[mattb123]

I would love to have the 25mm, but do not do enough landscape to justify it, so manage with the 35mm, also not a bad lens.

I shoot mostly landscapes but I just can't justify the price of either the 25 or 28-45, at least not yet. I would love to have either one.
Back when I had some money saved to get some new glass I decided that rather than spending ~4-5k on a single lens for my aging 645D to get a K-1 and 15-30 for 3k instead.
That setup has been great but I'd still love a nicer UWA for 645.

So I also have the A 35 which is just fantastic and the Arsat 30 which is decent.

Maybe I'll get one of those nicer ones one day...

[maxloxton]

I shoot mostly landscapes but I just can't justify the price of either the 25 or 28-45, at least not yet. I would love to have either one.
Back when I had some money saved to get some new glass I decided that rather than spending ~4-5k on a single lens for my aging 645D to get a K-1 and 15-30 for 3k instead.
That setup has been great but I'd still love a nicer UWA for 645.

So I also have the A 35 which is just fantastic and the Arsat 30 which is decent.

Maybe I'll get one of those nicer ones one day...

I was in the same fix as you were; but my mostly work is landscape and for which unfortunately at that time not many lenses were available; I had to go for 25mm and i don't regret that decision.

I can't afford buying 28-45 at all now; given the variety of equipment I shoot and having to upgrade the bodies and lenses every now and then. I own Canon as well as Sony so its never easy to decide which glass to spend on and which body to upgrade. But I am still unable to find a wide angle lens that can give the detail and sharpness that 25mm gives.

---------- Post added 10-20-20 at 11:35 PM ----------

Lovely golden light. Beautifully captured.
Thanks for sharing,
barondla

Thank you very much.

[TDvN57]

My first contribution in this thread with my 2014 images shot by Pentax 645z.

This one is a Panorama of 11 x 3 Bracketed shots on a non Pano head Using Pentax 25mm f4 lens.

Dubai Marina by Yasir Nisar

Nice shot. Is that the 25mm DFA or DA. I'm not sure which one is better, but I've put my money on the DFA purely because it is full frame.

[ivanvernon]

Nice shot. Is that the 25mm DFA or DA. I'm not sure which one is better, but I've put my money on the DFA purely because it is full frame.

According to our own Pentax Forum lens reviews, the two lenses are identical, both full-frame 645 format, except for having different hoods.

"It is identical to its D-FA series predecessor, except that its lens hood has been stretched to give better results on digital Pentax 645 bodies. As a consequence this lens will now produce vignetting on Pentax 645 film bodies, so you should go for the D-FA version if you also shoot film. This professional lens is fully weather-sealed and features silent autofocus."



Read more at: SMC Pentax-DA 645 25mm F4 AL [IF] SDM AW Reviews - 645 Wide-Angle Primes - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

[kaseki]

According to our own Pentax Forum lens reviews, the two lenses are identical, both full-frame 645 format, except for having different hoods.

"It is identical to its D-FA series predecessor, except that its lens hood has been stretched to give better results on digital Pentax 645 bodies. As a consequence this lens will now produce vignetting on Pentax 645 film bodies, so you should go for the D-FA version if you also shoot film. This professional lens is fully weather-sealed and features silent autofocus."

Read more at: SMC Pentax-DA 645 25mm F4 AL [IF] SDM AW Reviews - 645 Wide-Angle Primes - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Ivan:

Recently, Ed Hurst addressed this point with further detail about differences. I failed to note for future reference the URL to his comment. The gist was that there are other vignetting/baffling changes besides the hood.

[NikoGkotsis]

Hey everyone! so it has been couple years since I FINALLY bought my dream camera! the Pentax 645 !!!

I found a perfect condition body and bought the 45mm lens separately.
There are no words to describe the emotions this camera brings to me when I am ready to shoot! I love everything about her and I am trying to use her as a daily camera! Im lucky enough to have a lab that they do an amazing job developing 120mm film and slides!

to sum it up.. I love my 645 so here are some of my favorite shots from this year!

[maxloxton]

Nice shot. Is that the 25mm DFA or DA. I'm not sure which one is better, but I've put my money on the DFA purely because it is full frame.

Mine is DA version, I bought it in 2014 and it was probably from the last batches before it was discontinued. I haven't used the DFA version so can't comment on which is better and which is not.

---------- Post added 10-22-20 at 01:09 AM ----------

Another photo shot with 25mm.

[ivanvernon]

Ivan:

Recently, Ed Hurst addressed this point with further detail about differences. I failed to note for future reference the URL to his comment. The gist was that there are other vignetting/baffling changes besides the hood.

OK, that is interesting. Actually, I do not know anything about either lens except for reading the reviews.

[itshimitis]

Another from the lakes on a misty day at the end of September...

Z and FA 45 - 85

[maxloxton]

Another from the lakes on a misty day at the end of September...

Z and FA 45 - 85

What a beautiful photograph. Loved the drama.

[Ed Hurst]

Ivan:

Recently, Ed Hurst addressed this point with further detail about differences. I failed to note for future reference the URL to his comment. The gist was that there are other vignetting/baffling changes besides the hood.

Hey! I think this is the thread you're referring to...
Are medium format lenses more prone to flare? - Page 2 - PentaxForums.com

I am convinced that both versions of the lens are excellent. I have the DA. You only have to look at MikeSF's (Mike Oria's) shots to see what the DFA is capable of. Perhaps the DA is slightly better flare protected (and not just with the hood). On the other hand, the DFA will cover full frame if either a) you shoot film or b) Pentax ever make a full frame 645 camera. Overall though, the lenses are very similar and will deliver results with careful use.

[itshimitis]

What a beautiful photograph. Loved the drama.

Thank you!

[mattb123]

645D & FA 80-160 this evening.

[Ed Hurst]

Delightful, Matt!

[maxloxton]

645D & FA 80-160 this evening.

Loved the tone.