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12-18-2014, 03:14 PM   #1
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Pentax 77mm 1.8 limited with K5II

Have any K5II users any experience with the 77 1.8 limited lens please? - I am particularly interested in it's autofocus ability as my purpose in buying this would be documenting daily life of kids (moving!) indoors. Many thanks.

12-18-2014, 04:19 PM   #2
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Have you looked here:
SMC Pentax-FA 77mm F1.8 Limited Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Simply searching each of the 6 pages of reviews shows there to be many K-5(xx) users, with many comments.

I don't have a K-5II, but the FA77 has been a delight on my K-3. No kids and I tend to prefer more contemplative
scenes rather than moving subjects. But low light AF with K-3 + FA77 has not been a problem in the least.
12-18-2014, 04:47 PM   #3
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I have had dugout seats a number of times at the ball park, Cashman Field, here in Las Vegas, for our AAA baseball team and get great focus on pitchers releasing the ball, batters swinging, and stop motion on baseballs where you can see the stitching on the ball. I use a K5IIS and the FA77.
12-18-2014, 05:03 PM   #4
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It is a wonderful lens on my K5II.....Fine with focusing speed etc......

12-18-2014, 05:21 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by nj1975 Quote
Have any K5II users any experience with the 77 1.8 limited lens please? - I am particularly interested in it's autofocus ability as my purpose in buying this would be documenting daily life of kids (moving!) indoors. Many thanks.
I have a K7 and the 77mm F1.8 ltd. It absolutely deserves all the rave reviews it gets but it is not fast to autofocus. You might want to consider the Sigma 85mm F1.4 as another top notch lens that is a bit faster in the autofocus department. It has internal autofocusing rather than screw drive autofocusing.

I also have the Sigma 70mm F2.8, which has great IQ and has a focus limiter. I have found it a little better than the 77mm F1.8 for moving subjects.

I understand that the K5II is better than the K7 for autofocusing but I still think you might want to get another lens than the 77mm F1.8 now, then follow up with the 77mm F1.8 next.

Every Pentax shooter should get the 77mm F1.8 eventually : )
12-18-2014, 06:47 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by nj1975 Quote
Have any K5II users any experience with the 77 1.8 limited lens please? - I am particularly interested in it's autofocus ability as my purpose in buying this would be documenting daily life of kids (moving!) indoors. Many thanks.
77? indoors? kids? Personally, I think that this will be very challenging.

For indoors, you'll probably need a shorter focal length, and one that zips through focus, and ideally, diminutive, if only to minimize accidents with flailing arms and all. My best suggestion will be the DA 40 or the 21
12-18-2014, 07:03 PM   #7
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77 limited focal length

The 77 ltd is hard to use indoors for people, activities, etc., as you keep having to back up to get the subject in the frame, and too often your back runs into a wall before you get the subject framed properly. It is my favorite lens, but you have to select the subjects for this lens really carefully. If you want to start acquiring the limited lens series, spend about 50 percent less and get the 43 limited for the kids, or about 20-30 percent more and get the 31 limited and an even better focal length for kids and inside people shots. To save even more money and get an even more useful lens, spend about $300-400 on a used copy of the Tamron 17-50 mm, constant f 2.8 zoom lens. Image quality is not quite up to limited standards, but you will sure frame a lot of shots easier, and might find yourself taking this useful lens everywhere!

12-18-2014, 07:05 PM   #8
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+ on the 21, it is diminutive and has very fast AF.
12-18-2014, 07:23 PM   #9
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I would suggest the 31mm or 43mm if you want to take pictures of your kids. The 77mm's reach might become a problem indoors.
12-18-2014, 07:56 PM   #10
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A superb portrait lens, I have a distinct impression that when/if Pentax produces a full frame camera my go-to lens will be the FA77. Short telephotos historically have always been good performers.


Pentax K7 - SMCP-FA77mm f/1.8 Limited
12-18-2014, 08:16 PM   #11
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I have an FA77 and K-5IIs, and two energetic little girls. It's tough to get photos indoors other than headshots. For indoor portraits, I strongly recommend the FA31 instead. You can capture much more of the environment, as well as the wiggly worms themselves before they escape from the frame.
12-18-2014, 10:19 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by JibbaJab Quote
I have an FA77 and K-5IIs, and two energetic little girls. It's tough to get photos indoors other than headshots. For indoor portraits, I strongly recommend the FA31 instead. You can capture much more of the environment, as well as the wiggly worms themselves before they escape from the frame.
I love the 77 but I'd have to agree with JJ. I don't have kids but I've had to photograph them quite a few times at birthday parties and for family Xmas cards. The 31 usually ends up being my lens of choice for that sort of thing.

QuoteOriginally posted by Digitalis Quote
A superb portrait lens, I have a distinct impression that when/if Pentax produces a full frame camera my go-to lens will be the FA77. Short telephotos historically have always been good performers.
Pentax K7 - SMCP-FA77mm f/1.8 Limited
A lovely portrait! The 77 would definitely become my go to lens as well if a Pentax FF were to appear.
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