DA 40mm vs DA 35mm vs FA 35mm

K-9 · 07-29-2009, 03:24 PM

FA 35

I'll always recommend an FA over a DA due to it's guaranteed backwards and forwards compatibility. It will also hold value better over the years. Most FA's have increased since their original retail price. When it's time to dump it or upgrade, you won't lose much cash.

Eigengrau · 07-29-2009, 08:58 PM

Having both the FA 35 and the DA 40, the FA wins for my uses.

Wide aperture is always useful for me - I shoot a lot of portraits, and a lot of low light stuff. The DA 40 is an awkward focal length for my purposes, being not quite as intimate as a 50 but not quite wide enough for a normal.

Additionally, although the DA 40 certainly focuses fast, in most situations where focusing is troublesome, light isn't great either. The FA 35 is just about as fast at focusing, and that full stop of additional speed can frequently make the critical difference in getting a usable shot.

I really admire the construction and style of the 40, and I wanted to love the lens, but the FA 35 was wow-ing me from the moment I put it on the camera and it hasn't stopped since. Even though the FA 35's construction is ugly as sin compared to the 40, I can't argue with the sharpness and speed.

In the DA 40's favor, though, it is truly one-of-a-kind, and it won't set you back much to pick it up. Even though I haven't used mine as much as it deserves, I can't bring myself to sell it either. Go figure.

If low light performance isn't important to you and you can tolerate the focal length, go for the inexpensive and beautiful 40, but if you want a real workhorse lens the FA 35 has it where it counts.

Mirek · 09-15-2009, 11:38 PM

A while ago, after reading this thread and trying out the DA35 and FA35, I decided to take the FA35. Was briefly taunted by the FA31 but I resisted.. for now

.

Anyway, the FA35 finally came in yesterday.

Impressions so far:
Jaw-dropping sharp even wide open, fast both optically and mechanically, I like the bokeh and the rendering so far... this lens at first sight seems like a pure winner and is already getting to me more than the FA50/1.4 (never thought that would be possible).

Excellent lens... can't wait to see more of what it can do.

Andi Lo · 09-16-2009, 12:20 AM

FA 35 is quite special indeed... I find it has just a bit more life with the K10D than the K100D

FA 31 is still something else though, The images from it just seems magical. The 35 is a great lens and a total bargain, but I still covet the 31

BBear · 09-16-2009, 07:11 AM

Originally posted by Eigengrau

Having both the FA 35 and the DA 40, the FA wins for my uses.

Wide aperture is always useful for me - I shoot a lot of portraits, and a lot of low light stuff. The DA 40 is an awkward focal length for my purposes, being not quite as intimate as a 50 but not quite wide enough for a normal.

Additionally, although the DA 40 certainly focuses fast, in most situations where focusing is troublesome, light isn't great either. The FA 35 is just about as fast at focusing, and that full stop of additional speed can frequently make the critical difference in getting a usable shot.

I really admire the construction and style of the 40, and I wanted to love the lens, but the FA 35 was wow-ing me from the moment I put it on the camera and it hasn't stopped since. Even though the FA 35's construction is ugly as sin compared to the 40, I can't argue with the sharpness and speed.

In the DA 40's favor, though, it is truly one-of-a-kind, and it won't set you back much to pick it up. Even though I haven't used mine as much as it deserves, I can't bring myself to sell it either. Go figure.

If low light performance isn't important to you and you can tolerate the focal length, go for the inexpensive and beautiful 40, but if you want a real workhorse lens the FA 35 has it where it counts.

Though I am a well-known FA35 public fan, I had to recently buy the DA40 because of its size (and some pure LBA issues)... and I very much share the same opnion as Eigengrau above: I want to use the DA 40 as much as possible, I love its size and rendering, it is a nice little piece of metal, BUT the FA 35 is such a great lens and better FL!! The only real issue with it, is its looks! What a damn ugly lens!!! ha ha ha ha!!

So now I have (2) FA 35 (a brand new extra lens, just in case $hit happens!) and a DA 40mm....

Geeez... LBA sucks!!

jeffrey r · 09-16-2009, 09:26 AM

Originally posted by BBear

Though I am a well-known FA35 public fan, I had to recently buy the DA40 because of its size (and some pure LBA issues)... and I very much share the same opnion as Eigengrau above: I want to use the DA 40 as much as possible, I love its size and rendering, it is a nice little piece of metal, BUT the FA 35 is such a great lens and better FL!! The only real issue with it, is its looks! What a damn ugly lens!!! ha ha ha ha!!

So now I have (2) FA 35 (a brand new extra lens, just in case $hit happens!) and a DA 40mm....

Geeez... LBA sucks!!

You need to update your signature then to add the DA 40.

Hey, I have the DA 40, FA 35 and the DA 35, and they're all worth owning for one reason or another, and all awesome lenses.

Andi Lo · 09-16-2009, 09:31 AM

I won't call the FA 35 ugly... it's utilitarian

With the lens hood reversed I actually find the lens pretty cute...

legacyb4 · 09-16-2009, 11:33 AM

They say "three's a crowd" and that's definitely going to be the case shortly when a new DA 40mm joins the collection. I "know" that the FA 35mm is supposed to be the bees knees but I've never really warmed up to the lens with its utilitarian form factor and after seeing how much I've been using the DA 40mm that Jon graciously lent me over the past few weeks, I decided to pursue that path.

Looking at my lineup, I'll probably look at moving the FA 35 soon and possibly the FA* 24mm at a later date to better distribute my coverage...

BBear · 09-16-2009, 01:30 PM

Originally posted by jeffrey r

You need to update your signature then to add the DA 40.

he he he... there is actually a few more lenses that need to go in the sig... Geeez... seriously, I should NOT be buying that many lenses!!

Originally posted by jeffrey r

Hey, I have the DA 40, FA 35 and the DA 35, and they're all worth owning for one reason or another, and all awesome lenses.

It is always GREAT to hear there are people with less control than ourselves!!

If you had the 31mm as well, i'd say you have the worse case of LBA!!

Pentaxor · 09-16-2009, 01:30 PM

Originally posted by Mirek

A while ago, after reading this thread and trying out the DA35 and FA35, I decided to take the FA35. Was briefly taunted by the FA31 but I resisted.. for now

.

Anyway, the FA35 finally came in yesterday.

Impressions so far:
Jaw-dropping sharp even wide open, fast both optically and mechanically, I like the bokeh and the rendering so far... this lens at first sight seems like a pure winner and is already getting to me more than the FA50/1.4 (never thought that would be possible).

Excellent lens... can't wait to see more of what it can do.

try it under lowlight !

Pentaxor · 09-16-2009, 01:33 PM

Originally posted by BBear

Though I am a well-known FA35 public fan, I had to recently buy the DA40 because of its size (and some pure LBA issues)... and I very much share the same opnion as Eigengrau above: I want to use the DA 40 as much as possible, I love its size and rendering, it is a nice little piece of metal, BUT the FA 35 is such a great lens and better FL!! The only real issue with it, is its looks! What a damn ugly lens!!! ha ha ha ha!!

So now I have (2) FA 35 (a brand new extra lens, just in case $hit happens!) and a DA 40mm....

Geeez... LBA sucks!!

since when did you saw a pretty looking beast?

honestly, it's not the looks that counts, it's what is able to do what counts the most!

snofox · 09-16-2009, 09:19 PM

I used to laugh at the idea of LBA, but, 8 months after buying my first Pentax DSLR, I know that it is a reality. At that time, I was certain that all I needed was the DA 18 - 250, but since then I have become a wreck. The FA 50/1.4, bought on a whim, taught me a big lesson about primes, and started the disorder that I now have.

I wrestled with the DA 40 vs DA 35 choice, and went for the DA 40 Ltd. and ordered it last week. It hasn't even arrived yet, and already I KNOW that I NEED the DA 12 -24, and Christmas is coming, and I owe myself a treat and.... Well, at least I didn't get sucked into buying derivates.

Andi Lo · 09-16-2009, 09:22 PM

Originally posted by Pentaxor

honestly, it's not the looks that counts, it's what is able to do what counts the most!

You mean the FA limiteds are not coveted because they look cool?

Pentaxor · 09-16-2009, 09:46 PM

Originally posted by Andi Lo

You mean the FA limiteds are not coveted because they look cool?

. what I meant was you don't need to look cool inorder to become coveted. as far as LTD lenses are concerned, they are puny compared to other lens brand. but that doesn't mean that just because they are puny, that they can't put up a fight.

farfisa · 09-16-2009, 10:01 PM

Originally posted by Andi Lo

I won't call the FA 35 ugly... it's utilitarian

With the lens hood reversed I actually find the lens pretty cute...

Isn't saying the lens is cute with the hood reversed kind of like a "bag over the head" scenario?

09-15-2009, 11:38 PM	#63
Mirek Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Croatia Photos: Gallery Posts: 64	A while ago, after reading this thread and trying out the DA35 and FA35, I decided to take the FA35. Was briefly taunted by the FA31 but I resisted.. for now. Anyway, the FA35 finally came in yesterday. Impressions so far: Jaw-dropping sharp even wide open, fast both optically and mechanically, I like the bokeh and the rendering so far... this lens at first sight seems like a pure winner and is already getting to me more than the FA50/1.4 (never thought that would be possible). Excellent lens... can't wait to see more of what it can do.

09-16-2009, 01:30 PM	#70
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by Mirek A while ago, after reading this thread and trying out the DA35 and FA35, I decided to take the FA35. Was briefly taunted by the FA31 but I resisted.. for now. Anyway, the FA35 finally came in yesterday. Impressions so far: Jaw-dropping sharp even wide open, fast both optically and mechanically, I like the bokeh and the rendering so far... this lens at first sight seems like a pure winner and is already getting to me more than the FA50/1.4 (never thought that would be possible). Excellent lens... can't wait to see more of what it can do. try it under lowlight !

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
DAL 35mm 2.4 vs. DA 40mm 2.8 LTD	paperbag846	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	51	10-30-2010 12:50 AM
Help me choose: 40mm LTD / 35mm LTD	boushh	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	6	06-24-2008 03:55 PM
DA 35mm macro v. 40mm v. other	MSM	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	2	01-29-2008 01:19 PM
Pentax 40mm f/2.8 or 35mm f/2 ?	guillermovilas	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	10	04-03-2007 01:13 PM

07-29-2009, 03:24 PM	#61
K-9 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,971	FA 35 I'll always recommend an FA over a DA due to it's guaranteed backwards and forwards compatibility. It will also hold value better over the years. Most FA's have increased since their original retail price. When it's time to dump it or upgrade, you won't lose much cash.

07-29-2009, 08:58 PM	#62
Eigengrau Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Colorado Photos: Albums Posts: 250	Having both the FA 35 and the DA 40, the FA wins for my uses. Wide aperture is always useful for me - I shoot a lot of portraits, and a lot of low light stuff. The DA 40 is an awkward focal length for my purposes, being not quite as intimate as a 50 but not quite wide enough for a normal. Additionally, although the DA 40 certainly focuses fast, in most situations where focusing is troublesome, light isn't great either. The FA 35 is just about as fast at focusing, and that full stop of additional speed can frequently make the critical difference in getting a usable shot. I really admire the construction and style of the 40, and I wanted to love the lens, but the FA 35 was wow-ing me from the moment I put it on the camera and it hasn't stopped since. Even though the FA 35's construction is ugly as sin compared to the 40, I can't argue with the sharpness and speed. In the DA 40's favor, though, it is truly one-of-a-kind, and it won't set you back much to pick it up. Even though I haven't used mine as much as it deserves, I can't bring myself to sell it either. Go figure. If low light performance isn't important to you and you can tolerate the focal length, go for the inexpensive and beautiful 40, but if you want a real workhorse lens the FA 35 has it where it counts.

09-16-2009, 12:20 AM	#64
Andi Lo Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 2,924	FA 35 is quite special indeed... I find it has just a bit more life with the K10D than the K100D FA 31 is still something else though, The images from it just seems magical. The 35 is a great lens and a total bargain, but I still covet the 31

09-16-2009, 07:11 AM	#65
BBear Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: CT / NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 822	Originally posted by Eigengrau Having both the FA 35 and the DA 40, the FA wins for my uses. Wide aperture is always useful for me - I shoot a lot of portraits, and a lot of low light stuff. The DA 40 is an awkward focal length for my purposes, being not quite as intimate as a 50 but not quite wide enough for a normal. Additionally, although the DA 40 certainly focuses fast, in most situations where focusing is troublesome, light isn't great either. The FA 35 is just about as fast at focusing, and that full stop of additional speed can frequently make the critical difference in getting a usable shot. I really admire the construction and style of the 40, and I wanted to love the lens, but the FA 35 was wow-ing me from the moment I put it on the camera and it hasn't stopped since. Even though the FA 35's construction is ugly as sin compared to the 40, I can't argue with the sharpness and speed. In the DA 40's favor, though, it is truly one-of-a-kind, and it won't set you back much to pick it up. Even though I haven't used mine as much as it deserves, I can't bring myself to sell it either. Go figure. If low light performance isn't important to you and you can tolerate the focal length, go for the inexpensive and beautiful 40, but if you want a real workhorse lens the FA 35 has it where it counts. Though I am a well-known FA35 public fan, I had to recently buy the DA40 because of its size (and some pure LBA issues)... and I very much share the same opnion as Eigengrau above: I want to use the DA 40 as much as possible, I love its size and rendering, it is a nice little piece of metal, BUT the FA 35 is such a great lens and better FL!! The only real issue with it, is its looks! What a damn ugly lens!!! ha ha ha ha!! So now I have (2) FA 35 (a brand new extra lens, just in case $hit happens!) and a DA 40mm.... Geeez... LBA sucks!!

09-16-2009, 09:26 AM	#66
jeffrey r Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 337	Originally posted by BBear Though I am a well-known FA35 public fan, I had to recently buy the DA40 because of its size (and some pure LBA issues)... and I very much share the same opnion as Eigengrau above: I want to use the DA 40 as much as possible, I love its size and rendering, it is a nice little piece of metal, BUT the FA 35 is such a great lens and better FL!! The only real issue with it, is its looks! What a damn ugly lens!!! ha ha ha ha!! So now I have (2) FA 35 (a brand new extra lens, just in case $hit happens!) and a DA 40mm.... Geeez... LBA sucks!! You need to update your signature then to add the DA 40. Hey, I have the DA 40, FA 35 and the DA 35, and they're all worth owning for one reason or another, and all awesome lenses.

09-16-2009, 09:31 AM	#67
Andi Lo Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 2,924	I won't call the FA 35 ugly... it's utilitarian With the lens hood reversed I actually find the lens pretty cute...

09-16-2009, 11:33 AM	#68
legacyb4 Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tri-Cities, British Columbia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,784	They say "three's a crowd" and that's definitely going to be the case shortly when a new DA 40mm joins the collection. I "know" that the FA 35mm is supposed to be the bees knees but I've never really warmed up to the lens with its utilitarian form factor and after seeing how much I've been using the DA 40mm that Jon graciously lent me over the past few weeks, I decided to pursue that path. Looking at my lineup, I'll probably look at moving the FA 35 soon and possibly the FA* 24mm at a later date to better distribute my coverage...

09-16-2009, 01:30 PM	#69
BBear Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: CT / NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 822	Originally posted by jeffrey r You need to update your signature then to add the DA 40. he he he... there is actually a few more lenses that need to go in the sig... Geeez... seriously, I should NOT be buying that many lenses!! Originally posted by jeffrey r Hey, I have the DA 40, FA 35 and the DA 35, and they're all worth owning for one reason or another, and all awesome lenses. It is always GREAT to hear there are people with less control than ourselves!! If you had the 31mm as well, i'd say you have the worse case of LBA!!

09-16-2009, 01:33 PM	#71
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by BBear Though I am a well-known FA35 public fan, I had to recently buy the DA40 because of its size (and some pure LBA issues)... and I very much share the same opnion as Eigengrau above: I want to use the DA 40 as much as possible, I love its size and rendering, it is a nice little piece of metal, BUT the FA 35 is such a great lens and better FL!! The only real issue with it, is its looks! What a damn ugly lens!!! ha ha ha ha!! So now I have (2) FA 35 (a brand new extra lens, just in case $hit happens!) and a DA 40mm.... Geeez... LBA sucks!! since when did you saw a pretty looking beast? honestly, it's not the looks that counts, it's what is able to do what counts the most!

09-16-2009, 09:19 PM	#72
snofox Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Fredericton New Brunswick Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 334	I used to laugh at the idea of LBA, but, 8 months after buying my first Pentax DSLR, I know that it is a reality. At that time, I was certain that all I needed was the DA 18 - 250, but since then I have become a wreck. The FA 50/1.4, bought on a whim, taught me a big lesson about primes, and started the disorder that I now have. I wrestled with the DA 40 vs DA 35 choice, and went for the DA 40 Ltd. and ordered it last week. It hasn't even arrived yet, and already I KNOW that I NEED the DA 12 -24, and Christmas is coming, and I owe myself a treat and.... Well, at least I didn't get sucked into buying derivates.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

09-16-2009, 09:22 PM	#73
Andi Lo Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 2,924	Originally posted by Pentaxor honestly, it's not the looks that counts, it's what is able to do what counts the most! You mean the FA limiteds are not coveted because they look cool?

09-16-2009, 09:46 PM	#74
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by Andi Lo You mean the FA limiteds are not coveted because they look cool? . what I meant was you don't need to look cool inorder to become coveted. as far as LTD lenses are concerned, they are puny compared to other lens brand. but that doesn't mean that just because they are puny, that they can't put up a fight.

09-16-2009, 10:01 PM	#75
farfisa Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,274	Originally posted by Andi Lo I won't call the FA 35 ugly... it's utilitarian With the lens hood reversed I actually find the lens pretty cute... Isn't saying the lens is cute with the hood reversed kind of like a "bag over the head" scenario?