Originally posted by Digitalis Personally I prefer the FA31 for its rendering.
+1
How much the renderings differ visibly depends on the image (subject distance, background distance, f-stop). Sometimes the difference can be subtle, sometimes not so subtle. Even when it is subtle, I think it can make a big difference on a subconscious level. Note that I only own the FA 31/1.8 and only made comparisons to the Sigma 35/1.4 by using images posted by others.
The FA 31/1.8's rendering is just exquisite. It has been voted the
second best K-mount lens by users of this forum a while ago (personally, I think it should have received first place) and also received
ultimate praise from the press.
It furthermore is a jewel of a lens that is just lovely to behold and handle and takes up relatively little space in the bag.
I have a lot of Sigma lenses and hold them in high regard, but if you eschew the FA 31/1.8 in favour of the Sigma 35/1.4, you might want to ask yourself whether you are using the correct mount. Wouldn't a camera that Sigma still produces lenses for be a better choice then? This is not meant to be a snide remark. Unless you absolutely love the ergonomics of Pentax cameras (who doesn't?) you may want to consider a different camera system, if what many consider to be a pinnacle of lens design (the FA 31/1.8) does not make it into your bag.
P.S.: Note that the FA 31/1.8 has a fixed hood. That may not suit you.