A 50mm F1.4 or FA 50mm F1.4?

poogeek · 04-30-2010, 09:06 PM

hi... im just a beginner, i just want your opinion should i go with the FA because of the auto focus or the A cause its cheaper? price, A $190, FA $370 both used in good condition. my body K-x. thank you!

Blue · 04-30-2010, 09:37 PM

Originally posted by poogeek

hi... im just a beginner, i just want your opinion should i go with the FA because of the auto focus or the A cause its cheaper? price, A $190, FA $370 both used in good condition. my body K-x. thank you!

Personally, I like the FA a lot, and I bought one when they were still $199 new. However, no way would I pay $370 for it since that puts it into the range of either a K or A 50mm f1.2. Furthermore, I would rather have the A f1.4 over the FA. I keep the FA because of AF and good optics. However, if I end up with a FA 43mm ltd, its going to be sold since I have the A f1.2.

Wheatfield · 04-30-2010, 09:39 PM

Quite honestly, I think the A50 that I have is the better lens than the FA50 that I sold (I'd bought a DA55/1.4, the FA had to go).

**kiwi_jono** · 04-30-2010, 09:40 PM

I'm sure there are lots of members who have both. I'm guessing the FA would have an advantage (auto focus) if you have the budget.
On the other hand I have A 50 f1.7 which I love. If you don't mind manual focus its great value. Spending a bit time with manual focus is not a bad thing I think.

Laurentiu Cristofor · 04-30-2010, 09:54 PM

I don't know the A, but from what I can gather, they're the same optical formula. So, it really depends on whether you want auto focus for $180. One thing I can say about the FA is that for an AF lens, it is very usable for MF as well.

**Just1MoreDave** · 04-30-2010, 10:07 PM

Manual focus is not for everyone, and it is more difficult with the smaller viewfinder of a DSLR. With the A version, you can use the focus indicator to help, but you're still doing a lot of it yourself. If you're OK with that or just want to try it, it's a nice lens.

I prefer manual focus and like my A50/1.4, but I also have a Pentax-F 50mm f1.7 and use it maybe 30-40% of the time. At today's prices, it's unfortunately impractical to buy both.

hcc · 04-30-2010, 11:37 PM

blende8 · 05-01-2010, 02:07 AM

The decisive factor is if you are good, or want to become good, in manual focussing. If this is ok for you, then take the A.
Optically they are both good.
Since you have a Kx and it has no focus correct option, the AF of the FA may be problematic. It more often than not needs some correction. On the other hand, with a correctly autofocussing FA you will get more in-focus shots than with the A.

JeffJS · 05-01-2010, 02:30 AM

Originally posted by poogeek

hi... im just a beginner, i just want your opinion should i go with the FA because of the auto focus or the A cause its cheaper? price, A $190, FA $370 both used in good condition. my body K-x. thank you!

If you can live without Autofocus, I would go for the A version of the lens. $370 (US Dollars) sounds Way too high for a used copy. That statement qualified by not knowing what it would cost You for a new one. Even the A50 f1.4 can be found for $150 or less. I think someone may be trying to take advantage of you with those prices.

matam · 05-01-2010, 02:39 AM

80% of my shoot are with MF lens including an M50 f1.4 my most used lens.
I think for the 50mm using MF it's not that hard and i never ever feel the need for AF fo this lens.
I'm sure you will consider buyng a focusing screen if you go for one of the MF versions of the lens.
My advice is to buy a M50 f1.7 (very cheap option in the used market), then if you really love this FL go out and buy a F/FA 50 f1.4/1.7 if you feel you miss auto focus or an A50 f1.2/1.4 if you need a thinner DOF and then resell the M version at the price you paid for it.

poogeek · 05-01-2010, 02:41 AM

another question, will i be able to use the auto mode if i put if in F2?

matam · 05-01-2010, 02:50 AM

With a F/FA or A lens in "A" position all auto mode works and you can select the F-stop directly on the body.
With a M lens works only Manual mode with stop down metering, or Av mode only with the lens wide open (EX with a M1.4 it works only at f1.4).
If you phisically put F2 (or move the aperture ring in a different position than "A") on a A or F/FA lens, it will work as an M lens.

matam · 05-01-2010, 02:58 AM

Have you considered the DA40 limited?
For less than the price you got for the used FA you can buy it brand new.
And as other have said, those prices are quite high.

poogeek · 05-01-2010, 03:06 AM

Originally posted by matam

With a F/FA or A lens in "A" position all auto mode works and you can select the F-stop directly on the body.
With a M lens works only Manual mode with stop down metering, or Av mode only with the lens wide open (EX with a M1.4 it works only at f1.4).
If you phisically put F2 (or move the aperture ring in a different position than "A") on a A or F/FA lens, it will work as an M lens.

got it! thank you!

poogeek · 05-01-2010, 03:11 AM

Originally posted by matam

Have you considered the DA40 limited?
For less than the price you got for the used FA you can buy it brand new.
And as other have said, those prices are quite high.

the DA40 limited is priced at $500 in our country.... i think il just buy the A... my problem now is will i really you F1.4 or end up using F2? cause other say its sharp at F2 upwards... if thats the case should i just buy the A 50mm 1.7?

04-30-2010, 09:06 PM	#1
poogeek Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: pampanga Photos: Gallery Posts: 74	A 50mm F1.4 or FA 50mm F1.4? hi... im just a beginner, i just want your opinion should i go with the FA because of the auto focus or the A cause its cheaper? price, A $190, FA $370 both used in good condition. my body K-x. thank you!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: Pentax Lenses F2 50mm, F4 75-150mm, F1.7 50mm, F4 200mm, F2.5 135mm, F4.5 80-2	hangu	Sold Items	10	03-27-2010 07:51 PM
For Sale - Sold: Previous listings on ebay - A 50mm f1.4, A 24-50mm f4, A 70-210 f4 Macro	raybird	Sold Items	0	04-14-2009 08:31 AM
Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 EX Macro vs Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 - Brick Wall test	eva2000	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	10	12-13-2008 11:47 PM
For Sale - Sold: F 24-50mm 4, A 24-50mm 4, M 35mm 2, M 50mm 1.4, A 35-105mm 3.5, A 70-210mm 4	raybird	Sold Items	7	08-29-2008 01:06 PM
For Sale - Sold: FS: 3 x 50mm f/2, 50mm f/1.7, 40mm pancake, 135mm, 70-210mm, FAJ 28-80mm	igowerf	Sold Items	12	10-13-2007 08:55 PM

04-30-2010, 09:37 PM	#2
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by poogeek hi... im just a beginner, i just want your opinion should i go with the FA because of the auto focus or the A cause its cheaper? price, A $190, FA $370 both used in good condition. my body K-x. thank you! Personally, I like the FA a lot, and I bought one when they were still $199 new. However, no way would I pay $370 for it since that puts it into the range of either a K or A 50mm f1.2. Furthermore, I would rather have the A f1.4 over the FA. I keep the FA because of AF and good optics. However, if I end up with a FA 43mm ltd, its going to be sold since I have the A f1.2.

04-30-2010, 09:39 PM	#3
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	Quite honestly, I think the A50 that I have is the better lens than the FA50 that I sold (I'd bought a DA55/1.4, the FA had to go).

04-30-2010, 09:40 PM	#4
kiwi_jono Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,437	I'm sure there are lots of members who have both. I'm guessing the FA would have an advantage (auto focus) if you have the budget. On the other hand I have A 50 f1.7 which I love. If you don't mind manual focus its great value. Spending a bit time with manual focus is not a bad thing I think.

04-30-2010, 09:54 PM	#5
Laurentiu Cristofor Banned Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: WA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,055	I don't know the A, but from what I can gather, they're the same optical formula. So, it really depends on whether you want auto focus for $180. One thing I can say about the FA is that for an AF lens, it is very usable for MF as well.

04-30-2010, 10:07 PM	#6
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Manual focus is not for everyone, and it is more difficult with the smaller viewfinder of a DSLR. With the A version, you can use the focus indicator to help, but you're still doing a lot of it yourself. If you're OK with that or just want to try it, it's a nice lens. I prefer manual focus and like my A50/1.4, but I also have a Pentax-F 50mm f1.7 and use it maybe 30-40% of the time. At today's prices, it's unfortunately impractical to buy both.

04-30-2010, 11:37 PM	#7
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	There has been some relevant threads lately that you should read: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/99792-need-por...ens-k2000.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/99780-next-lens-nifty-fifty.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/99155-fa-50mm-k-x-low-light.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/98985-lens-talk.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/98976-voigtlan...-cpu-does.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/98985-lens-talk.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/98552-fa-50mm-...placement.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/98309-wheres-z...-4-review.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/98436-50mm-ish-portrait-lens.html .... The list is long. The Pentax 50mm are well regarded and there is a broad choice of Pentax and 3rd-party "fast prime" lenses in the 50mm range. The Pentax 50mm f1.7 (MF) is very well regarded among the older lenses and would fit your budget. Hope that the comments will assist...

05-01-2010, 02:07 AM	#8
blende8 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bremen, Germany Photos: Albums Posts: 1,521	The decisive factor is if you are good, or want to become good, in manual focussing. If this is ok for you, then take the A. Optically they are both good. Since you have a Kx and it has no focus correct option, the AF of the FA may be problematic. It more often than not needs some correction. On the other hand, with a correctly autofocussing FA you will get more in-focus shots than with the A.

05-01-2010, 02:30 AM	#9
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Originally posted by poogeek hi... im just a beginner, i just want your opinion should i go with the FA because of the auto focus or the A cause its cheaper? price, A $190, FA $370 both used in good condition. my body K-x. thank you! If you can live without Autofocus, I would go for the A version of the lens. $370 (US Dollars) sounds Way too high for a used copy. That statement qualified by not knowing what it would cost You for a new one. Even the A50 f1.4 can be found for $150 or less. I think someone may be trying to take advantage of you with those prices.

05-01-2010, 02:39 AM	#10
matam Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Berlin Posts: 112	80% of my shoot are with MF lens including an M50 f1.4 my most used lens. I think for the 50mm using MF it's not that hard and i never ever feel the need for AF fo this lens. I'm sure you will consider buyng a focusing screen if you go for one of the MF versions of the lens. My advice is to buy a M50 f1.7 (very cheap option in the used market), then if you really love this FL go out and buy a F/FA 50 f1.4/1.7 if you feel you miss auto focus or an A50 f1.2/1.4 if you need a thinner DOF and then resell the M version at the price you paid for it.

05-01-2010, 02:41 AM	#11
poogeek Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: pampanga Photos: Gallery Posts: 74 Original Poster	another question, will i be able to use the auto mode if i put if in F2?

05-01-2010, 02:50 AM	#12
matam Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Berlin Posts: 112	With a F/FA or A lens in "A" position all auto mode works and you can select the F-stop directly on the body. With a M lens works only Manual mode with stop down metering, or Av mode only with the lens wide open (EX with a M1.4 it works only at f1.4). If you phisically put F2 (or move the aperture ring in a different position than "A") on a A or F/FA lens, it will work as an M lens.

05-01-2010, 02:58 AM	#13
matam Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Berlin Posts: 112	Have you considered the DA40 limited? For less than the price you got for the used FA you can buy it brand new. And as other have said, those prices are quite high.

05-01-2010, 03:06 AM	#14
poogeek Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: pampanga Photos: Gallery Posts: 74 Original Poster	Originally posted by matam With a F/FA or A lens in "A" position all auto mode works and you can select the F-stop directly on the body. With a M lens works only Manual mode with stop down metering, or Av mode only with the lens wide open (EX with a M1.4 it works only at f1.4). If you phisically put F2 (or move the aperture ring in a different position than "A") on a A or F/FA lens, it will work as an M lens. got it! thank you!

05-01-2010, 03:11 AM	#15
poogeek Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: pampanga Photos: Gallery Posts: 74 Original Poster	Originally posted by matam Have you considered the DA40 limited? For less than the price you got for the used FA you can buy it brand new. And as other have said, those prices are quite high. the DA40 limited is priced at $500 in our country.... i think il just buy the A... my problem now is will i really you F1.4 or end up using F2? cause other say its sharp at F2 upwards... if thats the case should i just buy the A 50mm 1.7?