| Author: | | Showing Reviews 1-15 of 36 | | Pentaxian Registered: November, 2009 Location: Brisbane Posts: 3,012
8 users found this helpful
| | Lens Review Date: October 16, 2011 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: N/A
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp, Bokeh, Accurate AF, Silent | | Cons: | | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 9
New or Used: New
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Ive had this lens for a few months now, and straight out the box and onto the camera I could tell that I was going to like this lens alot.
This lens is so accurate, it gets focus lock first time, everytime, and doesnt even hunt, even in almost darkness! Silent focusing is a nice welcome too.
It may not be the fastest focus speed but its no slouch ethier.
Very sharp from wide open and just keeps on getting shrper as you stop down, also has excellent contrast with very smooth OOF.
It is excellent for subject isolation. Subjects are rendered with a strong 3D effect.
f/1.4
f/1.8
Slow AF? Had no problem locking on this at f/2-
f/1.4-
f/1.6-
f/1.4-
f/1.4-
f/1.8-
f/1.4-
and heres a crop from the same shot for the peepers, watch out you dont cut yourself! 
f/1.4 
f/2.5
f/1.4
f/2
f/2
f/3.5
f/1.4
and a crop of above shot to keep the peepers happy (f/1.4) 
f/1.4
Handles water no problems!-
 | | | | | Site Supporter Registered: April, 2011 Location: UCSD Posts: 569
2 users found this helpful
| | Lens Review Date: March 29, 2012 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $650.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | build, sharp at 1.7+, fast | | Cons: | flare, soft at 1.4, focus speed | |
If I were to only have one lens, this would be it. In fact, I have gone several months of this and last year with only this lens
Its soft wide open at f1.4, but once you stop down anywhere past that, its nice and sharp, mindblowingly so at f4-8
it does like to flare quite a bit, although the effect can be cool for natural light portraits. Its awfully annoying for studio portraits though.
CA at larger apertures is noticeable. stop down past 2.8 and its pretty much gone.
build is nice and solid, exactly what you'd expect from a * lens. I've dropped mine a few times already and its still going like a champ.
AF can be slow at times. Its adequate for portraits and whatnot, but I wouldn't rely on it for sports or concert shooting.
Overall, its an amazing natural light portrait lens, which is why it'll always find a spot either in my bag or on my camera (most likely the latter)
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: March, 2009 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 482
2 users found this helpful
| | Lens Review Date: January 6, 2011 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: N/A
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Looks and feels great. Professionally built. | | Cons: | Not much better than older FA and F 50mm in IMQ. MF could be smoother | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 7
New or Used: Used
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This is my first * lens and it is a good lens.
Built: Superb. One of the best that I own. Manual focus override is reasonably smooth and precise. Focusing resistance is just right. Focusing speed is average and focusing is quiet. My DA17-70mm SDM motor dead (bought from anther PF member / dying in one week and completely dead in 3 weeks). But this one is still working well. Feel more substantial in hand than other DA lenses. AF/MF switch allows the focusing trap function on this lens. But the focusing trap function does not always work. Has to adjust for back focus on my Kx.
IMQ: It is only slightly superior to what you get from FA50 f1.4 or F50 f1.7 over all the technical measures. There is slight PF under extreme lighting condition at the largest apertures (slightly better than my F50 f1.7, but worse than my Samyang85). Resolution is average at the largest aperture. But the contrast at the largest aperture is good. I think that it is specially designed for portraits and it accomplishes the goal well. While not super sharp at the largest aperture, it produces very smooth results and nice background blurrs. Even though I do not have any technical proof, I feel that the results are better than the older FA and F prime lens for the purpose of portraits. Clearly, the contrast is better and the border resolution is higher than the older 50mm lenses.
I have many primes including the FA, F, K... I do not really need this. But... You know what have happened and I have not regretted yet. The lens is a bit overpriced, I have to admit.
Lowered my rating (a bit) to 8.5 due to the problem of mis-focusing and some CA.
[UPDATE] Its AF works much better on my recently acquired K-5. It is not only fast, but more accurate. I can even shoot some sporty scenes. So upgrade my AF and resolution rating. Overall rating remains.
@ f1.4
 | | | | | New Member Registered: May, 2010 Location: Overijssel Posts: 7
2 users found this helpful
| | Lens Review Date: May 23, 2010 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $680.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Built quality, Sharpness, Contrast, Color | | Cons: | Slow auto-focus, Back-focus (corrected with +9 on my K7) | |
Ok normally I like to shoot focusing manually, but as you all know there is not always enough time to focus manually, that why I wanted to have an autofocus portrait lens besides my manual CZ 50/1.4. When Pentax came with the DA*55/1.4, I was thrilled; “made for portrait”, “new (faster?) SDM focus” and “sharper than the FA50/1.4”.
I like the lens for it’s; sharpness, contrast and color representation (The DA*55 is definitely sharper @ 1.4 than my CZ 50@1.4 but then again the CZ bokeh is slightly better).
I dislike the lens for (in my case) the incorrect calibration of the lens and the slow auto focus. I had some problems with a rather extreme back-focus. I bought this lens when owning a K100Ds (so no micro focus adjustment), this meant that I had to focus manually anyway, with my K7 the problem of the back-focus is solved with a 9+ adjustment (with close focus the adjustment is 7+ for the best results).
Despite all I would recommend the lens, but only to the people with a micro focus adjustment camera body.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: November, 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 419
2 users found this helpful
| | Lens Review Date: March 26, 2010 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $647.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Beautiful Bokeh, Great Contrast and Colour Rendition, Excellent Lens Hood | | Cons: | Slow Autofucs (Didn't inconvenience me in real life use) | |
Yes its' pricey and yes people will complain about the slow autofocus but my goodness do I love this lens. Beautiful rendition of colour, contrasty and absolutely gorgeous bokeh. This is the perfect Pentax portrait lens!
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: October, 2008 Location: Torun, POLAND Posts: 119
2 users found this helpful
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: July, 2011 Posts: 258
1 user found this helpful
| | Lens Review Date: February 12, 2012 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $639.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | size, performance, features | | Cons: | not perfect yet | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 9
Value: 9
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K5
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Nicely made lens. f/1.4 is usable for portraits, althouth sharpness improves visibly at f/2. Lens flare is a problem, even at f/2.2... I think flare is more of a problem than sharpness wide open.
SDM focus is great, not extremely fast (don't bother), but very silent. Much quieter than classic AF. AF in really low light is completely off - even though the K5 confirms focus.
I sold my FA77 for this lens as 77mm feels too long for my kind of portraiture and the AF was way too noisy. You cannot go unnoticed using the AF on that lens.
What could be better. Lens hood is OK, but could be build in. Performance is better than for older FA lenses at f/1.4 but not great compared to other lenses in this class. This lens needs a 22 mm (+/-) twin!
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: April, 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,303
1 user found this helpful
| | Lens Review Date: January 8, 2011 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $600.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Pretty much everything except for the one con | | Cons: | Comparatively slow AF | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 9
New or Used: New
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This is an absolute workhorse of a portrait lens. IMO, the sweet spot is f/2.0 without question. Results I have gotten with this lens leave me wanting for nothing. Those who feel the bokeh is not the best may just need to put more thought into what is going to be in the OOF areas of your photo. MF feel cannot compete against a top-quality dedicated MF lens, but it doesn't have to. I am so pleased with this lens for portraits that I am questioning why I even need that new Sigma 85/1.4, a lens that costs 150% of what this lens does. Very few that have this lens ever sell it, and that says volumes.
| | | | | New Member Registered: March, 2010 Location: Prague Posts: 2
1 user found this helpful
| | Lens Review Date: May 31, 2010 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $600.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharpness, bookeh, breath taking micro-contrast, WR, SDM - as in silent | | Cons: | price, bulky compared to FA 50/1.4, SDM - as in slow | |
The lens is a 10+ opticaly AND it realy is dissapointing that you pay a premium price to get a slower autofocus then the FA50.
The filter diameter could be 49mm (to match with the Limiteds), I see no reason for the 58mm.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: July, 2008 Location: plymouth Posts: 101
1 user found this helpful
| | Lens Review Date: October 11, 2009 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: N/A
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | IQ,Oozes Quality | | Cons: | None Yet | |
Beautiful,well made lens.I love every shot ive taken with it.I love it.
| | | | | New Member Registered: June, 2009 Location: seattle Posts: 23
1 user found this helpful
| | Lens Review Date: October 6, 2009 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $625.00
| Rating: 10 |
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An wonderful piece of engineering and design!
A pleasure to use and own.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: September, 2006 Location: EU/Slovenia Posts: 731
1 user found this helpful
| | Lens Review Date: April 16, 2009 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: N/A
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | sharpness, bookeh, SDM, hood, manual focus, build quality | | Cons: | price, bulky compared to FA 50/1.4 | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 8
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Like all DA* primes this lens is very well made. Optics as well as mechanic of this lens perform very well. Manual focus is easy enough, thou I wouldn't mind more ring travel. While autofocusing the focusing ring doesn't move, only the distance scale does.
I tested it against FA 50/1.4 and I must concour that wide open it's sharper towards corners. I also liked pictures with it more than those with FA but I can't point my finger why. Some day I'll have it. I know it
I took some pictures for comparison. They're all scaled down to 50%
f1.4
DA55  FA50
f2
DA55  FA50
f2.8
DA55  FA50
f4
DA55  FA50
f5.6
DA55  FA50
f1.4
DA55  FA50
f2
DA55  FA50
f2.8
DA55  FA50
f4
DA55  FA50
f5.6
DA55  FA50
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: March, 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,356 | | Lens Review Date: April 21, 2012 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $500.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Extremely sharp, great bokeh, accurate focus, weather resistant | | Cons: | Chromatic abberations at largest apertures, cost, weight | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 9
New or Used: New
Camera Used: Pentax K-r
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I've had this lens for a couple months now. It was purchased used and I got a very nice deal on it. Initially, I was concerned about SDM problems as well as previously mentioned back/front-focus issues. However, so far, this lens has been the most accurate focusing lens I own and (knock wood!) the SDM is working fine!
Before I get to image quality, I want to mention the feel of the lens in actual use. I am not normally a fan of heavy, large lenses. This one is pretty heavy and large, at least compared to most Pentax primes. I definitely feel it around my neck, but it is not so heavy to be a burden. However, with the included hood it is a pretty long lens.
The build quality is very nice. It's plastic, but does not feel at all cheap. The quick shift focus works great and the feel of the manual focus ring is very nice and smooth. The SDM is not silent but still very quiet. At first, I thought it wasn't working it was so quiet! As I mentioned, I find this lens to be remarkably accurate when using auto focus. Considering I have been shooting quite a bit at large apertures, I'm often surprised and pleased by how many keepers I get with this lens compared to some of my others.
As for image quality, I find it nearly impeccable! It has a very special rendering that I liken a lot to my FA 77 Limited. It's the sharpest non-macro lens I own. The contrast is superb, although it is not crazy about shooting into the light in certain situations. Color is warm and well saturated.
I find the bokeh to be very pleasing in almost all occasions. At f/1.4-1.8, it can be a little nervous, depending on the background. However, once you hit f/2 and above, it is almost always nice and creamy.
On the downside, the lens produces a fair bit of chromatic aberration wide open and up to about f/2.2. It can be corrected in post, but it's something you'll have to deal with.
All in all, I have found that the DA*55 has become my "go to" lens. I reach for it more often than any other lens because I just love the results! I heartily recommend it, but would suggest you get it from a trusted source since there have been issues with focusing on some of these units.
I'm attaching a few sample images. Thanks for reading.
f/1.8
periwinkle bokeh - Explored by loco's photos, on Flickr
f/2
daffodil light by loco's photos, on Flickr
f/2
pink dogwood bokeh by loco's photos, on Flickr
f/2.5
Kings and their horses by loco's photos, on Flickr
f/4.5
"What's that up there?" by loco's photos, on Flickr
f/7.1
onion on chair by loco's photos, on Flickr
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: January, 2012 Posts: 62 | | Lens Review Date: April 8, 2012 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $639.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | color,bokeh,sharp | | Cons: | autofocus | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 6
Handling: 10
Value: 9
New or Used: New
Camera Used: k-5
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fantastic lens!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great performer, 3-d effect,real color !!!
magic bokeh!!!!!!!!!!
FA 31, FA43 or DA55SDM, FA77, D FA100mmMACRO --------- Mast have!!!!!!!
Stupid autofocus-- real bad work SDM. Perfect for manual work!!! 6mm deth perspective-Fantastic!!!!!
Sharp from 1.8 ,from 2.0 sharp as blade!! From F1.4 to F1.6 aceptable sharp
Need autofocus adjasting in camera body ( k-5) if not you will have 3mm front or back focus -it is catastrophi for this lens!!!
| | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2012 Posts: 1 | | Lens Review Date: February 24, 2012 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $750.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | sharpness, contrast, bokeh, colors, SDM, build quality | | Cons: | slow autofocus, price | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 9
Value: 8
New or Used: New
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Excellent portrait lens, very sharp when stopped-down a bit. Nice bokeh and contrast. Feels somewhat soft at f1.4. Autofocus could be faster.
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