[jcleary47]

Hello everyone,

I want to purchase myself a new lens as a birthday present to myself and I'm looking to spend up to around $275ish.

A couple lenses caught my eye. The Pentax FA 50mm 1.4 and the Pentax DA 40mm 2.8 Limited.

I'm wondering if maybe you guys could advise on which one might be the better buy? I've heard great things about both lenses and read the reviews, but I'm hoping some more experienced people can provide some insight as to if one might have an edge over the other.

I do a lot of nature and people shooting, and some architectural shooting to give some insight to the application of the lens.

Thanks!

[legacyb4]

People are swearing by both lenses; personally, if I were in your shoes, I'd get a cheap 'A' 50mm *and* the DA 40 :-)

[SuperAkuma]

People are swearing by both lenses; personally, if I were in your shoes, I'd get a cheap 'A' 50mm *and* the DA 40 :-)

That is a good advice, to get the DA 40 and buy a manual 50mm f/1.4 or f/1.7. You can get the manual 50mm for pretty cheap and they are just as sharp as the FA 50mm.

I have both lens and both of them are very sharp. I tend to use the 50mm f/1.4 more because of the speed for low light. The 40mm lmt is a great walk around lens that will give you a little bit more wider view.

Really it all depends on what type of photography you do.

[jcleary47]

Well right now I have a Pentax M 55mm 1.4 that I enjoy very much which is why I'm kind of learning towards the 40mm limited

[drewdlephone]

Well right now I have a Pentax M 55mm 1.4 that I enjoy very much which is why I'm kind of learning towards the 40mm limited

That pretty much makes the discussion right there. A 50 would provide you with a negligible difference over your 55. Yeah, the 40 is slower, but I'd still go for it.

[axl]

I agree with first two replies. I did it myself. I went for DA40ltd (never regreted it, by far my most used and maybe best lens) for £200, and 6 months down the line I got F50 f1.7 for £30 (although half stop slower than 1.4 and used I don't think I'll be getting another 50 unles some exceptionaly crazy deal will come around).
The bottom line is, many people swear by fast 50s from their film era, but many are finding out that DA40 has nearly standard FOV on DSLR and that combined with the size and performance of that lens, makes it an ideal purchase.
BR
Peter

[Frank Fletcher]

I have both the FA 50 and the DA 40.

I love the build and size of the 40 but the 50 is still my preferred lens. There's something about the perceived clarity and color rendition which I prefer over the 40mm. For now, I'm holding on to them both. Sometime, I'll try a real comparison.

The FOV on the 50 is a little in between.

Both are excellent lenses and you wouldn't be too disappointed - especially for the $$$.

[Frank Fletcher]

oh yes, forgot to mention, I own two SMC Takumar 50s as well as the "M" f2.0. The FA is still my preferred - and not just because of the convenience of auto.

[Michaelina2]

In your perfect world, I'd suggest getting a DA 35 Ltd. Give yourself a year to learn to use it well then follow-up with a whatever (you'll have a better idea of your next level by then).

On the other hand, at your price point, get the DA 40 Ltd and don't look back. You'll love it.

... my 2 cent$.

[kristoffon]

If you want shapness the limited should win hands down, the 50 is a bit soft wide open.

If you want speed or ultimate bokeh ability, go with the 50.

Also 50 mm is a bit long for a general purpose lens on digital, you will probably find yourself in situations wishing for a wider lens.

[jcleary47]

Thanks for all the responses and input everyone! I think I'll be getting the 40mm limited. It seems like I'll use it most often.

[aamir515]

yea i just bought the fa 50mm last week, love it so far, the only prob is its a bit too long for indoor photos, i had to switch back to 18-55 in the end,
i dont regret buyin it at all tho, its the best lens i have.....