main difference is starbursts. 2.8 is among the best in M series and 3.5 simply sucks. 2.8 also handle flare and vignetting really well, thought I don't remember any vignetting issues with 3.5 either. If starbursts don't matter, I suggest either one

My single in challenge albums, if you like to check yourself.

M28/2.8 in APSC

M28/3.5 in APSC

M28/3.5 in FF

I'll shoot a month in FF with M28/2.8 in August.
What’s your thoughts on lens flare in the 3.5, and distortion in both?
07-02-2020, 01:55 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by agregate Quote
What’s your thoughts on lens flare in the 3.5, and distortion in both?
I don't remember flare issues as long as you keep sun out of the frame. I really don't pay attention to distortion or do brick wall tests with my lenses. Can't help you here.
07-02-2020, 03:46 AM - 1 Like   #7
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buy both - shoot each one every day for a month... in two months time, sell off the one that doesn't spark joy...

if they both do - keep them both...

07-02-2020, 04:46 AM - 1 Like   #8
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Here is a test I did

Pentax A 28 2.8
Takumar Bayonet 28 2.8
Pentax M 28 2.8 Later version.
Pentax M 28 2.8 Early
Pentax M 28 3.5
The early M 2.8 was a definite low flyer (in my examples)
I found the M 28 3.5 a rock solid performer.

But the Later 2.8s are a slight step up.
Don't underestimate the Tak bayonet if cost is a real issue.

Flare comparison on the classic Pentax 28mms. - PentaxForums.com

Last edited by GUB; 07-03-2020 at 12:29 AM.
07-02-2020, 06:22 AM   #9
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I've perceived some differences in colour rendering. The 3.5 seems really good with blues so great at the beach or sunny blue skies. The 2.8 is good with autumnal colours - reds, browns and oranges.
07-02-2020, 06:25 AM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by southlander Quote
I've perceived some differences in colour rendering. The 3.5 seems really good with blues so great at the beach or sunny blue skies. The 2.8 is good with autumnal colours - reds, browns and oranges.
that is all OP needs: a good reason to buy them both ;-)
I'll remember this one when i am taking a hike..
07-02-2020, 08:24 AM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by agregate Quote
I know this question has been asked many a times before…

I am seeking a 28mm lens to compliment my 50 but cannot for the life of me decide between the 2.8 (first version with the chrome ring) and the 3.5. Price is not an issue, I know someone selling both for the same amount.

From what I have read, the 3.5 is much sharper than the 2.8 but otherwise the user reviews on this website seem to rate them both in a very positive light.

I’m looking for a versatile 28 that I can use during daytime and nighttime which points me to the 2.8 for the extra half stop but then everyone says its a blurry mess compared to the 3.5.

Is there something I am missing here?

PS: I’m shooting film, not digital.
Get the K28/3.5 it will be better than both M Series lenses. I've been using the K28/3.5 on film since I bought the lens new in 1975. Best bang for you buck in Pentax 28mm lenses, though if you really want the best then it's the K28/2...

Phil.
07-02-2020, 11:49 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by agregate Quote
What’s your thoughts on lens flare in the 3.5, and distortion in both?
I use the 3.5 on film. In my opinion the flare resistance is very good. I never saw any issues there. Distortion is virtually non existent, at least I never saw any problems while taking pictures of architecture. Unfortunately I do not have the 2.8, so I cannot compare them.

Just mind that technically the difference between f2.8 and f3.5 is 2/3 of a stop and not half. Half stop would be f3.3
07-02-2020, 10:29 PM   #13
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2.8 or 3.5 is almost irrelevant with a 28 as far as exposure goes and focussing screen brightness isn't that different. Otherwise the K28/2 is the solution as Phil mentioned.
07-02-2020, 11:05 PM - 2 Likes   #14
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So it is settled. I’m going to go for a 3.5.

I’ll be shooting in winter and the blues have me sold!

As for the K series lenses, I would love to use one but they are just out of my price range from what I can find on the bay (and given coronavirus, the huge postage costs to send via. FedEx and the likes).

I would also buy both as some of you suggest to find what I like but I simply don’t have the budget (why am I even shooting film?)

Thank you everyone!
07-03-2020, 04:33 AM   #15
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I've had both and while I wouldn't recommend either as one of the best 28mm lenses around, the f/3.5 is certainly better - sharper, better contrast and without the dull rendering of the f/2.8.

The K 28/3.5 is much better still and worth paying more for, if you can find one at a reasonable price. Any of the Vivitar 28mm f/2 versions I'd also say is superior to either of the Ms, but make sure it doesn't have oil on the blades. The A series 28/2.8 is a very good lens though soft wide open, so treat it as if it were an f/4 lens and it has very good, modern rendering with lots of colour and contrast, though bokeh is horrible. It is also quite common and goes for less than the K 28/3.5.
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