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08-09-2011, 09:05 AM   #1
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35mm limited vs 35mm AL

Im trying to decide between these two lens. Is the Macro and QI worth it for the Limited.

08-09-2011, 09:27 AM   #2
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The FA has better bokeh (some may disagree) according to photozone, and is better for landscape. They both equally sharp. DA Ltd is gorgeously build and better suited for close up. I picked the FA because I already has a macro lens but sometimes I still wonder if I made the right decision
08-09-2011, 09:56 AM   #3
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Rblank is asking about the 35ltd and the DA 35 /2.4 AL, not the FA 35/2.

I can't say, i don't have this 35 ltd, but i do own the DA35/2.4 AL wich is good, but now that i own the DA40 ltd, i have to say that this 35 is taking some retirement
08-09-2011, 12:22 PM   #4
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I have the 35 limited. I bought it before the other one came out, mainly to own one extremely high quality lens (it's one of, if not the sharpest one you can get). And having a lens with macro capabilities is nice, too.

But as always with buying decisions, it strongly depends on what you want to do with the lens. If you don't do at least some close-up shots, the normal one is perfectly fine, otherwise go for the Limited, it is incredibly good at shots with a shallow depth of field.

08-09-2011, 12:25 PM   #5
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DA 35mm f2.8 Macro LTD is very good. You can use it for everything like Macro, landscapes, faily, portrait etc etc. DA 35 f2.4 not macro.
I would like to get DA 35mm Macro LTD.
Smile
08-09-2011, 01:01 PM   #6
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It does depend on what you are going to use it for. I own the Macro and have used a friend's DA 35 f2.4AL. The macro is very sharp, it works very well for close-ups and it's very well made. It also can have rather harsh oof areas (just about all the macro lenses I've used do) so it takes some getting used to for non-close-up types of things (used as a normal lens). The AL lens has lovely bokeh and was plenty sharp - I very much liked the image quality and would prefer it over the macro if my primary purpose was as a normal lens. It's not the tank type of construction the Limited is, but it's lighter weight is a bonus for me. If it had been out when I wanted to buy a normal prime, I would most likely have bought it and that could have stilled my craving for the 31. But instead I bought the macro and didn't quit wanting creamy bokeh.

If you want to have a lens that can do both normal range shooting and macro then the limited is a good choice. If smooth bokeh is an issue get the AL. If that's not something you are looking for then flip a coin - both are very good lenses.
08-09-2011, 01:20 PM   #7
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You can read this link for DA 35 2.4 and DA 35 LTD.
Pentax Lens Reviews | Pentax in-depth reviews | PentaxForums.com

08-09-2011, 03:36 PM   #8
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In this range, for about that sort of money, I'd get the Sigma 30mm f/1.4. It's far faster than the ones you are considering. Great for people shots as you can get some subject isoloation, probably not as good for landscapes though.
08-09-2011, 07:40 PM   #9
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DA35mm f2.8 Limited

Someone was saying something about Isolation?





Pretty good at a distance too

(cropped)





Not bad in a room





Go for it. You know you want it..

08-09-2011, 10:34 PM   #10
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thanks

I do want macro so I will most likely go with the limited. Is the bokeh that inferior?
08-19-2011, 09:10 AM   #11
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Have any opinions yet?
08-19-2011, 05:48 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by rblank Quote
I do want macro so I will most likely go with the limited. Is the bokeh that inferior?
It is terrible. You won't like it






Last edited by kh1234567890; 08-19-2011 at 05:54 PM.
08-21-2011, 08:10 AM   #13
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I picked up the limited and love it so far. I have not had much chance to use it yet with work and school starting back. Thanks for the help.
08-22-2011, 03:52 AM   #14
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The limited lense has better build quality and can do macro shots. Otherwise the 35mm AL is as good, it's almost as sharp (in normal situations you won't notice the difference IMO) and it has nicer bokeh (again, IMO). The AL is also a little faster, it's perfectly usable wide open at 2.4. What I have read is that the 35mm AL is based on the FA 35mm F2 optically.
08-22-2011, 01:23 PM   #15
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My question is which would be better for shooting close-ish subjects - model contest entries etc as well as outdoor shots. I have a 50mm manual which is nice, but being able to meter the flash would be nicer. A 50 is a bit close for some purposes, but I'm going to experiment with the M-50 to see how wide that field of view is.

I rented the 21mm for a couple weeks, and enjoyed the pancake experience. Would a 40 be comparable to the 35 AL lens, the minimum focus is just a couple inches farther while the 35ltd is more macro at 14cm. I'd need a big DOF if taking pictures of models, and my DA 16-45 can do this. Maybe I'm over-thinking, as the 16-45 could be sufficiently sharp and responsive at 35mm anyway...I'm just thinking out loud and heeding the siren call of LBA...
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