Which 35mm lens?

**luftfluss** · 09-17-2020, 09:23 AM

Originally posted by Kozlok

It is important for us to first know if you are shooting full-frame, or APS-C only...

Originally posted by Flubber

It would be used on the K-1.

.....

**UncleVanya** · 09-17-2020, 11:02 AM

Originally posted by Kozlok

It is important for us to first know if you are shooting full-frame, or APS-C only, do you really mean 35mm, or are 30mm lenses also OK, and a little bit about what you want to shoot?
..........................................
As for me, I have the DA35mm Macro Ltd., the Sigma 30/1.4, the Takumar 35/2.3, the Sigma 18-35/1.8, the FA43/1.9, and the FA31/1.8. I use each of them differently, and have no intention on selling any of them.

Originally posted by Flubber

It would be used on the K-1.

The OP mentions a K-1, but I agree that knowing what subjects and situations they will be shooting in would be helpful.

I personally have the FA 31and the SMC FA 35, and understand the desire to keep multiple lenses in this range.

**clickclick** · 09-17-2020, 02:06 PM

I have the Sigma Art 35/1.4, and it is a very nice lens. It is very sharp, and the bokeh is also quite nice. It is, however, a large and heavy lens. Not something I'd want to tote around in my bag just to have on hand "in case", but a lens I'd take because I know I want it. I do feel the colors from Sigma lenses tend to be cooler than Pentax lenses, but I can't say I've sat down and done a specific side by side comparison, but just my general feeling when I look at pictures taken with them.

I also have the 31 Limited, which has that limited magic. I view them as very different in character, both handling and rendering. If was shooting flowers on APS-C, I'd grab the Sigma. If I were doing landscapes on full frame, I'd grab the 31.

**Bob 256** · 09-17-2020, 05:00 PM

Some how, everyone so far other than Kozloc has assumed that you want a single focal length lens. My first lens purchase was a zoom which offered a range of focal lengths making it a lot more flexible in its use. Of course, if you choose a zoom, you make some compromises on image quality although some zooms offer excellent IQ. You might also compromise lens speed since most zooms are not that fast unless you pay big $$. If I were to go with a zoom, I would choose one on the wide angle to moderate telephoto range since I find myself shooting a lot of wide angle shots versus telephoto ones, but that telephoto range does come in handy.

Just another option to consider.

Wheatfield · 09-18-2020, 08:47 AM

Originally posted by Flubber

Hello

I have a maximum budget of around 1000 euros/1200 dollars to spend on a 35mm lens. Which one would you recommend within my budget, and why?

It doesn't have to cost that much. That's just the most I would be willing to spend on a good 35.

It would be used on the K-1.

If you don't mind manual focus, the A35/2 is very good, though I think it might be a bit on the rare side. It's sharp, contrasty and very flare resistant, and is solidly built.
The FA35/2 is good, with many of the same characteristics as the A series lens (the optical formula is very different), but I don't like the feel of the lens. It feels flimsy to me.
The newer version that was just released is probably better in all respects, but I can't comment on it beyond that as I don't own it.

Obviously the 31mm is the one to reach for if you can stretch that far. It's a little faster, the build quality is very nice, and the optics are superb.
I own all three, in fact for a while I had 2 samples of the 31. The medium wide isn't a lens I get a lot of use out of, but the 31 and the two 35s that I mentioned are all good glass. I can't comment on third party options as I see no reason to buy them.

---------- Post added Sep 18th, 2020 at 09:48 AM ----------

Originally posted by Bob 256

Some how, everyone so far other than Kozloc has assumed that you want a single focal length lens.

This might have a lot to do with what he specified in his original post when he said he was looking for recommendations for a 35mm lens, not a zoom lens that covers 35mm.

**RICHARD L.** · 09-18-2020, 10:37 AM - **1 Like**

stevebrot · 09-18-2020, 12:17 PM - **4 Likes**

I love it when people start sharing samples. I have over 200 to choose from on Flickr, but here are a few from my FA 35/2.0 that caught my fancy this morning...

Steve

reh321 · 09-19-2020, 12:33 PM

This depends a lot on what you expect from the lens.
Focus is not nearly as important with wide angle as it is with telephoto.
I find an old Takumar 35mm f/2 has its own 'magic', but since my "APS-C" KP is my primary camera, it gets only limited use.

**Focusrite** · 09-27-2020, 10:33 PM - **1 Like**

If you intend to use the lens for Astro or Nightscapes, I can really only recommend the Sigma Art 35mm. I haven't owned or used the Samyang, and although I do own the Pentax FA 31mm as well, I've never tried it for astro; however I use the Sigma 35mm nearly exclusively for my Milky Way panos and other night photos.

I did read an article online comparing a bunch of 35mm lenses for night shooting, and from memory the Sigma did perform a bit better with coma, etc, then most of the others ( the article was circa 2014-ish ). It's hardly the perfect lens, but at the moment it's the sharpest / fastest lens I have - or to be more precise, the sharpest at the largest aperture ( fingers crossed Pentax brings out a super-sharp 24mm f1.4 some day! ). You need the large aperture to hoover up all the light you can when there's no moon.

Yes, it's heavy; but honestly for a modern f1.4 lens it's probably not that bad.

house · 10-02-2020, 08:01 AM

I quite like the HDFA 35 f2. It has personality though and it changes through the aperture range.

Bokeh can get busy but can also render very nice and dreamy. It has quite a lot of longitudinal fringing and some lateral.

It behaves very well against bright light and the size is wonderful. The hood is a bit annoying when changing lenses frequently. Built in hoods is a great feature of the limiters.

john carter · 10-19-2020, 03:36 PM - **1 Like**

Here is a wide open test of the 35mm f2.0 AF Pentax lens, the particulars are on the links:

Full Frame:

Pentax 35mm f2.0 FA-AL | This a wide open center shot of the? | Flickr

Center blow up:

Pentax 35mm f2.0 FA-AL | This a wide open center shot of the? | Flickr

**fs999** · 10-20-2020, 05:43 AM - **1 Like**

smc FA 35mm F2 is even cheaper and the difference is not noticeable...

My smc Pentax-FA 35mm F2 AL review.

pinholecam · 10-20-2020, 05:45 AM - **5 Likes**

I have both the FA35/2 and the FA31ltd.
On apsc, I liked the FA35 more, and the 31ltd seemed rather pointless, but once the K1 arrived, I'd take the 31ltd as my most used lens.

Wide enough for many natural landscapes.

Narrow enough not to overly distort on perspective.

I think its ok for milkyway shots

Great as a reportage travel lens

Enough shallow DOF for the smaller stuff

**TL4** · 10-21-2020, 09:25 AM - **1 Like**

When I bought my K1, I started out with all 3 FA Limited lenses. You can do just about anything with that combination.

subidoc · 10-22-2020, 03:55 AM

All fantastic suggestions above. For the money, a combination of FA35/2.0, F50/1.7 and the FA77 would cover most needs with elegance and aplomb.

09-18-2020, 10:37 AM - 1 Like	#21
RICHARD L. Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Quebec City, Quebec Posts: 6,575	You will be hard pressed to find anything much better optically than the FA35 mm f/2 Last edited by RICHARD L.; 10-20-2020 at 06:20 AM.

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09-17-2020, 09:23 AM	#16
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,619	Originally posted by Kozlok It is important for us to first know if you are shooting full-frame, or APS-C only... Originally posted by Flubber It would be used on the K-1. .....

09-17-2020, 11:02 AM	#17
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Originally posted by Kozlok It is important for us to first know if you are shooting full-frame, or APS-C only, do you really mean 35mm, or are 30mm lenses also OK, and a little bit about what you want to shoot? .......................................... As for me, I have the DA35mm Macro Ltd., the Sigma 30/1.4, the Takumar 35/2.3, the Sigma 18-35/1.8, the FA43/1.9, and the FA31/1.8. I use each of them differently, and have no intention on selling any of them. Originally posted by Flubber It would be used on the K-1. The OP mentions a K-1, but I agree that knowing what subjects and situations they will be shooting in would be helpful. I personally have the FA 31and the SMC FA 35, and understand the desire to keep multiple lenses in this range.

09-17-2020, 02:06 PM	#18
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,903	I have the Sigma Art 35/1.4, and it is a very nice lens. It is very sharp, and the bokeh is also quite nice. It is, however, a large and heavy lens. Not something I'd want to tote around in my bag just to have on hand "in case", but a lens I'd take because I know I want it. I do feel the colors from Sigma lenses tend to be cooler than Pentax lenses, but I can't say I've sat down and done a specific side by side comparison, but just my general feeling when I look at pictures taken with them. I also have the 31 Limited, which has that limited magic. I view them as very different in character, both handling and rendering. If was shooting flowers on APS-C, I'd grab the Sigma. If I were doing landscapes on full frame, I'd grab the 31.

09-17-2020, 05:00 PM	#19
Bob 256 Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,375	Some how, everyone so far other than Kozloc has assumed that you want a single focal length lens. My first lens purchase was a zoom which offered a range of focal lengths making it a lot more flexible in its use. Of course, if you choose a zoom, you make some compromises on image quality although some zooms offer excellent IQ. You might also compromise lens speed since most zooms are not that fast unless you pay big $$. If I were to go with a zoom, I would choose one on the wide angle to moderate telephoto range since I find myself shooting a lot of wide angle shots versus telephoto ones, but that telephoto range does come in handy. Just another option to consider.

09-18-2020, 08:47 AM	#20
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	Originally posted by Flubber Hello I have a maximum budget of around 1000 euros/1200 dollars to spend on a 35mm lens. Which one would you recommend within my budget, and why? It doesn't have to cost that much. That's just the most I would be willing to spend on a good 35. It would be used on the K-1. If you don't mind manual focus, the A35/2 is very good, though I think it might be a bit on the rare side. It's sharp, contrasty and very flare resistant, and is solidly built. The FA35/2 is good, with many of the same characteristics as the A series lens (the optical formula is very different), but I don't like the feel of the lens. It feels flimsy to me. The newer version that was just released is probably better in all respects, but I can't comment on it beyond that as I don't own it. Obviously the 31mm is the one to reach for if you can stretch that far. It's a little faster, the build quality is very nice, and the optics are superb. I own all three, in fact for a while I had 2 samples of the 31. The medium wide isn't a lens I get a lot of use out of, but the 31 and the two 35s that I mentioned are all good glass. I can't comment on third party options as I see no reason to buy them. ---------- Post added Sep 18th, 2020 at 09:48 AM ---------- Originally posted by Bob 256 Some how, everyone so far other than Kozloc has assumed that you want a single focal length lens. This might have a lot to do with what he specified in his original post when he said he was looking for recommendations for a 35mm lens, not a zoom lens that covers 35mm.

09-18-2020, 12:17 PM - 4 Likes	#22
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	I love it when people start sharing samples. I have over 200 to choose from on Flickr, but here are a few from my FA 35/2.0 that caught my fancy this morning... Steve

09-19-2020, 12:33 PM	#23
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	This depends a lot on what you expect from the lens. Focus is not nearly as important with wide angle as it is with telephoto. I find an old Takumar 35mm f/2 has its own 'magic', but since my "APS-C" KP is my primary camera, it gets only limited use.

09-27-2020, 10:33 PM - 1 Like	#24
Focusrite Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2014 Photos: Gallery Posts: 206	If you intend to use the lens for Astro or Nightscapes, I can really only recommend the Sigma Art 35mm. I haven't owned or used the Samyang, and although I do own the Pentax FA 31mm as well, I've never tried it for astro; however I use the Sigma 35mm nearly exclusively for my Milky Way panos and other night photos. I did read an article online comparing a bunch of 35mm lenses for night shooting, and from memory the Sigma did perform a bit better with coma, etc, then most of the others ( the article was circa 2014-ish ). It's hardly the perfect lens, but at the moment it's the sharpest / fastest lens I have - or to be more precise, the sharpest at the largest aperture ( fingers crossed Pentax brings out a super-sharp 24mm f1.4 some day! ). You need the large aperture to hoover up all the light you can when there's no moon. Yes, it's heavy; but honestly for a modern f1.4 lens it's probably not that bad.

10-02-2020, 08:01 AM	#25
house Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,306	I quite like the HDFA 35 f2. It has personality though and it changes through the aperture range. Bokeh can get busy but can also render very nice and dreamy. It has quite a lot of longitudinal fringing and some lateral. It behaves very well against bright light and the size is wonderful. The hood is a bit annoying when changing lenses frequently. Built in hoods is a great feature of the limiters.

10-19-2020, 03:36 PM - 1 Like	#26
john carter Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: California Photos: Gallery Posts: 67	Here is a wide open test of the 35mm f2.0 AF Pentax lens, the particulars are on the links: Full Frame: Pentax 35mm f2.0 FA-AL \| This a wide open center shot of the? \| Flickr Center blow up: Pentax 35mm f2.0 FA-AL \| This a wide open center shot of the? \| Flickr

10-20-2020, 05:43 AM - 1 Like	#27
fs999 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Luxembourg Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,638	smc FA 35mm F2 is even cheaper and the difference is not noticeable... My smc Pentax-FA 35mm F2 AL review.

10-20-2020, 05:45 AM - 5 Likes	#28
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,706	I have both the FA35/2 and the FA31ltd. On apsc, I liked the FA35 more, and the 31ltd seemed rather pointless, but once the K1 arrived, I'd take the 31ltd as my most used lens. Wide enough for many natural landscapes. Narrow enough not to overly distort on perspective. I think its ok for milkyway shots Great as a reportage travel lens Enough shallow DOF for the smaller stuff

10-21-2020, 09:25 AM - 1 Like	#29
TL4 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2020 Posts: 52	When I bought my K1, I started out with all 3 FA Limited lenses. You can do just about anything with that combination.

10-22-2020, 03:55 AM	#30
subidoc Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Somewhere near the middle... Posts: 325	All fantastic suggestions above. For the money, a combination of FA35/2.0, F50/1.7 and the FA77 would cover most needs with elegance and aplomb.