Question 1

I have never owned a SLR before.Please tell me what this lens would be used for vs the pentax DA 50mm f1.8 - 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. - Thanks in advance!

Accepted Answer

I bought the 35mm because i need to take pics closer than 50mm. But if you think you will have space between the camera and the object, buy the 50mm. The DA 50mm is better (f1.8) and cheaper because the 50mm lens are simpler than the rest lens. To take a portrait of 4 people (middle plane) you may need at least 3 metros with 35mm (relative close). By the way, if you want to take pics in sports, i think you may need more range, at least 50mm - 200 mm.I so happy with my DA 35mm, is a nice lens...Maybe this can help: http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-DA-L-35mm-F2.4-AL.htmlhttp://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/smc-pentax-da-50mm-f1.8.htmlBye..

Question 2

Aside from all the technological goodies what is  the difference between this lens and the 35mm f2.8 Macro ? Is the Macro optically better ?

Accepted Answer

The Macro is better optically and sharper at f2.8.  The bokeh might be softer at 2.4 but at a cost of sharpness especially at the corners.  The macro 2.8 has quickshift and is metal but larger and heavier and of course much more expensive with the huge added versatility of macro.  If you want a macro at this short length and a sharp lens this is the ideal all in one solution.  Otherwise, there are longer lengths for macro that are to many more useful and faster as sharp and w/ better bokeh 35mm lenses such as the Sigma 35 DG HSM 1.4.  I don't get it only because I have a Tamron 90mm macro AND the sigma 35 for the best of both worlds at twice the cost though =/

Question 3

How is this lens for night sky photography?

Accepted Answer

If you're asking about photographing the stars, then (in my opinion) it doesn't have enough magnification.  It's a "normal" lens, not a telephoto which is typically used for that.  If you're asking if it's good in low light, then the answer is yes, sort of.  For the price it's great.  It's sharp wide open (at f2.4).  Some faster lenses that go down to f1.4 aren't sharp at that aperture, so they end up being usable only at f2.4 to f2.8.  Dollar for dollar this is a very good lens.

Question 4

Is there a DA 24mm prime?

Accepted Answer

I've never heard of it. But there is a 21 mm f/3.2 DA prime.

ASIN	B0042RTQPC
Best Sellers Rank	#169,077 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #1,024 in SLR Camera Lenses
Brand	Pentax
Built-In Media	Lens Rear Cap, Lens cap
Camera Lens	35 millimeters
Color	Black
Compatible Camera Models	Pentax K Series cameras
Compatible Camera Mount	Pentax K
Compatible Devices	K-AF
Continuous shooting speed	5.00
Customer Reviews	4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (741)
Exposure Control Type	Automatic
Focal Length Description	35mm
Focus Type	Auto/Manual
Global Trade Identification Number	00027075114623, 00531479668458, 04961333114627
Has Self-Timer	No
Image stabilization	Optical
Item Highlight	Provenance France. Secure packaging. Comes with invoice including VAT.
Item Part Number	21987
Item Weight	124 Grams
Lens	Standard
Lens Coating Description	Super Protect Coating
Lens Design	Prime
Lens Fixed Focal Length	35 Millimeters
Lens Mount	Pentax K
Manufacturer	Pentax
Manufacturer Part Number	21987
Maximum Aperture	2.4 f
Maximum Focal Length	35
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/8000 seconds
Media Type	Product image
Minimum Aperture	22
Minimum Focal Length	35
Model Name	21987
Model Number	21987
Model Series	PENTAL-Da
Number of Diaphragm Blades	7
Number of Items	1
Number of Packs	1
Photo Filter Size	49 Millimeters
Real Angle Of View	44 Degrees
Screen Size	3 Inches
Shooting Modes	landscape, portrait, automatic, program
UPC	027075114623
Unit Count	1.0 Count
Viewfinder Type	Optical viewfinder
Water Resistance Level	Not Water Resistant
Zoom Ratio	1:1

Pentax DA 35mm f/2.4 AL Lens for Pentax Digital SLR cameras

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