Testing 35mm options

mikeSF · 03-31-2016, 07:02 AM

Originally posted by 2351HD

I think you will be fine Mike, the DFA35 tested well at Diglloyd and smoked the 28-45 zoom for even-ness across the frame, better contrast at apertures 3.5 to f9 and sharper out to the edges. He classed it as the best lens for the Pentax 645 system, along with the DFA 90mm.

[waits by mailbox]

whwang · 03-31-2016, 07:12 AM

Originally posted by 2351HD

I think you will be fine Mike, the DFA35 tested well at Diglloyd and smoked the 28-45 zoom for even-ness across the frame, better contrast at apertures 3.5 to f9 and sharper out to the edges. He classed it as the best lens for the Pentax 645 system, along with the DFA 90mm.

I wonder how the DFA 35mm compares with the FA 35mm.
The FA 35mm is extremely sharp in the center.

Fr3nzy Photography · 04-01-2016, 04:29 PM

Originally posted by mikeSF

all this excitement waiting for the images was just too much for me - I went ahead and ordered the new DFA 35. Anybody need a super sharp A35? I had better not hang onto both.
Can't wait to see your comparisons!

PM sent.

Ristretto · 04-02-2016, 12:34 AM

Originally posted by 2351HD

He classed it as the best lens for the Pentax 645 system, along with the DFA 90mm.

This conclusion I can not confirm. I have both of them; the DFA35 is an excellent lens but the DFA 90 plays on an other level. The 90mm is one of the best lenses I ever owned

Originally posted by whwang

I wonder how the DFA 35mm compares with the FA 35mm.
The FA 35mm is extremely sharp in the center.

On my blog I did some comparisons between the FA and the new DFA. Conclusion: The DFA is really better at open aperture and in the corners and has a nicer/rounder bokeh (depends on what aperture). All other features like CA, purple fringing, flare-sensitivity etc. show no considerable differences between the two lenses.

whwang · 04-02-2016, 12:55 AM

Quote:

On my blog I did some comparisons between the FA and the new DFA. Conclusion: The DFA is really better at open aperture and in the corners and has a nicer/rounder bokeh (depends on what aperture). All other features like CA, purple fringing, flare-sensitivity etc. show no considerable differences between the two lenses.

Thanks. Then perhaps this means that the strong coma I see on the FA35 image corners is substantially reduced on the DFA35. I hope one day I will have the budget to upgrade.

2351HD · 04-02-2016, 01:26 AM

Originally posted by Ristretto

This conclusion I can not confirm. I have both of them; the DFA35 is an excellent lens but the DFA 90 plays on an other level. The 90mm is one of the best lenses I ever owned

On my blog I did some comparisons between the FA and the new DFA. Conclusion: The DFA is really better at open aperture and in the corners and has a nicer/rounder bokeh (depends on what aperture). All other features like CA, purple fringing, flare-sensitivity etc. show no considerable differences between the two lenses.

I agree, the 90mm is a great lens, very sharp and well controlled, if not an odd focal length for the 645z crop. It probably plays on another level because its a tele macro and you can't really compare it to a wide angle.

I copied and pasted each paragraph of your review into google translate and it seems very thorough, well done. I could not find the review in english on your site.

From comparing the DFA 35 and the DA 28-45 on Diglloyd, I would say that at 35mm, the DFA 35 is the better lens. I have the 28-45 and am about to buy the DFA 35 is a lighter weight alternative for travel.

**Ed Hurst** · 04-02-2016, 02:59 AM

Firstly, let me apologise for the continuing slowness here. I will not labour the excuses, but life has been extremely challenging of late and finding the time to do something as organised as this has been tricky.

Anyhow, the files are currently uploading to Mike's FTP, so hopefully you will finally hear something soon.

Ed

gavincato · 04-02-2016, 03:09 PM

Quote:

On my blog I did some comparisons between the FA and the new DFA. Conclusion: The DFA is really better at open aperture and in the corners and has a nicer/rounder bokeh (depends on what aperture). All other features like CA, purple fringing, flare-sensitivity etc. show no considerable differences between the two lenses.

thats odd, my dfa has pretty much zero CA - it was one of the first things I tested. My old A 35mm was crazy sharp but had massive CA in backlit shots so it was one of the first things I looked for.

2351HD · 04-02-2016, 05:03 PM

Originally posted by gavincato

thats odd, my dfa has pretty much zero CA - it was one of the first things I tested. My old A 35mm was crazy sharp but had massive CA in backlit shots so it was one of the first things I looked for.

That's great news Gavin. I believe it has far less field curvature in the mid field too.

mikeSF · 04-02-2016, 05:19 PM

I just sold my A35 so there's no turning back. It sounds like a nice refresh!

SeattleDucks · 04-03-2016, 11:24 AM

Ed, thanks for following up with those test images, it will be interesting to see.

I've been thinking about the new version 35mm for some time now, and just may decide to splurge on it, although it is definitely not in the 'need' category. I have a superb copy of the Pentax A 35mm if anyone is interested. I can email you sample pics from my landscape work.

Cheers,
Ross

mikeSF · 04-03-2016, 06:11 PM

Originally posted by mikeSF

[waits by mailbox]

oh, had i read my receipt close, i would know not to wait by the mailbox:

"This order is being shipped to you via - Preorder. This item is not yet available. We will notify you by email when it is ready to ship.
When your order ships, we will send you another email with additional details and tracking information."

So, what's up with that? They sold the first batch and are making more?
The waiting is the hardest part.

SeattleDucks · 04-03-2016, 10:35 PM

Originally posted by mikeSF

oh, had i read my receipt close, i would know not to wait by the mailbox:

"This order is being shipped to you via - Preorder. This item is not yet available. We will notify you by email when it is ready to ship.
When your order ships, we will send you another email with additional details and tracking information."

So, what's up with that? They sold the first batch and are making more?
The waiting is the hardest part.

Mike, where did you buy yours? B&H currently shows them in stock ready to ship out. I just placed my order for a used one they had in 10 condition. I'll have it tomorrow and am excited to test it.

Cheers,
Ross

mikeSF · 04-04-2016, 06:27 AM

Originally posted by SeattleDucks

Mike, where did you buy yours? B&H currently shows them in stock ready to ship out. I just placed my order for a used one they had in 10 condition. I'll have it tomorrow and am excited to test it.

Cheers,
Ross

from the Ricoh Imaging USA fulfillment site.

oes · 04-04-2016, 12:40 PM

Originally posted by mikeSF

from the Ricoh Imaging USA fulfillment site.

Mike, same problem over here in the UK since early March. Their web site shows the lens as "currently not available" and it can't be pre-ordered. It looks like they shipped all their stock to the retail outlets. I ordered from Clifton's on the 31st and the lens arrived today.

Neil

04-03-2016, 06:11 PM	#42
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	Originally posted by mikeSF [waits by mailbox] oh, had i read my receipt close, i would know not to wait by the mailbox: "This order is being shipped to you via - Preorder. This item is not yet available. We will notify you by email when it is ready to ship. When your order ships, we will send you another email with additional details and tracking information." So, what's up with that? They sold the first batch and are making more? The waiting is the hardest part.

04-03-2016, 10:35 PM	#43
SeattleDucks Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: throughout the US Posts: 79	Originally posted by mikeSF oh, had i read my receipt close, i would know not to wait by the mailbox: "This order is being shipped to you via - Preorder. This item is not yet available. We will notify you by email when it is ready to ship. When your order ships, we will send you another email with additional details and tracking information." So, what's up with that? They sold the first batch and are making more? The waiting is the hardest part. Mike, where did you buy yours? B&H currently shows them in stock ready to ship out. I just placed my order for a used one they had in 10 condition. I'll have it tomorrow and am excited to test it. Cheers, Ross Last edited by SeattleDucks; 04-03-2016 at 10:42 PM.

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03-31-2016, 07:02 AM	#31
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	Originally posted by 2351HD I think you will be fine Mike, the DFA35 tested well at Diglloyd and smoked the 28-45 zoom for even-ness across the frame, better contrast at apertures 3.5 to f9 and sharper out to the edges. He classed it as the best lens for the Pentax 645 system, along with the DFA 90mm. [waits by mailbox]

03-31-2016, 07:12 AM	#32
whwang Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 84	Originally posted by 2351HD I think you will be fine Mike, the DFA35 tested well at Diglloyd and smoked the 28-45 zoom for even-ness across the frame, better contrast at apertures 3.5 to f9 and sharper out to the edges. He classed it as the best lens for the Pentax 645 system, along with the DFA 90mm. I wonder how the DFA 35mm compares with the FA 35mm. The FA 35mm is extremely sharp in the center.

04-01-2016, 04:29 PM	#33
Fr3nzy Photography Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 49	Originally posted by mikeSF all this excitement waiting for the images was just too much for me - I went ahead and ordered the new DFA 35. Anybody need a super sharp A35? I had better not hang onto both. Can't wait to see your comparisons! PM sent.

04-02-2016, 12:34 AM	#34
Ristretto Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 159	Originally posted by 2351HD He classed it as the best lens for the Pentax 645 system, along with the DFA 90mm. This conclusion I can not confirm. I have both of them; the DFA35 is an excellent lens but the DFA 90 plays on an other level. The 90mm is one of the best lenses I ever owned Originally posted by whwang I wonder how the DFA 35mm compares with the FA 35mm. The FA 35mm is extremely sharp in the center. On my blog I did some comparisons between the FA and the new DFA. Conclusion: The DFA is really better at open aperture and in the corners and has a nicer/rounder bokeh (depends on what aperture). All other features like CA, purple fringing, flare-sensitivity etc. show no considerable differences between the two lenses.

04-02-2016, 12:55 AM	#35
whwang Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 84	Quote: On my blog I did some comparisons between the FA and the new DFA. Conclusion: The DFA is really better at open aperture and in the corners and has a nicer/rounder bokeh (depends on what aperture). All other features like CA, purple fringing, flare-sensitivity etc. show no considerable differences between the two lenses. Thanks. Then perhaps this means that the strong coma I see on the FA35 image corners is substantially reduced on the DFA35. I hope one day I will have the budget to upgrade.

04-02-2016, 01:26 AM	#36
2351HD Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 750	Originally posted by Ristretto This conclusion I can not confirm. I have both of them; the DFA35 is an excellent lens but the DFA 90 plays on an other level. The 90mm is one of the best lenses I ever owned On my blog I did some comparisons between the FA and the new DFA. Conclusion: The DFA is really better at open aperture and in the corners and has a nicer/rounder bokeh (depends on what aperture). All other features like CA, purple fringing, flare-sensitivity etc. show no considerable differences between the two lenses. I agree, the 90mm is a great lens, very sharp and well controlled, if not an odd focal length for the 645z crop. It probably plays on another level because its a tele macro and you can't really compare it to a wide angle. I copied and pasted each paragraph of your review into google translate and it seems very thorough, well done. I could not find the review in english on your site. From comparing the DFA 35 and the DA 28-45 on Diglloyd, I would say that at 35mm, the DFA 35 is the better lens. I have the 28-45 and am about to buy the DFA 35 is a lighter weight alternative for travel.

04-02-2016, 02:59 AM	#37
Ed Hurst Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sydney Posts: 1,657 Original Poster	Firstly, let me apologise for the continuing slowness here. I will not labour the excuses, but life has been extremely challenging of late and finding the time to do something as organised as this has been tricky. Anyhow, the files are currently uploading to Mike's FTP, so hopefully you will finally hear something soon. Ed

04-02-2016, 03:09 PM	#38
gavincato Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: NSW, Australia Posts: 247	Quote: On my blog I did some comparisons between the FA and the new DFA. Conclusion: The DFA is really better at open aperture and in the corners and has a nicer/rounder bokeh (depends on what aperture). All other features like CA, purple fringing, flare-sensitivity etc. show no considerable differences between the two lenses. thats odd, my dfa has pretty much zero CA - it was one of the first things I tested. My old A 35mm was crazy sharp but had massive CA in backlit shots so it was one of the first things I looked for.

04-02-2016, 05:03 PM	#39
2351HD Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 750	Originally posted by gavincato thats odd, my dfa has pretty much zero CA - it was one of the first things I tested. My old A 35mm was crazy sharp but had massive CA in backlit shots so it was one of the first things I looked for. That's great news Gavin. I believe it has far less field curvature in the mid field too.

04-02-2016, 05:19 PM	#40
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	I just sold my A35 so there's no turning back. It sounds like a nice refresh!

04-03-2016, 11:24 AM	#41
SeattleDucks Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: throughout the US Posts: 79	Ed, thanks for following up with those test images, it will be interesting to see. I've been thinking about the new version 35mm for some time now, and just may decide to splurge on it, although it is definitely not in the 'need' category. I have a superb copy of the Pentax A 35mm if anyone is interested. I can email you sample pics from my landscape work. Cheers, Ross

04-04-2016, 06:27 AM	#44
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	Originally posted by SeattleDucks Mike, where did you buy yours? B&H currently shows them in stock ready to ship out. I just placed my order for a used one they had in 10 condition. I'll have it tomorrow and am excited to test it. Cheers, Ross from the Ricoh Imaging USA fulfillment site.

04-04-2016, 12:40 PM	#45
oes New Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 6	Originally posted by mikeSF from the Ricoh Imaging USA fulfillment site. Mike, same problem over here in the UK since early March. Their web site shows the lens as "currently not available" and it can't be pre-ordered. It looks like they shipped all their stock to the retail outlets. I ordered from Clifton's on the 31st and the lens arrived today. Neil