K-1 with FA31mm or Sigma A 35mm

Unregistered User · 05-04-2016, 12:27 AM

Originally posted by 2351HD

Just how easy is manual focus going to be on a K-1 though?

Got mine today. Manual focus is not too bad at all! The viewfinder is great! The images this zeiss are producing are spectacular!!

**felixkh** · 05-04-2016, 06:06 AM

FA31mm is better

TomTextura · 05-04-2016, 04:53 PM

No experience with the Sigma ART 35MM but really do love my FA 31 Limited. Even if Pentax updates the 31 with quick shift, WR, and silent AF, I won't be replacing my copy. Its IQ is so good and consistent plus the build and operation of it just feels right. Definitely my favorite lens. It's a lifetime keeper, for sure.

ShiftR · 05-04-2016, 05:31 PM

This gentleman on Flickr has some 35mm Art shots. The anticipation for my K-1 is killing me!

https://www.flickr.com/search/?text=pentax%20K-1%20sigma%2035mm%20art

Unregistered User · 05-05-2016, 12:45 AM

Shot from the Zeiss 35/2 that I mentioned.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/141209833@N06/26793219806/in/dateposted-public/

bossa · 05-05-2016, 01:38 AM

Originally posted by Winder

The Sigma is sharper, but the Bokeh is not nearly as good as the 31mm IMO. I'm sticking with my 31mm until Pentax releases a D-FA* 35mm F/1.4.

Agreed. I own both lenses and the FA31 has microcontrast to die for and a much better BOKEH than the Sigma 35. The Sigma reduces specular highlights to circles and the bokeh can be very nervous. I use the Sigma on my D810 though and it is a stellar performer, resolution wise.

OTOH the Sigma 50/1.4 'art' has a little too much purple fringing for my tastes, considering it's a modern lens design.

Gratuitous 3D cat photos - K5 and FA31:

**Hattifnatt** · 05-05-2016, 06:11 AM - **1 Like**

I wanted to get the 31, but the Sigma 35mm Art was significantly cheaper in my country so I got it instead of the FA31. It does have some FF/BF, quite unpredictable. I didn't try to calibrate it since most of the time I'm shooting from a tripod so I have time for manual focus or contrast AF in liveview. The Sigma is big and heavy, but the build quality is very good. When it nails focus, sharpness can be outstanding.

Some samples with the K5IIs (I will get the K-1 as soon as possible so I will probably return to this thread):

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05-04-2016, 12:27 AM	#31
Unregistered User Guest	Originally posted by 2351HD Just how easy is manual focus going to be on a K-1 though? Got mine today. Manual focus is not too bad at all! The viewfinder is great! The images this zeiss are producing are spectacular!!

05-04-2016, 06:06 AM	#32
felixkh Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,201	FA31mm is better

05-04-2016, 04:53 PM	#33
TomTextura Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Denver Photos: Albums Posts: 570	No experience with the Sigma ART 35MM but really do love my FA 31 Limited. Even if Pentax updates the 31 with quick shift, WR, and silent AF, I won't be replacing my copy. Its IQ is so good and consistent plus the build and operation of it just feels right. Definitely my favorite lens. It's a lifetime keeper, for sure.

05-04-2016, 05:31 PM	#34
ShiftR Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 62	This gentleman on Flickr has some 35mm Art shots. The anticipation for my K-1 is killing me! https://www.flickr.com/search/?text=pentax%20K-1%20sigma%2035mm%20art

05-05-2016, 12:45 AM	#35
Unregistered User Guest	Shot from the Zeiss 35/2 that I mentioned. https://www.flickr.com/photos/141209833@N06/26793219806/in/dateposted-public/

05-05-2016, 01:38 AM	#36
bossa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Adelaide Posts: 4,546	Originally posted by Winder The Sigma is sharper, but the Bokeh is not nearly as good as the 31mm IMO. I'm sticking with my 31mm until Pentax releases a D-FA* 35mm F/1.4. Agreed. I own both lenses and the FA31 has microcontrast to die for and a much better BOKEH than the Sigma 35. The Sigma reduces specular highlights to circles and the bokeh can be very nervous. I use the Sigma on my D810 though and it is a stellar performer, resolution wise. OTOH the Sigma 50/1.4 'art' has a little too much purple fringing for my tastes, considering it's a modern lens design. Gratuitous 3D cat photos - K5 and FA31:

05-05-2016, 06:11 AM - 1 Like	#37
Hattifnatt Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Bucharest Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,626	I wanted to get the 31, but the Sigma 35mm Art was significantly cheaper in my country so I got it instead of the FA31. It does have some FF/BF, quite unpredictable. I didn't try to calibrate it since most of the time I'm shooting from a tripod so I have time for manual focus or contrast AF in liveview. The Sigma is big and heavy, but the build quality is very good. When it nails focus, sharpness can be outstanding. Some samples with the K5IIs (I will get the K-1 as soon as possible so I will probably return to this thread):