Pentax DA 35mm F2.8 Limited is US$419 however...

[Reportage]

http://www.amazon.com/Pentax-DA-35m...1_158?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1237524089&sr=1-158

however

nikkor 35mm f1.8 US$200
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/606792-USA/Nikon_2183_35mm_f_1_8G_NIKKOR_DX.html

canon ef 35mm f2.0 US$240
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12119-USA/Canon_2507A002_Wide_Angle_EF_35mm.html#features

of course they aint no Limited lens but extra US$180+ is pretty steep for smaller size yet slower so i am guessing the 35mm Limited clearly has superior optics over them?

 

[le petit prince]

http://www.amazon.com/Pentax-DA-35m...1_158?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1237524089&sr=1-158

however

nikkor 35mm f1.8 US$200
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/606792-USA/Nikon_2183_35mm_f_1_8G_NIKKOR_DX.html

canon ef 35mm f2.0 US$240
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12119-USA/Canon_2507A002_Wide_Angle_EF_35mm.html#features

of course they aint no Limited lens but extra US$180+ is pretty steep for smaller size yet slower so i am guessing the 35mm Limited clearly has superior optics over them?

Why DA35 is more ex:
1.. It's a macro lens. Are the canikon ones marcos?

2.. Build quality. It's Pentax's premier Limited range. It has a metal body, and has above average build quality.

3.. Optical quality. You can look at galleries of pixs taken with DA35, and compare to those taken with the canikon ones.

By the way, why not compare to price of the Pentax FA35 f2?

 

[fengwei]

It's like you are comparing the FA50/2.8 macro to an FA50/1.4 ...


You should put our FA35/2 against the Canon 35/2:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005ABC9/ref=asc_df_B00005ABC9748071

FA35 is slightly more expensive, but it got a lens hood, lens pouch. And optically I think it's better than the Canon one too:
http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/157-canon-ef-35mm-f2-test-report--review?start=2
http://www.photozone.de/pentax/123-pentax-smc-fa-35mm-f2-al-photozone-review--test-report?start=2

 

[creampuff]

Duh, apparently you don't know the DA 35mm macro focuses to 1:1 magnification...

 

[Erenon]

looks like it...

 

[scorpioh]

Don't bash him liao lah. Ha. We learn through the process. But I always feel fortunate that our pride and glory, FA limiteds, are sub-1.5k. Ha.

 

[Reportage]

so for US$180-ish,

a) better workmanship
b) macro capability
c) smaller size
d) superior optics
e) 1:1 magnification

**Checked with B&H and Amazon and it appears the FA35mm F2 has been discontinued. But i am guessing vendors locally still have stock if look for new?

a) workmanship...the rest uses plastic body however all three are still using glass but the pentax should be able to stand up to more punishment?
b) macro capability...(minimum focusing distance?) pentax 0.139m, canon 0.2438, nikon 0.30.
c) size...pentax 47x63mm, canon 67x42mm, nikon 70mm x 52.5mm
d) optics...subjective so here are all 3 from the same review site.
nikkor http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/422-nikkor_35_18g
pentax http://www.photozone.de/pentax/393-pentax_35_28?start=2
canon http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/157-canon-ef-35mm-f2-test-report--review?start=2
e) magnification...pentax 1:1, nikkor 0.16x, Canon 1:4

now question..
1) just how durable are the Limited lenses...has anyone actually tested like dropping from 3 floors or direct impact with hammer or soak in water and see if still works?
2) if use Raynox 250 or other macro converters which is overall cheaper and can be used on other lenses, how important is the lens original magnification level and is there a obvious IQ loss?
3) lets say get a discontinued FA 35mm but brand new from local shop, will the distributor (local/japan) support?

 

[scorpioh]

so for US$180-ish,

a) better workmanship
b) macro capability
c) smaller size
d) superior optics
e) 1:1 magnification

**Checked with B&H and Amazon and it appears the FA35mm F2 has been discontinued. But i am guessing vendors locally still have stock if look for new?

a) workmanship...the rest uses plastic body however all three are still using glass but the pentax should be able to stand up to more punishment?
b) macro capability...(minimum focusing distance?) pentax 0.139m, canon 0.2438, nikon 0.30.
c) size...pentax 47x63mm, canon 67x42mm, nikon 70mm x 52.5mm
d) optics...subjective so here are all 3 from the same review site.
nikkor http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/422-nikkor_35_18g
pentax http://www.photozone.de/pentax/393-pentax_35_28?start=2
canon http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/157-canon-ef-35mm-f2-test-report--review?start=2
e) magnification...pentax 1:1, nikkor 0.16x, Canon 1:4

now question..
1) just how durable are the Limited lenses...has anyone actually tested like dropping from 3 floors or direct impact with hammer or soak in water and see if still works?
2) if use Raynox 250 or other macro converters which is overall cheaper and can be used on other lenses, how important is the lens original magnification level and is there a obvious IQ loss?
3) lets say get a discontinued FA 35mm but brand new from local shop, will the distributor (local/japan) support?

I would like to ans question 1). The limiteds are very nicely machined and exquisite. They are not built for robustness - shock proof, water proof - is out of the question. It's akin to say an ipod. It feels solid and well-designed/engineered. Its not for u to abuse. It's not a g-shock...

 

[creampuff]

...
now question..
1) just how durable are the Limited lenses...has anyone actually tested like dropping from 3 floors or direct impact with hammer or soak in water and see if still works?
2) if use Raynox 250 or other macro converters which is overall cheaper and can be used on other lenses, how important is the lens original magnification level and is there a obvious IQ loss?
3) lets say get a discontinued FA 35mm but brand new from local shop, will the distributor (local/japan) support?

Wtf rubbish question are you talking about?
Why don't you be the first to test if ANY lens can take that kind of impact. :thumbsd:

If you need to ask if the Raynox 250 or other macro converters have IQ loss, then I'd suggest you do a search to get your answers. It has been covered before.

Anyway good luck finding the FA 35mm locally. Of course there will be support. It all depends if the lens has a valid warranty or if there is none, whether you are prepared to pay for any repairs or service. Pretty obvious right.

 

[hjbyeo]

now question..
1) just how durable are the Limited lenses...has anyone actually tested like dropping from 3 floors or direct impact with hammer or soak in water and see if still works?

:sweat: ... I really don't think anyone in the right frame of mind will ever do this ... so seriously, why bother asking this question ? :devil: Maybe you can be the 1st one to try this out, and let us know?

 

[Reportage]

Too much watching Top Gear i suppose. but now that its mentioned..does give me a wicked idea for testing.

all that engineering and design + better build has the same risk as plastic when it comes to breakage due to accidental drops? But you are right, if think of it as an Ipod then it would make sense.

does anyone know how much it would cost to fix if the part circled in red was broken? is the charge the same as long the same problem or depends on the lens.

 

[scorpioh]

Too much watching Top Gear i suppose. but now that its mentioned..does give me a wicked idea for testing.

all that engineering and design + better build has the same risk as plastic when it comes to breakage due to accidental drops? But you are right, if think of it as an Ipod then it would make sense.

does anyone know how much it would cost to fix if the part circled in red was broken? is the charge the same as long the same problem or depends on the lens.

Chances of breaking that (aperture catch) under normal use is almost nil. I had never heard of any one broke it. Let it be the least of your concerns bah. Perhaps you are too excited to be a Canon-to-Pentax convert but Pentax is not some "god-like" brand. It does have its pros and weaknessess for you to discover and appreciate.

 

[le petit prince]

Too much watching Top Gear i suppose. but now that its mentioned..does give me a wicked idea for testing.

all that engineering and design + better build has the same risk as plastic when it comes to breakage due to accidental drops? But you are right, if think of it as an Ipod then it would make sense.

does anyone know how much it would cost to fix if the part circled in red was broken? is the charge the same as long the same problem or depends on the lens.

Don't understand why you are so concerned about amount of abuse lens can take.. Pentax lenses are not more or less susceptible to damage than other brands' lenses. Lenses are NOT meant to be designed to take much abuse anyway; camera bodies yes (especially for pro models).. but lenses?? Just be careful and take good care of them, no matter what brand it is.

And for for the Limited's metal build.. well, it just feels 'nicer' to hold, seriously. In the vein of the old manual film lenses (of which I have 2).

Macro: A true macro lens will always be better in IQ than one using a converter. But whether the better quality is important or good enough for you is up to you to decide. Again, check out the galleries. Some people prefer using true marco lenses, some are fine with converters. (I've seen some impressive results from a DA50-200 with a Raynox.)

 

[night86mare]

does anyone know how much it would cost to fix if the part circled in red was broken? is the charge the same as long the same problem or depends on the lens.

that portion is within the body, if you manage to break it it means you must be juggling lenses

and WITHOUT rear lens caps

 

[pinholecam]

This post is getting more and more like the RiceHigh BS that always appears on Pentax forums.
:thumbsd:

 

[liveevil]

This post is getting more and more like the RiceHigh BS that always appears on Pentax forums.
:thumbsd:

I cant help but agree with you.

Metal body doesnt mean no glass elements. Anything with glass elements are labeled as <fragile>. And you do not need to try dropping the lens from 3 storey high. I dont think it stands a chance of surviving the drop.

 

[Baracus]

1) just how durable are the Limited lenses...has anyone actually tested like dropping from 3 floors or direct impact with hammer or soak in water and see if still works?

You might want to get this then.

 

[Ben Loke]

You might want to get this then.

I wish my head is as tough as the Hoya HD.:think:

Perhaps drop 3 floors down?:bsmilie:

 

[Ben Loke]

does anyone know how much it would cost to fix if the part circled in red was broken? is the charge the same as long the same problem or depends on the lens. 1) just how durable are the Limited lenses...has anyone actually tested like dropping from 3 floors or direct impact with hammer or soak in water and see if still works?

Wonder what kind of the guy's frame of mind to even think of such sadistic treatment to a lens.:devil:

I have never come across mechanical parts of a lens failed, unless you or someone you know do experience the problem regarding the part in circled was broken. Am sure Pentax can fix it.

Let me share this about Pentax Limted, the FA Limited I purchased was shipped ONLY in a courier bag with the lens box wrapped in a thin layer of bubble sheet from the merchant in Canada.

It took 7 transhipment in about 8 days before arriving at my US postal address. Finally receving it in Sinagpore and the lens still works. I can imagine the tosses & turns the lens suffered.

Let's look at a wider perspective and enjoy taking pictures lah.

 

[darrrrrrrrrr]

shoot pinhole lor.. no moving parts, nothing to drop, costs $0, value=infinity.

seriously though, i don't see the point of your questions? asking for the sake of asking? i watch top gear, brainiac and mythbusters but i don't feel a strong urge to subject my gear to any ABUSE for whatever testing purposes.

we mock measurebators for fussing over pointless brick wall and newspaper tests but this kind of dollar to dollar comparison takes the cake. go out and take photos instead pls.