Hi Yuri,
Having four kids of my own, I fully understand the time demands regarding "a sick toddler"! Anyways, you will enjoy the lens much more once the little one is back in good health.
In the past. I have mostly used adapted Pentax 67 or Carl Zeiss Jena (CZJ) lenses on my 645II. But countless kid's parties have taught me that no matter how beautiful the bokeh obtained in a candid portrait with, say, the CZJ 180 Sonnar, if the little bugger won't sit still long enough to manually focus, there is no shot, nevermind the bokeh. So I got the FA 150/2.8 and rediscovered the joys of auto focus. In addition, was very pleasantly surprised by the impressive optical quality of the lens, including very nice out of focus renditon. That prompted purchasing several mostly FA lenses, including the new 300/5.6.
I use the f/4 67 Takumars at 300mm and 400mm, and appreciate you observation regarding the "extra reach" provided by the 400. I intend to use the 300mm FA in social/party situations where I want to be set back some from the subjects - I hope that I have bought enough reach with the 300.
Regarding the 35 FA, I was very lucky to find it just posted on KEH, and bought it immediately, without hesitation or lengthy consideration. I have observed posts on KEH for quite some time now, and hard to find and/or currently fashionable items do show up with some frequency; however, they are purchased almost immediately - one cannot wait to buy, or it is lost. I have read many favourable remarks regarding the A version, and had it not been for my chance encounter with the FA on KEH, I would have purchased one, that is, if one could have been found in reasonable condition.
Regards, Alan
Quote: Originally posted by Yurihuta
I wish I could tell you more about it, but a sick toddler is taking up most of my time, so I will have to wait for the cold/cough to pass and then should have some time to photograph with it.
It is a very solidly built lens. A nice, low profile tripod collar. I will eventually get a Really Right Stuff plate for it. The lens hood is very long. I also got a set of the A series extension tubes as well as a 1.4X converter (both from Ebay and both advertised and looked like new). I will report back once I have them in hand.
The 300mm f/5.6 sounds quite nice! Especially a new one. I was thinking of this, but opted for a little longer reach. Let us know how that works out.
Wow, the FA 35mm! I have tried to buy one several times and have not been successful. I think I might opt for the A version, as I found one locally in great shape and a good price.