New lenses, difficult decicions.

I really like the DA21, FA35 and FA50 lenses but for less than those lenses I can get the DA*16-50. The DA*16-50 is weather sealed has SDM and covers the focal length of all these lenses and is reasonably fast.

Practicality says the DA*16-50
Features says the DA*16-50
Image quality says primes
Creativity says primes
Price says DA*16-50
Speed says primes (except for DA21)

I had gone off the idea of the DA*16-50 because of those lenses but now I'm not so sure.

Any advice is welcome.

No brainer for me - personally I'd rather have the 16-50 than those 3 primes, especially given it's faster (and quite possibly sharper) than the 21mm which for me would be the most useful focal length of the primes mentioned.

If I had to choose between the two, I would go for the primes. However, I would "swap" the DA21 for the 20/2.8 FA. I might also add the DA14 which is a very good lens.

However,, if travel were my main objective then the 16-50 would be lighter.

Kim

For the same sort of price as the 3 primes couldn't you get the 16-50 and either the 35 or the 50 as well? You'd have the versatility of the zoom and the speed/quality of at least one prime (I'd probably go for the 35 as it's effectively a "normal" and therefore a good general purpose FOV on digital).

Save up, get both.

G

Well, a selection of opinions each voicing something different. I'd really love to get them all but it is expensive. I can always wait and see what the new DA 35 SDM will be (hoping an F1.4 lens). I really like the build quality of prime lenses but would love the weather sealing to go with it. I don't think I'll get that with anything except the unreleased star primes.

I have found wide aperture primes have really good focusing speed in low light and the IQ is so much better than anything else I've used. After using/handling my new Tamron Macro lens I don't want to get any 'consumer grade' (term used loosely) lenses. I wish I could see the 16-50 somewhere and try it out. This may call for a day trip to London (good photo opportunities down there too).

Apparently Chris@SRS is waiting for news/ stock of the 35 and 50, not so sure about the zoom.

Anyone have a FA20? Isn't it a very large and heavy lens?

This is hard.

PS. Any typos are caused by posting from my phone (yes, my PC is broken again/still broken/never working)

Hi,
Just 2 thoughts. I have been using an LX for 25 years or so in all weather conditions and not had a problem unless it is bucketing down. With the electronics, the body being sealed is important but less so for the lens. The FA 20 is about the same size as the A version and has an oversize front ring to take 67mm filters but apart from that it is no bigger than a standard 50. The quality is outstanding.

Kim