FA* 24 2.0 v. DA 21 ltd--which to buy???

cyclingshooter · 01-15-2009, 03:07 PM

About to purchase one of the two....

Anybody have experience with either and what I'm really looking for is an image quality comparison....

I do like the smaller size advantage of the 21mm, although I like the speed of the 24mm...

As always, thanks in advance for your responses...

rburgoss · 01-15-2009, 03:11 PM

I have the FA24/2 and its IQ is outstanding, but not wide open which exhibits a bit of softness. From 2.8 and up its sparkling sharp all the way. Fast focuser but chunky.

HermanLee · 01-15-2009, 03:21 PM

I have the FA* 24/2 and love it.
If you can find one, get this one first since it's not easy to find.
I'm sure DA 21 Ltd is good too but you can always buy it anytime.

One thing you'll notice from FA*24/2 is the excellent contrast.
Even at wide open, I notice the contrast is even better than my FA 43 Ltd.

Yes, the FA*24 is big and heavy but is very versatile and give a good grip.
I can shoot one event the whole day without changing lenses.
And with the speed, you can always carry it in low light places like inside museum where you can't use flash at all.
When I went to Getty museum in LA last time, I only bring this lens and I'm glad I did.
The light is very challenging inside the museum. I was using K100D at ISO 1600 and the shutter speed is just ok with aperture 2.0
So I can't imagine shooting with other lenses with smaller aperture.

Hope this helps,

Blue · 01-15-2009, 03:22 PM

I went with the 21mm due to the physical size of the 24mm since I'm likely to be traveling by air travel when I use it. I could see me replacing one of my other lens should I land an FA* 24mm, but not the 21mm.

DJey · 01-15-2009, 10:56 PM

I have the same dilema.. am leaning towards FA 24mm as the focal length suits me well..
Hmmm, I might sell my gears for this one!

soccerjoe5 · 01-15-2009, 11:25 PM

I for one love the focal length of the 21, it lets me able to push in tighter. However the 2 focal lengths are very close so I think you should base your decision on size or speed.

It's always a trade-off of size and speed, and you're gonna have to choose one

Adam · 01-15-2009, 11:31 PM

In the review database, both lenses score equally well (9.2/10 over several reviews).

I'd personally go for the FA* 24mm and sacrifice size for better IQ, speed, handling (it's quite easy to hold), and possible future full-frame use. If you want something compact to go along wih the 24mm, consider the 40mm pancake.

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)

PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

blende8 · 01-16-2009, 02:44 AM

I had both and I sold the DA21.
It was a little too wide for a walk-around lens and it is too slow (f3.2).
I use a 28mm for that purpose now.
Also the image quality of my Sigma 20/1.8 is slightly better, too.
This lens might be a consideration, too.

The AF of the FA24 is very fast.
Great lens in all respects.

Abbazz · 01-16-2009, 02:55 AM

Originally posted by cyclingshooter

About to purchase one of the two....

FA 20/2.8...

Cheers!

Abbazz

Blue · 01-16-2009, 07:29 AM

Originally posted by Abbazz

FA 20/2.8...

Cheers!

Abbazz

I wondered if someone was going to bring this one up!

cyclingshooter · 01-16-2009, 07:49 AM

Thanks for all the opinions so far. I missed out on the * 24mm and now feeling a little underwhelmed about the 21mm

Maybe I'll look for the FA 20...

01-15-2009, 03:07 PM	#1
cyclingshooter Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Midwest Posts: 118	*FA 24 2.0 v. DA 21 ltd--which to buy???** About to purchase one of the two.... Anybody have experience with either and what I'm really looking for is an image quality comparison.... I do like the smaller size advantage of the 21mm, although I like the speed of the 24mm... As always, thanks in advance for your responses...

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01-15-2009, 03:11 PM	#2
rburgoss Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose, Costa Rica Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 972	I have the FA24/2 and its IQ is outstanding, but not wide open which exhibits a bit of softness. From 2.8 and up its sparkling sharp all the way. Fast focuser but chunky.

01-15-2009, 03:21 PM	#3
HermanLee Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Southern California, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 729	I have the FA* 24/2 and love it. If you can find one, get this one first since it's not easy to find. I'm sure DA 21 Ltd is good too but you can always buy it anytime. One thing you'll notice from FA24/2 is the excellent contrast. Even at wide open, I notice the contrast is even better than my FA 43 Ltd. Yes, the FA24 is big and heavy but is very versatile and give a good grip. I can shoot one event the whole day without changing lenses. And with the speed, you can always carry it in low light places like inside museum where you can't use flash at all. When I went to Getty museum in LA last time, I only bring this lens and I'm glad I did. The light is very challenging inside the museum. I was using K100D at ISO 1600 and the shutter speed is just ok with aperture 2.0 So I can't imagine shooting with other lenses with smaller aperture. Hope this helps,

01-15-2009, 03:22 PM	#4
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	I went with the 21mm due to the physical size of the 24mm since I'm likely to be traveling by air travel when I use it. I could see me replacing one of my other lens should I land an FA* 24mm, but not the 21mm.

01-15-2009, 10:56 PM	#5
DJey Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Philippines Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 284	I have the same dilema.. am leaning towards FA 24mm as the focal length suits me well.. Hmmm, I might sell my gears for this one!

01-15-2009, 11:25 PM	#6
soccerjoe5 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Philippines Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,343	I for one love the focal length of the 21, it lets me able to push in tighter. However the 2 focal lengths are very close so I think you should base your decision on size or speed. It's always a trade-off of size and speed, and you're gonna have to choose one

01-15-2009, 11:31 PM	#7
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	In the review database, both lenses score equally well (9.2/10 over several reviews). I'd personally go for the FA* 24mm and sacrifice size for better IQ, speed, handling (it's quite easy to hold), and possible future full-frame use. If you want something compact to go along wih the 24mm, consider the 40mm pancake. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

01-16-2009, 02:44 AM	#8
blende8 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bremen, Germany Photos: Albums Posts: 1,521	I had both and I sold the DA21. It was a little too wide for a walk-around lens and it is too slow (f3.2). I use a 28mm for that purpose now. Also the image quality of my Sigma 20/1.8 is slightly better, too. This lens might be a consideration, too. The AF of the FA24 is very fast. Great lens in all respects.

01-16-2009, 02:55 AM	#9
Abbazz Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Jakarta Posts: 667	Originally posted by cyclingshooter About to purchase one of the two.... FA 20/2.8... Cheers! Abbazz

01-16-2009, 07:29 AM	#10
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by Abbazz FA 20/2.8... Cheers! Abbazz I wondered if someone was going to bring this one up!

01-16-2009, 07:49 AM	#11
cyclingshooter Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Midwest Posts: 118 Original Poster	Thanks for all the opinions so far. I missed out on the * 24mm and now feeling a little underwhelmed about the 21mm Maybe I'll look for the FA 20...