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11-08-2009, 11:55 PM   #1
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$400 to spend, good all around fast prime?

I've decided to delay a new body until this summer, and really master some fundamentals. But in the meantime, I want to get something that will be a good investment.

So, I'm looking for a good all around prime. Going to have a rather active 14 month old at Christmas and don't want to miss those great shots. Looking for something that will pair will with my K100D Super. Was considering the DA 40 LTD, but with the crop factor I'm not sure that's wide enough. I know the SMC A-50/2 is often too close for some of the shots I want to get. The Takumar 28/2.8 us just about right, and a 35mm would probably work too.

Any suggestions?

11-09-2009, 12:15 AM   #2
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Maybe look for an FA 35?

I have the DA 35 which I love though its a bit more that 400.
11-09-2009, 12:17 AM   #3
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If 28mm is about right, get a DA21. It's slightly wider, allowing some cropping. It's small and focuses very quick.

A good used copy is about $400, very well in your price range.
11-09-2009, 01:47 AM   #4
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Otherwise consider a Sigma 30/1.4, which is also slightly more than $400.

11-09-2009, 03:58 AM   #5
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Get a Takumar 35/2 and put the other $300 back in your pocket.
11-09-2009, 09:39 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by Mike Cash Quote
For "a rather active 14 month old"? Not me. I don't think I can handle that.
11-09-2009, 09:52 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by SOldBear Quote
For "a rather active 14 month old"? Not me. I don't think I can handle that.
Yeah, need an AF lens.

11-09-2009, 10:13 AM   #8
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Maybe a Tamron 90mm or FA 50mm
11-09-2009, 10:43 AM   #9
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you could try 40. It's a great lens. Focuses fast and has great IQ. I own 50/1.7 and the difference between it and DA40 is noticable. If you want I can post pics from the same spot so you cann visualise the difference in FOV. Question though: are you sure 2.8 is fast enough for you? I mean, DA40 can easily handle stationary/near stationary subjects in semi-decent light but there are times where 2.8 just won't cut it. It was my 1st prime and I love it but if I had the choice again I'd go for FA35.

BR
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11-09-2009, 10:49 AM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by rustynail925 Quote
Maybe a Tamron 90mm or FA 50mm

Definately need something under 50mm
11-09-2009, 10:59 AM   #11
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for $400 either the FA35mm or the DA 40mm would be great
11-09-2009, 11:12 AM   #12
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I'd agree with the recommendations for the DA40/2.8 (which is indeed enough wider than 50mm to make a difference, and focuses extremely fast too) or FA35/2 (which is slightly wider and a stop faster, and shouldn't be *too* hard to find even though it is discontinued). For that matter, you can usually find an FA28/2.8 in that price range too, if you think you'd prefer slightly wider at the expense of being slightly slower.

I find I really like the flexibility of having a 40 (DA40) *and* a 28 (M28/2.8), as opposed to a single 35. The 40 gets more use overall, but there are times when it isn't wide enough and I switch to the 28. And you can have *both* for $400 - assuming you're OK with MF for the 28. But since you already have the manual 28 and are looking for AF, I'd think about the FA28, or FA35.
11-09-2009, 11:15 AM   #13
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Sigma 28mm f1.8 EX DG is a great lens, and I'm pretty sure is less than $400.
11-09-2009, 11:23 AM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by txshooter Quote
Yeah, need an AF lens.
I was misled by your mentioning of a couple of manual focus lenses in your original post. Otherwise I would not have made that suggestion.

(No wonder there are no photos of children prior to the mid-1980s......)
11-09-2009, 12:10 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by axl Quote
you could try 40. It's a great lens. Focuses fast and has great IQ. I own 50/1.7 and the difference between it and DA40 is noticable. If you want I can post pics from the same spot so you cann visualise the difference in FOV. Question though: are you sure 2.8 is fast enough for you? I mean, DA40 can easily handle stationary/near stationary subjects in semi-decent light but there are times where 2.8 just won't cut it. It was my 1st prime and I love it but if I had the choice again I'd go for FA35.

BR
Peter
If I push ISO 1600, it works. With normal size 4x6 prints, I'm satisfied with the results from my K100D. However, this is a significant limitation. I'd love to get the 35/2 somewhere. I have found one for just over $300 in as new condition. This is so frustrating that there are so few "afordable" (everyone's definition of that is different) AF options available. It really makes me want to get a D90 just to use the AF-S 35/1.8, AF-D 24/2.8, and AF 50/1.4D. All 3 of those great lenses under $400. Grr...

I think I may have to really consider what my needs are, and what system would best suit them now, before I invest anything further into a specific brand. Granted, I'll never part with what I have, my K100D and Pentax MF primes are jewels.
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