Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

jsherman999 · 02-18-2009, 10:33 AM

Originally posted by TKH

You guys are too clever for me...

Yes the first is the 43. A very good lens, but imho the DA*55 is the better one.

Rainer

Rainer,

Not to pressure you, but we really, really need flora/landscape/portraits!

Need.

Asahiflex · 02-18-2009, 10:39 AM

Originally posted by jsherman999

Rainer,

Not to pressure you, but we really, really need flora/landscape/portraits!

Need.

Yes, please do, or there is no other option than to have your account removed from this forum

TKH · 02-18-2009, 11:15 AM

So I have to do what you want...

Here is a portrait in 1.4:

I named it: "This way to Canon please..."

Rainer

farfisa · 02-18-2009, 11:18 AM

Originally posted by TKH

So I have to do what you want...

Here is a portrait in 1.4:

I named it: "This way to Canon please..."

Rainer

You do realize how popular you are right now, don't you?

You're like a guy in a stable with a bag full of sugar cubes.

TKH · 02-18-2009, 11:23 AM

Originally posted by farfisa

You do realize how popular you are right now, don't you?

Yes, but theres a problem. You are all nice guys!!
Where are the femal groupies???????

Damned

**rparmar** · 02-18-2009, 12:36 PM

Originally posted by Asahiflex

The second one is sharper and the bokeh smoother, so it must be the DA* 55?

The first one is under-exposed.

No critique meant of the photographer. Comparisons like this are extremely difficult to make with any degree of confidence.

If the DA*55 was in the same styling as the FA Limiteds it would be no contest. As it is, the Limiteds simply look and feel like they're from another planet of class and workmanship.

Maffer · 02-18-2009, 01:25 PM

Hahaha, that "Canon-statue"!

That just about made my day...

Buddha Jones · 02-18-2009, 02:09 PM

I dont know, but for a f/1.4, the bokeh doesnt really seam all that appealing so far.

farfisa · 02-18-2009, 02:50 PM

Originally posted by TKH

Yes, but theres a problem. You are all nice guys!!
Where are the femal groupies???????

Damned

Sorry, the girls all go for the yellow neck strap :O

I was actually thinking of a different analogy, but went with the horses... seemed safe.

I'm enjoying all your pics and I'm really liking the rendering so far--the circular highlights might not be for everyone, but I dig 'em.

Of course, this is just the beginning

dkittle · 02-18-2009, 03:16 PM

Damn this thread! I just ordered one...

Class A · 02-18-2009, 03:26 PM

Originally posted by rparmar

If the DA*55 was in the same styling as the FA Limiteds it would be no contest. As it is, the Limiteds simply look and feel like they're from another planet of class and workmanship.

I can fully relate to being impressed by the looks and the handling of a lens but then the final image is most important to most people and so far the 55 had the IQ edge over the 43 in every comparison, AFAIC.

I noticed this earlier on: The 43 is a very good lens but I never felt anything special about its images. I definitely see something special in Pentax FA 31mm and Voigtlaender 55mm images. And the Pentax 55mm appears to have its own special signature touch too.

**rparmar** · 02-18-2009, 03:56 PM

Originally posted by Class A

I can fully relate to being impressed by the looks and the handling of a lens but then the final image is most important to most people and so far the 55 had the IQ edge over the 43 in every comparison, AFAIC.

Well, I don't know. Except for wide open I rather prefer the FA43 shots. There is slightly less clarity in some places but more in the shadows. And handling does mean a lot to me. Not sure if it trumps IQ, but if IQ is too close to call...

Certainly the DA*55 wins on speed. But as I have a 50mm f/1.2 that's not my biggest need right now. I think what we're expecting from the new lens is godlike bokeh for portrait heaven. I'm not seeing that yet. I would like to though -- I want this to be a compelling lens!

Originally posted by Class A

I noticed this earlier on: The 43 is a very good lens but I never felt anything special about its images.

Oh man, I am so the opposite of this. I've never seen an FA31 image that urged me to buy it, but the FA43 I use even though I don't particularly like the FOV. Images just come alive out of this lens.

**GaryM** · 02-18-2009, 04:12 PM

Interesting comparison, but these two focal lengths are far enough apart to make this almost an apples-to-oranges comparison. Certainly the FA43 might be a useful 'walk-around' lens, but for portraits on APS-C I'd much rather be shooting at 55mm than 43mm. If I had deeper pockets, I would gladly own both lenses!

Miserere · 02-18-2009, 04:14 PM

Now we need TKH to borrow an FA 50mm f/1.4 and take some more comparison shots. These are the real questions here, we need to know how these two lenses compare as far as the following parameters are concerned:

Sharpness at various apertures.
Contrast at various apertures.
Bokeh at various apertures.
Focusing speed.
Size and handling.

.

ll_coffee_lP · 02-18-2009, 04:37 PM

Meh...the 43 doesn't do much for me either.

dkittle...where did you order from? I'm looking to get my hands on one also... Can you PM me?

c[_]

02-18-2009, 04:14 PM	#59
Miserere Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,993	Now we need TKH to borrow an FA 50mm f/1.4 and take some more comparison shots. These are the real questions here, we need to know how these two lenses compare as far as the following parameters are concerned: Sharpness at various apertures. Contrast at various apertures. Bokeh at various apertures. Focusing speed. Size and handling. .

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02-18-2009, 10:33 AM	#46
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	Originally posted by TKH You guys are too clever for me... Yes the first is the 43. A very good lens, but imho the DA55 is the better one. Rainer Rainer, Not to pressure you, but we really, really need flora/landscape/portraits! Need*.

02-18-2009, 10:39 AM	#47
Asahiflex Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Netherlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,795	Originally posted by jsherman999 Rainer, Not to pressure you, but we really, really need flora/landscape/portraits! *Need*. Yes, please do, or there is no other option than to have your account removed from this forum

02-18-2009, 11:15 AM	#48
TKH Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany Posts: 371 Original Poster	So I have to do what you want... Here is a portrait in 1.4: I named it: "This way to Canon please..." Rainer

02-18-2009, 11:18 AM	#49
farfisa Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,274	Originally posted by TKH So I have to do what you want... Here is a portrait in 1.4: I named it: "This way to Canon please..." Rainer You do realize how popular you are right now, don't you? You're like a guy in a stable with a bag full of sugar cubes.

02-18-2009, 11:23 AM	#50
TKH Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany Posts: 371 Original Poster	Originally posted by farfisa You do realize how popular you are right now, don't you? Yes, but theres a problem. You are all nice guys!! Where are the femal groupies??????? Damned

02-18-2009, 12:36 PM	#51
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,824	Originally posted by Asahiflex The second one is sharper and the bokeh smoother, so it must be the DA* 55? The first one is under-exposed. No critique meant of the photographer. Comparisons like this are extremely difficult to make with any degree of confidence. If the DA*55 was in the same styling as the FA Limiteds it would be no contest. As it is, the Limiteds simply look and feel like they're from another planet of class and workmanship.

02-18-2009, 01:25 PM	#52
Maffer Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Finland Photos: Gallery Posts: 308	Hahaha, that "Canon-statue"! That just about made my day...

02-18-2009, 02:09 PM	#53
Buddha Jones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Charlotte, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,587	I dont know, but for a f/1.4, the bokeh doesnt really seam all that appealing so far.

02-18-2009, 02:50 PM	#54
farfisa Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,274	Originally posted by TKH Yes, but theres a problem. You are all nice guys!! Where are the femal groupies??????? Damned Sorry, the girls all go for the yellow neck strap :O I was actually thinking of a different analogy, but went with the horses... seemed safe. I'm enjoying all your pics and I'm really liking the rendering so far--the circular highlights might not be for everyone, but I dig 'em. Of course, this is just the beginning

02-18-2009, 03:16 PM	#55
dkittle Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto, Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 429	Damn this thread! I just ordered one...

02-18-2009, 03:26 PM	#56
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by rparmar If the DA*55 was in the same styling as the FA Limiteds it would be no contest. As it is, the Limiteds simply look and feel like they're from another planet of class and workmanship. I can fully relate to being impressed by the looks and the handling of a lens but then the final image is most important to most people and so far the 55 had the IQ edge over the 43 in every comparison, AFAIC. I noticed this earlier on: The 43 is a very good lens but I never felt anything special about its images. I definitely see something special in Pentax FA 31mm and Voigtlaender 55mm images. And the Pentax 55mm appears to have its own special signature touch too.

02-18-2009, 03:56 PM	#57
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,824	Originally posted by Class A I can fully relate to being impressed by the looks and the handling of a lens but then the final image is most important to most people and so far the 55 had the IQ edge over the 43 in every comparison, AFAIC. Well, I don't know. Except for wide open I rather prefer the FA43 shots. There is slightly less clarity in some places but more in the shadows. And handling does mean a lot to me. Not sure if it trumps IQ, but if IQ is too close to call... Certainly the DA*55 wins on speed. But as I have a 50mm f/1.2 that's not my biggest need right now. I think what we're expecting from the new lens is godlike bokeh for portrait heaven. I'm not seeing that yet. I would like to though -- I want this to be a compelling lens! Originally posted by Class A I noticed this earlier on: The 43 is a very good lens but I never felt anything special about its images. Oh man, I am so the opposite of this. I've never seen an FA31 image that urged me to buy it, but the FA43 I use even though I don't particularly like the FOV. Images just come alive out of this lens.

02-18-2009, 04:12 PM	#58
GaryM Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Montclair, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 426	Interesting comparison, but these two focal lengths are far enough apart to make this almost an apples-to-oranges comparison. Certainly the FA43 might be a useful 'walk-around' lens, but for portraits on APS-C I'd much rather be shooting at 55mm than 43mm. If I had deeper pockets, I would gladly own both lenses!

02-18-2009, 04:37 PM	#60
ll_coffee_lP Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,972	Meh...the 43 doesn't do much for me either. dkittle...where did you order from? I'm looking to get my hands on one also... Can you PM me? c[_]

DA*55mm vs. FA43mm

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!