Which one will you let go - K85 f1.8 or M85?

yusuf · 08-03-2013, 11:20 PM

If you have both and only want to keep one, which one will you let go?

M85 is smaller compared to K85 but K85 seems to be enjoying better reputation. f2 vs f1.8 is not a big difference IMO.

tabl10s · 08-03-2013, 11:46 PM

The "M". I've had my "K" for 31 years and used it as my normal for everything with my LX and FC-1. For me to get rid of it would take a faster lens which my '77 isn't. Would you trade a M2.0 for a 2.2 soft?

**Kerrowdown** · 08-04-2013, 01:16 AM

I'd let them both go and get the SMC Pentax-A* 85mm F1.4 instead.

yusuf · 08-04-2013, 01:22 AM

Originally posted by kerrowdown

I'd let them both go and get the SMC Pentax-A* 85mm F1.4 instead.

Well, f1.4 I have are not as compact as M85 or K85 and hence remains in shelf - I prefer to use compact one for street shot. So coming back to the original question, which one you let go and which one you keep among those two.

**Kerrowdown** · 08-04-2013, 01:32 AM

Originally posted by yusuf

I prefer to use compact one for street shot

If this is the criteria you using for lens choice, then pick the smaller one.

Myself, I've gone over to using a 20 mm for most of my street work these days and that too is fairly compact until you put the original hood on.

Erd§ · 08-04-2013, 06:30 AM

Originally posted by yusuf

M85 is smaller compared to K85 but K85 seems to be enjoying better reputation.

Man, forget reputation - choose whichever one you feel gives you the better IQ.

Originally posted by yusuf

I prefer to use compact one for street shot.

Maybe you've answered your own question.

stevebrot · 08-04-2013, 11:19 AM

Originally posted by Erd§

Maybe you've answered your own question.

Pretty much the norm for "which lens to keep" threads on the Pentax Forums.

Steve

bassek · 08-05-2013, 01:07 AM

I took my M85 out in the garden due to this thread.The M85 is a nice lens, wide open there is some blue firinging.
I haven't used the K85, but in the database someone referred to green fringing.

I'm slowly starting to get a grip on my M85, it's not really a beginners lens. But when shooting enough you see why it's so hyped.

Seb

hoanpham · 08-05-2013, 03:30 AM

keep both if possible.

Depends on your use. if size weight matter, keep the M85.

08-03-2013, 11:20 PM	#1
yusuf Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palo Alto, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,497	Which one will you let go - K85 f1.8 or M85? If you have both and only want to keep one, which one will you let go? M85 is smaller compared to K85 but K85 seems to be enjoying better reputation. f2 vs f1.8 is not a big difference IMO.

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08-03-2013, 11:46 PM	#2
tabl10s Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Sacramento(formerly from B'Ham, England). Posts: 1,424	The "M". I've had my "K" for 31 years and used it as my normal for everything with my LX and FC-1. For me to get rid of it would take a faster lens which my '77 isn't. Would you trade a M2.0 for a 2.2 soft?

08-04-2013, 01:16 AM	#3
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,816	I'd let them both go and get the SMC Pentax-A* 85mm F1.4 instead.

08-04-2013, 01:22 AM	#4
yusuf Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palo Alto, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,497 Original Poster	Originally posted by kerrowdown I'd let them both go and get the SMC Pentax-A* 85mm F1.4 instead. Well, f1.4 I have are not as compact as M85 or K85 and hence remains in shelf - I prefer to use compact one for street shot. So coming back to the original question, which one you let go and which one you keep among those two.

08-04-2013, 01:32 AM	#5
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,816	Originally posted by yusuf I prefer to use compact one for street shot If this is the criteria you using for lens choice, then pick the smaller one. Myself, I've gone over to using a 20 mm for most of my street work these days and that too is fairly compact until you put the original hood on.

08-04-2013, 06:30 AM	#6
Erd§ Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SEQ Posts: 323	Originally posted by yusuf M85 is smaller compared to K85 but K85 seems to be enjoying better reputation. Man, forget reputation - choose whichever one you feel gives you the better IQ. Originally posted by yusuf I prefer to use compact one for street shot. Maybe you've answered your own question.

08-04-2013, 11:19 AM	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Erd§ Maybe you've answered your own question. Pretty much the norm for "which lens to keep" threads on the Pentax Forums. Steve

08-05-2013, 01:07 AM	#8
bassek Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 706	I took my M85 out in the garden due to this thread.The M85 is a nice lens, wide open there is some blue firinging. I haven't used the K85, but in the database someone referred to green fringing. I'm slowly starting to get a grip on my M85, it's not really a beginners lens. But when shooting enough you see why it's so hyped. Seb

08-05-2013, 03:30 AM	#9
hoanpham Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Strand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,366	keep both if possible. Depends on your use. if size weight matter, keep the M85.