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07-22-2013, 09:50 AM - 1 Like   #1
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Blasphemous FA 77mm Limited Comparison

I own the FA 77mm and recently rented the Olympus 75mm, so I thought I'd compare the two: Battle of the Legends

I got into the m4/3 system as a backup for my Pentax system but I have to admit that it's winning me over. Doesn't mean I like Pentax any less, though.

07-22-2013, 10:02 AM   #2
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QuoteOriginally posted by br.davidson Quote
I own the FA 77mm and recently rented the Olympus 75mm, so I thought I'd compare the two: Battle of the Legends

I got into the m4/3 system as a backup for my Pentax system but I have to admit that it's winning me over. Doesn't mean I like Pentax any less, though.
This was discussed (to death) in this thread:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/non-pentax-cameras-canon-nikon-etc/191376...77-killer.html
07-22-2013, 10:07 AM - 1 Like   #3
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It may have been discussed, but nobody followed up with any images comparing the two. Just lots of arguing and guessing.
07-22-2013, 10:08 AM   #4
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I like your writeup. It's quite balanced and fair to both lenses.

07-22-2013, 10:11 AM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by br.davidson Quote
It may have been discussed, but nobody followed up with any images comparing the two. Just lots of arguing and guessing.
True...
Just read your blog. Nice write up

The micro 4/3 format is an intriguing proposition. If i was starting from scratch, i wouldve probably gone that route.
07-22-2013, 10:11 AM   #6
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Tough lenses to compare due to differences in format -- 75mm obviously is 150mm equivalent on micro four thirds, while 77mm is more like 115mm on APS-C. Obviously the hope is that at some point Pentax does come out with a full frame camera. The special thing to me about the FA 77 is not its sharpness (although my copy is plenty sharp at f1.8), but its out of focus rendering.

(my contribution shot at f1.8)


07-22-2013, 10:17 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by Rondec Quote
Tough lenses to compare due to differences in format -- 75mm obviously is 150mm equivalent on micro four thirds, while 77mm is more like 115mm on APS-C. Obviously the hope is that at some point Pentax does come out with a full frame camera. The special thing to me about the FA 77 is not its sharpness (although my copy is plenty sharp at f1.8), but its out of focus rendering.

(my contribution shot at f1.8)


Yep, the 77 renders beautifully, and in general I like the look of the images from my Pentax lenses better than m4/3. I'd count myself among those waiting for full-frame.

07-22-2013, 10:20 AM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by br.davidson Quote
Yep, the 77 renders beautifully, and in general I like the look of the images from my Pentax lenses better than m4/3. I'd count myself among those waiting for full-frame.
I agree. I actually feel like the 77 is too long for APS-C (I prefer the DA *55), but would be perfect on full frame. I like the rendering enough that I still use it at times, but hard at times to find enough working space to use it.
07-22-2013, 10:27 AM   #9
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Now, imagine if Pentax updated the 77 for digital, and applied newer coatings, then weather sealed it.
07-22-2013, 10:32 AM   #10
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Nice write up ... thanks, J
07-22-2013, 11:20 AM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by Eulogy Quote
Now, imagine if Pentax updated the 77 for digital, and applied newer coatings, then weather sealed it.
DFA 77mm Limited WR w/Quickshift.......................oooohhhh
07-22-2013, 11:23 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by jatrax Quote
DFA 77mm Limited WR w/Quickshift.......................oooohhhh
Ahhh ... that would be very nice, very nice indeed ... J
07-22-2013, 11:46 AM   #13
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I like the blog, but I dont like that comparison photos were taken hand-held at high ISO, those two are pretty big factors in determining things like sharpness and colour rendering. I hope you also do a test in bright light with min. ISO and using a tripod or placing the camera on a wall. I do agree that real-world use is not the same as a technical test, but you need to do one, or the other, not a little of both in just one test
But its well-written, and the blog overall looks pretty good
07-22-2013, 12:07 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by Na Horuk Quote
I like the blog, but I dont like that comparison photos were taken hand-held at high ISO, those two are pretty big factors in determining things like sharpness and colour rendering. I hope you also do a test in bright light with min. ISO and using a tripod or placing the camera on a wall. I do agree that real-world use is not the same as a technical test, but you need to do one, or the other, not a little of both in just one test
But its well-written, and the blog overall looks pretty good
Good points, but the lens is on its way back to Lensrentals.

I took the Olympus 75 to Florence, OR to take some real world pictures and I've got to say the results were fantastic. I've shot with the Pentax 77 for a while and it really isn't as good technically as the Olympus. The OOF rendering of the 77 is beautiful, but it would be hard to say that it's "better" than the Olympus in that area.

One thing I find funny is that only a Pentax user would pick up the Olympus 75 and think "hmm, feels a little cheap." Those Limiteds have us pretty spoiled.
07-22-2013, 12:53 PM   #15
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How about a shoot-out on the same camera...? Anybody out there with an OM-D, a K to m4/3 adapter and both lenses?

One of things that has me toying with the idea of buying a m4/3 body is the possibility of using the 43 and 77 on said body.
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