For ages I resisted getting an FA28mm lens. I told myself that I would
rather have the 35mm f/2 for use with my *ist-DS. But I kept missing
getting that 35mm lens every time they came in stock at B&H, and kept
getting outbid on eBay auctions.
Add to that the fact that I already had a DA16-45, I was just having a
hard time settling on the FA28. I never doubted that it would be a good
lens, but just wasn't sure it would get enough use.
But then one day in a moment of diminished resistances, I bought one.
This was about three months ago.
Since then, it has become my most-used lens, with the 16-45 and 50mm
f/1.4 falling to a tied second place. It's just such a convenient focal
length on a Pentax DSLR; a "natural normal" lens, I guess you could call
it. Its small size, versatile field of view, adequate maximum aperture,
and outstanding sharpness are all features that have combined to gang up
on my other lenses, pushing them out of the lead.
I just thought I ought to mention how pleased I am with this
often-ignored lens. It's not as fast as the FA35/2 and FA50/1.4. It's
not as wide as the FA*24/2 and FA20/2.8. It's not as versatile as the
DA16-45/4. But it is a little bit of all of the above, in just the
right amount to make it a compelling choice for digital shooters.
Your mileage may vary. ;)
Dave
