[bossa]

The DA35 isn't an f/1.4 lens so I can see the justification of having both of those. It's a real battle trying to rationalize lenses and stick to what you need rather than what you want... After buying an A 50 f/1.7 and being given a Rikenon XR 50 f/1.7 I am lusting after old lenses at the moment... even the A 35-105 f/3.5 zoom... it's tragic!

[gtl]

The DA*55mm seems to be a portrait lens. The FA43mm seems to be more multi purpose, thought their price differences seems rather minimal. How would the DA*55mm do as a multi purpose lens?

[baro-nite]

The DA*55mm seems to be a portrait lens. The FA43mm seems to be more multi purpose, thought their price differences seems rather minimal. How would the DA*55mm do as a multi purpose lens?

The * 55 is indeed a near APS-C equivalent of the classic portrait lens. Simon has repeatedly shown how great it can be as a general purpose lens. But many will prefer a shorter focal length than 55 or indeed 43 as a general purpose or walkaround lens.

This is getting off topic for a "lens club", so here's some obligatory on-topic content (with apologies for the cross post, but it's the best I can come up with at the moment).

DA* 200 @ f/4:

[axl]

The DA*55mm seems to be a portrait lens. The FA43mm seems to be more multi purpose, thought their price differences seems rather minimal. How would the DA*55mm do as a multi purpose lens?

+1 to this, the DA* is pretty much portrait lens, period. It does OK as all arounder but Forthat purpose the 43 always felt better for me.
But since I felt slightly limited with the single FOV and now with little tot I need faster AF and more all around flexibility with as few lens changes as possible I opted for FA*28-70 as all around lens and kept 55 as my low light/portrait option.

[axl]

and back to topic:
DA*55 @ 1.4

[maciek_w]

Wow, nice kit you've assembled there. Given that you have the DA* 50-135, I guess the main attributes the 70 ltd gives you are small size and a little bit of extra speed. And of course if you aren't using it much, selling it is a sensible thing to do. But in your situation I'd ask myself what I want from the DA* 55 that I don't already get from the 43 ltd.

I guess a couple of things:

1) Speed - the DA 70 doesn't go to 1.4
2) Build quality - my DA 70 suffers from quite a bit of wobble
3) Usability - the DA stays in the bag most of the time, as the 50-135 is quite capable of producing satisfying result in this focal range and still has the added bonus of zoom versatility
4) An excuse to part ways with the FA 43 and get an FA 31


Although parting with the DA 70 would be a loss. It gave me my most favourite photo:



rgds.

[baro-nite]

1) Speed - the DA 70 doesn't go to 1.4
2) Build quality - my DA 70 suffers from quite a bit of wobble
3) Usability - the DA stays in the bag most of the time, as the 50-135 is quite capable of producing satisfying result in this focal range and still has the added bonus of zoom versatility
4) An excuse to part ways with the FA 43 and get an FA 31

Ah, there's no substitute for speed when that's what you need.

If you like longer FLs for general use, then the * 55 could be a great choice. Particularly if you want a portrait lens.

But trading the 70 and 43 for a 31 has something to say for it. How do you use the 43?

Obligatory on-topic content, shot this morning with the DA* 200:

Attached Images

View Picture EXIF

File Date

 

[bossa]

(OT Rant Sorry in advance) Regarding Lens Wobbles: It seems to me that it's generally the front element group that does the wobbling and not the rear groups. In this case I don't imagine any noticeable loss in IQ due to it 'more or less' being a shift lens affect on a microscopic level. My FA 31 has a wobble as does my A 50/1.4. None of my DA lenses wobble and I'd be concerned if they did as WR would be compromised.

[maciek_w]

Ah, there's no substitute for speed when that's what you need.

If you like longer FLs for general use, then the * 55 could be a great choice. Particularly if you want a portrait lens.

But trading the 70 and 43 for a 31 has something to say for it. How do you use the 43?

the 43 is my primary lens. I use it for about 75-80% of all my shots (partly because I have nothing shorter, and partly because it's the most practical of my lenses - the DA 70 has too long FL to be a comfortable all rounder)

And to avoid off-topic complaints - below two shots with the DA* 50-135

electrostatic hair-do:


a day on the seaside:

[axl]

back to senses... I withdrew my For Sale thread on DA*55
looks like you guys will have to put up with me for bit longer

[axl]

Ah, there's no substitute for speed when that's what you need.

If you like longer FLs for general use, then the * 55 could be a great choice. Particularly if you want a portrait lens.

But trading the 70 and 43 for a 31 has something to say for it. How do you use the 43?

Obligatory on-topic content, shot this morning with the DA* 200:

nice one, how big crop is it?

[baro-nite]

nice one, how big crop is it?

Thanks! That one's around 50% crop. I missed the focus a little; the branches behind the bird (American Robin, BTW) are in better focus than the bird itself.

[baro-nite]

the 43 is my primary lens. I use it for about 75-80% of all my shots (partly because I have nothing shorter, and partly because it's the most practical of my lenses - the DA 70 has too long FL to be a comfortable all rounder)

So, I'd ask myself:

do I want something shorter?

do I need the extra speed for general use, or particular uses (e.g., portraits)?

would I miss the 43 if I sold it, or can I justify keeping it along with another costly lens?

The * 55 is an excellent lens no doubt, and particularly for portraiture. But just possibly you'd be better served by something shorter, maybe the 31 (which is scarcely faster than the 43) or the Sigma 30, and buying a cheaper but optically excellent MF lens for portraits (any number of good choices here). I just offer that as a suggestion, as this is obviously a matter of personal preference.

Just to stay on topic another cross post, shot today (as was the Robin, above):



DA * 200 @ f/4, cropped a bit

[Rondec]

Christmas lights:



My daughter:

[TOUGEFC]

Nice shots Ron!
Everyone seems to be doing the xmas light shot lately!
I was thinking about doing a 30 vs 43 vs 55 vs 77 xmas light bokeh shoot-out special soon...