Advice re 35mm lens,please

I am looking to buy a 35mm prime lens and in the course of my searches I have read of the 'legendary' 35mm f2 FA lens.Is this the same lans as advertised at present by Amazon and others and if so is it as good as it's cracked up to be?
Thanks

Hi Ian.

Firstly, are you planning to use on both Film and Digital? If you are, then its a no brainer. If solely on Digital, then there are options.

Depends on the price advertised, as both of the other options are stunning on digital.

Well, the others are
DA-35mm F2.4 AL
and
DA-35mm F2.8 Macro Limited.

The former is a plastic bayonet, but don't let that put you off, but a tad slower.
The second is a classic Limited (metal body, AF clutch) but slower still.
Both produce great bokeh, but not designed for film.
I have read that the F2 FA model (the one you are talking about) produces fussy harsh bokeh, but not having tried it, I cannot confirm this.
But, if you are digital, and the cost of the FA35mm is more than the DA35 F2.4, I would seriously suggest this one instead, and save money. It is a mighty lens and I love mine.

Hope this helps.

Hi Ian,

The FA35 f2.0 is indeed an excellent lens and in the days of film its quality and fast aperture helped it stand out, but the points Offertonhatter makes about Film/Digital are valid. I have owned the FA35 f2, and currently have the DA35 Macro f2.8 Limited and an A35 f2.8 (it is for sale in the classifieds, but I'm not posting this to suggest you buy it!) and I would have no hesitation in recommending the DA35 Macro f2.8 Limited, if you are digital only, over the others. The flexibility, quality and build of this lens are superb.

If budget is limited then there are many users of the DAL35mm f2.4 that sing its virtues, but there have also been a lot being re-sold quite quickly.

All the best

Both the DA 35mm f2.8 limited and DA 35mm f2.4 (oddly not designated DA-L even though it is that style of lens) perform well. The reason so many are being re-sold is down to people who stockpiled several each during a recent bargain discount on Amazon selling them on. It's nothing to do with the quality of the optics.

John

Thanks for the replies and advice. I should have said that the lens is for digital use on a K7.

It would seem that the sensible choice is between the 35mm Limited and the DA 35 2.4.

I have to make up my mind!

Thanks again.

I have the DA 35mm 2.4 & on the crop sensor makes a great portrait, walk around lens.

I bought it with a view to upgrading to the 35mm limited if I thought I was using the 2.4 enough. Trouble is I use the 2.4 lots because its so good & see no reason to upgrade. I even like the plastic body, weighs nothing in my bag, so is always there for me.

Think it can now be had online for around £130 which is a steal

If it sways you at all, heres my 35 portraits on 35mm

Got a 35mm FA f2.0 on here 2nd hand. Been very impressed with it on my K7.

Colours seem outstanding to me, AF is pretty quick and the lens itself isn't that big.

Thanks again - sorry about delayed response but had an unexpected few days in hospital.

I think I shall go for the 2.4AL and see how it goes.