Lens Tournament: FA 31mm Limited vs DA 35mm Limited Macro (Best Normal Lens)

Adam · 10-28-2014, 03:52 AM

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the knockout round of the Greatest Pentax Lens Tournament! The rules are simple: Two lenses enter. You must choose one. The winner moves on; the loser is gone. Check out the bracket here, which is based on the user nomination results.

After this match, we'll be able to crown the best Pentax normal lens. The contenders are the FA 31mm F1.8 Limited and the DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro.

Make your choice by voting in the poll above. You will need to log in or register if you don't yet have a forum account.
Feel free to argue, persuade, and generally carry on after that. Voting will be open for exactly 24 hours.

Lens Info:

Adam
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Sandy Hancock · 10-28-2014, 05:16 AM

I have, and adore, them both.
I know which lens will win, but I'm actually leaning towards the other one for sheer versatility and its unique place in the panoply of APS-C lenses. The fact that it looks and feels so much like a FA77 helps too

sinjin · 10-28-2014, 05:39 AM

Yes Sandy, it appears it is the end of the line for the 35mm macro Limited. I've not tried the 31mm Limited, but there is no denying the amount of text that gets written about its ability to render magic.

The 35mm may or may not reach the same level of magic, but it has to be close. And it has some great tricks in addition (macro, flare resistance, low CA).

Hippone · 10-28-2014, 06:03 AM

Both are so great lenses , with high performance. The FA is better since we can use it with FF cameras.

**monochrome** · 10-28-2014, 06:24 AM

With all due respect to the Princess, the 35 Ltd. Macro is probably a better lens on our current cameras. It might just be a better lens, period, for all but the most accomplished photographers. The FA31 is better than I am - too good, in fact - but the DA35 sort of . . . . . isn't.

**Rondec** · 10-28-2014, 06:47 AM

The DA 35 is better with regard to close focus ability and less purple fringing. The FA 31 has better rendering (the DA 35 isn't bad the FA 31 is just better) and it is faster (both speed of aperture and auto focus). I used to own the DA 35 limited and I loved it while I owned it, but the FA 31 is better.

Clavius · 10-28-2014, 06:49 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Rondec

The DA 35 is better with regard to close focus ability and less purple fringing. The FA 31 has better rendering (the DA 35 isn't bad the FA 31 is just better) and it is faster (both speed of aperture and auto focus). I used to own the DA 35 limited and I loved it while I owned it, but the FA 31 is better.

Actually, the AF speed of the 31 and DA 35 ltd are exactly the same. The latter just has a much wider focal range to hunt in. It could have really used a limitter.

**Rondec** · 10-28-2014, 06:59 AM

Originally posted by Clavius

Actually, the AF speed of the 31 and DA 35 ltd are exactly the same. The latter just has a much wider focal range to hunt in. It could have really used a limitter.

True. In practice, unless you actively turn your lens to infinity before using auto focus, the 35 takes longer. It is brutal on a body like the K-01. I agree about the focus limiter, but for whatever reason, Pentax has decided to forgo those (the DFA 100 macro could use one too).

Sandy Hancock · 10-28-2014, 08:27 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Rondec

True. In practice, unless you actively turn your lens to infinity before using auto focus, the 35 takes longer. It is brutal on a body like the K-01. I agree about the focus limiter, but for whatever reason, Pentax has decided to forgo those (the DFA 100 macro could use one too).

That is why the Pentax gods gave us Quick Shift. If I care about AF speed, I prefocus the DA35 on either infinity (for anything more than a metre away) or minimum focal distance (for close-ups) before I frame the shot. If you do that, speed is at least equal to the FA31.

mtux · 10-28-2014, 08:49 AM

I don't have the FA31, used it once in the photo exhibition, and it had so much PF/CA/whatever for so much expensive lens.
But I know it has more lovers than DA35ltd.

My vote still goes to DA35ltd.

**Rondec** · 10-28-2014, 08:52 AM

I'm fine with whichever lens wins. I just clicked a lot more with the FA 31 than the DA 35 limited.

DSims · 10-28-2014, 03:58 PM

The FA31 is kind of like a fine sports car - you actually have to know how to drive to make it work for you. But if you do (know how to use it, that is), there are few lenses on the planet that can match its ability to give you smooth backgrounds and transition to Out-Of-Focus - especially in a lens this wide.

The DA35 macro is more like a turbocharged Corolla wagon - easy to drive, practical, and anyone can use it. Better than an non-turbo model, but not that special.

**monochrome** · 10-28-2014, 04:24 PM

Originally posted by DSims

The FA31 is kind of like a fine sports car - you actually have to know how to drive to make it work for you

One can always go to Bondurant or Skip Barber or SCCA and learn how to drive.

**robbiec** · 10-28-2014, 04:42 PM

Probably less than 10% of Pentax owners will ever get to try the 31, less than half of these will actually get to understand and explore its capabilities. More will use the 35 as it is 1/3 of the cost and will spoil you with sharpness, colour rendition and overall ease of use. It is probably a better lens to more people more of the time and for that it should be applauded.

Reltih · 10-28-2014, 08:17 PM

On the way to Round 3, FA 31 had to fight with DA* 55 F1.4 and FA 43 limited. On the other way, DA 35 F2.8 Macro just had to fight with two legacy lenses, A 50 F1.7 and Super Takuma 50 F1.4. The path of the FA 31 is harder, so a victory will be more glorious.

I have the FA 31 and have tried the DA 35 F2.8 from a friend. While the DA 35 F2.8 Macro is a very good lens, it did not bring special feelings to me like the FA 31. Obviously, the FA 31 gets my vote. To me, the only lens that can "win" FA 31 is its brother, FA 77.

View Poll Results: Which lens should advance to the next round?
FA 31mm F1.8 Limited	124	72.51%
DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro	47	27.49%
Voters: 171. You may not vote on this poll

10-28-2014, 03:52 AM	#1
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,165	Lens Tournament: FA 31mm Limited vs DA 35mm Limited Macro (Best Normal Lens) Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the knockout round of the Greatest Pentax Lens Tournament! The rules are simple: Two lenses enter. You must choose one. The winner moves on; the loser is gone. Check out the bracket here, which is based on the user nomination results. After this match, we'll be able to crown the best Pentax normal lens. The contenders are the FA 31mm F1.8 Limited and the DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro. Make your choice by voting in the poll above. You will need to log in or register if you don't yet have a forum account. Feel free to argue, persuade, and generally carry on after that. Voting will be open for exactly 24 hours. Lens Info: SMC Pentax-FA 31mm F1.8 AL Limited Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

10-28-2014, 05:39 AM	#3
sinjin Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Ottawa Posts: 242	Yes Sandy, it appears it is the end of the line for the 35mm macro Limited. I've not tried the 31mm Limited, but there is no denying the amount of text that gets written about its ability to render magic. The 35mm may or may not reach the same level of magic, but it has to be close. And it has some great tricks in addition (macro, flare resistance, low CA). Last edited by sinjin; 10-28-2014 at 06:25 AM. Reason: Typo

10-28-2014, 04:42 PM	#14
robbiec Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cork Photos: Albums Posts: 1,848	Probably less than 10% of Pentax owners will ever get to try the 31, less than half of these will actually get to understand and explore its capabilities. More will use the 35 as it is 1/3 of the cost and will spoil you with sharpness, colour rendition and overall ease of use. It is probably a better lens to more people more of the time and for that it should be applauded. Last edited by robbiec; 10-28-2014 at 04:58 PM.

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10-28-2014, 05:16 AM	#2
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,661	I have, and adore, them both. I know which lens will win, but I'm actually leaning towards the other one for sheer versatility and its unique place in the panoply of APS-C lenses. The fact that it looks and feels so much like a FA77 helps too

10-28-2014, 06:03 AM	#4
Hippone Veteran Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Some where in time !! Posts: 523	Both are so great lenses , with high performance. The FA is better since we can use it with FF cameras.

10-28-2014, 06:24 AM	#5
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	With all due respect to the Princess, the 35 Ltd. Macro is probably a better lens on our current cameras. It might just be a better lens, period, for all but the most accomplished photographers. The FA31 is better than I am - too good, in fact - but the DA35 sort of . . . . . isn't.

10-28-2014, 06:47 AM	#6
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 26,048	The DA 35 is better with regard to close focus ability and less purple fringing. The FA 31 has better rendering (the DA 35 isn't bad the FA 31 is just better) and it is faster (both speed of aperture and auto focus). I used to own the DA 35 limited and I loved it while I owned it, but the FA 31 is better.

10-28-2014, 06:49 AM - 1 Like	#7
Clavius Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: De Klundert Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,133	Originally posted by Rondec The DA 35 is better with regard to close focus ability and less purple fringing. The FA 31 has better rendering (the DA 35 isn't bad the FA 31 is just better) and it is faster (both speed of aperture and auto focus). I used to own the DA 35 limited and I loved it while I owned it, but the FA 31 is better. Actually, the AF speed of the 31 and DA 35 ltd are exactly the same. The latter just has a much wider focal range to hunt in. It could have really used a limitter.

10-28-2014, 06:59 AM	#8
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 26,048	Originally posted by Clavius Actually, the AF speed of the 31 and DA 35 ltd are exactly the same. The latter just has a much wider focal range to hunt in. It could have really used a limitter. True. In practice, unless you actively turn your lens to infinity before using auto focus, the 35 takes longer. It is brutal on a body like the K-01. I agree about the focus limiter, but for whatever reason, Pentax has decided to forgo those (the DFA 100 macro could use one too).

10-28-2014, 08:27 AM - 1 Like	#9
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,661	Originally posted by Rondec True. In practice, unless you actively turn your lens to infinity before using auto focus, the 35 takes longer. It is brutal on a body like the K-01. I agree about the focus limiter, but for whatever reason, Pentax has decided to forgo those (the DFA 100 macro could use one too). That is why the Pentax gods gave us Quick Shift. If I care about AF speed, I prefocus the DA35 on either infinity (for anything more than a metre away) or minimum focal distance (for close-ups) before I frame the shot. If you do that, speed is at least equal to the FA31.

10-28-2014, 08:49 AM	#10
mtux Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: the Netherlands Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,444	I don't have the FA31, used it once in the photo exhibition, and it had so much PF/CA/whatever for so much expensive lens. But I know it has more lovers than DA35ltd. My vote still goes to DA35ltd.

10-28-2014, 08:52 AM	#11
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 26,048	I'm fine with whichever lens wins. I just clicked a lot more with the FA 31 than the DA 35 limited.

10-28-2014, 03:58 PM	#12
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,229	The FA31 is kind of like a fine sports car - you actually have to know how to drive to make it work for you. But if you do (know how to use it, that is), there are few lenses on the planet that can match its ability to give you smooth backgrounds and transition to Out-Of-Focus - especially in a lens this wide. The DA35 macro is more like a turbocharged Corolla wagon - easy to drive, practical, and anyone can use it. Better than an non-turbo model, but not that special.

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10-28-2014, 04:24 PM	#13
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by DSims The FA31 is kind of like a fine sports car - you actually have to know how to drive to make it work for you One can always go to Bondurant or Skip Barber or SCCA and learn how to drive.

10-28-2014, 08:17 PM	#15
Reltih Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 84	On the way to Round 3, FA 31 had to fight with DA* 55 F1.4 and FA 43 limited. On the other way, DA 35 F2.8 Macro just had to fight with two legacy lenses, A 50 F1.7 and Super Takuma 50 F1.4. The path of the FA 31 is harder, so a victory will be more glorious. I have the FA 31 and have tried the DA 35 F2.8 from a friend. While the DA 35 F2.8 Macro is a very good lens, it did not bring special feelings to me like the FA 31. Obviously, the FA 31 gets my vote. To me, the only lens that can "win" FA 31 is its brother, FA 77.