Pentax FA-J 18-35 FF Wide Angle AU$99

Pentax FA-J 18-35 FF Wide Angle AU$99 · 04:40 PM

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Ted's Australia have two new FA-J 18-35 lenses for AU$99, see here: New Pentax FA-J 18-35mm f4-5.6 smc AL 27075075313 | eBay

This lens seems to be a decent FF wide angle, I think Norm has posted some samples.

normhead · 07-28-2017, 06:59 AM

Here's an example. It's plastic, it feel cheap but the sharpness in this K-1 image is pretty impressive viewed 1:1. For me it falls in the category of "keep what you've got until you get what you want". A little better construction would be appreciated, but until then it''ll do.

The lettering on the Maid of the Mist is quite clear pixel peeping, and on the bridge you can practically count the rivets. There are no issues at all that I can see.

builttospill · 07-28-2017, 09:50 AM

I bought mine from a Forums member to use with film. As stated, the construction is cheap, but the optics surprised me. It works great on the K-1.

Both of these images are unedited, resized JPEGs, straight from the camera.

18mm:

35mm:

richandfleur · 07-30-2017, 01:36 PM

How do these compare to the 18-55 wr kit lens?

**TwoUptons** · 07-30-2017, 06:53 PM

The FA-J is a full frame lens, so it will work happily with a K1.

The DA 18-55s will only cover APS sensors.

Otherwise, the FA-J is not WR...

-Eric

builttospill · 07-31-2017, 11:02 PM

It's been so long since I've had an 18-55 I can't be of much help. I'd say the 18-55 has a slight edge in build quality to the 18-35.

**clackers** · 08-01-2017, 12:14 AM

I did buy one of these from Ted's last year out of curiosity. Optically, probably not quite up to the DA18-55, but I was encouraged enough by the old film zoom to get the FA 20-35 f4 (also small, light and plasticky) from eBay for my K-1, and it does a pretty good job.

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07-28-2017, 06:59 AM	#2
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Here's an example. It's plastic, it feel cheap but the sharpness in this K-1 image is pretty impressive viewed 1:1. For me it falls in the category of "keep what you've got until you get what you want". A little better construction would be appreciated, but until then it''ll do. The lettering on the Maid of the Mist is quite clear pixel peeping, and on the bridge you can practically count the rivets. There are no issues at all that I can see. Last edited by normhead; 07-28-2017 at 11:10 AM.

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07-28-2017, 09:50 AM	#3
builttospill Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Utah, Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,398	I bought mine from a Forums member to use with film. As stated, the construction is cheap, but the optics surprised me. It works great on the K-1. Both of these images are unedited, resized JPEGs, straight from the camera. 18mm: 35mm:

07-30-2017, 01:36 PM	#4
richandfleur Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Palmerston North, New Zealand Photos: Albums Posts: 1,788	How do these compare to the 18-55 wr kit lens?

07-30-2017, 06:53 PM	#5
TwoUptons Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,213	The FA-J is a full frame lens, so it will work happily with a K1. The DA 18-55s will only cover APS sensors. Otherwise, the FA-J is not WR... -Eric

07-31-2017, 11:02 PM	#6
builttospill Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Utah, Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,398	It's been so long since I've had an 18-55 I can't be of much help. I'd say the 18-55 has a slight edge in build quality to the 18-35.

08-01-2017, 12:14 AM	#7
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	I did buy one of these from Ted's last year out of curiosity. Optically, probably not quite up to the DA18-55, but I was encouraged enough by the old film zoom to get the FA 20-35 f4 (also small, light and plasticky) from eBay for my K-1, and it does a pretty good job.