DPReview.com is closing April 10th - Find out more

FA 50 1.4 vs DA 50 1.8

Started Mar 31, 2015 | Questions thread
JNR
JNR Veteran Member • Posts: 4,652
Re: FA 50 1.4 vs DA 50 1.8

While it is true that they are similar in optical design, they have somewhat differing characteristics by most reports (much like the two 35mm lenses - f/2 and f/2.4 are not similar due to differences in build between FF and crop designs).

I have the m50mm f/1.4 and the DA 50mm f/1.8 (newly acquired at $119 - had to go for it). They are similarly not sharp wide open. If the contrast and flare resistance is better on the newer lens, it doesn't appear significant in my early comparisons. The build on the f/1.8 is very impressive - and I really don't care about plastic vs. metal. The dampening in MF is very good (almost too much).

If there is a slight edge, based on the early shots - a week's worth - the newer lens does not appear to be quite as sharp at the f/2.2-2.8 range as the older optic; but is great at f/4. Have no idea if that's because the older lens is faster (doubtful), or because it's FF. However, the difference isn't substantial - and my experience is very limited.

The 50mm f/1.8 is reputed, based on testing, to have nearly no CA. However, my early shots indicate longitudinal CA - and it is very apparent at relatively close focus. I hadn't seen that in the older lens - at least not to the same extent. The DA seems to be optimized for distance shooting.

-- hide signature --

JNR
www.jamesrobins.com

 JNR's gear list:JNR's gear list
Fujifilm X-T2 Fujifilm 50mm F2 R WR Phase One Capture One Pro Pentax K-01 Pentax K-3 +22 more
Keyboard shortcuts:
FForum PPrevious NNext WNext unread UUpvote SSubscribe RReply QQuote BBookmark MMy threads
Color scheme? Blue / Yellow