Portrait lens recommendation and where to buy

[ayuready]

was surfing online for more information and suddenly 1 more lens come into the picture. (haiz, the bane of reading too much)

previously, i was quite adamant on buying 35mm marco ~780 bucks, now considering against FA 43mm.

Any one know if the FA43 provides a marked improvement on IQ over the 35mm marco (minus the macro capabilities).

Secondly, possible to still get it first hand in singapore especially the silver one and at what price.

Thank alot to all the senior in advance.

 

[ayuready]

the more i read, seems like the more i need to get this lens.

anyone able to help me solve some of my itch on "possible to still get it first hand in singapore especially the silver one and at what price."

 

[CorneliusK]

You can always check B&H or Adorama website prices, or check ebay prices.

I don't think there is a huge difference between the 35 and 43. Its a toss up between versatility for the 35 and nicer bokeh for the 43. The skill of the photographer will make a bigger difference to the final picture.

 

[scorpioh]

was surfing online for more information and suddenly 1 more lens come into the picture. (haiz, the bane of reading too much)

previously, i was quite adamant on buying 35mm marco ~780 bucks, now considering against FA 43mm.

Any one know if the FA43 provides a marked improvement on IQ over the 35mm marco (minus the macro capabilities).

Secondly, possible to still get it first hand in singapore especially the silver one and at what price.

Thank alot to all the senior in advance.

The 43 is more of a lens with character. The DA35 simply does it safely - there's nothing bad or objectionable about its performance. Colors are cooler and images are sharp. It is a technically very "correct" lens. The 43 on the other hand has what I would call characteristics flaw which makes it perfect - irony isn't it? You see, at the beginning, as a newbie, you would think that sharpness is most important but as time goes by, you'll find that rendering is actually something more important, at least subtlely. The 43 is one such lens. It is not particularly sharp wide open. However, it tends to give good subject separation and makes your image pop when stopped down a litllle, like f2.8 to f4. Bokeh wise, sometimes it can be a little harsh depending on what's in your background. Of cos f1.9 is usable as well. Some people just like the images it gives. It's not easy to put in into words as in why but there may just be something special about it. The same can be said about the other two FA limiteds.

As to getting them new, I think you may still be able to get the black variant from B&H (made in Japan) else you should be able to find the silver Made in Vietnam copies off the shelf locally.

 

[pinholecam]

was surfing online for more information and suddenly 1 more lens come into the picture. (haiz, the bane of reading too much)

previously, i was quite adamant on buying 35mm marco ~780 bucks, now considering against FA 43mm.

Any one know if the FA43 provides a marked improvement on IQ over the 35mm marco (minus the macro capabilities).

Secondly, possible to still get it first hand in singapore especially the silver one and at what price.

Thank alot to all the senior in advance.

You'd have to make the choice between the 2. Quite different imo.
The 35ltd has macro for close ups that is useful for most inanimate objects and a more versatile FL. For me this is the FL that I am confident as the only one lens to take out for a day of walk about.

The 43ltd, is faster for low light, but longer in FL. Sometimes, there will be situations where you just can't step back further.

Sharpness is good for both lenses. I believe the DA35 is sharper on the edges. In the center its generally pointless to compare as in real pictures, they'd look 'sharp' and thats all.
(ie. Can't tell from "Hey! DA35mm gave me 30pts more in MTF on the 100% crop of the eye on the eyelash" :bsmilie: ; We'd only say "Hey! the lenses are sharp! Look at the eyelash details" )


YMMV, but personally I'd go for the versatility of thte DA35.

 

[creampuff]

I have both the DA 35mm Macro Limited and the FA 43mm Limited. I love both but if die, die have to choose only one, to me the DA 35mm Macro would have the edge being the more versatile lens usage wise. But you won't go wrong with any one of them.

 

[scorpioh]

As to getting them new, I think you may still be able to get the black variant from B&H (made in Japan) else you should be able to find the silver Made in Vietnam copies off the shelf locally.

Sorry, a quick check on B&H show that they are no longer selling the Made in Japan's version too though I recall them still being listed not too long ago. You should be able to get the Assembled in Vietnam version relatively easily online or locally. Should cost around some $850 new.

 

[ayuready]

Dear All thanks for the reply,

haha ya initially was gunning for the 35mm for the fact it can do so much for just being 1 prime lens.

Then saw alot of picture taken with 43mm, just felt it give a different feeling. abit more dreamier for lack of a better word.

Any difference in quality between assembled in vietnam or japan?

I am just worried that if i get the 35mm, after 1 big round, my instinct may force me to pick up the 43mm as well.

So was thinking of getting the 43 and next time can get a longer FL marco to quench my thirst instead... (brain versus the heart)

 

[scorpioh]

Dear All thanks for the reply,

haha ya initially was gunning for the 35mm for the fact it can do so much for just being 1 prime lens.

Then saw alot of picture taken with 43mm, just felt it give a different feeling. abit more dreamier for lack of a better word.

Any difference in quality between assembled in vietnam or japan?

I am just worried that if i get the 35mm, after 1 big round, my instinct may force me to pick up the 43mm as well.

So was thinking of getting the 43 and next time can get a longer FL marco to quench my thirst instead... (brain versus the heart)

Dreamier is a good term to describe it.

Technically, there should be no quality difference between the MIV and MIJ's - there is however a perceptual difference (think marketing). For me, I would insist on an MIJ because of "perceived difference" - I just feel that it is "more" original. Furthermore, fact is that the MIJ's hold or would even appreciate in value. The country of made does matter to some people. For example, Made in Canada Leica's typically cost 2/3 that of their Made in Germany counterparts on the second hand market. Unfortunately, it is extremely hard to get new MIJ copies nowadays. You may go try second hand purchases if you insist on one. But let me reemphasize that technically, there should be no quality difference - you can take great pictures with either version!

For me, I use the DA35 mainly for product shooting. As for the fa43, I would use it more as a walk-around lens and if I could only choose one, I'll take the 43 but I'll also die without the 35. Lol.

 

[ayuready]

Dreamier is a good term to describe it.

Technically, there should be no quality difference between the MIV and MIJ's - there is however a perceptual difference (think marketing). For me, I would insist on an MIJ because of "perceived difference" - I just feel that it is "more" original. Furthermore, fact is that the MIJ's hold or would even appreciate in value. The country of made does matter to some people. For example, Made in Canada Leica's typically cost 2/3 that of their Made in Germany counterparts on the second hand market. Unfortunately, it is extremely hard to get new MIJ copies nowadays. You may go try second hand purchases if you insist on one. But let me reemphasize that technically, there should be no quality difference - you can take great pictures with either version!

For me, I use the DA35 mainly for product shooting. As for the fa43, I would use it more as a walk-around lens and if I could only choose one, I'll take the 43 but I'll also die without the 35. Lol.

Hi bro, thanks for the quick reply once again =p

think will have to settle for the MIV version since i most likely will be buying in local stores.
Will a future investment in 100 marco fill the slot of the 35mm in terms of doing close up of static object (product shot)

 

[scorpioh]

Hi bro, thanks for the quick reply once again =p

think will have to settle for the MIV version since i most likely will be buying in local stores.
Will a future investment in 100 marco fill the slot of the 35mm in terms of doing close up of static object (product shot)

You are welcomed. And do go for the silver version! I had always longed for it. Ha.
The 100 is great as a macro lens - for insects and stuff. However, for product shots, it would be too long for me. The 35 on the other hand is not that useful for insects. So they are really for different purposes.

 

[ayuready]

You are welcomed. And do go for the silver version! I had always longed for it. Ha.
The 100 is great as a macro lens - for insects and stuff. However, for product shots, it would be too long for me. The 35 on the other hand is not that useful for insects. So they are really for different purposes.

haha i shall go and try my luck at getting the silver one. payday faster come!

Incase, just in case....

the other 2 FA now also got mij and miv version?

if they are only mij, then i make make more effort to source for mij version of the 43 should i ever be rich enuff to collect =):lovegrin:

 

[scorpioh]

haha i shall go and try my luck at getting the silver one. payday faster come!

Incase, just in case....

the other 2 FA now also got mij and miv version?

if they are only mij, then i make make more effort to source for mij version of the 43 should i ever be rich enuff to collect =):lovegrin:

Sadly all the MIJ fa limiteds are no longer in production and it is very rare that they appear in retail, especially locally. In fact, the MIJ 43's have lasted the longest. The MIJ 31 could no longer be found for more than a year.

 

[scorpioh]

On the other hand, there is no contention for the DA limiteds. All are Assembled in Vietnam since their inception to the market!

 

[ayuready]

Sadly all the MIJ fa limiteds are no longer in production and it is very rare that they appear in retail, especially locally. In fact, the MIJ 43's have lasted the longest. The MIJ 31 could no longer be found for more than a year.

haha then i shall collect all the MIV version (hopefully they comes in silver)

this is the price to pay for slower adopter haha

 

[scorpioh]

haha then i shall collect all the MIV version (hopefully they comes in silver)

this is the price to pay for slower adopter haha

Yes, the MIV's do come in silver. Confirm have silver ones. Stock availability is another issue though.

Not to dig it in but if you had started like just two years earlier, MIJ's would be available and at cheaper prices too.

 

[ayuready]

Yes, the MIV's do come in silver. Confirm have silver ones. Stock availability is another issue though.

Not to dig it in but if you had started like just two years earlier, MIJ's would be available and at cheaper prices too.

haha no problem bro, yeah started late... but then again 2 years ago, doubt I will have the money nor the foresight to indulge in this hobby.

:bsmilie:

must map out the lens buying route, if not will get out of control!

 

[ranchy]

Yes, the MIV's do come in silver. Confirm have silver ones. Stock availability is another issue though.

Not to dig it in but if you had started like just two years earlier, MIJ's would be available and at cheaper prices too.

Hmm.. 43mm silver, last time i saw it at OP at Sim Lim Square. but that was few months back.
Not too sure if the stock are still there. Silver ones, think would be snap up fast. :bsmilie:

ayuready, try calling those stores to check for stocks loh.

 

[ayuready]

haha will call them, but today national day!

itching liao! haha

 

[felixcat8888]

haha then i shall collect all the MIV version (hopefully they comes in silver)

this is the price to pay for slower adopter haha

I have the silver MIV version and got it from OP @ SLS