[Jedi_Strings]

Hello everyone! Some lens advice please

I want to start shooting portraits more (just for fun) but I would like to add a new lens to my bag to specialize in that. I've looked at numerous options but at the moment I'm stuck between a cosina 55mm 1.2 or the DA* 55mm 1.4 (I would probably exclusively use manual focus on the DA*). I've also considered the FA 43mm as well as the HD DA 70mm 2.4, but sadly the 77 ltd is too much for my budget right now. What I'm looking for is a lens with a distinct effect to it. The main reason I'm considering the DA* is because of its weather sealing & auto aperture although I've seen some great shots produced by this lens that makes me feel it does have that something special. I've seen what the cosina can do-I'm convinced by its IQ & bokeh but not having the f-stop recorded in the metadata sucks-having a pen & paper handy isn't something I've bee able to add into my habits while shooting. the same applies for the FA43 ltd. Now when it comes to the HD DA 70mm, it appears to me to be a solid performer & possibly more versatile. I guess I want to keep the price at or under $500 & I've seen all the options at prices fitting the bill. I'd appreciate any & all feedback

[Jonathan Mac]

The 70mm is a very good lens indeed but if you prefer 55mm to have something a bit shorter then your options are limited. If you want to include 50mm then your options are huge.

For 55mm there are the f/1.8 and f/2 Takumar and K lenses which are very good though probably not as sharp as the DA* wide open.

[Topsy]

The Pentax M 50/1.4 is nice too and costs a fraction of your budget

[micromacro]

70mm ltd is great portrait lens, love that lens, but sometimes it's a bit too much for indoors or backyards, imo.
F 50mm f1.7 is awesome budget lens for portraits. Actually, there are so many options, too many, enjoy your LBA

[stevebrot]

I'm stuck between a cosina 55mm 1.2 or the DA* 55mm 1.4

Those are two very different lenses with the Cosina being the more distinctive.

Another one that you might want to consider would be one of the former Soviet Helios 44 series 58mm f/2 lenses. There are many variants and all trace their design to the Zeiss Biotar 58/2. A characteristic of that design is consistently sharp center performance at all apertures and noticeably softer corners. The soft corners are less apparent on APS-C. Bokeh is distinctive with some lenses showing a swirly background at some apertures.

Here is a sampler from Flickr:

https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=helios%2044

There is also a thread here on the Pentax Forums:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/97960-lovin...8mm-f-2-a.html

The main problems with the Helios 44 is that there are many variants and that most are M42 screw mount. Unless you are willing to research out the variants, I would suggest the Helios 44M with 8-sided aperture and handy A/M switch or the Helios 44K-4 (K-mount!!).

One of my favorites with the KMZ Helios 44M 58/2:





Steve

[Sandy Hancock]

You're over-thinking things. You can't go wrong with the DA*55.
Seriously.

[osv]

the bokeh in that flower shot is pretty sweet!

[onlineflyer]

Have you considered the Sigma 70mm f/2.8 EX DG macro? It's not as fast as the 50s or 55s but it's an extraordinary lens and not too expensive

Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

[Scintilla]

I've seen what the cosina can do-I'm convinced by its IQ & bokeh but not having the f-stop recorded in the metadata sucks-having a pen & paper handy isn't something I've bee able to add into my habits while shooting. the same applies for the FA43 ltd.

Actually, the FA43 Limited (like all other FA lenses) is fully automatic if you leave the aperture ring set to "A". The camera will record the aperture just fine.

[hcc]

Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4. This is a very special lens.

It is MF, FF, metallic and built like a tank, petite, with an truly outstanding IQ. I presented a short, subjective comparison between the VL58mm and FA31 mm at:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/209251-fa31...mm-f1-4-a.html.

I was suggested the VL58mm by a PF member. It was my second lens and by far my best investment. A truly outstanding lens, well worth to consider.

Personally I use the VL58mm f1.4 for both indoor and outdoor shooting. Outdoor, the lens is flawless, even in very poor lighting conditions, like fog, smoke, smogg.... However I admit that I prefer the FA77mm for portrait. (I bought my FA77mm 2nd hand from a Japan at a reasonable price.)

If you dare to be different, the Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4 is for you and you will not be disappointed.

[malinku]

All lenses listed here are good choices for portrait work. I personally use a Jupiter-9 as my main portrait lens. It is a bit had to use at times but it has the look I want. I also really like the takumar 105mm F2.8.

But i'd recommend trying a fea out before deciding on a final lens. as all lenses will have their own feel.

[pepperberry farm]

I'm currently shooting the K55/f2 as my Single In February lens - fully manual and all the baggage that comes with that.... but it's a stunning piece of work...

[bpv_UW]

You're over-thinking things. You can't go wrong with the DA*55.
Seriously.

+1

I recently got one and it hasn't come off my camera since receiving it. I almost exclusively shoot my 2 kiddos these days, and it has already produced some portraits of them that are among my favorites. It is specifically designed as an APS-C portrait lens (essentially the equivalent of an 85/1.4 on FF). Given the intent stated in your post, and the Fa 77 being out of reach cost-wise, this is a no-brainer. That said, it's worth mentioning that If you could get the 77, that is a brilliant portrait lens also. Different than the 55 - less contrasty, warmer color rendering. I think it's probably a subjective thing which is "better" - they are both brilliant. But 55 is definitely a more versatile FL on APS-C. Happy hunting.

-Brandon

[wibbly]

really happy to hear you're enjoying the *55 @bpv_UW

[Jedi_Strings]

Thanks for your input everyone! I was able to pick up the M 50mm 1.7 & the DA* 55mm 1.4 & the vivitar 135mm 1:2.8 auto & stick to my budget!