DA70 ltd or DA35 ltd

NorrisTudor · 06-03-2009, 03:45 AM

I'm thinking of getting rid of my FA50mm in favour of either a DA70 or DA35 and can't decide what would work.

I love the size of the DA70, so compact and sharp, and together with my (k7 ;-) would be almost pocketable! I'm also thinking the AF would be faster than the FA50 so should catch my daughter in focus a bit more often.

The 35mm however might be more useful as its wider for shots of the kids, and the macro makes it a preference over a DA40. However I have a 16-50 da* so the range would be covered by this.

I know some would say don't ditch the FA50, but can't really afford to have both.

**G_Money** · 06-03-2009, 04:05 AM

The only thing your FA50 is giving you now is the extra speed over your 16-50 (you don't say what aperture your 50 is, I'll assume it's a 1.4). As you note, you've got the 35mm length covered by your zoom, pixel-peepers would say not as sharply but that's up to you—albeit the macro option is a plus. My advice would be the DA70, you seem to be a little weak in that focal length. But all the lenses you mention are great ones, I have them all.

soccerjoe5 · 06-03-2009, 05:27 AM

Unfortunately, you're the only one who can decide as they're totally different beasts

Both are fantastic and show the best of Pentax optics. You'll have to decide based on focal length.

Peter Zack · 06-03-2009, 05:32 AM

If catching the kids in focus is the issue, then you might consider waiting till you get the K-7. You may find the new camera will improve the AF of the FA50. If that's not an option, Then get the 70mm, your well covered at the same max aperture below 50mm.

ILoveVerdi · 06-03-2009, 05:39 AM

I'd have to say the 70, for practical reasons. But take a look at some of the 35 LTD threads around here, you may well be tempted to duplicate your 35mm coverage

PinarelloOnly · 06-03-2009, 06:42 AM

As an owner of the 35 Limited I can tell you if you have enough light it will get you
the indoor shots you want and wide enough for your kid shots.

However, I wish I bought the 70 Limited. For using outdoors, the 35 Limited was
to short for me. I think the 70 Limited is probably the best "vacation" lens someone could have.

vizjerei · 06-03-2009, 01:33 PM

Get Both

so you get the whole marco, stardard, short telephoto lens set

Hello_Photo · 06-03-2009, 01:53 PM

Of the DA35 and the DA70, the DA35 has the more versatile focal length for indoor and outdoor shots. I have the DA35 and the FA77, and the FA77 isn't getting nearly as much use lately (in fairness, the DA35 is also newer and I have the DA200, which is fun for outdoor close-ups in the summer).

However, the DA35 is no faster than your 16-50, so unless you really want to avoid carrying the weight of the DA*, I would go with the DA70 for the sake of expanding your photographic options (longer lens, faster aperture than your 55-300).

Another factor to consider is focussing speed; the best optics are rendered useless if they can't be aligned in time to produce an in-focus shot of your subject.

The DA35, contrary to popular belief, is very quick focussing. The focussing ring rotates about 10 degrees between infinity and 2 feet; it's the range from 2 feet to 6 inches that takes up the remaining 160 degrees of focussing ring rotation. So, as long as you have reasonable lighting (better than ISO 1000, F2.8, 1/4), you should be able to lock focus very quickly with the DA35.

The DA70 has a reputation for quick focussing, but I can't confirm this from first-hand experience.

The FA77 is another story. Its focussing ring rotates about 160 degrees to get from infinity to 2 feet, so it can be painfully slow to focus on moving subjects (kids in my case). For that reason alone, I would go for the DA70 over the FA77, despite the extra stop of light gathering ability. FWIW, less than 3% of my keeper shots with the FA77 are at apertures larger than F2.5.

Best of luck!

Marc Sabatella · 06-03-2009, 02:17 PM

Frankly, I thinkt he choice should be between the DA40 and DA70. You already have a 16-50, so the only advantage of an f/2.8 prime in that neighborhood would be for the size, and the DA40 is unbeatable there. OK, there is macro on the 35, but the focal length is too short for most macro work anyhow. You're better off putting a Raynox closeup lens on something longer (like your 55-300) to add a quick macro capability. The DA70 would also give you something you dont have: speed in the 70mm range. Which si indeed great for portraits. Although I use my 40 and my 28 more than my 70; I find the "normal" focal length range more generally useful.

maxwell1295 · 06-03-2009, 07:05 PM

I say get both, but if I were in your shoes I'd get the DA70 first. Since you already have the 16-50, the 70 gives you a compact prime that should be a good compliment in terms of focal length.

I have a really good copy of the 16-50, the DA35, and the DA70. If I could only keep one, there is NO WAY IN HELL I'd get rid of the DA35! It might be short for bug macros where you need some working distance, but I can't think of a better walkabout prime. I don't think there's a better flower lens in the Pentax lineup. The lens simply does everything you need a lens to do.

K100Dave · 06-03-2009, 09:46 PM

Maxwell hits the nail right on the head about the DA35 as a great walkabout prime, it usually leaves my K20D. However the DA70 is one helluva lens in it's own right tho! For portraiture work it's a stunning lens and very portable to carry around (I do miss that!) I replaced mine with the DA* 50-135mm only b/c I needed a little more versatility for portraiture work.

As stated above, buy both if you can.

NorrisTudor · 06-04-2009, 01:37 AM

thanks for the feedback.

Marc...since posting..I've been looking at the DA40 as well...its so compact, and it would faster focusing than my FA50 definately so might be more practical. So apart from 5mm the only advantage with the DA35 and DA40 is the macro facility and I have a macro lens.

I also didn't appreciate what good value the DA40 is...so its a serious contender, at least until the prices go up. (new massive price hikes in Europe)

So it looks like the DA40 and DA70 plus alot of explanations to her indoors.

roentarre · 06-04-2009, 04:51 AM

Da 70mm ltd definitely has an edge for general purpose photography.

Da 35mm f2.8 macro may not be that much different from a Fa 35mm f2

NorrisTudor · 06-04-2009, 04:54 AM

mmm...ok so now selling a FA50 1.4 ;-)

springtian · 06-04-2009, 10:40 PM

Originally posted by Hello_Photo

Of the DA35 and the DA70, the DA35 has the more versatile focal length for indoor and outdoor shots. I have the DA35 and the FA77, and the FA77 isn't getting nearly as much use lately (in fairness, the DA35 is also newer and I have the DA200, which is fun for outdoor close-ups in the summer).

However, the DA35 is no faster than your 16-50, so unless you really want to avoid carrying the weight of the DA*, I would go with the DA70 for the sake of expanding your photographic options (longer lens, faster aperture than your 55-300).

Another factor to consider is focussing speed; the best optics are rendered useless if they can't be aligned in time to produce an in-focus shot of your subject.

The DA35, contrary to popular belief, is very quick focussing. The focussing ring rotates about 10 degrees between infinity and 2 feet; it's the range from 2 feet to 6 inches that takes up the remaining 160 degrees of focussing ring rotation. So, as long as you have reasonable lighting (better than ISO 1000, F2.8, 1/4), you should be able to lock focus very quickly with the DA35.

The DA70 has a reputation for quick focussing, but I can't confirm this from first-hand experience.

The FA77 is another story. Its focussing ring rotates about 160 degrees to get from infinity to 2 feet, so it can be painfully slow to focus on moving subjects (kids in my case). For that reason alone, I would go for the DA70 over the FA77, despite the extra stop of light gathering ability. FWIW, less than 3% of my keeper shots with the FA77 are at apertures larger than F2.5.

Best of luck!

I have both the DA35 and FA77, too. I would say the DA35 is the my Go lens and the FA77 is my portrait and play-with-bokeh lens.

See my log: My New Companions: FA77 & DA35 | springtian's log

06-03-2009, 03:45 AM	#1
NorrisTudor Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: London Posts: 52	DA70 ltd or DA35 ltd I'm thinking of getting rid of my FA50mm in favour of either a DA70 or DA35 and can't decide what would work. I love the size of the DA70, so compact and sharp, and together with my (k7 ;-) would be almost pocketable! I'm also thinking the AF would be faster than the FA50 so should catch my daughter in focus a bit more often. The 35mm however might be more useful as its wider for shots of the kids, and the macro makes it a preference over a DA40. However I have a 16-50 da* so the range would be covered by this. I know some would say don't ditch the FA50, but can't really afford to have both.

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06-03-2009, 04:05 AM	#2
G_Money Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 598	The only thing your FA50 is giving you now is the extra speed over your 16-50 (you don't say what aperture your 50 is, I'll assume it's a 1.4). As you note, you've got the 35mm length covered by your zoom, pixel-peepers would say not as sharply but that's up to you—albeit the macro option is a plus. My advice would be the DA70, you seem to be a little weak in that focal length. But all the lenses you mention are great ones, I have them all.

06-03-2009, 05:27 AM	#3
soccerjoe5 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Philippines Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,343	Unfortunately, you're the only one who can decide as they're totally different beasts Both are fantastic and show the best of Pentax optics. You'll have to decide based on focal length.

06-03-2009, 05:32 AM	#4
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	If catching the kids in focus is the issue, then you might consider waiting till you get the K-7. You may find the new camera will improve the AF of the FA50. If that's not an option, Then get the 70mm, your well covered at the same max aperture below 50mm.

06-03-2009, 05:39 AM	#5
ILoveVerdi Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Grand Rapids, MI. USA. Earth. Posts: 139	I'd have to say the 70, for practical reasons. But take a look at some of the 35 LTD threads around here, you may well be tempted to duplicate your 35mm coverage

06-03-2009, 06:42 AM	#6
PinarelloOnly Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Shoreline CT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 86	As an owner of the 35 Limited I can tell you if you have enough light it will get you the indoor shots you want and wide enough for your kid shots. However, I wish I bought the 70 Limited. For using outdoors, the 35 Limited was to short for me. I think the 70 Limited is probably the best "vacation" lens someone could have.

06-03-2009, 01:33 PM	#7
vizjerei Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,418	Get Both so you get the whole marco, stardard, short telephoto lens set

06-03-2009, 01:53 PM	#8
Hello_Photo Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 75	Of the DA35 and the DA70, the DA35 has the more versatile focal length for indoor and outdoor shots. I have the DA35 and the FA77, and the FA77 isn't getting nearly as much use lately (in fairness, the DA35 is also newer and I have the DA200, which is fun for outdoor close-ups in the summer). However, the DA35 is no faster than your 16-50, so unless you really want to avoid carrying the weight of the DA*, I would go with the DA70 for the sake of expanding your photographic options (longer lens, faster aperture than your 55-300). Another factor to consider is focussing speed; the best optics are rendered useless if they can't be aligned in time to produce an in-focus shot of your subject. The DA35, contrary to popular belief, is very quick focussing. The focussing ring rotates about 10 degrees between infinity and 2 feet; it's the range from 2 feet to 6 inches that takes up the remaining 160 degrees of focussing ring rotation. So, as long as you have reasonable lighting (better than ISO 1000, F2.8, 1/4), you should be able to lock focus very quickly with the DA35. The DA70 has a reputation for quick focussing, but I can't confirm this from first-hand experience. The FA77 is another story. Its focussing ring rotates about 160 degrees to get from infinity to 2 feet, so it can be painfully slow to focus on moving subjects (kids in my case). For that reason alone, I would go for the DA70 over the FA77, despite the extra stop of light gathering ability. FWIW, less than 3% of my keeper shots with the FA77 are at apertures larger than F2.5. Best of luck!

06-03-2009, 02:17 PM	#9
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Frankly, I thinkt he choice should be between the DA40 and DA70. You already have a 16-50, so the only advantage of an f/2.8 prime in that neighborhood would be for the size, and the DA40 is unbeatable there. OK, there is macro on the 35, but the focal length is too short for most macro work anyhow. You're better off putting a Raynox closeup lens on something longer (like your 55-300) to add a quick macro capability. The DA70 would also give you something you dont have: speed in the 70mm range. Which si indeed great for portraits. Although I use my 40 and my 28 more than my 70; I find the "normal" focal length range more generally useful.

06-03-2009, 07:05 PM	#10
maxwell1295 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Long Island, New York Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,703	I say get both, but if I were in your shoes I'd get the DA70 first. Since you already have the 16-50, the 70 gives you a compact prime that should be a good compliment in terms of focal length. I have a really good copy of the 16-50, the DA35, and the DA70. If I could only keep one, there is NO WAY IN HELL I'd get rid of the DA35! It might be short for bug macros where you need some working distance, but I can't think of a better walkabout prime. I don't think there's a better flower lens in the Pentax lineup. The lens simply does everything you need a lens to do.

06-03-2009, 09:46 PM	#11
K100Dave Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 111	Maxwell hits the nail right on the head about the DA35 as a great walkabout prime, it usually leaves my K20D. However the DA70 is one helluva lens in it's own right tho! For portraiture work it's a stunning lens and very portable to carry around (I do miss that!) I replaced mine with the DA* 50-135mm only b/c I needed a little more versatility for portraiture work. As stated above, buy both if you can.

06-04-2009, 01:37 AM	#12
NorrisTudor Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: London Posts: 52 Original Poster	thanks for the feedback. Marc...since posting..I've been looking at the DA40 as well...its so compact, and it would faster focusing than my FA50 definately so might be more practical. So apart from 5mm the only advantage with the DA35 and DA40 is the macro facility and I have a macro lens. I also didn't appreciate what good value the DA40 is...so its a serious contender, at least until the prices go up. (new massive price hikes in Europe) So it looks like the DA40 and DA70 plus alot of explanations to her indoors.

06-04-2009, 04:51 AM	#13
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	Da 70mm ltd definitely has an edge for general purpose photography. Da 35mm f2.8 macro may not be that much different from a Fa 35mm f2

06-04-2009, 04:54 AM	#14
NorrisTudor Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: London Posts: 52 Original Poster	mmm...ok so now selling a FA50 1.4 ;-)

06-04-2009, 10:40 PM	#15
springtian Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Suzhou Posts: 25	Originally posted by Hello_Photo Of the DA35 and the DA70, the DA35 has the more versatile focal length for indoor and outdoor shots. I have the DA35 and the FA77, and the FA77 isn't getting nearly as much use lately (in fairness, the DA35 is also newer and I have the DA200, which is fun for outdoor close-ups in the summer). However, the DA35 is no faster than your 16-50, so unless you really want to avoid carrying the weight of the DA*, I would go with the DA70 for the sake of expanding your photographic options (longer lens, faster aperture than your 55-300). Another factor to consider is focussing speed; the best optics are rendered useless if they can't be aligned in time to produce an in-focus shot of your subject. The DA35, contrary to popular belief, is very quick focussing. The focussing ring rotates about 10 degrees between infinity and 2 feet; it's the range from 2 feet to 6 inches that takes up the remaining 160 degrees of focussing ring rotation. So, as long as you have reasonable lighting (better than ISO 1000, F2.8, 1/4), you should be able to lock focus very quickly with the DA35. The DA70 has a reputation for quick focussing, but I can't confirm this from first-hand experience. The FA77 is another story. Its focussing ring rotates about 160 degrees to get from infinity to 2 feet, so it can be painfully slow to focus on moving subjects (kids in my case). For that reason alone, I would go for the DA70 over the FA77, despite the extra stop of light gathering ability. FWIW, less than 3% of my keeper shots with the FA77 are at apertures larger than F2.5. Best of luck! I have both the DA35 and FA77, too. I would say the DA35 is the my Go lens and the FA77 is my portrait and play-with-bokeh lens. See my log: My New Companions: FA77 & DA35 \| springtian's log