LBA - FA77/1.8 Limited

RBellavance · 09-02-2008, 12:26 PM

Someone I know, who recently switched from Pentax to Nikon, had a copy of this almost-legendary piece of glass for sale. I tried to resist, I debated with myself for several weeks whether I really needed it or not (I very rarely shoot above 70mm), but in the end the price was just too good to pass up and LBA took over.

I thought I knew what to expect, but even so I am absolutely amazed at the built quality of the little jewel of a lens. The only downside is that it autofocuses a bit slower than my other lenses.

Oh, and it seems to take decent pictures too

K10D + FA77
f/1.8, 1/60s, ISO 400

K10D + FA77
f/4.0, 1/125s, ISO 100

K10D + FA77
f/1.8, 1/30s, ISO 400

K10D + FA77
f/1.8, 1/1600s, ISO 100

I believe I'll be shooting above 70mm a lot more from now on

*k100d* · 09-02-2008, 02:39 PM

the FA77 is awesomeness. i don't know what it is, it is my favourite of the FA Limiteds.
handling, build, bokeh, colour, sharpness (perhaps not wide open)

hope you enjoy yours a lot

*Syb* · 09-02-2008, 03:09 PM

Congratulations to your purchase! Let's say this was not a point for your LBA (since that is becoming something to fear, or at least be worried about) but for good judgement. You took a good decision by buying it when you could afford it and enjoy it now.

Cheers

*Ash* · 09-02-2008, 03:12 PM

Good choice.
It's certainly a keeper.
Despite all the claims of AF being significantly slower with this lens, I've found it to be comparable in speed to that of my FA 50. In low light, they all struggle, but I've been more than impressed with this bright and very sharp set of glassware.

RBellavance · 09-02-2008, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by k100d

sharpness (perhaps not wide open)

I must say I've been very pleasantly surprised on that front so far. I can see nothing wrong with the sharpness of the "bottle" and "tiger" shots above, and they were both wide-open.

**roentarre** · 09-02-2008, 03:22 PM

Fa 77 ltd is an awesome lens. Every time I revisit the lens, it gives me surprises.

Congrads on your purchase and you would surely love it for many years to come

*Frank Fletcher* · 09-02-2008, 03:31 PM

I'm soooo envious....

rparmar · 09-02-2008, 04:00 PM

I was thinking about selling mine a while ago so I took it out for some pictures. So many were incredible in quality. I'm not even thinking about selling it now. Combine that with the tiny size and the solid build and the result is a truly stellar lens.

creampuff · 09-02-2008, 05:08 PM

Originally Posted by RBellavance

K10D + FA77
f/1.8, 1/30s, ISO 400

Wow, this Tiger is pretty impressive. Stuffed or real?

beaumont · 09-02-2008, 05:47 PM

[QUOTE=RBellavance;332604]Someone I know, who recently switched from Pentax to Nikon, had a copy of this almost-legendary piece of glass for sale. I tried to resist, I debated with myself for several weeks whether I really needed it or not (I very rarely shoot above 70mm), but in the end the price was just too good to pass up and LBA took over.

Congrats on your purchase! (I'd be curious to hear feedback from the previous owner as to how the replacement system stacks up...in particularly the glass.)

RBellavance · 09-02-2008, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by creampuff

Wow, this Tiger is pretty impressive. Stuffed or real?

Stuffed

*k100d* · 09-02-2008, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by RBellavance

I must say I've been very pleasantly surprised on that front so far. I can see nothing wrong with the sharpness of the "bottle" and "tiger" shots above, and they were both wide-open.

your photos do look mighty sharp. but perhaps this is a consequence of the reduction in size of the photos? the photos i did take at f1.8 were a mixed lot, some were sharper than others perhaps more of focusing issues / thin depth of field

this looked sharp but it's actually not very

this is actually sharp