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joakimfors · 01-19-2011, 12:48 PM

I've been trying to find comparison shots between the DA* 55/1.4 and either the K 50/1.2 or A 50/1.2 but my Google-fu is too weak today. From what I've read the 55 has got busier bokeh but is more contrasty and sharper. The 50/1.2s have really creamy bokeh but are of course hard to focus and perhaps a bit less contrasty wide open.

So, is anyone here lucky enough to own both and willing to do some test shots and perhaps some opinions on the differences between them.

Pentaxor · 01-19-2011, 05:34 PM

Originally posted by joakimfors

I've been trying to find comparison shots between the DA* 55/1.4 and either the K 50/1.2 or A 50/1.2 but my Google-fu is too weak today. From what I've read the 55 has got busier bokeh but is more contrasty and sharper. The 50/1.2s have really creamy bokeh but are of course hard to focus and perhaps a bit less contrasty wide open.

So, is anyone here lucky enough to own both and willing to do some test shots and perhaps some opinions on the differences between them.

hmmm...you have practically have read much about the comparisons between those lenses, so I don't think it would make any difference in opinions and test shots as well. what you have already read has been practically accurate eversince.

joakimfors · 01-19-2011, 06:28 PM

Yeah, but I want ze pretty pictures.

It would just be nice to really see the difference in a 1:1 comparison.

dgaies · 01-19-2011, 06:51 PM

Originally posted by joakimfors

Yeah, but I want ze pretty pictures.

It would just be nice to really see the difference in a 1:1 comparison.

I can't promise I'll be able to get to it right away, but what kind of shots did you have in mind?

joakimfors · 01-19-2011, 07:09 PM

That would be nice, thanks! I'd be most interested in busy backgrounds that can cause ugly bokeh and perhaps center sharpness wide open.

dgaies · 01-19-2011, 07:13 PM

Originally posted by joakimfors

That would be nice, thanks! I'd be most interested in busy backgrounds that can cause ugly bokeh and perhaps center sharpness wide open.

Are you more interested in a comparison at f/1.4 (to keep things equal) or both wide open? (or both)

joakimfors · 01-19-2011, 07:33 PM

Both wide open. I believe the DoF is equal at the same distance. But if it is not too much trouble then some stopped down shots would be nice too.

dgaies · 01-19-2011, 08:03 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by joakimfors

Both wide open. I believe the DoF is equal at the same distance. But if it is not too much trouble then some stopped down shots would be nice too.

True, the DOF should be the same for 55mm @ f/1.4 vs 50mm @ f/1.2.

So here's a quick test shot. Not the busiest bokeh, but I'll see if I can come up with something better tomorrow.

DA*55/1.4 @ f/1.4, 1/15s, iso200

A50/1.2 @ f/1.2, 1/10s, iso200

A50/1.2 @ f/1.4, 1/15s, iso200

EDIT: added K50/1.4 @ f/1.4, 1/15s, iso200

joakimfors · 01-19-2011, 08:09 PM

Wow thanks! The 50/1.2 is quite a bit more "creamy". Didn't think the difference would be that noticeable.

twitch · 01-19-2011, 08:10 PM

Wow, now I see why people like the A 1.2 so much.

dgaies · 01-19-2011, 08:16 PM

Originally posted by joakimfors

Wow thanks! The 50/1.2 is quite a bit more "creamy". Didn't think the difference would be that noticeable.

You're welcome.

I'd agree. The 50/1.2 is a bit "creamier" overall, but the DA*55 is quite decent as well. I'll try to come up with a more challenging shots (with a busier background) and take a few more shots tomorrow.

I see you have the 50/1.2 now. Are you thinking about replacing it with the DA*55? I'm pretty much trying to answer that question myself, although in my case I'm trying to decide which fast lenses to keep between the FA43/1.9, A50/1.2, K50/1.4, FA50/1.7 and DA*55. Not really a bad lens in the bunch

joakimfors · 01-19-2011, 08:20 PM

Yeah. I was set on the DA* 55 but then the the K50/1.2 showed up on an auction site and in a moment of weakness I bought it. It is a beautiful piece of engineering and even my 5DmkII wielding friend was quite envious when I showed it and what it could do. However, the DA* has some things going for it as well such as AF and weather resistance.

These pictures will sure help make it easier to decide if I should "side grade" to a DA* 55 or keep the K without having to get both first… which I'm sure is what I'll end up doing.

Edit: Some 100% crops would be nice whenever you have the time. My K50 is sharper than I thought it would be but I'm guessing the DA* can give it a run for its money.

dgaies · 01-19-2011, 08:31 PM

Originally posted by joakimfors

Yeah. I was set on the DA* 55 but then the the K50/1.2 showed up on an auction site and in a moment of weakness I bought it. It is a beautiful piece of engineering and even my 5DmkII wielding friend was quite envious when I showed it and what it could do. However, the DA* has some things going for it as well such as AF and weather resistance.

These pictures will sure help make it easier to decide if I should "side grade" to a DA* 55 or keep the K without having to get both first… which I'm sure is what I'll end up doing.

Edit: Some 100% crops would be nice whenever you have the time. My K50 is sharper than I thought it would be but I'm guessing the DA* can give it a run for its money.

It's certainly a tough call between them, which is why I still have both and can't make up my mind

Here are some quick 100% crops. I wouldn't take too much stock in these as I can't guarantee that the focus was identically good on each shot. That said, it would appear from these crops, that the DA*55 is sharper at f/1.4 than the A50/1.2.

100% crop from DA*55 @ f/1.4

100% crop from A50/1.2 @ f/1.2

100% crop from A50/1.2 @ f/1.4

joakimfors · 01-19-2011, 08:44 PM

More detail visible on the DA* 55 shot for sure. The 50/1.2s are quite sharp too, it's just that the sharpness is covered in a cloud of bokeh blur. Perfect for portraits, not quit as good for pixel peeping.

dgaies · 01-19-2011, 09:49 PM

Originally posted by joakimfors

More detail visible on the DA* 55 shot for sure. The 50/1.2s are quite sharp too, it's just that the sharpness is covered in a cloud of bokeh blur. Perfect for portraits, not quit as good for pixel peeping.

I went back and took a couple more shots, using LV at 10x to make sure I focused as well as possible (manually with both the DA*55 and A50/1.2). It does seem the DA*55 captures more detail a f/1.4 than the A50/1.2 at f/1.4.

Also, just for fun, I took a shot with the K50/1.4. I repositioned the tripod back as best I could, but it wasn't exactly in the same place. Anyway, I threw that shot in with the original shots. Looks pretty good, somewhere in between the A50/1.2 and DA*55 (I think).

01-19-2011, 12:48 PM	#1
joakimfors Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lund, Sweden Posts: 237	*DA 55mm/1.4 vs K/A 50mm/1.2** I've been trying to find comparison shots between the DA* 55/1.4 and either the K 50/1.2 or A 50/1.2 but my Google-fu is too weak today. From what I've read the 55 has got busier bokeh but is more contrasty and sharper. The 50/1.2s have really creamy bokeh but are of course hard to focus and perhaps a bit less contrasty wide open. So, is anyone here lucky enough to own both and willing to do some test shots and perhaps some opinions on the differences between them.

01-19-2011, 08:03 PM - 1 Like	#8
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by joakimfors Both wide open. I believe the DoF is equal at the same distance. But if it is not too much trouble then some stopped down shots would be nice too. True, the DOF should be the same for 55mm @ f/1.4 vs 50mm @ f/1.2. So here's a quick test shot. Not the busiest bokeh, but I'll see if I can come up with something better tomorrow. *DA55/1.4 @ f/1.4, 1/15s, iso200 A50/1.2 @ f/1.2, 1/10s, iso200 A50/1.2** @ f/1.4, 1/15s, iso200 EDIT: added K50/1.4 @ f/1.4, 1/15s, iso200 Last edited by dgaies; 01-19-2011 at 09:46 PM.

01-19-2011, 08:20 PM	#12
joakimfors Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lund, Sweden Posts: 237 Original Poster	Yeah. I was set on the DA* 55 but then the the K50/1.2 showed up on an auction site and in a moment of weakness I bought it. It is a beautiful piece of engineering and even my 5DmkII wielding friend was quite envious when I showed it and what it could do. However, the DA* has some things going for it as well such as AF and weather resistance. These pictures will sure help make it easier to decide if I should "side grade" to a DA* 55 or keep the K without having to get both first… which I'm sure is what I'll end up doing. Edit: Some 100% crops would be nice whenever you have the time. My K50 is sharper than I thought it would be but I'm guessing the DA* can give it a run for its money. Last edited by joakimfors; 01-19-2011 at 08:22 PM. Reason: Crop request and speeling

01-19-2011, 09:49 PM	#15
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by joakimfors More detail visible on the DA* 55 shot for sure. The 50/1.2s are quite sharp too, it's just that the sharpness is covered in a cloud of bokeh blur. Perfect for portraits, not quit as good for pixel peeping. I went back and took a couple more shots, using LV at 10x to make sure I focused as well as possible (manually with both the DA55 and A50/1.2). It does seem the DA55 captures more detail a f/1.4 than the A50/1.2 at f/1.4. Also, just for fun, I took a shot with the K50/1.4. I repositioned the tripod back as best I could, but it wasn't exactly in the same place. Anyway, I threw that shot in with the original shots. Looks pretty good, somewhere in between the A50/1.2 and DA55 (I think). Last edited by dgaies; 01-20-2011 at 05:31 AM.*

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01-19-2011, 05:34 PM	#2
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by joakimfors I've been trying to find comparison shots between the DA* 55/1.4 and either the K 50/1.2 or A 50/1.2 but my Google-fu is too weak today. From what I've read the 55 has got busier bokeh but is more contrasty and sharper. The 50/1.2s have really creamy bokeh but are of course hard to focus and perhaps a bit less contrasty wide open. So, is anyone here lucky enough to own both and willing to do some test shots and perhaps some opinions on the differences between them. hmmm...you have practically have read much about the comparisons between those lenses, so I don't think it would make any difference in opinions and test shots as well. what you have already read has been practically accurate eversince.

01-19-2011, 06:28 PM	#3
joakimfors Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lund, Sweden Posts: 237 Original Poster	Yeah, but I want ze pretty pictures. It would just be nice to really see the difference in a 1:1 comparison.

01-19-2011, 06:51 PM	#4
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by joakimfors Yeah, but I want ze pretty pictures. It would just be nice to really see the difference in a 1:1 comparison. I can't promise I'll be able to get to it right away, but what kind of shots did you have in mind?

01-19-2011, 07:09 PM	#5
joakimfors Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lund, Sweden Posts: 237 Original Poster	That would be nice, thanks! I'd be most interested in busy backgrounds that can cause ugly bokeh and perhaps center sharpness wide open.

01-19-2011, 07:13 PM	#6
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by joakimfors That would be nice, thanks! I'd be most interested in busy backgrounds that can cause ugly bokeh and perhaps center sharpness wide open. Are you more interested in a comparison at f/1.4 (to keep things equal) or both wide open? (or both)

01-19-2011, 07:33 PM	#7
joakimfors Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lund, Sweden Posts: 237 Original Poster	Both wide open. I believe the DoF is equal at the same distance. But if it is not too much trouble then some stopped down shots would be nice too.

01-19-2011, 08:09 PM	#9
joakimfors Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lund, Sweden Posts: 237 Original Poster	Wow thanks! The 50/1.2 is quite a bit more "creamy". Didn't think the difference would be that noticeable.

01-19-2011, 08:10 PM	#10
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	Wow, now I see why people like the A 1.2 so much.

01-19-2011, 08:16 PM	#11
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by joakimfors Wow thanks! The 50/1.2 is quite a bit more "creamy". Didn't think the difference would be that noticeable. You're welcome. I'd agree. The 50/1.2 is a bit "creamier" overall, but the DA55 is quite decent as well. I'll try to come up with a more challenging shots (with a busier background) and take a few more shots tomorrow. I see you have the 50/1.2 now. Are you thinking about replacing it with the DA55? I'm pretty much trying to answer that question myself, although in my case I'm trying to decide which fast lenses to keep between the FA43/1.9, A50/1.2, K50/1.4, FA50/1.7 and DA*55. Not really a bad lens in the bunch

01-19-2011, 08:31 PM	#13
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by joakimfors Yeah. I was set on the DA* 55 but then the the K50/1.2 showed up on an auction site and in a moment of weakness I bought it. It is a beautiful piece of engineering and even my 5DmkII wielding friend was quite envious when I showed it and what it could do. However, the DA* has some things going for it as well such as AF and weather resistance. These pictures will sure help make it easier to decide if I should "side grade" to a DA* 55 or keep the K without having to get both first… which I'm sure is what I'll end up doing. Edit: Some 100% crops would be nice whenever you have the time. My K50 is sharper than I thought it would be but I'm guessing the DA* can give it a run for its money. It's certainly a tough call between them, which is why I still have both and can't make up my mind Here are some quick 100% crops. I wouldn't take too much stock in these as I can't guarantee that the focus was identically good on each shot. That said, it would appear from these crops, that the DA55 is sharper at f/1.4 than the A50/1.2. 100% crop from DA55 @ f/1.4 100% crop from A50/1.2 @ f/1.2 100% crop from A50/1.2 @ f/1.4

01-19-2011, 08:44 PM	#14
joakimfors Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lund, Sweden Posts: 237 Original Poster	More detail visible on the DA* 55 shot for sure. The 50/1.2s are quite sharp too, it's just that the sharpness is covered in a cloud of bokeh blur. Perfect for portraits, not quit as good for pixel peeping.

DA* 55mm/1.4 vs K/A 50mm/1.2

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