A35 vs FA35 vs 33-55

LA_Photographer · 01-02-2016, 12:58 PM

While the lens database is handy for reading up on individual lenses, you don't often get comparisons. As the moment, I am absolutely dying to go wider with my Z. On a lark, I pickup an A45 from a small used gear store and lets just say the sharpness (or lack thereof) is a bit disappointing. While we all wait for the new 35 to actually start shipping, can anyone tell me if they have used the three other options? What did you think? The 28-45 is just too much money to justify at this time (or I'd dive in on it). I definitely appreciate anyone who feels like offering their insight here. As a former Canon shooter, it was always pretty easy to find good reviewers online, but it's a quite a bit harder with the smaller Pentax community.

Adam · 01-02-2016, 01:07 PM

I've always been impressed by the performance of the FA 35mm (which is optically identical to the new D FA version, less the coatings). It's hard to beat for wide-angles unless you want to go even wider with the DA 25mm. It's been a while since I've used the 33-55mm, and it was on film, but my impression was that it was softer all around.

LA_Photographer · 01-02-2016, 01:22 PM

Thanks Adam. The 33-55 is tempting for just the little bit of extra width, but not if it's soft.

itshimitis · 01-02-2016, 01:35 PM

Originally posted by LA_Photographer

Thanks Adam. The 33-55 is tempting for just the little bit of extra width, but not if it's soft.

I have the 33 - 55, and it's ok. I wouldn't describe it as soft all around. Sure I have sharper lenses (the new D-FA 35 is very sharp), but it depends on what your wishes are. If you're not shooting wide open (and why would you need to very often) you should get reasonably good results if you can get one for a good price.

JohnCameron · 01-02-2016, 03:52 PM

The updated 35mm has been listed as in stock at B&H for a few days.
If anyone sees it in stock at a Canadian retailer please let me know. Thanks.

Lacunapratum · 01-02-2016, 06:11 PM

I agree with Adam on the FA 35mm. One of my favorite lenses ever. Film and digital. The new HD D-FA may still improve on it. The A 35mm is amazingly compact. Some say it's sharper, but for me the FA has been better. There was a time I liked the 33-55mm for its coverage and compact size considering it's a zoom, but now there are other options (28-45mm) and for me the barrel distortion was a turn-off.

itshimitis · 01-02-2016, 06:48 PM

Originally posted by Adam

I've always been impressed by the performance of the FA 35mm (which is optically identical to the new D FA version, less the coatings). It's hard to beat for wide-angles unless you want to go even wider with the DA 25mm. It's been a while since I've used the 33-55mm, and it was on film, but my impression was that it was softer all around.

I'm not sure that the DFA is absolutely identical optically to the FA. It has two new elements and in my experience is sharper than the FA. The standard FA is a good lens though. With the release of the DFA used FA should decrease in price.

Adam · 01-02-2016, 07:04 PM

Originally posted by itshimitis

I'm not sure that the DFA is absolutely identical optically to the FA. It has two new elements and in my experience is sharper than the FA. The standard FA is a good lens though. With the release of the DFA used FA should decrease in price.

Yup, the tweaks to the elements and aperture blades may in fact result in better image quality, but the fundamental optical formula is the same. Haven't gotten a chance to test the lens yet!

Lacunapratum · 01-03-2016, 10:18 AM

The 35mm HD might have to do with the new 100MP Phase that just came out. They feature the new 35mm and the 120mm as "blue line" lenses specifically for that sensor. The sensor is a Sony sensor, and chances are we'll see a 645 Pentax update with that sensor as well. In their line-up, the 25, 28-45, 35HD, 55, 90, and 120 would be sort-of ready, and the 28-45 and the 90 would likely be the stars, unless the new 35 surpasses the zoom. Hope they'll come up with one more update on the longer end of the line-up. The 35mm HD update prior to the announced new zooms was somewhat of a surprise, but the new Sony sensor explains it, I guess.

algrove · 01-03-2016, 10:33 AM

Time to sell my second 645Z body I guess.

Lacunapratum · 01-03-2016, 10:42 AM

It will happen. I could assure you that your Z is just fine, but 100MP will be the new standard. As you can see, this also seems to be the "glass ceiling" of current glass, and hard to imagine what would come after that unless lens prices will skyrocket astronomically. But then, your Z is just fine. What an amazing camera. Which is also what I thought of the D when it first came out. And it still is.

**yurihuta** · 01-03-2016, 10:58 AM

I've been wanting to compare the three for some time and had them all in hand a few years ago (A35, FA35, FA33-55)... but schedules were hectic back then (child, job etc.) so it never happened and I sold off all but the A35. I still have the A35 and now have a pristine copy of the FA33-55. Is there anyone in the DC area with a 645D or 645Z who might want to do some comparisons? Especially if you might have the FA35? As further incentive, if you also have the FA400 we can compare that against the 67 M* 400 ED-IF (beautiful, sharp lens).

---------- Post added 01-03-2016 at 01:02 PM ----------

One other note - under this topic https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/48-pentax-medium-format/87027-post-your-m...at-photos.html you can do searches for various lenses and with the known limitations of looking at files under really low resolution it is still interesting to see what the FA33-55 can do.

**mattb123** · 01-05-2016, 11:19 AM

I have the A 35 for my 645D and I think it's great! I'm sure the other versions are even better but besides AF the A version doesn't leave me wanting much.
I also would like to go wider which has me considering the 33-55 and keeping an eye out for a 25. Really, it's the 25 that will give me the width I crave but they are hard to find and not cheap when you do find them. 33 is so close to 35 that I probably won't pick one of those up unless it's some kind of irresistible deal.

donesteban · 01-05-2016, 01:07 PM

Originally posted by Lacunapratum

The 35mm HD might have to do with the new 100MP Phase that just came out. They feature the new 35mm and the 120mm as "blue line" lenses specifically for that sensor. The sensor is a Sony sensor, and chances are we'll see a 645 Pentax update with that sensor as well. In their line-up, the 25, 28-45, 35HD, 55, 90, and 120 would be sort-of ready, and the 28-45 and the 90 would likely be the stars, unless the new 35 surpasses the zoom. Hope they'll come up with one more update on the longer end of the line-up. The 35mm HD update prior to the announced new zooms was somewhat of a surprise, but the new Sony sensor explains it, I guess.

The 2845 is not doing full 645.

I use the 35 A as wide anlge, plus a 645N body in case the 645D and 35mm is not wide enough. Typically, I then do the same image again with the 645D as a one row panorama, if possible. But I first use the film body to compose the image. And in case the light is already gone or what ever, I have at least the slide film.

**yurihuta** · 01-05-2016, 04:21 PM

I was curious, so I threw all the numbers in the very helpful Lens Review (and specifications) section together on one page.

A35, FA35, DFA35 (newest)
Field of View (Diag. / Horiz.)
645 Digital 76 ° / 64 °
645 Film 90 ° / 77 °

FA33-55
Field of View (Diag. / Horiz.)
645 Digital: 80-53 ° / 67-44 °
645 Film: 93-65 ° / 81-54 °

DA28-45
Field of View (Diag. / Horiz.)
645 Digital: 89-63 ° / 76-52 °

DFA25 (same as DA25, except DA does not cover 645 film)
Field of View (Diag. / Horiz.)
645 Digital: 95.5 ° / 82.6 °
645 Film 109 ° / 96.7 °

01-02-2016, 12:58 PM	#1
LA_Photographer Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 37	A35 vs FA35 vs 33-55 While the lens database is handy for reading up on individual lenses, you don't often get comparisons. As the moment, I am absolutely dying to go wider with my Z. On a lark, I pickup an A45 from a small used gear store and lets just say the sharpness (or lack thereof) is a bit disappointing. While we all wait for the new 35 to actually start shipping, can anyone tell me if they have used the three other options? What did you think? The 28-45 is just too much money to justify at this time (or I'd dive in on it). I definitely appreciate anyone who feels like offering their insight here. As a former Canon shooter, it was always pretty easy to find good reviewers online, but it's a quite a bit harder with the smaller Pentax community.

01-02-2016, 01:07 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	I've always been impressed by the performance of the FA 35mm (which is optically identical to the new D FA version, less the coatings). It's hard to beat for wide-angles unless you want to go even wider with the DA 25mm. It's been a while since I've used the 33-55mm, and it was on film, but my impression was that it was softer all around. 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 purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. 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:

01-02-2016, 07:04 PM	#8
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	Originally posted by itshimitis I'm not sure that the DFA is absolutely identical optically to the FA. It has two new elements and in my experience is sharper than the FA. The standard FA is a good lens though. With the release of the DFA used FA should decrease in price. Yup, the tweaks to the elements and aperture blades may in fact result in better image quality, but the fundamental optical formula is the same. Haven't gotten a chance to test the lens yet! 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 purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. 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:

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01-02-2016, 01:22 PM	#3
LA_Photographer Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 37 Original Poster	Thanks Adam. The 33-55 is tempting for just the little bit of extra width, but not if it's soft.

01-02-2016, 01:35 PM	#4
itshimitis Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: All over the place Posts: 3,535	Originally posted by LA_Photographer Thanks Adam. The 33-55 is tempting for just the little bit of extra width, but not if it's soft. I have the 33 - 55, and it's ok. I wouldn't describe it as soft all around. Sure I have sharper lenses (the new D-FA 35 is very sharp), but it depends on what your wishes are. If you're not shooting wide open (and why would you need to very often) you should get reasonably good results if you can get one for a good price.

01-02-2016, 03:52 PM	#5
JohnCameron New Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 16	The updated 35mm has been listed as in stock at B&H for a few days. If anyone sees it in stock at a Canadian retailer please let me know. Thanks.

01-02-2016, 06:11 PM	#6
Lacunapratum Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 164	I agree with Adam on the FA 35mm. One of my favorite lenses ever. Film and digital. The new HD D-FA may still improve on it. The A 35mm is amazingly compact. Some say it's sharper, but for me the FA has been better. There was a time I liked the 33-55mm for its coverage and compact size considering it's a zoom, but now there are other options (28-45mm) and for me the barrel distortion was a turn-off.

01-02-2016, 06:48 PM	#7
itshimitis Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: All over the place Posts: 3,535	Originally posted by Adam I've always been impressed by the performance of the FA 35mm (which is optically identical to the new D FA version, less the coatings). It's hard to beat for wide-angles unless you want to go even wider with the DA 25mm. It's been a while since I've used the 33-55mm, and it was on film, but my impression was that it was softer all around. I'm not sure that the DFA is absolutely identical optically to the FA. It has two new elements and in my experience is sharper than the FA. The standard FA is a good lens though. With the release of the DFA used FA should decrease in price.

01-03-2016, 10:18 AM	#9
Lacunapratum Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 164	The 35mm HD might have to do with the new 100MP Phase that just came out. They feature the new 35mm and the 120mm as "blue line" lenses specifically for that sensor. The sensor is a Sony sensor, and chances are we'll see a 645 Pentax update with that sensor as well. In their line-up, the 25, 28-45, 35HD, 55, 90, and 120 would be sort-of ready, and the 28-45 and the 90 would likely be the stars, unless the new 35 surpasses the zoom. Hope they'll come up with one more update on the longer end of the line-up. The 35mm HD update prior to the announced new zooms was somewhat of a surprise, but the new Sony sensor explains it, I guess.

01-03-2016, 10:33 AM	#10
algrove Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 160	Time to sell my second 645Z body I guess.

01-03-2016, 10:42 AM	#11
Lacunapratum Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 164	It will happen. I could assure you that your Z is just fine, but 100MP will be the new standard. As you can see, this also seems to be the "glass ceiling" of current glass, and hard to imagine what would come after that unless lens prices will skyrocket astronomically. But then, your Z is just fine. What an amazing camera. Which is also what I thought of the D when it first came out. And it still is.

01-03-2016, 10:58 AM	#12
yurihuta Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Washington DC, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 632	I've been wanting to compare the three for some time and had them all in hand a few years ago (A35, FA35, FA33-55)... but schedules were hectic back then (child, job etc.) so it never happened and I sold off all but the A35. I still have the A35 and now have a pristine copy of the FA33-55. Is there anyone in the DC area with a 645D or 645Z who might want to do some comparisons? Especially if you might have the FA35? As further incentive, if you also have the FA400 we can compare that against the 67 M* 400 ED-IF (beautiful, sharp lens). ---------- Post added 01-03-2016 at 01:02 PM ---------- One other note - under this topic https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/48-pentax-medium-format/87027-post-your-m...at-photos.html you can do searches for various lenses and with the known limitations of looking at files under really low resolution it is still interesting to see what the FA33-55 can do.

01-05-2016, 11:19 AM	#13
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,873	I have the A 35 for my 645D and I think it's great! I'm sure the other versions are even better but besides AF the A version doesn't leave me wanting much. I also would like to go wider which has me considering the 33-55 and keeping an eye out for a 25. Really, it's the 25 that will give me the width I crave but they are hard to find and not cheap when you do find them. 33 is so close to 35 that I probably won't pick one of those up unless it's some kind of irresistible deal.

01-05-2016, 01:07 PM	#14
donesteban Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 124	Originally posted by Lacunapratum The 35mm HD might have to do with the new 100MP Phase that just came out. They feature the new 35mm and the 120mm as "blue line" lenses specifically for that sensor. The sensor is a Sony sensor, and chances are we'll see a 645 Pentax update with that sensor as well. In their line-up, the 25, 28-45, 35HD, 55, 90, and 120 would be sort-of ready, and the 28-45 and the 90 would likely be the stars, unless the new 35 surpasses the zoom. Hope they'll come up with one more update on the longer end of the line-up. The 35mm HD update prior to the announced new zooms was somewhat of a surprise, but the new Sony sensor explains it, I guess. The 2845 is not doing full 645. I use the 35 A as wide anlge, plus a 645N body in case the 645D and 35mm is not wide enough. Typically, I then do the same image again with the 645D as a one row panorama, if possible. But I first use the film body to compose the image. And in case the light is already gone or what ever, I have at least the slide film.

01-05-2016, 04:21 PM	#15
yurihuta Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Washington DC, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 632	I was curious, so I threw all the numbers in the very helpful Lens Review (and specifications) section together on one page. A35, FA35, DFA35 (newest) Field of View (Diag. / Horiz.) 645 Digital 76 ° / 64 ° 645 Film 90 ° / 77 ° FA33-55 Field of View (Diag. / Horiz.) 645 Digital: 80-53 ° / 67-44 ° 645 Film: 93-65 ° / 81-54 ° DA28-45 Field of View (Diag. / Horiz.) 645 Digital: 89-63 ° / 76-52 ° DFA25 (same as DA25, except DA does not cover 645 film) Field of View (Diag. / Horiz.) 645 Digital: 95.5 ° / 82.6 ° 645 Film 109 ° / 96.7 °