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Pentaxor · 02-02-2010, 01:01 AM

Originally posted by tokyoso

I see there's a lot of love for FA35/2AL, but how come the lens review score here for it is actually lower than both FA50/1.4 and DA40/2.8L ? just a random anormaly?

I like to think that the FA35/2AL is a better lens?

review scores are based on average. you should read each and every single comment the owners have about the lens inorder to justify their individual score for the lens. remember, 1 bad rating could have a large effect on the general average score, eventhough all or if not most of the owners like the lens.

**Rondec** · 02-02-2010, 05:57 AM

A lot of it is what you are comparing it to as well. I think the FA 35 (fairly or unfairly) gets compared to the FA 31 limited and while the 35 is sharp, it doesn't have the same beautiful rendering as the FA 31. Of course, there is quite a difference in cost as well. If you would compare the FA 50 to the dA* 55, it measures up pretty well.

I also think that the FA 35 takes a hit in build quality (nothing to do with image quality). It's just very plasticky. DA 40 is a pretty amazing lens, but you have to take into account the pancake nature of the lens to appreciate, otherwise it wouldn't stand out -- an f2.8 prime isn't particularly special on its own, even if it does have a great build quality.

Pentaxor · 02-02-2010, 08:14 AM

Originally posted by Rondec

A lot of it is what you are comparing it to as well. I think the FA 35 (fairly or unfairly) gets compared to the FA 31 limited and while the 35 is sharp, it doesn't have the same beautiful rendering as the FA 31. Of course, there is quite a difference in cost as well. If you would compare the FA 50 to the dA* 55, it measures up pretty well.

I also think that the FA 35 takes a hit in build quality (nothing to do with image quality). It's just very plasticky. DA 40 is a pretty amazing lens, but you have to take into account the pancake nature of the lens to appreciate, otherwise it wouldn't stand out -- an f2.8 prime isn't particularly special on its own, even if it does have a great build quality.

I do feel the same. I'm sure that given the situation that the FA31 didn't exist, the FA35 would earn it's rightful place.

Voe · 02-02-2010, 03:12 PM

This is easy. I would buy the FA 43mm Limited. It's better than the best of both worlds.

**EsBee** · 02-11-2010, 02:42 PM

I have both but if I could have only one then it would be the DA 40mm Ltd f2.8.

The FA is an excellent lens for low-light and portraiture but I find it to be a bit too long for normal use. The DA beats the FA for size and focus speed as well.

View Poll Results: What lens would you buy in my place?
FA 50/1.4	132	57.14%
DA 40/2.8	73	31.60%
Neither - please explain in detail	26	11.26%
Voters: 231. You may not vote on this poll

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02-02-2010, 01:01 AM	#46
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by tokyoso I see there's a lot of love for FA35/2AL, but how come the lens review score here for it is actually lower than both FA50/1.4 and DA40/2.8L ? just a random anormaly? I like to think that the FA35/2AL is a better lens? review scores are based on average. you should read each and every single comment the owners have about the lens inorder to justify their individual score for the lens. remember, 1 bad rating could have a large effect on the general average score, eventhough all or if not most of the owners like the lens.

02-02-2010, 05:57 AM	#47
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,668	A lot of it is what you are comparing it to as well. I think the FA 35 (fairly or unfairly) gets compared to the FA 31 limited and while the 35 is sharp, it doesn't have the same beautiful rendering as the FA 31. Of course, there is quite a difference in cost as well. If you would compare the FA 50 to the dA* 55, it measures up pretty well. I also think that the FA 35 takes a hit in build quality (nothing to do with image quality). It's just very plasticky. DA 40 is a pretty amazing lens, but you have to take into account the pancake nature of the lens to appreciate, otherwise it wouldn't stand out -- an f2.8 prime isn't particularly special on its own, even if it does have a great build quality.

02-02-2010, 08:14 AM	#48
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by Rondec A lot of it is what you are comparing it to as well. I think the FA 35 (fairly or unfairly) gets compared to the FA 31 limited and while the 35 is sharp, it doesn't have the same beautiful rendering as the FA 31. Of course, there is quite a difference in cost as well. If you would compare the FA 50 to the dA* 55, it measures up pretty well. I also think that the FA 35 takes a hit in build quality (nothing to do with image quality). It's just very plasticky. DA 40 is a pretty amazing lens, but you have to take into account the pancake nature of the lens to appreciate, otherwise it wouldn't stand out -- an f2.8 prime isn't particularly special on its own, even if it does have a great build quality. I do feel the same. I'm sure that given the situation that the FA31 didn't exist, the FA35 would earn it's rightful place.

02-02-2010, 03:12 PM	#49
Voe Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery Posts: 719	This is easy. I would buy the FA 43mm Limited. It's better than the best of both worlds.

02-11-2010, 02:42 PM	#50
EsBee Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: National Capital Region Posts: 739	I have both but if I could have only one then it would be the DA 40mm Ltd f2.8. The FA is an excellent lens for low-light and portraiture but I find it to be a bit too long for normal use. The DA beats the FA for size and focus speed as well.

Pentax FA 50mm/1.4 vs DA 40mm/2.8

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