[norwegianoutdoors]

I've had both lenses for 1-2 years and have 6390 shots with the 43mm and 5935 shots with the 50mm.

I prefer the 43. The images it produces is just magical. Yeah, maybe the 50 is better corrected for this and that, and better flare resistance and sharpness. But the IQ award goes from me to the 43.

Anyone agree?

[beholder3]

No.

[norwegianoutdoors]

No.

The why is more interesting than just the no

[beholder3]

The rendering of the DFA 50 is much better.
The DFA 50 offers much better subject separation options.
The AF is more precise.
I never could accept the softness of the edges on the 43.

[norwegianoutdoors]

The rendering of the DFA 50 is much better.
The DFA 50 offers much better subject separation options.
The AF is more precise.
I never could accept the softness of the edges on the 43.

Thanks for clarifying!

The AF and sharpness is certainly better.

But am surprised you prefer the rendering. That being said, that's a subjective thing and I'm glad we don't agree on everything, that would make this discussion boring

Thanks again

[UlrichSchiegg]

I guess it also depends, which Format you use APSC or FF. I have both lenses, and would not want to give one away. I use APSC, so this edge image quality discussion is quite relaxed.

Each of the lenses has its advantages. The 43 is more lightweigt, compacts and also for portraits, I prefer its look. The advantages of the DFA 50 were already mentioned. I shoot a lot against the light, where the DFA performs better. Usuage with a flash is also more consistent.

[Belnan]

No.

No you dont aggree or no no one agrees

---------- Post added 04-16-21 at 10:32 AM ----------

I've had both lenses for 1-2 years and have 6390 shots with the 43mm and 5935 shots with the 50mm.

I prefer the 43. The images it produces is just magical. Yeah, maybe the 50 is better corrected for this and that, and better flare resistance and sharpness. But the IQ award goes from me to the 43.

Anyone agree?

I have never used the DFA 50 mm. But I have had the 43mm the 77mm the FA 50 1.4. The 43mm is the only lens I regret not keeping.

[EssJayEff]

It will be interesting to see what rendering the upcoming HD Pentax-FA 43mm will produce with its rounded blades.

[Kwong]

No you dont aggree or no no one agrees

---------- Post added 04-16-21 at 10:32 AM ----------



I have never used the DFA 50 mm. But I have had the 43mm the 77mm the FA 50 1.4. The 43mm is the only lens I regret not keeping.

Same here i have the 43 and not the 50 but am perfectly happy with the 43 on both aps-c and FF. i don't know what i would gain with the added expense other than i hear it is an exceptional lens with cost in $$ and weight.

[FozzFoster]

From the images I've seen (I don't own either), both lenses perform admirably.
I agree entirely that the 43 has a character x-factor to it while the 50 is almost more clinical (like a marco lens).
However, both produce excellent images!

[kiwi_jono]

I don't yet have the DFA*50 (may succumb to its allure some day but happy with what I have currently and don't relish the idea of walking / hiking with the DFA*50).
I think the creamy bokeh of the DFA*50 in photos I have seen is very impressive and will work for many shots - but I don't think I would want like that for all my shots as I do like a bit of character to bokeh also.

I have the 43 and a number of 50s - FA50 f1.4, FA 50 f2.8, A 50 f1.4, M 50 f1.4, Super Takumar 55 f1.8, Super Takumar 50 f1.4 and the now the A 50 f1.2.
The 43 is still my favorite "all rounder" - love the small size, the focal length and the way it renders. Won't be selling it anytime soon! However the A 50 f1.2 is spending the most time on my camera at the moment as it demands plenty of practice and sometimes really rewards!

[romay]

No, totally disagree. And I'm usually the first person to rave about the character of vintage lenses.

Would have agreed if you'd put up the 43 against, say, the FA50 or the DA* 55mm. But the DFA 50? Nope.
43mm is quite soft wide open and improves to around f4.
50mm on the other hand doesn't improve as you stop it down, since it already reached maximum sharpness at f1.4. And we're talking crazy levels of sharpness, it's on par with the Zeiss Otus. It freaking out-resolves the K1 wide open, the only lens that makes me turn on moire filtering.
43mm has plenty of purple fringing on digital, while the 50mm has very few PF wide open and zero purple fringing as you stop it down.
43mm has nice subject isolation (microcontrast) from f2.8, while the 50mm has Zeiss-levels of 3D pop all through the aperture range.
43mm has a pleasant bokeh while the 50mm has super buttery smooth bokeh.
43mm is noisy screw drive with the usual slack in the geartrain while 50mm has super fast, latest generation SDM with Quickshift.

Now, I totally get why people like the 43mm. I own it myself. Character goes a long way.
Heck, my favorite Pentax lens of all time is the SMC A 28mm 2.8.

But in this case - no matter how much I like your Toyota Celica, if there's a Bugatti Chiron next to it, I don't think twice.

[RobA_Oz]

I don't yet have the DFA*50 (may succumb to its allure some day but happy with what I have currently and don't relish the idea of walking / hiking with the DFA*50).
I think the creamy bokeh of the DFA*50 in photos I have seen is very impressive and will work for many shots - but I don't think I would want like that for all my shots as I do like a bit of character to bokeh also.

I have the 43 and a number of 50s - FA50 f1.4, FA 50 f2.8, A 50 f1.4, M 50 f1.4, Super Takumar 55 f1.8, Super Takumar 50 f1.4 and the now the A 50 f1.2.
The 43 is still my favorite "all rounder" - love the small size, the focal length and the way it renders. Won't be selling it anytime soon! However the A 50 f1.2 is spending the most time on my camera at the moment as it demands plenty of practice and sometimes really rewards!

I have both the FA43 and the DFA50, and I can understand your not relishing the idea of walking or hiking with the 50. Nonetheless, the 50 is a great lens for shooting beyond its nominal field of view, if you don’t mind stitching in post, and its resolution is such that cropping can produce good results. Both require the use of proper technique, of course, not to mention the right processing software. Anyway, I’ve been gratified at the versatility of the lens, for general use while hiking, such that I’ll sometimes not carry any additional gear with me. I do carry the camera on a sling strap, which helps to not put too much strain on my neck or back.

On the other hand, I sometimes feel that I don’t give my FA43 enough work to do.

[Ash]

Given they both have different characteristics, they would bother be used and “preferred” in different circumstances. Question is how much of the time would you reach for the 43 or 50 based on those circumstances for the preferred result?

[DWS1]

I like the fov better on the 43.