Erm...
Originally posted by Class A Conclusion: Mike Johnston says the exact opposite what you were suggesting he said.
No. He said (as I said) that they *are* the best (or some of the best) autofocus lenses in the business. He *also* said that in the realm of digital, the *best* is not really so important anymore (this is the point that is so often glazed over). This is why, I think, when you compare images from the DA 70 and FA 77 on digital, it is hard to call a clear winner.
Point 1) The FA 77 makes a lot of sense if you are shooting film. I've said this so many times. On digital, the differences become very slight unless 2) you require f1.8.
Originally posted by Class A If you have a Photoshop action that turns the DA 40 into the FA 31 then you could earn a lot of money with it.
I said very specifically that the FA limiteds are the clear winner if you are comparing the 31 to the 21. No PP will overcome those differences. I think that's why the 31 is the most sought-after lens... no other lens available will get you close to it's look. I don't feel the same is true with the DA 70 and FA 77. Please actually read if you are going to participate in the conversation.
I also compared the 40 with the 43, where I believe the differences are obvious. I think the 43's biggest threat is the FA 50. The decision between the two is simply made: do you prefer creamy bokeh or sharpness?
Originally posted by Class A rather than listening to some proclaimed authority.
Marc and Wheatfield have earned authority in my books, because they make *reasoned* arguments that are actually very *logical* and helpful. No one told me to listen to them. They don't dogmatically recommend a specific type of lens to anyone... it's specific to a person's needs.
And as I see it, the FA 77 is a very specialized lens... even within the realm of portraiture. One could have a very good reason for preferring the DA 70 (quickshift, flare resistance), or the DA* 50-135 (flexibility). The FA 77 is *the* lens to use, though, if you need a bokeh machine (f1.8) or film-camera performance.
For some reason, though, you people will keep yapping. Attacking what I say without adding anything of actual substance (saying "it renders better" is not substantiative).
I would be happy to hear an actual contribution, however only Twitch seems to be willing to discuss the actual pros and cons of each lens (perhaps because he has owned both of them?)