NOT HAPPY with my DA 35mm F2.4AL

I have just received my lens from Amazon Special delivery and have to say I am not impressed with the image quality of my first few shots when compared to the same shots taken with my DA*16-50mm. I know there is a great difference in the price but I did expect better IQ with a PRIME lens.
I will probably take some more shots, this time with a tripod but as the 16-50 shots were also hand held I really think I will be returning this Hot Cake before it is even cooled.

That's a shame. Do you want to post any examples?

Mine is pin sharp at f2.4, I did not relise how sharp it was until I got a new monitor.

John

I take it is an IQ rather than focus issue? You have fine-tuned the AF?

I will put some images on when I have done a proper test

If you're not impressed, then you probably have a faulty example. Send it back and get aniother and I would expect all will be fine.

It seems to be a focus problem, these are the first two shots taken one with 16-50 and one with DA35.

Try focussing in Live View to rule out focus error.

The second shot looks noticeably colder, I'm not sure what caused that!

It should definitely outperform the 16-50, most noticeably wide-open, then levelling off towards f8. The 35mm f2.4 is a lens which wants to be used at or near maximum aperture, that is where it shines, with lovely sharpness, contrast and smooth bokeh.

I have now taken some shots on Manual focus and the DA35 is about as good as the 16-50, I have adjusted the AF Fine Adjust which was Back Focusing a bit. But the AF seems rather hit and miss at near Ifinity.

Taken on Manual


Taken on AF

Both shots were focused on the Satalite Dish

There also seems to be a DOF or camera shake problem, as nothing is sharp in the second image.

If a tripod and the same aperture was used for both shots then I don't think focusing is the problem. I'm still going for faulty lens.

I agree with John.

If you contact Amazon they will organise a replacement - though it may not get to you for a while due to the demand. They will give you a post paid label so you can return the faulty one free of charge. They don't tend to quibble of exchanging goods.

Try a shot with the lens set at infinity in manual and f/8
If it's sharp it's an AF problem which isn't uncommon with
24-35mm lenses there's hardly any movement involved. That's
why I've always used them on INF and manual.

My 35mm f/2.4 hasn't arrived yet

I have just taken two shots (Hand Held) with my K5 Auto focus set to Auto select instead of Spot and the results are a lot better, so I will play a bit more tomorrow and report back. Thanks all for your helpful inputs.