85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM versus Pentax FA 77

rustynail925 · 02-26-2011, 08:48 AM

The main advantage of the FA77 would be the size and weight.
My question is whats the longest focal length at 1.8 can Pentax make that can be about the same size and weight as the FA77?

**rparmar** · 02-26-2011, 09:03 AM

Originally posted by rustynail925

My question is whats the longest focal length at 1.8 can Pentax make that can be about the same size and weight as the FA77?

I'd say that's it right there... a true marvel of miniaturisation. Any 85mm, 100mm, 135mm etc. lens made now or in the past is a lot bigger/heavier.

But in any case you wouldn't need to move from the FA77 (which is closer to 80mm actually) to 85mm just for the focal length. I know people do but that's based on the false mystique of "85". The real appeal of the 85mm is instead the extra stop.

Asahiflex · 02-26-2011, 10:49 AM

Originally posted by rparmar

The real appeal of the 85mm is instead the extra stop.

The link to the Canon version of the Sigma 85/1.4 does perfectly show that that lens excels on FF though. It's impossible to get that DOF on APS-C, unless there exists a 57mm f/0.8 lens which is usable up to infinity.

Pentaxor · 02-26-2011, 12:49 PM

Originally posted by rparmar

For the first time ever I can say I am impressed by a Sigma lens. Crazy LOCA but that is not unexpected. Sharpness is really amazing wide open. Thankfully I have the FA77 and so do not need to save my pocket money.

SLR Gear test and review -- don't think this was posted.

apparently, some jerkosaurus rated the 85 poorly. same comment and rating was posted by the same poster on another Sigma lens. must be a fanboy of some sort.

**rparmar** · 02-26-2011, 03:33 PM

Originally posted by Asahiflex

The link to the Canon version of the Sigma 85/1.4 does perfectly show that that lens excels on FF though. It's impossible to get that DOF on APS-C, unless there exists a 57mm f/0.8 lens which is usable up to infinity.

Not sure what FF has to do with my comment.

DogLover · 02-26-2011, 03:59 PM

For what it's worth, Amazon is now showing the Sigma 85 for Pentax as "in stock". Well, their re-seller 47th St. Photo is, but through Amazon's site. The kicker? It's now $969 plus $19.95 shipping. I really think that's an outlier price, though, as most places should have it for $899.

Pentaxor · 02-26-2011, 04:30 PM

Originally posted by rparmar

Not sure what FF has to do with my comment.

I think what he meant was the Sigma would be able to take full advantage of it's capability on a FF. not saying that it won't be great on an APS-C sensor. same as that of FF lenses from Pentax.

**rparmar** · 02-26-2011, 05:56 PM

Originally posted by Pentaxor

I think what he meant was the Sigma would be able to take full advantage of it's capability on a FF.

But by the same token the FA77 also takes full advantage of its capabilities on FF.

Every lens takes full advantage of its capabilities no matter what the sensor. That's because the lens itself never changes. For that reason inserting remarks about sensor size when lens characteristics are being discussed is disingenuous. It only serves to confuse beginners.

TOUGEFC · 02-26-2011, 06:12 PM

Exactly! There is a couple of threads on this forum showing what the FA Limited 's can do on full frame canon bodys.

EDIT- heres one thread to check out
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/29917-pentax-f...anon-5d-4.html

Pentaxor · 02-26-2011, 07:34 PM

Originally posted by rparmar

But by the same token the FA77 also takes full advantage of its capabilities on FF.

Every lens takes full advantage of its capabilities no matter what the sensor. That's because the lens itself never changes. For that reason inserting remarks about sensor size when lens characteristics are being discussed is disingenuous. It only serves to confuse beginners.

you forgot to quote the last sentence on my previous statement.

**nater** · 02-26-2011, 10:56 PM

Not sure if folks noticed, but there's a review of the Canon/Nikon mount version of the Sigma 85mm on lenstip.com:

Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM review - Introduction - Lenstip.com

axl · 02-27-2011, 03:18 AM

Originally posted by nater

Not sure if folks noticed, but there's a review of the Canon/Nikon mount version of the Sigma 85mm on lenstip.com:

Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM review - Introduction - Lenstip.com

the CAs look pretty bad wide open to my eye...

Class A · 02-27-2011, 03:54 AM

Originally posted by axl

the CAs look pretty bad wide open to my eye...

Bokeh CA is not CA and unfortunately this amount is very typical for such a fast lens.

In fact, I see this type of Bokeh CA more with Pentax lenses than with any other. Check out the third shot of these sample images of the highly rated Pentax-A* 85/1.4. See the strong purple seams in the foreground (toes) and the heavy green seams in the background? The DA 70/2.4, which is not very fast to begin with, can show it even stopped down.

Laurentiu Cristofor · 02-27-2011, 12:18 PM

Originally posted by Class A

In fact, I see this type of Bokeh CA more with Pentax lenses than with any other. Check out the third shot of these sample images of the highly rated Pentax-A* 85/1.4. See the strong purple seams in the foreground (toes) and the heavy green seams in the background?

Wow - that's a great example of fringing gone wild! But isn't that actually PF? It doesn't appear all around the leg - only in the areas of high contrast.

I don't have any A lens, but the FA lenses I have all have bokeh fringing. Seems indeed to be a series characteristic.

Class A · 02-28-2011, 01:52 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Laurentiu Cristofor

But isn't that actually PF?

PF is Bokeh CA.

Originally posted by Laurentiu Cristofor

It doesn't appear all around the leg - only in the areas of high contrast.

That's just where it becomes so visible.

Originally posted by Laurentiu Cristofor

I don't have any A lens, but the FA lenses I have all have bokeh fringing. Seems indeed to be a series characteristic.

I sometimes don't translate "PF" to "Purple Fringing" but to "Pentax Fringing".

Here's another PF image from the FA 77/1.8...

02-26-2011, 05:56 PM	#53
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,819	Originally posted by Pentaxor I think what he meant was the Sigma would be able to take full advantage of it's capability on a FF. But by the same token the FA77 also takes full advantage of its capabilities on FF. Every lens takes full advantage of its capabilities no matter what the sensor. That's because the lens itself never changes. For that reason inserting remarks about sensor size when lens characteristics are being discussed is disingenuous. It only serves to confuse beginners. Last edited by rparmar; 02-26-2011 at 07:24 PM.

02-26-2011, 06:12 PM	#54
TOUGEFC Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,561	Exactly! There is a couple of threads on this forum showing what the FA Limited 's can do on full frame canon bodys. EDIT- heres one thread to check out https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/29917-pentax-f...anon-5d-4.html Last edited by TOUGEFC; 02-26-2011 at 07:22 PM.

02-27-2011, 03:54 AM	#58
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by axl the CAs look pretty bad wide open to my eye... Bokeh CA is not CA and unfortunately this amount is very typical for such a fast lens. In fact, I see this type of Bokeh CA more with Pentax lenses than with any other. Check out the third shot of these sample images of the highly rated Pentax-A* 85/1.4. See the strong purple seams in the foreground (toes) and the heavy green seams in the background? The DA 70/2.4, which is not very fast to begin with, can show it even stopped down. Last edited by Class A; 02-27-2011 at 04:06 AM.

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02-26-2011, 08:48 AM	#46
rustynail925 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Philippines Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,551	The main advantage of the FA77 would be the size and weight. My question is whats the longest focal length at 1.8 can Pentax make that can be about the same size and weight as the FA77?

02-26-2011, 09:03 AM	#47
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,819	Originally posted by rustynail925 My question is whats the longest focal length at 1.8 can Pentax make that can be about the same size and weight as the FA77? I'd say that's it right there... a true marvel of miniaturisation. Any 85mm, 100mm, 135mm etc. lens made now or in the past is a lot bigger/heavier. But in any case you wouldn't need to move from the FA77 (which is closer to 80mm actually) to 85mm just for the focal length. I know people do but that's based on the false mystique of "85". The real appeal of the 85mm is instead the extra stop.

02-26-2011, 10:49 AM	#48
Asahiflex Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Netherlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,795	Originally posted by rparmar The real appeal of the 85mm is instead the extra stop. The link to the Canon version of the Sigma 85/1.4 does perfectly show that that lens excels on FF though. It's impossible to get that DOF on APS-C, unless there exists a 57mm f/0.8 lens which is usable up to infinity.

02-26-2011, 12:49 PM	#49
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by rparmar For the first time ever I can say I am impressed by a Sigma lens. Crazy LOCA but that is not unexpected. Sharpness is really amazing wide open. Thankfully I have the FA77 and so do not need to save my pocket money. SLR Gear test and review -- don't think this was posted. apparently, some jerkosaurus rated the 85 poorly. same comment and rating was posted by the same poster on another Sigma lens. must be a fanboy of some sort.

02-26-2011, 03:33 PM	#50
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,819	Originally posted by Asahiflex The link to the Canon version of the Sigma 85/1.4 does perfectly show that that lens excels on FF though. It's impossible to get that DOF on APS-C, unless there exists a 57mm f/0.8 lens which is usable up to infinity. Not sure what FF has to do with my comment.

02-26-2011, 03:59 PM	#51
DogLover Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 2,054	For what it's worth, Amazon is now showing the Sigma 85 for Pentax as "in stock". Well, their re-seller 47th St. Photo is, but through Amazon's site. The kicker? It's now $969 plus $19.95 shipping. I really think that's an outlier price, though, as most places should have it for $899.

02-26-2011, 04:30 PM	#52
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by rparmar Not sure what FF has to do with my comment. I think what he meant was the Sigma would be able to take full advantage of it's capability on a FF. not saying that it won't be great on an APS-C sensor. same as that of FF lenses from Pentax.

02-26-2011, 07:34 PM	#55
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by rparmar But by the same token the FA77 also takes full advantage of its capabilities on FF. Every lens takes full advantage of its capabilities no matter what the sensor. That's because the lens itself never changes. For that reason inserting remarks about sensor size when lens characteristics are being discussed is disingenuous. It only serves to confuse beginners. you forgot to quote the last sentence on my previous statement.

02-26-2011, 10:56 PM	#56
nater Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New England Photos: Albums Posts: 706	Not sure if folks noticed, but there's a review of the Canon/Nikon mount version of the Sigma 85mm on lenstip.com: Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM review - Introduction - Lenstip.com

02-27-2011, 03:18 AM	#57
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	Originally posted by nater Not sure if folks noticed, but there's a review of the Canon/Nikon mount version of the Sigma 85mm on lenstip.com: Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM review - Introduction - Lenstip.com the CAs look pretty bad wide open to my eye...

02-27-2011, 12:18 PM	#59
Laurentiu Cristofor Banned Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: WA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,055	Originally posted by Class A In fact, I see this type of Bokeh CA more with Pentax lenses than with any other. Check out the third shot of these sample images of the highly rated Pentax-A* 85/1.4. See the strong purple seams in the foreground (toes) and the heavy green seams in the background? Wow - that's a great example of fringing gone wild! But isn't that actually PF? It doesn't appear all around the leg - only in the areas of high contrast. I don't have any A lens, but the FA lenses I have all have bokeh fringing. Seems indeed to be a series characteristic.

02-28-2011, 01:52 AM - 1 Like	#60
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by Laurentiu Cristofor But isn't that actually PF? PF is Bokeh CA. Originally posted by Laurentiu Cristofor It doesn't appear all around the leg - only in the areas of high contrast. That's just where it becomes so visible. Originally posted by Laurentiu Cristofor I don't have any A lens, but the FA lenses I have all have bokeh fringing. Seems indeed to be a series characteristic. I sometimes don't translate "PF" to "Purple Fringing" but to "Pentax Fringing". Here's another PF image from the FA 77/1.8...