Portrait lens...FA77 ltd. vs DA*50-135

Clem Nichols · 12-09-2007, 04:14 PM

I've recently become interested in portrait photography, and considering acquiring one of the above lenses at some point in the future. (Is there any cure for LBA other than death or bankruptcy?) The 77 Ltd. has a great reputation, but I like the flexibility of the zoom, and find myself thinking that 80mm on the 50-135 would be at or near its "sweet spot" and the extra light-gathering power of the 77 (f1.8 vs f2.8) isn't necessarily going to be an asset when used in a studio. From what I've read the 50-135 has gotten some rave reviews also, and I'm thinking that at equal focal lengths and apertures any difference in IQ is going to be negligible. Any thoughts or suggestions (other than purchasing both of them) will be appreciated.

CN

**Canada_Rockies** · 12-09-2007, 04:30 PM

I just did a quick shoot with the k10d, and 50-135. I think it is a good combo. I did appreciate the lens twist framing option, compared to the pick up the tripod and walk option. Even at 2.8, I missed one good one because the subject leaned forward just a bit too far for the depth of field. I am going to try to salvage it - it's basically over soft.

benjikan · 12-09-2007, 05:27 PM

Originally posted by Clem Nichols

I've recently become interested in portrait photography, and considering acquiring one of the above lenses at some point in the future. (Is there any cure for LBA other than death or bankruptcy?) The 77 Ltd. has a great reputation, but I like the flexibility of the zoom, and find myself thinking that 80mm on the 50-135 would be at or near its "sweet spot" and the extra light-gathering power of the 77 (f1.8 vs f2.8) isn't necessarily going to be an asset when used in a studio. From what I've read the 50-135 has gotten some rave reviews also, and I'm thinking that at equal focal lengths and apertures any difference in IQ is going to be negligible. Any thoughts or suggestions (other than purchasing both of them) will be appreciated.

CN

If I had to choose between the 77 and the 50-135, I would go for the 50-135 for the versatility. It is a very capable lens and would not hesitate to use it for pro apps...

Clem Nichols · 12-09-2007, 07:17 PM

Quote "If I had to choose between the 77 and the 50-135, I would go for the 50-135 for the versatility. It is a very capable lens and would not hesitate to use it for pro apps..."

Many thanks, Benjikan. I've read most of your posts regarding the 50-135, and it's obvious you hold it in high regard. Despite the obvious versatility difference I'm sure you wouldn't have answered as you did had you not considered the 50-135 a pro-quality lens every bit as capable of taking a quality portrait as the 77 ltd.

CN

Clem Nichols · 12-09-2007, 07:26 PM

Thanks for your input, Albert. Let's face it. They're not all going to be keepers regardless of the lens you use. I certainly am envious of your locale. The Canadian Rockies have to be one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited, and the scenic photo-ops are endless.

CN

roentarre · 12-10-2007, 12:28 AM

Wow, so much credit to this Da* 50-135 zoom by benjikan! Really tempting in deed.

LittleSwans · 12-10-2007, 05:39 AM

If I have the money I would have gotten the 50-135 but the 77mm will have to do. Just received it today and couldn't resist trying it out as soon as I got home! Here's a couple of shots.

Branimir · 12-10-2007, 06:08 AM

You should make your model smile

BTW, nice results...I think you would produce nice shots with whichever lens you used... Even DA50-200

Kguru · 12-10-2007, 06:49 AM

Originally posted by LittleSwans

Here's a couple of shots.

Great shots LittleSwans.
If I can do shots this good with my 77 I'd be satisfied, the 50-135 can wait awhile.
But then if I can't do shots this good with my 77 what's the point of geting the 50-135?!

Clem Nichols · 12-10-2007, 07:00 AM

[QUOTE=LittleSwans;131548]If I have the money I would have gotten the 50-135 but the 77mm will have to do. Just received it today and couldn't resist trying it out as soon as I got home!

Beautiful child, and very sharp photos. Thanks for your input.

CN

Kresica · 12-10-2007, 10:46 AM

Had them both for a week, I choosed 50-135 because of a versatility that Ben mentioned. 77 is one stop faster, but sharpness is great with both of them, AF is much faster with DA*.
If you have the money, go 50-135 first, then buy the Limited

Clem Nichols · 12-10-2007, 11:32 AM

Originally posted by Kresica

Had them both for a week, I choosed 50-135 because of a versatility that Ben mentioned. 77 is one stop faster, but sharpness is great with both of them, AF is much faster with DA*.
If you have the money, go 50-135 first, then buy the Limited

Thanks for the advice. I've decided to go with the 50-135 unless Sigma comes out with something more versatile in the meantime, eg the 70-200 EX DG macro with a Pentax mount. Either way, if I have a few pennies left over I'll probably go with a 100mm or so true macro.

egordon99 · 12-10-2007, 11:41 AM

Good choice! I too was agonizing over the 50-135mm vs. 70-200mm choice, and I'm very happy with the DA*!
Since you are using it on portraits, here's one of my mom over Thanksgiving -

**Canada_Rockies** · 12-10-2007, 12:07 PM

Originally posted by egordon99

Good choice! I too was agonizing over the 50-135mm vs. 70-200mm choice, and I'm very happy with the DA*!

Here is one of my neighbour Joanna taken with the DA* 50-135. Fill by reflector to 2 stops less on her right. Large North facing bay window to her left. ISO 400, 1/30 @ f/2.8, 95mm. No processing other than size reduction.

Mike Bokeh · 12-11-2007, 08:05 PM

[QUOTE=LittleSwans;131548]If I have the money I would have gotten the 50-135 but the 77mm will have to do. Just received it today and couldn't resist trying it out as soon as I got home! Here's a couple of shots.

Very nice shot, LittleSwans. Nice shallow DOF.

Mike

12-09-2007, 04:14 PM	#1
Clem Nichols Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Munfordville, Ky. Photos: Gallery Posts: 370	*Portrait lens...FA77 ltd. vs DA50-135** I've recently become interested in portrait photography, and considering acquiring one of the above lenses at some point in the future. (Is there any cure for LBA other than death or bankruptcy?) The 77 Ltd. has a great reputation, but I like the flexibility of the zoom, and find myself thinking that 80mm on the 50-135 would be at or near its "sweet spot" and the extra light-gathering power of the 77 (f1.8 vs f2.8) isn't necessarily going to be an asset when used in a studio. From what I've read the 50-135 has gotten some rave reviews also, and I'm thinking that at equal focal lengths and apertures any difference in IQ is going to be negligible. Any thoughts or suggestions (other than purchasing both of them) will be appreciated. CN

12-10-2007, 11:41 AM	#13
egordon99 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Outside of Philly Posts: 1,561	Good choice! I too was agonizing over the 50-135mm vs. 70-200mm choice, and I'm very happy with the DA! Since you are using it on portraits, here's one of my mom over Thanksgiving - Last edited by egordon99; 12-10-2007 at 11:42 AM. Reason: Can't spell "portraits"*

12-10-2007, 12:07 PM	#14
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by egordon99 Good choice! I too was agonizing over the 50-135mm vs. 70-200mm choice, and I'm very happy with the DA! Here is one of my neighbour Joanna taken with the DA 50-135. Fill by reflector to 2 stops less on her right. Large North facing bay window to her left. ISO 400, 1/30 @ f/2.8, 95mm. No processing other than size reduction. Attached Images

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
People Portrait shot by DA* 50-135	dreamnet	Post Your Photos!	3	11-17-2009 08:06 PM
Old lens or new ? FA77 v M 85 F2	JohnMcD	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	12	02-08-2009 07:16 PM
My First Portrait with DA* 50-135	dgsullivan	Post Your Photos!	10	12-29-2008 09:34 PM
Question about fa77 and 50-135	BeerCan	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	1	05-08-2008 11:08 AM
Portrait Lens / DA*50-135 or DA70	zenzenyoyo	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	7	10-25-2007 04:52 PM

12-09-2007, 04:30 PM	#2
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	I just did a quick shoot with the k10d, and 50-135. I think it is a good combo. I did appreciate the lens twist framing option, compared to the pick up the tripod and walk option. Even at 2.8, I missed one good one because the subject leaned forward just a bit too far for the depth of field. I am going to try to salvage it - it's basically over soft.

12-09-2007, 05:27 PM	#3
benjikan Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Paris, France Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,308	Originally posted by Clem Nichols I've recently become interested in portrait photography, and considering acquiring one of the above lenses at some point in the future. (Is there any cure for LBA other than death or bankruptcy?) The 77 Ltd. has a great reputation, but I like the flexibility of the zoom, and find myself thinking that 80mm on the 50-135 would be at or near its "sweet spot" and the extra light-gathering power of the 77 (f1.8 vs f2.8) isn't necessarily going to be an asset when used in a studio. From what I've read the 50-135 has gotten some rave reviews also, and I'm thinking that at equal focal lengths and apertures any difference in IQ is going to be negligible. Any thoughts or suggestions (other than purchasing both of them) will be appreciated. CN If I had to choose between the 77 and the 50-135, I would go for the 50-135 for the versatility. It is a very capable lens and would not hesitate to use it for pro apps...

12-09-2007, 07:17 PM	#4
Clem Nichols Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Munfordville, Ky. Photos: Gallery Posts: 370 Original Poster	Quote "If I had to choose between the 77 and the 50-135, I would go for the 50-135 for the versatility. It is a very capable lens and would not hesitate to use it for pro apps..." Many thanks, Benjikan. I've read most of your posts regarding the 50-135, and it's obvious you hold it in high regard. Despite the obvious versatility difference I'm sure you wouldn't have answered as you did had you not considered the 50-135 a pro-quality lens every bit as capable of taking a quality portrait as the 77 ltd. CN

12-09-2007, 07:26 PM	#5
Clem Nichols Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Munfordville, Ky. Photos: Gallery Posts: 370 Original Poster	Thanks for your input, Albert. Let's face it. They're not all going to be keepers regardless of the lens you use. I certainly am envious of your locale. The Canadian Rockies have to be one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited, and the scenic photo-ops are endless. CN

12-10-2007, 12:28 AM	#6
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	Wow, so much credit to this Da* 50-135 zoom by benjikan! Really tempting in deed.

12-10-2007, 05:39 AM	#7
LittleSwans Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 98	If I have the money I would have gotten the 50-135 but the 77mm will have to do. Just received it today and couldn't resist trying it out as soon as I got home! Here's a couple of shots.

12-10-2007, 06:08 AM	#8
Branimir Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Zagreb, Croatia Photos: Gallery Posts: 145	You should make your model smile BTW, nice results...I think you would produce nice shots with whichever lens you used... Even DA50-200

12-10-2007, 06:49 AM	#9
Kguru Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Perth - WestAust Posts: 602	Originally posted by LittleSwans Here's a couple of shots. Great shots LittleSwans. If I can do shots this good with my 77 I'd be satisfied, the 50-135 can wait awhile. But then if I can't do shots this good with my 77 what's the point of geting the 50-135?!

12-10-2007, 07:00 AM	#10
Clem Nichols Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Munfordville, Ky. Photos: Gallery Posts: 370 Original Poster	[QUOTE=LittleSwans;131548]If I have the money I would have gotten the 50-135 but the 77mm will have to do. Just received it today and couldn't resist trying it out as soon as I got home! Beautiful child, and very sharp photos. Thanks for your input. CN

12-10-2007, 10:46 AM	#11
Kresica Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Zagreb, Croatia Photos: Gallery Posts: 105	Had them both for a week, I choosed 50-135 because of a versatility that Ben mentioned. 77 is one stop faster, but sharpness is great with both of them, AF is much faster with DA*. If you have the money, go 50-135 first, then buy the Limited

12-10-2007, 11:32 AM	#12
Clem Nichols Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Munfordville, Ky. Photos: Gallery Posts: 370 Original Poster	Originally posted by Kresica Had them both for a week, I choosed 50-135 because of a versatility that Ben mentioned. 77 is one stop faster, but sharpness is great with both of them, AF is much faster with DA*. If you have the money, go 50-135 first, then buy the Limited Thanks for the advice. I've decided to go with the 50-135 unless Sigma comes out with something more versatile in the meantime, eg the 70-200 EX DG macro with a Pentax mount. Either way, if I have a few pennies left over I'll probably go with a 100mm or so true macro.

12-11-2007, 08:05 PM	#15
Mike Bokeh Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Queens, New York Photos: Gallery Posts: 608	[QUOTE=LittleSwans;131548]If I have the money I would have gotten the 50-135 but the 77mm will have to do. Just received it today and couldn't resist trying it out as soon as I got home! Here's a couple of shots. Very nice shot, LittleSwans. Nice shallow DOF. Mike