[Pentaxor]

You're talking about the EF 85mm/1.2L eh? I browse over at POTN quite a bit, and the Sigma 85/1.4 has got a lot of people talking, and comparing it quite favourably to the 85L.
I probably should clarify, the Sigma 85/1.4 isn't slow at focusing at all, it's just that compared to the Sigma 50/1.4 (which focuses quite fast), it doesn't zip into focus as quickly .

does the 85 have a longer focus throw? that could be the culprit.

[pop4]

does the 85 have a longer focus throw? that could be the culprit.

That was the first thing I thought of, and nope, the focus throw for both lenses are both about the same, about 90°.

[axl]

I wouldn't bet my eggs on that assumption. I had seen A* samples that are really notorious for it, this is aside from the CA concern as well (although I wouldn't mind if it was only LoCA and not the harsh type). I believe that's the difference between the two lenses. although both lenses have this high degree of contrast compared to other 85's, the difference in terms of CA and PF separates both lenses.

this would make a lot of sense as the optical design of A*85 is the same as FA77 which is know to CA & PF on digital....

[pop4]

A couple of real world photos from me, posted to other parts of PentaxForums:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/1495311-post859.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/1495314-post1771.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/1495316-post134.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/1495320-post704.html

A couple of things I've noticed:
- the DOF with this lens at f/1.4 is very shallow; you've got to be very precise with the focusing
- wide open, there's quite a bit of fringing; not terrible, but definitely noticeable
- it's a great lens!