Question 1

Can someone please explain the difference between the Pentax 35mm DA L F2.4 AL lens, the Pentax DA 50mm f1.8 lens and the SMC Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4 besides the price? What does "AL", "DA" and "FA" stand for?

Accepted Answer

The letters stand for the quality of the glass and the assembly of the lens. The "AL" lens is the lowest quality, and is the slowest (f/2.4) lens. Slowest because the aperature only opens to 2.4, so at a given ISO, you will have to use a slower shutter speed. The DA f/1.8 is a great lens for everyday use and is fast. The "FA" is for full frame cameras. If you have a crop sensor camera (Pentax K- series) you don't need a full frame lens. The f/1.4 is larger (faster) than the f/1.8, but you don't need the full frame option if you are using a crop sensor camera. If you have a full frame camera (35mm sensor) you need the FA lens, the others will not work.

Question 2

I have never owned a SLR before.Please tell me what this lens would be used for vs the pentax DA 35mm f2.4 - would u rec 1 over the other or both?  My main goals will be to shoot family photos (3 kids) and my kids sporting events (indoor and outdoor). - Thanks in advance!

Accepted Answer

This 50mm will give a shallower depth of field and better low light performance since f1.8 gives a larger aperture than f2.4, but the 35mm f2.4 will give a wider angle of view which would be useful indoors in tight spaces or taking full body pictures in small venues (since neither of these lenses will zoom in or out). The 50mm f1.8 will produce better chest up portraits and will give an even more blurred background at it's f1.8 aperture value, and is nice for outdoors or larger venues. I shot a talent show in very low light with a 50mm 1.8 and it still got me close to the action sitting 10-15 rows back.  I wouldn't recommend the 35mm f2.4 for up close portraits because it will give a less natural looking face (a persons face will be more distorted with a larger nose at 35mm than at 50mm). I personally would go with the 50mm, and when in tight spaces you can always turn your camera 90 degrees to portrait position and fit more of the subject in the frame; this has worked well for me.

Question 3

Is this lens compatible with a K-3?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is.  I'm using mine with a K-3.

Question 4

What is the minimum distance at which this lens can focus?

Accepted Answer

45 cm (1.48 ft.) from pentaxforums.com

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PentaxDA 50mm f1.8 lens for Pentax DSLR Cameras

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