All three FA Limiteds to be updated + K-1 Mark II J-Limited 01

Smolk · 04-20-2021, 06:55 AM

Originally posted by Ishpuini

the DA35/2.8 macro is now part of my kit next to the FA31/1.8. I consider these very different lenses.

Interesting. Both on APS-C ? I guess that's true for the K 2/28mm Hollywood and the 1.8/31mm as well, two different signatures.

house · 04-20-2021, 08:43 AM

Originally posted by Ishpuini

Perhaps the best way to find out the difference is to do exactly that, and go some time with the sticky tape at 31mm and then some at 35mm?

I meant a comparison of the images they produce not primarily the focal length. Someone who knows the lenses well might be able to find situations that show of their character. Bokeh, colours, aberrations, sharpness behaviour.

Ishpuini · 04-20-2021, 11:13 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by house

I meant a comparison of the images they produce not primarily the focal length. Someone who knows the lenses well might be able to find situations that show of their character. Bokeh, colours, aberrations, sharpness behaviour.

I understand, just wanted to offer an alternative point of view. I could look into my archive for some images that could compare both, but I didn't do a head to head. I think I sold the FA35 to finance getting the FA31 from a DPR forum friend moving to Olympus. And besides, my shots with the FA35 will all be 6MP only, so probably not representative for use on modern gear.

If you are not so FoV sensitive as I am, one point in favour of the FA35, regardless optical characteristics, is its ease to mount filters compared to the relatively unpractical FA31 with its fixed hood. Just in case you hadn't considered this...

Wim

**reuvens** · 04-20-2021, 07:01 PM

Originally posted by house

Someone really needs to do a proper FA 31 vs FA 35 shootout. Perhaps its already done. Would be great if done by someone who knows the lenses well.

I have an FA 35/2 and I pre-ordered an HD FA 31. Maybe I'll do it once I get the new lens.

**Rondec** · 04-21-2021, 03:19 AM

Originally posted by house

Someone really needs to do a proper FA 31 vs FA 35 shootout. Perhaps its already done. Would be great if done by someone who knows the lenses well.

I don't think there is much difference except with things like out of focus rendering and in focus to out of focus transitions. Not the sort of thing that would bop you over the head.

The FA 35 is sharp enough, obviously a little longer, but doesn't have quite as smooth rendering as the FA 31. But it isn't a huge difference and many people are pretty satisfied with the FA 35.

**Serkevan** · 04-21-2021, 06:41 AM

Originally posted by Rondec

I don't think there is much difference except with things like out of focus rendering and in focus to out of focus transitions. Not the sort of thing that would bop you over the head.

The FA 35 is sharp enough, obviously a little longer, but doesn't have quite as smooth rendering as the FA 31. But it isn't a huge difference and many people are pretty satisfied with the FA 35.

From the photos I've seen that's what I thought as well... the FA 35 seems like a very competent lens, it just has a touch less of the Limited je ne sais quoi (which is mostly about the out of focus transition, I guess).

house · 04-21-2021, 06:56 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Rondec

I don't think there is much difference except with things like out of focus rendering and in focus to out of focus transitions. Not the sort of thing that would bop you over the head.

The FA 35 is sharp enough, obviously a little longer, but doesn't have quite as smooth rendering as the FA 31. But it isn't a huge difference and many people are pretty satisfied with the FA 35.

I have the HDFA35 and I quite like it. Backgrounds can get busy though in certain circumstances. The FA31 has a much more complex optical formula so it's interesting to tease out where the special glass etc makes a difference. The fov muddies the waters of course but still interesting.

This page Test: Sex fasta fullformatsobjektiv för Pentax K-1 did some reviews and mtf tests at wide open and f8

FA31

FA35

The above doesn't say that much so I'm just curious about the differences. I'm not looking to get the FA31 altough the fov is probably better for me I liked the DA21. I'm just curious.

**mlt** · 04-21-2021, 08:46 AM

Interesting test site with good reviews - thanks for posting

house · 04-21-2021, 09:53 AM

Does the new HD31 also now have rounded aperture blades? The HDFA35 can show some hexagonal bokeh. I don't mind but I guess it may contribute to the busyness.

house · 04-21-2021, 11:53 AM

There are a bunch of new "Evidence" articles at pentax jp. Takumichi Seo seems to say that the HD and SMC FA31's are very different. Crystal vs Agate. My reading between the lines is that he prefers the smc.
Takumichi Seo HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited Impression | PENTAX Limited Lens Special Site | RICOH IMAGING

Another comment this time by Takashi Shikano
"Like the smc version, the new lens produces gentle, subdued images at the open aperture of F1.8, while delivering sharper expressions at closed-down apertures. However, I noticed one definite difference: the new HD version produced images that were clearer and sharper than those produced by the old smc version. "
http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/products/limited_lens/evidence/shikano/hd-fa-31.html

Smolk · 04-21-2021, 12:32 PM

Thanks for these two links! It remains rather vague, apart from sharpness, what the difference is between the two versions. I guess we'll soon find out though in user reports.

house · 04-21-2021, 12:56 PM - **1 Like**

I suspect any difference is quite subtle. Or at least only visible in edge cases. Despite being quite candid this is Ricoh marketing. The da limited smc to hd switch is probably equivalent and people harldly notice except for star bursts.

thibs · 04-21-2021, 01:12 PM

Originally posted by house

I suspect any difference is quite subtle. Or at least only visible in edge cases. Despite being quite candid this is Ricoh marketing. The da limited smc to hd switch is probably equivalent and people harldly notice except for star bursts.

Flare resistance and subtle colour variation is what I'd expect.

One3rdEV · 04-21-2021, 01:40 PM

Originally posted by thibs

Flare resistance and subtle colour variation is what I'd expect.

I agree with the expectation that we will ~see results very similar to the comparison made here at the forums between the SMC and HD variants of the DA Limiteds that were previously updated.

hongman · 04-24-2021, 06:32 AM

Originally posted by thibs

Flare resistance and subtle colour variation is what I'd expect.

..

To retain my sanity... I will now switch my lens lust dreams to play in my head as monochrome... !

04-21-2021, 11:53 AM	#475
house Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,306	There are a bunch of new "Evidence" articles at pentax jp. Takumichi Seo seems to say that the HD and SMC FA31's are very different. Crystal vs Agate. My reading between the lines is that he prefers the smc. Takumichi Seo HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited Impression \| PENTAX Limited Lens Special Site \| RICOH IMAGING Another comment this time by Takashi Shikano "Like the smc version, the new lens produces gentle, subdued images at the open aperture of F1.8, while delivering sharper expressions at closed-down apertures. However, I noticed one definite difference: the new HD version produced images that were clearer and sharper than those produced by the old smc version. " http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/products/limited_lens/evidence/shikano/hd-fa-31.html Last edited by house; 04-21-2021 at 12:00 PM.

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04-20-2021, 06:55 AM	#466
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	Originally posted by Ishpuini the DA35/2.8 macro is now part of my kit next to the FA31/1.8. I consider these very different lenses. Interesting. Both on APS-C ? I guess that's true for the K 2/28mm Hollywood and the 1.8/31mm as well, two different signatures.

04-20-2021, 08:43 AM	#467
house Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,306	Originally posted by Ishpuini Perhaps the best way to find out the difference is to do exactly that, and go some time with the sticky tape at 31mm and then some at 35mm? I meant a comparison of the images they produce not primarily the focal length. Someone who knows the lenses well might be able to find situations that show of their character. Bokeh, colours, aberrations, sharpness behaviour.

04-20-2021, 11:13 AM - 1 Like	#468
Ishpuini Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Antwerp, Belgium Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,727	Originally posted by house I meant a comparison of the images they produce not primarily the focal length. Someone who knows the lenses well might be able to find situations that show of their character. Bokeh, colours, aberrations, sharpness behaviour. I understand, just wanted to offer an alternative point of view. I could look into my archive for some images that could compare both, but I didn't do a head to head. I think I sold the FA35 to finance getting the FA31 from a DPR forum friend moving to Olympus. And besides, my shots with the FA35 will all be 6MP only, so probably not representative for use on modern gear. If you are not so FoV sensitive as I am, one point in favour of the FA35, regardless optical characteristics, is its ease to mount filters compared to the relatively unpractical FA31 with its fixed hood. Just in case you hadn't considered this... Wim

04-20-2021, 07:01 PM	#469
reuvens Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2018 Photos: Gallery Posts: 145	Originally posted by house Someone really needs to do a proper FA 31 vs FA 35 shootout. Perhaps its already done. Would be great if done by someone who knows the lenses well. I have an FA 35/2 and I pre-ordered an HD FA 31. Maybe I'll do it once I get the new lens.

04-21-2021, 03:19 AM	#470
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,650	Originally posted by house Someone really needs to do a proper FA 31 vs FA 35 shootout. Perhaps its already done. Would be great if done by someone who knows the lenses well. I don't think there is much difference except with things like out of focus rendering and in focus to out of focus transitions. Not the sort of thing that would bop you over the head. The FA 35 is sharp enough, obviously a little longer, but doesn't have quite as smooth rendering as the FA 31. But it isn't a huge difference and many people are pretty satisfied with the FA 35.

04-21-2021, 06:41 AM	#471
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	Originally posted by Rondec I don't think there is much difference except with things like out of focus rendering and in focus to out of focus transitions. Not the sort of thing that would bop you over the head. The FA 35 is sharp enough, obviously a little longer, but doesn't have quite as smooth rendering as the FA 31. But it isn't a huge difference and many people are pretty satisfied with the FA 35. From the photos I've seen that's what I thought as well... the FA 35 seems like a very competent lens, it just has a touch less of the Limited je ne sais quoi (which is mostly about the out of focus transition, I guess).

04-21-2021, 06:56 AM - 1 Like	#472
house Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,306	Originally posted by Rondec I don't think there is much difference except with things like out of focus rendering and in focus to out of focus transitions. Not the sort of thing that would bop you over the head. The FA 35 is sharp enough, obviously a little longer, but doesn't have quite as smooth rendering as the FA 31. But it isn't a huge difference and many people are pretty satisfied with the FA 35. I have the HDFA35 and I quite like it. Backgrounds can get busy though in certain circumstances. The FA31 has a much more complex optical formula so it's interesting to tease out where the special glass etc makes a difference. The fov muddies the waters of course but still interesting. This page Test: Sex fasta fullformatsobjektiv för Pentax K-1 did some reviews and mtf tests at wide open and f8 FA31 FA35 The above doesn't say that much so I'm just curious about the differences. I'm not looking to get the FA31 altough the fov is probably better for me I liked the DA21. I'm just curious.

04-21-2021, 08:46 AM	#473
mlt Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1,159	Interesting test site with good reviews - thanks for posting

04-21-2021, 09:53 AM	#474
house Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,306	Does the new HD31 also now have rounded aperture blades? The HDFA35 can show some hexagonal bokeh. I don't mind but I guess it may contribute to the busyness.

04-21-2021, 12:32 PM	#476
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	Thanks for these two links! It remains rather vague, apart from sharpness, what the difference is between the two versions. I guess we'll soon find out though in user reports.

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04-21-2021, 12:56 PM - 1 Like	#477
house Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,306	I suspect any difference is quite subtle. Or at least only visible in edge cases. Despite being quite candid this is Ricoh marketing. The da limited smc to hd switch is probably equivalent and people harldly notice except for star bursts.

04-21-2021, 01:12 PM	#478
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Originally posted by house I suspect any difference is quite subtle. Or at least only visible in edge cases. Despite being quite candid this is Ricoh marketing. The da limited smc to hd switch is probably equivalent and people harldly notice except for star bursts. Flare resistance and subtle colour variation is what I'd expect.

04-21-2021, 01:40 PM	#479
One3rdEV Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: So-central, MI Posts: 285	Originally posted by thibs Flare resistance and subtle colour variation is what I'd expect. I agree with the expectation that we will ~see results very similar to the comparison made here at the forums between the SMC and HD variants of the DA Limiteds that were previously updated.

04-24-2021, 06:32 AM	#480
hongman Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 300	Originally posted by thibs Flare resistance and subtle colour variation is what I'd expect. .. To retain my sanity... I will now switch my lens lust dreams to play in my head as monochrome... !