Which Would you keep FA50 F1.4 or F1.7

This may sound like a silly but I picked up a mint FA50mm F1.7 at the weekend (it looks new) even though I have the F1.4 version.

Now I should only keep one ( I suppose ) but which ?

I've had the 1.4 for years and I like it a lot but some people say that the 1.7 is sharper. As I never use the F1.4 version below F2 anyway speed isn't really a concern. It might also be true that the F1.7 might focus more accurately as it might have better contrast wide open.

Of course I will go and try it on the camera but I don't have much time just now.

Opinions please if you have any.

It will only make a difference if you want to use the lens very close or on bellows/extension tubes, etc. The f1.7 has a flatter field.

If you want to take low light hand geld shots then the choice is clearly the f1.4

If one of them was bought new and the other wasn't, then I'd opt for the one that was new.

Otherwise, they will both do a very fine job and i don't think you would be able to tell which design was the sharpest.

I did a quick test when I first got my FA50mm 1.4, concentrating on the bokeh more than the sharp areas. Results posted on this thread:

https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6214

The 1.4 definitely has smoother rendition of out of focus areas, so for me that makes it preferable to the 1.7, however, do your own tests, and see what aspects of which lens you prefer, then make your choice.

Of course, it might seem a bit silly to buy a lens one weekend, then sell it straight away (unless you got it for an absolute bargain). But then it also might seem silly to sell a lens, just because you've bought a different one that may or may not be 'better'.

I'd hang onto them both, and save the selling of one for a rainy day.

Dan

IMHO selling GOOD lenses is NEVER a good idea (unless you are broke)

Keep them both!!

Cheers

Hamdala

much as it's a little self defeating for me to say this (I would love an AF 50mm), I'd keep them both unless you really need the money.

AF 50mm lenses in good condition only seem to go up in value, and I have never yet sold a good lens and not regretted it later.

I can't see any point in having both lenses and the 1.4 isn't so heavy it's a nuisance. Flog the 1.7.

I very nearly bought a 1.4 new in Japan where it was about £120 to a tourist and did buy my son one as a gift!

Mike

I wuld keep them both in case you have trouble with either of them!.......good one's are not that easy to find!......I have the 1.7 and I love it!......................

I do usually regret selling my lenses even the old Sigma 70-300 I had a while back. I thought it was garbage as it felt horrible ( solid but yuk ). Well I found some slides I'd taken with it the other day and they are brilliant, great colours and pin sharp. Why did I sell it for £50 ? God only knows. Wish I still had it now.

I dunno, some people just don't listen, even to themselves...

Dan