FA 28 2.8 vs Sigma 30 1.4 ex dc
Posted 17/06/2022 - 20:20 - Helpful Comment
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Hi Simon
Both very capable lenses - the Sigma is a newer lens (design?) and is very capable, and the Pentax is from the early 90's (so a 30 year old design) but IMO an excellent evolved design. I struggled to get consistent results with my 30mm Sigma, although when it delivered it was very good (and the faster aperture is very useful in some situations). I have always been pleased with the understated FA28/2.8 and for some reason it seems to sell for less than the earlier F series (which lacked the AL element).
I still have an FA28 in my arsenal, the Sigma went a long time ago.
Hope that helps a little
Both very capable lenses - the Sigma is a newer lens (design?) and is very capable, and the Pentax is from the early 90's (so a 30 year old design) but IMO an excellent evolved design. I struggled to get consistent results with my 30mm Sigma, although when it delivered it was very good (and the faster aperture is very useful in some situations). I have always been pleased with the understated FA28/2.8 and for some reason it seems to sell for less than the earlier F series (which lacked the AL element).
I still have an FA28 in my arsenal, the Sigma went a long time ago.
Hope that helps a little
LennyBloke
Posted 18/06/2022 - 15:36
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LennyBloke wrote:
Hi Simon
Both very capable lenses - the Sigma is a newer lens (design?) and is very capable, and the Pentax is from the early 90's (so a 30 year old design) but IMO an excellent evolved design. I struggled to get consistent results with my 30mm Sigma, although when it delivered it was very good (and the faster aperture is very useful in some situations). I have always been pleased with the understated FA28/2.8 and for some reason it seems to sell for less than the earlier F series (which lacked the AL element).
I still have an FA28 in my arsenal, the Sigma went a long time ago.
Hope that helps a little
Hi Simon
Both very capable lenses - the Sigma is a newer lens (design?) and is very capable, and the Pentax is from the early 90's (so a 30 year old design) but IMO an excellent evolved design. I struggled to get consistent results with my 30mm Sigma, although when it delivered it was very good (and the faster aperture is very useful in some situations). I have always been pleased with the understated FA28/2.8 and for some reason it seems to sell for less than the earlier F series (which lacked the AL element).
I still have an FA28 in my arsenal, the Sigma went a long time ago.
Hope that helps a little
That is a great help Lenny. Thank you very much.
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www.500px.com/simac
www.500px.com/simac
Posted 20/06/2022 - 12:53
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I had the Sigma for a while and, like Lenny, got some inconsistent results, but then that was on a K200D which didn't have the most reliable AF anyway. There is a newer version but they're hard to find used as they were introduced only a short time before Sigma decided to end production of all K-mount lenses.
You might want to consider an HD FA 35mm f/2. I've found mine to be loads better than the cheap 35mm f/2.4 and it makes a good standard prime on APS-C. I can't comment on the older SMC FA 35/2, which has the same optic design as the new HD version, but I do recall early in my Pentax days that it was thought to produce somewhat dull photos. Perhaps the coating change was all it needed.
You might want to consider an HD FA 35mm f/2. I've found mine to be loads better than the cheap 35mm f/2.4 and it makes a good standard prime on APS-C. I can't comment on the older SMC FA 35/2, which has the same optic design as the new HD version, but I do recall early in my Pentax days that it was thought to produce somewhat dull photos. Perhaps the coating change was all it needed.
Pentax hybrid user - Digital K3, film 645 and 35mm SLR and Pentax (&other) lenses adapted to Fuji X and Panasonic L digital
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
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659 posts
12 years
Birmingham
Any thoughts on these lenses.
I will be using one or none of them on a K5iis.
The Pentax seems to have good reviews whereas the Sigma has mixed ones.
I am sinply looking for an equivalent 40-50mm focal length. I cannot strecth to Ltds.
Any other suggestions most welcome!
All the best
www.500px.com/simac