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?

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.

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!

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.

ASIN	B00861DI4U
Best Sellers Rank	#526 in SLR Camera Lenses
Brand	Pentax
Camera Lens	50mm
Camera Lens Description	50mm
Color	black
Compatible Camera Models	PENTAX DSLR camera models with K-mount
Compatible Camera Mount	Pentax KAF
Compatible Mountings	Pentax KAF
Customer Reviews	4.6 out of 5 stars 1,332 Reviews
Exposure Control Type	Automatic, Manual
Focal Length Description	50 mm
Focus Type	Ultrasonic
Global Trade Identification Number	00027075217607, 04549212217609
Has Self-Timer	No
Image stabilization	No image stabilization
Item Weight	122 Grams
Lens	Standard
Lens Coating Description	Multicoated
Lens Design	Zoom
Lens Fixed Focal Length	50 Millimeters
Lens Mount	Pentax K
Lens Type	Standard
Manufacturer	Pentax
Maximum Aperture	1.8 Millimeters
Maximum Focal Length	30
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/8000 秒 seconds
Media Type	ProductImage
Minimum Aperture	10
Minimum Focal Length	10
Model Name	DA 50mm f1.8
Number of Diaphragm Blades	3
Real Angle Of View	31.5 arcmin
Screen Size	1.5 Inches
UPC	027075217607
Warranty Description	1 year parts and labor
Water Resistance Level	Water Repellent

Da 50Mm F1.8 Lens For Pentax Dslr Cameras

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