FA* 85 vs A* 85

adamyau · 05-11-2011, 02:32 AM

Hi,
My friend is offering me these two lens FA*85 and A*85 with the same price. Do you have any idea which is good to me?
Currently I am using MZ-3, PZ-1P and LX with FA31, FA43, FA77.

Many thanks!

wlachan · 05-11-2011, 03:03 AM

Optically the A* is better.

Asahiflex · 05-11-2011, 03:31 AM

Originally posted by wlachan

Optically the A* is better.

But... it also has more PF than the FA*. It would be truer to say that the A* is a more allround lens than the FA*, the FA* is definitely optimized for portrait distances.

Donkeypunch · 05-11-2011, 05:57 AM

FA is also AF where the A isn't. Not sure if that is a big deal or not for you, but something to consider.

**Digitalis** · 05-11-2011, 07:23 AM - **1 Like**

the FA77 f/1.8 and the A*85mm f/1.4 are optically identical - though the FA77 has been slightly tweaked due to the use of lead free glass. The FA*85mm f/1.4 performs better at closer focus distances, at further distances it isn't so great - but it wipes the floor with the canon EF85mm f/1.2L I own. The corners on the FA*85mm are extremely sharp from f/2.8 onwards the Canon 85mm f/1.2L can't compete even when stopped down to f/11. I'm very curious as to how the newer Nikkor AF-S 85mm f/1.4G compares to the Pentax FA* lens

Ubuntu_user · 05-11-2011, 07:36 AM

Originally posted by Digitalis

the FA77 f/1.8 and the A*85mm f/1.4 are optically identical - though the FA77 has been slightly tweaked due to the use of lead free glass. The FA*85mm f/1.4 performs better at closer focus distances, at further distances it isn't so great - but it wipes the floor with the canon EF85mm f/1.2L I own. The corners on the FA*85mm are extremely sharp from f/2.8 onwards the Canon 85mm f/1.2L can't compete even when stopped down to f/11. I'm very curious as to how the newer Nikkor AF-S 85mm f/1.4G compares to the Pentax FA* lens

Now that's interesting...

Emacs · 05-11-2011, 07:54 AM

Originally posted by Digitalis

the FA77 f/1.8 and the A*85mm f/1.4 are optically identical - though the FA77 has been slightly tweaked due to the use of lead free glass. The FA*85mm f/1.4 performs better at closer focus distances, at further distances it isn't so great - but it wipes the floor with the canon EF85mm f/1.2L I own. The corners on the FA*85mm are extremely sharp from f/2.8 onwards the Canon 85mm f/1.2L can't compete even when stopped down to f/11. I'm very curious as to how the newer Nikkor AF-S 85mm f/1.4G compares to the Pentax FA* lens

IMO it's way too sharp from f2 when shooting girls.
And IMO each one of 77, A* 85 and FA* 85 is better portrait lens than canon 85L 1.2

**Digitalis** · 05-11-2011, 08:06 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Emacs

IMO each one of 77, A* 85 and FA* 85 is better portrait lens than canon 85L 1.2

I wouldn't go that far, excluding the differences in size and lens speed the FA77 and 85mm f/1.2 have a lot in common, including their tendency to fringe highlights with vibrant purple. As we speak i'm probably going to cop a ton of flak from any roaming canonites on this forum for saying a canon L is optically no better than a lens only worth a fraction of the cost of owning the canon 85mm f/1.2. For the record: these days I use a Leica Summilux-R 80mm f/1.4 on my 1DSMKIII and I have to say the FA*85mm f/1.4 is just as good as the Leica lens - the pentax is more flare tolerant though.

Cambo · 05-11-2011, 08:32 AM

Originally posted by adamyau

Hi,
My friend is offering me these two lens FA*85 and A*85 with the same price. Do you have any idea which is good to me?
Currently I am using MZ-3, PZ-1P and LX with FA31, FA43, FA77.

Many thanks!

Originally posted by wlachan

Optically the A* is better.

Yeah, you're right this lens sucks....

You should see it full size...

Originally posted by Asahiflex

But... it also has more PF than the FA*. It would be truer to say that the A* is a more allround lens than the FA*, the FA* is definitely optimized for portrait distances.

It is so wonderful for portraits it'll make you cry...

Originally posted by Digitalis

the FA77 f/1.8 and the A*85mm f/1.4 are optically identical - though the FA77 has been slightly tweaked due to the use of lead free glass. The FA*85mm f/1.4 performs better at closer focus distances, at further distances it isn't so great - but it wipes the floor with the canon EF85mm f/1.2L I own. The corners on the FA*85mm are extremely sharp from f/2.8 onwards the Canon 85mm f/1.2L can't compete even when stopped down to f/11. I'm very curious as to how the newer Nikkor AF-S 85mm f/1.4G compares to the Pentax FA* lens

It is one of the greatest lenses ever, from 20' on in.

Cheers,
Cameron

LFLee · 05-11-2011, 08:43 AM

Wow!! Great deal.
Get the FA* 85 and introduce your friend to me.

No, get the A* 85 as it is more rare. Then sell it at higher price, use that money to buy the FA* 85 and treat your friend to a nice dinner.

Lee

Adam · 05-11-2011, 09:26 AM - **1 Like**

The FA* 85 is my personal favorite lens, and have found it to be a solid performer for all types of shots, but especially close-ups. It's bokeh is truly wonderful.

The A* is based on the FA77 (well, the other way around, but same thing

), so it would be a bit redundant to get it. Also, the MF and screw-in hood make it not as easy to handle.

adamyau · 05-11-2011, 07:52 PM - **1 Like**

Actually my friend is not selling both lens. He just let me choose one and he will keep the one left. AF is not a big deal to me because I use LX a lot and the MZ-3/PZ-1P just for backup or for my wife.

Cambo: Your photo made me much harder to choose either one

Both are superb.

In fact I like the A* more.

LFLee · 05-12-2011, 07:38 AM - **1 Like**

Have you tried manual focus? if that is not a problem then A* is the one you want --- it is highly regards as the 'sharpest' Pentax lens, and is very rare.

I have found that through live view, manual focus is much easier, and A lens is easier than M-, K- lens as you don't need to hit the green button.

I have the FA 85*, it is really good, and brighter than the 77mm through view finder. I think if you have the goal to own both of them, get the A* first as it is hard to find, especially a nice copy.

Good luck and either decision won't be wrong.

Lee

**Digitalis** · 05-12-2011, 07:52 AM

Originally posted by LFLee

I have the FA 85*, it is really good, and brighter than the 77mm through view finder

when using the standard focus screen there really isn't much difference in brightness between an f/2.8 lens and an f/1.2 so saying there is a difference in brightness between f/1.4 and f/1.8 is complete BS

axl · 05-12-2011, 10:34 AM

Originally posted by Digitalis

when using the standard focus screen there really isn't much difference in brightness between an f/2.8 lens and an f/1.2 so saying there is a difference in brightness between f/1.4 and f/1.8 is complete BS

+1 to this. Somehow people keep raving about how bright the viewfinder gets with f1.4s etc...but as you say, with stock screen (or Nikon made K3 for that matter) there isn't really difference in anything below f2.8

05-11-2011, 02:32 AM	#1
adamyau New Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 16	*FA 85 vs A* 85** Hi, My friend is offering me these two lens FA85 and A85 with the same price. Do you have any idea which is good to me? Currently I am using MZ-3, PZ-1P and LX with FA31, FA43, FA77. Many thanks!

05-11-2011, 08:06 AM - 1 Like	#8
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by Emacs IMO each one of 77, A* 85 and FA* 85 is better portrait lens than canon 85L 1.2 I wouldn't go that far, excluding the differences in size and lens speed the FA77 and 85mm f/1.2 have a lot in common, including their tendency to fringe highlights with vibrant purple. As we speak i'm probably going to cop a ton of flak from any roaming canonites on this forum for saying a canon L is optically no better than a lens only worth a fraction of the cost of owning the canon 85mm f/1.2. For the record: these days I use a Leica Summilux-R 80mm f/1.4 on my 1DSMKIII and I have to say the FA85mm f/1.4 is just as good as the Leica lens - the pentax is more flare tolerant though. Last edited by Digitalis; 05-11-2011 at 08:13 AM.*

05-11-2011, 08:32 AM	#9
Cambo Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,016	Responses.... Originally posted by adamyau Hi, My friend is offering me these two lens FA85 and A85 with the same price. Do you have any idea which is good to me? Currently I am using MZ-3, PZ-1P and LX with FA31, FA43, FA77. Many thanks! Originally posted by wlachan Optically the A* is better. Yeah, you're right this lens sucks.... You should see it full size... Originally posted by Asahiflex But... it also has more PF than the FA. It would be truer to say that the A is a more allround lens than the FA, the FA is definitely optimized for portrait distances. It is so wonderful for portraits it'll make you cry... Originally posted by Digitalis the FA77 f/1.8 and the A85mm f/1.4 are optically identical - though the FA77 has been slightly tweaked due to the use of lead free glass. The FA85mm f/1.4 performs better at closer focus distances, at further distances it isn't so great - but it wipes the floor with the canon EF85mm f/1.2L I own. The corners on the FA85mm are extremely sharp from f/2.8 onwards the Canon 85mm f/1.2L can't compete even when stopped down to f/11. I'm very curious as to how the newer Nikkor AF-S 85mm f/1.4G compares to the Pentax FA lens It is one of the greatest lenses ever, from 20' on in. Cheers, Cameron

05-11-2011, 09:26 AM - 1 Like	#11
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	The FA* 85 is my personal favorite lens, and have found it to be a solid performer for all types of shots, but especially close-ups. It's bokeh is truly wonderful. The A* is based on the FA77 (well, the other way around, but same thing ), so it would be a bit redundant to get it. Also, the MF and screw-in hood make it not as easy to handle. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

05-11-2011, 03:03 AM	#2
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	Optically the A* is better.

05-11-2011, 03:31 AM	#3
Asahiflex Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Netherlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,795	Originally posted by wlachan Optically the A* is better. But... it also has more PF than the FA. It would be truer to say that the A is a more allround lens than the FA, the FA is definitely optimized for portrait distances.

05-11-2011, 05:57 AM	#4
Donkeypunch Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Griswold, CT Posts: 115	FA is also AF where the A isn't. Not sure if that is a big deal or not for you, but something to consider.

05-11-2011, 07:23 AM - 1 Like	#5
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	the FA77 f/1.8 and the A85mm f/1.4 are optically identical - though the FA77 has been slightly tweaked due to the use of lead free glass. The FA85mm f/1.4 performs better at closer focus distances, at further distances it isn't so great - but it wipes the floor with the canon EF85mm f/1.2L I own. The corners on the FA85mm are extremely sharp from f/2.8 onwards the Canon 85mm f/1.2L can't compete even when stopped down to f/11. I'm very curious as to how the newer Nikkor AF-S 85mm f/1.4G compares to the Pentax FA lens

05-11-2011, 07:36 AM	#6
Ubuntu_user Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,545	Originally posted by Digitalis the FA77 f/1.8 and the A85mm f/1.4 are optically identical - though the FA77 has been slightly tweaked due to the use of lead free glass. The FA85mm f/1.4 performs better at closer focus distances, at further distances it isn't so great - but it wipes the floor with the canon EF85mm f/1.2L I own. The corners on the FA85mm are extremely sharp from f/2.8 onwards the Canon 85mm f/1.2L can't compete even when stopped down to f/11. I'm very curious as to how the newer Nikkor AF-S 85mm f/1.4G compares to the Pentax FA lens Now that's interesting...

05-11-2011, 07:54 AM	#7
Emacs Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Moscow Posts: 1,223	Originally posted by Digitalis the FA77 f/1.8 and the A85mm f/1.4 are optically identical - though the FA77 has been slightly tweaked due to the use of lead free glass. The FA85mm f/1.4 performs better at closer focus distances, at further distances it isn't so great - but it wipes the floor with the canon EF85mm f/1.2L I own. The corners on the FA85mm are extremely sharp from f/2.8 onwards the Canon 85mm f/1.2L can't compete even when stopped down to f/11. I'm very curious as to how the newer Nikkor AF-S 85mm f/1.4G compares to the Pentax FA lens IMO it's way too sharp from f2 when shooting girls. And IMO each one of 77, A* 85 and FA* 85 is better portrait lens than canon 85L 1.2

05-11-2011, 08:43 AM	#10
LFLee Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,292	Wow!! Great deal. Get the FA* 85 and introduce your friend to me. No, get the A* 85 as it is more rare. Then sell it at higher price, use that money to buy the FA* 85 and treat your friend to a nice dinner. Lee

05-11-2011, 07:52 PM - 1 Like	#12
adamyau New Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 16 Original Poster	Actually my friend is not selling both lens. He just let me choose one and he will keep the one left. AF is not a big deal to me because I use LX a lot and the MZ-3/PZ-1P just for backup or for my wife. Cambo: Your photo made me much harder to choose either one Both are superb. In fact I like the A* more.

05-12-2011, 07:38 AM - 1 Like	#13
LFLee Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,292	Have you tried manual focus? if that is not a problem then A* is the one you want --- it is highly regards as the 'sharpest' Pentax lens, and is very rare. I have found that through live view, manual focus is much easier, and A lens is easier than M-, K- lens as you don't need to hit the green button. I have the FA 85, it is really good, and brighter than the 77mm through view finder. I think if you have the goal to own both of them, get the A first as it is hard to find, especially a nice copy. Good luck and either decision won't be wrong. Lee

05-12-2011, 07:52 AM	#14
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by LFLee I have the FA 85*, it is really good, and brighter than the 77mm through view finder when using the standard focus screen there really isn't much difference in brightness between an f/2.8 lens and an f/1.2 so saying there is a difference in brightness between f/1.4 and f/1.8 is complete BS

05-12-2011, 10:34 AM	#15
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	Originally posted by Digitalis when using the standard focus screen there really isn't much difference in brightness between an f/2.8 lens and an f/1.2 so saying there is a difference in brightness between f/1.4 and f/1.8 is complete BS +1 to this. Somehow people keep raving about how bright the viewfinder gets with f1.4s etc...but as you say, with stock screen (or Nikon made K3 for that matter) there isn't really difference in anything below f2.8