Originally posted by AVANT You're not what I'd consider a "classic" photographer where they pride themselves on getting the shot right the moment they take it, where the less editing required, the better.
I'm placing these two quotes because it sounds like you prefer editing over original composition. If those are the reasons for your conclusion that the 77ltd lens is not worth buying unless he/she is rich or is a paid photographer, then I would advise the "classic" photographers (a boat that I'm on) out there to take his advice with a grain of salt.
composition and sharpness is one thing
colour and lighting control is a different matter all together.
i dont know which boat you can put me into, classical or digiage, up to you, but i value a photograph for composition and clarity (or more specificaly sharpness)
colour and contrast in a modern age are a moot point, because these things can be played around with till the cows come home.
the former is reliant entirely on photographer skill and quality of glass, photoshop will never help you there, and even though i love playing in photoshop, cropping is something i try to avoid heavily.
but the latter? Paying top dollar for a lens just because it gets the colours right, in the digital age, is really silly.
again, if i had the cash, i would get the 77 (and the 31) right here right now, i'm not denying the power of these lenses. But for someone who is not after the absolute best, a DA 70 will more than happily fullfill their needs.
personal note: i keep alternating between an FA35 and a FA43, and honest to god i cant make up my mind, the 43 in no way 'blows the 35 out of the water' in terms of quality.
also a personal note, a tripod and careful planning can really smear the difference between these top tier lens qualities.
i did a test awhile ago of a Chinon 50mm lens, that cost me 5 dollars and for some reason has a problem focusing to infinity, and my FA43, in my "controlled" tests i made the results of the two indistinguishable.... but thats not the point.
the point is how good are your skills and how demanding is your photography that would justify the need to buy top end technology?