[Adam]

This question gets asked all the time! In our latest comparative review, we take a look at the Pentax 77mm and 70mm Limiteds side-by-side:

DA 70mm vs FA 77mm Limited - Comparison: Introduction - PentaxForums.com



Thanks go to forum member photomission for writing the review.

Adam
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[seventysixersfan]

Thanks, Adam!! Very comprehensive and helpful. I am very happy with my DA 70 but I know the FA 77 is always there tempting me... Still, I like quick shift and faster autofocus and the pancake size (with no hood on) of the DA70, plus I saved quite a lot of $ over the FA77. But at the new MSRP prices in the USA for DA70, I can certainly understand it is a much harder decision between the two....

[Giklab]

YES! Perfect timing for me.

[StephenHampshire]

nteresting review. I recently bought a DA70 ltd in Silver and am enjoying using it, even for self-portraits! Interestinly in the UK I paid £379 a few weeks ago, whereas the FA77 is double that and more, so my choice was simple! I do find a little purple fringing wide open on the 70 for hi contrast subjects.

[Giklab]

The names are switched in the comparison table.

[chesebert]

a non-review review - love it!

I am also not certain CA is a "real-life" con as it can be easily correct under lightroom lens correction.

[civiletti]

I see the resolution samples differently. The DA70 has better resolution at f5.6 in both test chart and field images,particularly toward the frame edges. The FA77 is not as sharp at f1.8 as the Da70 is at f2.4, at least in the image of the fountain.

[photoleet]

I found the bokeh on FA77 more pleasing and less harsh, but then it also had more purple fringing.

[chesebert]

I see the resolution samples differently. The DA70 has better resolution at f5.6 in both test chart and field images,particularly toward the frame edges. The FA77 is not as sharp at f1.8 as the Da70 is at f2.4, at least in the image of the fountain.

Likely a AF problem. The test chart shows FA77 is sharper at f1.8 than DA70 at f2.4, this is a big deal to me.

[Nuff]

I'm surprised that 77mm scored so highly on autofocus. It does focus slow, slowest of all the limiteds I have. I think 43mm is slow too, but 77mm is even slower. It is a great lens, but autofocus isn't one of the reasons I've chose it. And if it was an important evaluation criteria, I would go for DA70mm.


http://jarek.smugmug.com

[intjonmiller]

The columns weren't the only things that seemed to be wrong in the comparison chart. Someone with the ability to edit it should compare each element of the chart with Pentax' documentation.

Also the size and weight of each lens really should be a part of that chart.

And the fountain image is either a serious AF error (user? Camera?) or the writeup is inaccurate. Either way some editing is in order.

[eigelb]

The da 70mm looks out of focus in the sharpness test,
and in the outside comparison test the two lenses dont have the same focus point

The da 70mm is way sharper wide open as shown in this test

[chesebert]

I'm surprised that 77mm scored so highly on autofocus. It does focus slow, slowest of all the limiteds I have. I think 43mm is slow too, but 77mm is even slower. It is a great lens, but autofocus isn't one of the reasons I've chose it. And if it was an important evaluation criteria, I would go for DA70mm.


Jarek Miszkinis' Photography | SmugMug

I am not sure FA77 is that slow. Sure it's slower than DA40mm (all Pentax lenses are), but, for example, mine is measured at 0.75-0.85sec from min to infinity on K-5. I am not sure I would call sub 1 sec AF "slow." Do we know the AF speed of DA70?

[London Rob]

like many the DA70 seemed a no-brainer until the price hike (Here in the UK too for the record, big increases) making the leap to the FA not such a bank account basher.. But my big concern has always been CA's from the 77 and the review suggests as much confirming various observations across a number of forums.
With this in mind, and I realise this is out of place concerning a review of just these two lenses, do I now start to consider the Sigma 85 f1.4 and my mid tele choice ?

[gilsouthwood]

personally, I would take the 77mm, for the aperture (just have to watch for CA-inducing backlit photos), and for the sharpness. and the Bokeh.