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cosmonaut · 12-29-2015, 06:12 AM

I have been using the Pentax 645z with the 55mm FA lens but I could use something wider. I can get the 45mm A for cheap and certainly don't mind manual focusing a landscape. So what kind of lens is this? Show me some examples if you got them. If there's something better to be had let me know and thanks.

**baro-nite** · 12-29-2015, 06:51 AM

The FA 45~85 is generally considered sharper at 45mm than the 45/2.8. Based on the specs it looks like the A version of the zoom has the same optics, and you should be able to find one for not too much more than the 45.

cosmonaut · 12-29-2015, 11:32 AM

Originally posted by baro-nite

The FA 45~85 is generally considered sharper at 45mm than the 45/2.8. Based on the specs it looks like the A version of the zoom has the same optics, and you should be able to find one for not too much more than the 45.

Thanks that's what I will look for then. I have seen it on ebay as well.

PhilRich · 12-29-2015, 12:37 PM

I would recommend the A35 - excellent lens and a bit wider.

mikeSF · 12-29-2015, 01:41 PM

Definitely grab an A35 as that is a known high performer. I have the A45 as well and never had an issue with it, so no complaints from my end.

cosmonaut · 12-30-2015, 10:39 AM

Originally posted by mikeSF

Definitely grab an A35 as that is a known high performer. I have the A45 as well and never had an issue with it, so no complaints from my end.

I'll take a look at it as well.

revdocjim · 01-08-2016, 12:33 PM

The 35mm gets significantly higher ratings than the 45mm in most reviews. It costs more too but is well worth it. I traded in my 45mm when I found a good deal on the 35mm. And the spread is evened out a bit with the 35mm, 55mm and 75mm. After that there is a gap in the prime lineup until you get to the 120mm macro but I use the 90mm and 105mm lenses from the 6x7 line with an adapter as they are very compact.

**mattb123** · 01-09-2016, 12:22 PM

I have the A 45/2.8 and the A 35/3.5 too.
The 45 seems very good and yes it was cheap, under $150! The 35 is excellent but more expensive, I think I paid $585 on eBay. Both worth their prices IMO.

cosmonaut · 01-10-2016, 09:22 AM

I picked up a nice used 45-85mm FA off of Ebay today. I appreciate the help. I will pick up the 35mm sooner or later I am sure it's a stellar lens as well.

12-29-2015, 06:12 AM	#1
cosmonaut Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 35	40mm 45mm 2.8 A for landscapes? I have been using the Pentax 645z with the 55mm FA lens but I could use something wider. I can get the 45mm A for cheap and certainly don't mind manual focusing a landscape. So what kind of lens is this? Show me some examples if you got them. If there's something better to be had let me know and thanks.

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12-29-2015, 06:51 AM	#2
baro-nite Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Carolina, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,295	The FA 45~85 is generally considered sharper at 45mm than the 45/2.8. Based on the specs it looks like the A version of the zoom has the same optics, and you should be able to find one for not too much more than the 45.

12-29-2015, 11:32 AM	#3
cosmonaut Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 35 Original Poster	Originally posted by baro-nite The FA 45~85 is generally considered sharper at 45mm than the 45/2.8. Based on the specs it looks like the A version of the zoom has the same optics, and you should be able to find one for not too much more than the 45. Thanks that's what I will look for then. I have seen it on ebay as well.

12-29-2015, 12:37 PM	#4
PhilRich Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Western Washington Posts: 204	I would recommend the A35 - excellent lens and a bit wider.

12-29-2015, 01:41 PM	#5
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,622	Definitely grab an A35 as that is a known high performer. I have the A45 as well and never had an issue with it, so no complaints from my end.

12-30-2015, 10:39 AM	#6
cosmonaut Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 35 Original Poster	Originally posted by mikeSF Definitely grab an A35 as that is a known high performer. I have the A45 as well and never had an issue with it, so no complaints from my end. I'll take a look at it as well.

01-08-2016, 12:33 PM	#7
revdocjim Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Mt. Akagi, Gunma Prefecture Posts: 374	The 35mm gets significantly higher ratings than the 45mm in most reviews. It costs more too but is well worth it. I traded in my 45mm when I found a good deal on the 35mm. And the spread is evened out a bit with the 35mm, 55mm and 75mm. After that there is a gap in the prime lineup until you get to the 120mm macro but I use the 90mm and 105mm lenses from the 6x7 line with an adapter as they are very compact.

01-09-2016, 12:22 PM	#8
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,874	I have the A 45/2.8 and the A 35/3.5 too. The 45 seems very good and yes it was cheap, under $150! The 35 is excellent but more expensive, I think I paid $585 on eBay. Both worth their prices IMO.

01-10-2016, 09:22 AM	#9
cosmonaut Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 35 Original Poster	I picked up a nice used 45-85mm FA off of Ebay today. I appreciate the help. I will pick up the 35mm sooner or later I am sure it's a stellar lens as well.

40mm 45mm 2.8 A for landscapes?

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