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FA 50 1.4 vs DA 50 1.8

Started Mar 31, 2015 | Questions thread
ogl
ogl Senior Member • Posts: 2,004
Re: FA 50 1.4 vs DA 50 1.8

J

However, at least on the older model f/1.4s (m50 in my case), the speed of the lens does benefit comparatively when stopped down somewhat. The sharpness at f/2 is pretty good. However, the f/1.8 is still practically wide open at f/2 - and some bloom is still evident. Also, longitudinal CA (purple in front, green behind point of focus) is much more evident.

The lenses are pretty close to equal overall, but their strengths differ. It isn't surprising that the newer, designed for crop sensor, lens will be a bit sharper at most apertures. However, for fast aperture shooting (f/2.4 and faster), the f/1.4s are probably at least as good.

Bottom line, if I had an FA and was happy with it, I wouldn't look at the DA f/1.8. However, the m50 is not a FA - and I like having the AF option and better metering options.

I've tried A50/1.4 - it seems to me it's better than FA50/1.4 wide-opened.

 ogl's gear list:ogl's gear list
Pentax K-5 IIs Pentax smc FA 31mm F1.8 AL Limited Pentax smc FA 43mm F1.9 Limited
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