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FA 50 1.4 vs DA 50 1.8

Started Mar 31, 2015 | Questions thread
KL Matt Veteran Member • Posts: 5,999
Re: FA 50 1.4 vs DA 50 1.8

Heh don't get me wrong, I had that lens glued on my *istDS for years. There is a lot of fun to be had with it on digital. It's just I think I'd choose the modern lens on a modern Pentax body. Lighter, better coatings, probably better AF, colors, and contrast. But yeah it would be nice if someone with experience with both could chime in. New lens has no aperture ring and is not all metal, however.

Matt

DAVID MANZE wrote:

KL Matt wrote:

I'd probably go with the newer lens for the coatings and potentially better contrast wide open, but I can't confirm any of that because I've never shot the DA 50 1.8.

The FA 50 1.4 is nothing to write home about wide open. I view that aperture as useful in extreme low light only -- fun shallow-DOF shots suffer from low contrast at that aperture. The FA 43 at f/1.9 is far better in that regard, possibly the 50 1.8 is as well.

M

Bernie3 wrote:

I have the FA 50 f/1.4 and K5IIs and plan to stick with APC. I could sell the FA 50 and purchase a DA 50 f/1.8. Would the DA 50 f/1.8 be better? Is the DA sharper edge to edge?

Bernie

My trusty camper wagon awaiting it's vehicle road worthyness test!

Here you go with the FA50 @ F1.4 1/4000 sec. ISO 200 a little PF reduction and a tad of sharpening, it's dammed sharp fully open, taken with the K01. OK wide open there is flare in high contrast situations, but hey, it's an oldie!

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