Cannot decide between F or A
Think I might go ahead and get the AF one then.
Maybe grab a cheap M version to tide you over. Its got a nicer build than the A version and is prettier. It's not so bad using stop down metering.
For you to decide what's important
Pentax K100D + DA18-55ALII + DA55-300
Pentax K5 + FA31Ltd + M50/1.7 + DFA100WR + M120/2.8 (+ DA18-55WR at occasion)
Pentaxophile has a valid opinion on the M series lenses, but in actual use I find the addition of the "A" setting on the A, F & FA lenses makes life much easier. I quite like the look of the F series lenses and don't find them any more plasticky than the FA's.
If you've still got good eyesight then the A (or M) lenses are excellent value, if it's not so good as it used to be then the F (and onwards) might be the better choice.
I must declare a vested interest in that I do have an F series 1.7 and an A series 1.4 for sale in the Classified Ads section
Everyone should have at least one K or M lens for this reason. Even an A is "cheating"!
G
Having recently picked up an 'M' series 50mm 1.7 in as new condition for £22 it's at least as sharp as the FA 50mm 1.7 I had to sell recently to pay the vet's bill (!)
Using manual focus and stop down metering is much easier than I would have expected and is actually quite fun. Feels like proper photography again.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for occasions where you are taking lots of photos in a short time, where auto focus is a real benefit, but where you can take a little time and care it's great.
Add to that it's a thing of beauty compared with the FA 50mm's. Beautifully engineered, fantastic looks, feels weighty and well balanced, snappy aperture ring and a smooth manual focus to die for. To be honest I'm happy just looking at it and turning the focus ring with a big smile on my face.
Did I mention that it looks unbelievably cool on the DSLR body as well?
Add to that the fact that you will always get all or most of your money back if you decide to sell (provided you buy wisely - about 10 a day on Ebay so you can take your time).
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102 posts
12 years
Manchester
I've been looking at the SMC 50mm f1.7 lenses for my K20D but I cannot decide between the F or A one. I have read the reviews on both of them and they both seem to be great especially at their price. But is it better to have the auto-focus on this lens or not?
Cheers .