Best portrait lens?

alexgn · 07-20-2008, 12:17 PM

What's best portrait lens in Pentax's lineup?

Thanks!

*Peter Zack* · 07-20-2008, 12:30 PM

Now there's a question that will inspire some serious debate I assume.
My list of contenders would be:
FA43mm (more for full body shots or waist up)
FA50 (same as above)
FA77mm Ltd (tighter head and shoulders)
DA70mm Ltd (Same)
FA31mm Ltd (full body to waist up shots) Possibly the best of the lot if your subject doesn't mind up close and personal shooting. Renders an image like no other.
FA85mm f1.4 if you could find one, is a fantastic lens but almost too sharp for close face shots. It is the sharpest lens I have ever used and would show every blemish. Like the 31mm, it renders as good or better in a number of ways that is untouchable by any other lens. Might be a little long on APS-C unless you have a lot of working distance.

For flexibility The Tamron 28-75 XR Di f2.8 is IMO the easiest lens to work with. I use it a lot for weddings/events and the FL is great for all types of shooting. I've owned and/or used every lens above and decided on the FA50mm f1.4 and Tamron as my 'working' lenses. I will buy backups of both before year end. Along with the 77mm, you'd have a package that is pretty much unbeatable.

Wheatfield · 07-20-2008, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by alexgn

What's best portrait lens in Pentax's lineup?

Thanks!

I kinda like the A*85m f/1.4.

SpecialK · 07-20-2008, 12:50 PM

It's the one that gives YOU the most pleasing shot. Why ask US as it is totally subjective?

*Peter Zack* · 07-20-2008, 12:56 PM

SpecialK. I get your point but the question is a valid one IMO. A fair number of users here have been lucky enough to shoot with these lenses and can offer some opinions to someone who may not have the chance or budget to buy them all and try them out.

fishy · 07-20-2008, 01:25 PM

I'm curious too!
At the moment I like the FA 50 1.4, but really interested t see what else comes along. Didn't hear about the 85 1.4 until just now

*Ash* · 07-20-2008, 01:50 PM

And not everyone gets the chance to try an A* 85/1.4 or even an FA 77 ltd.
Salivate over them, maybe yes, but not actually shoot with them...

Wheatfield · 07-20-2008, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by Ash

And not everyone gets the chance to try an A* 85/1.4 or even an FA 77 ltd.
Salivate over them, maybe yes, but not actually shoot with them...

Sorry. I guess it just doesn't suck to be me.

anyway, if best bang for the buck is the question, then any of the myriad Pentax 50mm lenses would be a good choice on a DSLR, I've done some very nice work with the F50/1.7, which is a pretty inexpensive lens.
Also, the Voigtlander 58/1.4 is extremely nice, and not too expensive, though the F50/1.4 is less money.
For that matter, the 40/2.8LTD is not expensive, and while a bit short for my liking, very good work can be done with it as well.

danielchtong · 07-20-2008, 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by SpecialK

It's the one that gives YOU the most pleasing shot. Why ask US as it is totally subjective?

There seems to be a theory that those FL as ebaborated by Peter are the portrait lenses of choice.

No clue as to the theoretical best as I have been using all kind of FL for portrait. The setting are in the exif

Daniel

danielchtong · 07-20-2008, 03:22 PM

This is from a more theoretically conventional portrait lens F50mmF1.7

Big Dave · 07-20-2008, 03:31 PM

Alexgn,
I think that the best all around portrait lens for aps-c is the FA-50 f1.4. It is preferred by many who could use more expensive lenses. It is a bargin that performs very well.

Dave

Originally Posted by alexgn

What's best portrait lens in Pentax's lineup?

Thanks!

alexgn · 07-21-2008, 07:13 AM

Thanks for your comments.

I was not looking for the sharpest prime lens available. For a lens specifically designed for portraits that accurately reproduces skin tones, colours & textures. And renders well out of focus areas.

I will pick up the 50mm f/1.4 too since many people are using it. The lens is also affordable & versatile.

*Peter Zack* · 07-21-2008, 07:25 AM

I think it's a very good choice and you might also find this helpful

50mm Macro f/2.8 vs 50mm f/1.4

alexgn · 07-21-2008, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by danielchtong

This is from a more theoretically conventional portrait lens F50mmF1.7

Lovely image.

I looked at some pictures captured on the DA 70mm f/2.4. I liked gentle bokeh & texture this lens renders.

I am going to look at more images and think about other options before I commit to buy a portrait lens.

alexgn · 07-21-2008, 08:44 AM

Originally Posted by Peter Zack

I think it's a very good choice and you might also find this helpful

50mm Macro f/2.8 vs 50mm f/1.4

Interesting tests. Thanks.