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Branimir · 06-19-2007, 02:16 PM

I know that this may have been asked already, since many come to this dilemma sooner or later.

I have cash for just one of those. They are both low light, they have similar price, they both produce good pictures.
If you had both lens, did you like 10mm wider lens better than the faster one, or was it the other way around?

I do need it for not-so-good-light shooting, usually indoors but not exclusively.
I currently have DA 18-55 and 50-200

The poll question is which one would you buy in my place.

Jonas B · 06-19-2007, 02:37 PM

Originally posted by Branimir

I do need it for not-so-good-light shooting, usually indoors but not exclusively.

None of them. Get a feeling for what FOV you need and then buy either the Sigma 30/1.4, the FA35/2 or the FA43/1.9.

The 50 is too long for indoor use (unless you are planning to visit large buildings or rooms) and it also has a bit low contrast wide open. The 40/2.8 isn't what I would call a lens for low light.

The FA43 may be a bit long as well but seem to work better. The FA35/2 is a solid performer while the Sigma 30/1.4 is great, except for corner sharpness. Shooting in the dark doesn't require extreme corner sharpness for the most of the time so it may be of little importance (well, that's what I think).

sft · 06-19-2007, 03:04 PM

Agree with Jonas - get a feel for what FL you need - if you think that the 50mm will be good (and this is easy to check just use your DA18-55 at 50mm for a few days in lighting where you plan to use the lens) then the 50mm is definetely a much better low light lens than the DA40. Stopped down to f/2 it is very very good, but can be used wide open too (lacks a little contrast but thankfully in digital contrast is quite easy to deal with).

If the focal lenght is not what you want Id recommend the FA35 f/2 - this will be a great low-light general lens IMO. If you can find one where you are of course.

joele · 06-19-2007, 03:51 PM

I would have voted FA35/2 myself..

barbosas · 06-19-2007, 04:40 PM

Originally posted by joele

I would have voted FA35/2 myself..

x2

since i bought mine, don't use my F50 1.7 much...

and · 06-19-2007, 04:55 PM

Ditto.... I got the FA 50 first, its good but its too long, especially indoors if you are in a small room. I would get the FA35 which is cheap and very good and close to 50mm on dSLR.

Or, if the focal length choices are 40mm limited and fa 50 then I would get the FA 43 limited instead which is a better choice than any of those.

Oh, and if I did have to choose one of those two then Id get the FA50. The DA40 imo is too small and not fast eanough for a prime, u can just get a decent f2.8 zoom instead.

and · 06-19-2007, 05:00 PM

oh, and I forgot to add, I recommend you use your 18-55 zoom to test out those focal lengths and see which one would be most usefull for you. Simply zoom it to 50 and snap a bit to get a feeling of the 50 prime, then set it to 40 etc. I always test like that if I consider I prime to see if that focal length would make sense for me.

Ivan Glisin · 06-19-2007, 05:18 PM

Consider FA35/2 or FA28/2.8. If you are OK with manual focusing then take a look at M/A 28/2.8 or 28/2 as well. I have FA35/2 (exceptional lens!), A28/2.8 and A50/1.4 and first two have much better field of view for indoors photography. I seldom use A50/1.4 on my *istDS.

Here is the FA35/2 review if you have missed it:
Pentax SMC-FA 35mm f/2 AL - Photozone Review / Test Report

Ed in GA · 06-19-2007, 05:39 PM

Originally posted by Branimir

I know that this may have been asked already, since many come to this dilemma sooner or later.

I have cash for just one of those. They are both low light, they have similar price, they both produce good pictures.
If you had both lens, did you like 10mm wider lens better than the faster one, or was it the other way around?

I do need it for not-so-good-light shooting, usually indoors but not exclusively.
I currently have DA 18-55 and 50-200

The poll question is which one would you buy in my place.

I had an FA 50 f/1.4 and sold it. IMO, the FA 35 f/2 is an overall better lens. The FOV on the 50 was just a bit too narrow for every day use and too wide for a good portrait lens. Again, just my opinion.

I chose "other". The FA 35 f/2 would be, and is, my choice.

kbrabble · 06-19-2007, 05:58 PM

I for one, love the 40mm, and have found it quite capable in most low light situations. I enjoy the focal length more than the 50mm. I sold my FA 50 shortly after buying the DA 40, as for most of my needs, I needed to stop the 50mm down to get enough depth of field and the image quality I wanted anyway.

The image quality of the 50 and 40, as well as the 35 are excellent. Just choose whichever focal length suits your style best and you will not be disappointed.

wildboar · 06-19-2007, 07:15 PM

I have both... but if I couldn't have both, I would keep the 40!

roentarre · 06-19-2007, 11:47 PM

I would use either Fa 35 or Fa 43 instead. A lot of high hope for Da*55 f1.4 at present.

I would wait and see how it turns out. I almost bought Da 40 f2.8 at one stage but I realised a fact that I would probably not end up using the lens since it is f2.8 and its image quality would be little different from most bright zooms anyway. I am used to carry dinosaur on my back anyway when I travel...

Piotr · 06-20-2007, 01:29 AM

I don't have DA40 but have M35/2 and FA50/1.4 . They are different 35mm is nice focal length for DSLR and in my opinion more usable than 50mm. But FA50/1.4 is class for itself. I have it for 5 years and still discover how good it is. The only bad thing is its plastic feel.

So my vote is take FA50 if you don't have ability to buy both. You will always have chance to buy DA40 later

Branimir · 06-20-2007, 03:27 AM

Thanx for your responses.
From what I gather, I should go for FA35 if possible (because of indoor shooting and is quite fast).
Now, all I have to do is to persuade my finance minister that that is the one I need.

If that fails, then FA50, although I believe that it might be too long...

I am afraid how much would DA* cost. And when it will be available.

Oh, and by no means think about this discussion closed

Branimir

Ivan Glisin · 06-20-2007, 04:21 PM

Originally posted by Branimir

Now, all I have to do is to persuade my finance minister that that is the one I need. If that fails, then FA50, although I believe that it might be too long...

50mm might be too long, you are right. If FA35/2 is out of your reach go for FA28/2.8 then. f/2.8 should be OK in all cases with normal indoor lighting: at ISO 200 or 400 you should be able to shoot without flash at 1/30 or 1/60 which is fast enough for 28mm on DSLR even without SR.

BTW, f2 or f/2.8 will give your on board flash quite a range, making it efficient at distances of 6m to 10m at ISO 200 which is another benefit of having a faster lens.

View Poll Results: What lens would you buy in my place?
FA 50/1.4	132	57.14%
DA 40/2.8	73	31.60%
Neither - please explain in detail	26	11.26%
Voters: 231. You may not vote on this poll

06-19-2007, 02:16 PM	#1
Branimir Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Zagreb, Croatia Photos: Gallery Posts: 145	Pentax FA 50mm/1.4 vs DA 40mm/2.8 I know that this may have been asked already, since many come to this dilemma sooner or later. I have cash for just one of those. They are both low light, they have similar price, they both produce good pictures. If you had both lens, did you like 10mm wider lens better than the faster one, or was it the other way around? I do need it for not-so-good-light shooting, usually indoors but not exclusively. I currently have DA 18-55 and 50-200 The poll question is which one would you buy in my place.

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06-19-2007, 02:37 PM	#2
Jonas B Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Göteborg, Sweden Posts: 810	Originally posted by Branimir I do need it for not-so-good-light shooting, usually indoors but not exclusively. None of them. Get a feeling for what FOV you need and then buy either the Sigma 30/1.4, the FA35/2 or the FA43/1.9. The 50 is too long for indoor use (unless you are planning to visit large buildings or rooms) and it also has a bit low contrast wide open. The 40/2.8 isn't what I would call a lens for low light. The FA43 may be a bit long as well but seem to work better. The FA35/2 is a solid performer while the Sigma 30/1.4 is great, except for corner sharpness. Shooting in the dark doesn't require extreme corner sharpness for the most of the time so it may be of little importance (well, that's what I think).

06-19-2007, 03:04 PM	#3
sft Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 173	Agree with Jonas - get a feel for what FL you need - if you think that the 50mm will be good (and this is easy to check just use your DA18-55 at 50mm for a few days in lighting where you plan to use the lens) then the 50mm is definetely a much better low light lens than the DA40. Stopped down to f/2 it is very very good, but can be used wide open too (lacks a little contrast but thankfully in digital contrast is quite easy to deal with). If the focal lenght is not what you want Id recommend the FA35 f/2 - this will be a great low-light general lens IMO. If you can find one where you are of course.

06-19-2007, 03:51 PM	#4
joele Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,308	I would have voted FA35/2 myself..

06-19-2007, 04:40 PM	#5
barbosas Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lisbon Photos: Gallery Posts: 683	Originally posted by joele I would have voted FA35/2 myself.. x2 since i bought mine, don't use my F50 1.7 much...

06-19-2007, 04:55 PM	#6
and Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,476	Ditto.... I got the FA 50 first, its good but its too long, especially indoors if you are in a small room. I would get the FA35 which is cheap and very good and close to 50mm on dSLR. Or, if the focal length choices are 40mm limited and fa 50 then I would get the FA 43 limited instead which is a better choice than any of those. Oh, and if I did have to choose one of those two then Id get the FA50. The DA40 imo is too small and not fast eanough for a prime, u can just get a decent f2.8 zoom instead.

06-19-2007, 05:00 PM	#7
and Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,476	oh, and I forgot to add, I recommend you use your 18-55 zoom to test out those focal lengths and see which one would be most usefull for you. Simply zoom it to 50 and snap a bit to get a feeling of the 50 prime, then set it to 40 etc. I always test like that if I consider I prime to see if that focal length would make sense for me.

06-19-2007, 05:18 PM	#8
Ivan Glisin Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Belgrade Posts: 656	Consider FA35/2 or FA28/2.8. If you are OK with manual focusing then take a look at M/A 28/2.8 or 28/2 as well. I have FA35/2 (exceptional lens!), A28/2.8 and A50/1.4 and first two have much better field of view for indoors photography. I seldom use A50/1.4 on my *istDS. Here is the FA35/2 review if you have missed it: Pentax SMC-FA 35mm f/2 AL - Photozone Review / Test Report

06-19-2007, 05:39 PM	#9
Ed in GA Guest	Originally posted by Branimir I know that this may have been asked already, since many come to this dilemma sooner or later. I have cash for just one of those. They are both low light, they have similar price, they both produce good pictures. If you had both lens, did you like 10mm wider lens better than the faster one, or was it the other way around? I do need it for not-so-good-light shooting, usually indoors but not exclusively. I currently have DA 18-55 and 50-200 The poll question is which one would you buy in my place. I had an FA 50 f/1.4 and sold it. IMO, the FA 35 f/2 is an overall better lens. The FOV on the 50 was just a bit too narrow for every day use and too wide for a good portrait lens. Again, just my opinion. I chose "other". The FA 35 f/2 would be, and is, my choice.

06-19-2007, 05:58 PM	#10
kbrabble Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 181	I for one, love the 40mm, and have found it quite capable in most low light situations. I enjoy the focal length more than the 50mm. I sold my FA 50 shortly after buying the DA 40, as for most of my needs, I needed to stop the 50mm down to get enough depth of field and the image quality I wanted anyway. The image quality of the 50 and 40, as well as the 35 are excellent. Just choose whichever focal length suits your style best and you will not be disappointed.

06-19-2007, 07:15 PM	#11
wildboar Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 158	I have both... but if I couldn't have both, I would keep the 40!

06-19-2007, 11:47 PM	#12
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	I would use either Fa 35 or Fa 43 instead. A lot of high hope for Da*55 f1.4 at present. I would wait and see how it turns out. I almost bought Da 40 f2.8 at one stage but I realised a fact that I would probably not end up using the lens since it is f2.8 and its image quality would be little different from most bright zooms anyway. I am used to carry dinosaur on my back anyway when I travel...

06-20-2007, 01:29 AM	#13
Piotr Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Warsaw Photos: Gallery Posts: 338	I don't have DA40 but have M35/2 and FA50/1.4 . They are different 35mm is nice focal length for DSLR and in my opinion more usable than 50mm. But FA50/1.4 is class for itself. I have it for 5 years and still discover how good it is. The only bad thing is its plastic feel. So my vote is take FA50 if you don't have ability to buy both. You will always have chance to buy DA40 later

06-20-2007, 03:27 AM	#14
Branimir Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Zagreb, Croatia Photos: Gallery Posts: 145 Original Poster	Thanx for your responses. From what I gather, I should go for FA35 if possible (because of indoor shooting and is quite fast). Now, all I have to do is to persuade my finance minister that that is the one I need. If that fails, then FA50, although I believe that it might be too long... I am afraid how much would DA* cost. And when it will be available. Oh, and by no means think about this discussion closed Branimir

06-20-2007, 04:21 PM	#15
Ivan Glisin Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Belgrade Posts: 656	Originally posted by Branimir Now, all I have to do is to persuade my finance minister that that is the one I need. If that fails, then FA50, although I believe that it might be too long... 50mm might be too long, you are right. If FA35/2 is out of your reach go for FA28/2.8 then. f/2.8 should be OK in all cases with normal indoor lighting: at ISO 200 or 400 you should be able to shoot without flash at 1/30 or 1/60 which is fast enough for 28mm on DSLR even without SR. BTW, f2 or f/2.8 will give your on board flash quite a range, making it efficient at distances of 6m to 10m at ISO 200 which is another benefit of having a faster lens.

Pentax FA 50mm/1.4 vs DA 40mm/2.8

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