[crabe919]

Hello,

Would anybody have used both lenses and give me some advice on these?

At the moment i'm looking for a lens in the 85mm range to use on my pentax film body's (K-mount preffered).

I can buy an K 85 1.8 or and M 85 2 more or less for the same price. Both get good reviews, but what would be the best choice and why.

I also have the possibility to buy an super Tak 85 1.9 with obvious cleaning marks on the front glass for about half the price.

Regards,

Adam

[gofour3]

Both the K85/1.8 and M85/2 are great lenses, but the older K85 has better optics and is slightly faster. So if they are the same price go with the one that is worth more, the K85/1.8.

Lens test results on film:

http://www.takinami.com/yoshihiko/photo/lens_test/pentax_tele.html

Phil.

[formercanuck]

Not to sway any preference here - but you may also want to look at Samyang/Rokinon Manual 85mm f/1.4
Its a VERY nice lens, and not too expensive.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/samyang-85mm-f1-4-aspherical-if.html

[Adam]

Not to sway any preference here - but you may also want to look at Samyang/Rokinon Manual 85mm f/1.4
Its a VERY nice lens, and not too expensive.

Samyang 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF Lens Reviews - Samyang Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

I second your recommendation. IMO it's worth getting modern glass as lens technology has come a very long way since the 70's.

Got a review here too:
Vivitar (Samyang) 85mm F1.4 - Review - PentaxForums.com

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)



PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

[crabe919]

I second your recommendation. IMO it's worth getting modern glass as lens technology has come a very long way since the 70's.

Got a review here too:
Vivitar (Samyang) 85mm F1.4 - Review - PentaxForums.com

I know the samyang is a great lens, and the 1.4 aperture does appeal! But i like the K or M 85 because of their size also!

gofour3,

thanks for the link!

regards,

adam

[SteveM]

I can't really quantify the M85 vs the K85 since I sold my M85 a few decades ago, but I don't remeber being wowed by the M85, and a a good copy of a K85 is hard to replicate. If you google, you'll see it's manufacturing history....and the history of other manufacturers scrambling to catch up when it was produced.

I haven't tried the Samyang, but I'd be very surprised if it produced the same qualities as the K85/1.8. The K85 makes my 77 LTD pale and sit on the shelf for most of the time. The K85 shows more chromatic aberration which is easily corrected post processing but is a much much better performer for candids and portraits. The 77ltd is better for longer shots.

I wish they could produce a K85 in auto focus.

[mattt]

I wish they could produce a K85 in auto focus.

With DC and WR

[pinholecam]

I don't have the K85/1.8, but I do have the Takumar 85/1.9 and M85/2.

The M85/2 is unique.
About as small as a 50/1.4 prime, contrasty and very bold drawing of subject.
Very sharp if focus is correct and also stopped down.
Its main weakness is CA and flare in harsh conditions.
I'd take this out more often than the FA*85 and Takumar because of size alone (not to mention its bold drawing style)

The Takumar 85/1.9 is an excellent lens.
Well built, a joy to focus with its smooth focusing ring.
To me, its rendering is 'pre-SMC'.
A gentler drawing style and less contrasty (though still nice colors bit seemingly on a lighter palette )
AFAIK, the Takumar 85/1.8 will be as well built and said to be better.

The K85 is sought after and usually costs more than the 85/1.9 and the M85/2.
So I'd suggest getting the K85 since its the same price.

But the reality is that everyone should have more than one 85mm

With the M85/2








With the Takumar 85/1.9 (but sample unfair advantage to it as its on FF)

[TaoMaas]

The M85/2 is unique. About as small as a 50/1.4 prime...

This is true. It's surprisingly compact for having come from a "pre-pancake lens" era. (Actually, I guess Pentax was making their original 40mm pancake back then, but it was the only one.) Just yesterday, I was looking for my M85 and couldn't tell it from my 50 or 35 in a short glance.

[mattt]

Its main weakness is CA and flare in harsh conditions.

I second that - a good hood, and prudent use of CA removal in Post makes this an excellent lens though. When I bought mine, I was stunned at its small size.

[crabe919]

Thanks all for the good tips!

Will sleep over it!

Regards,

Adam

[Jonathan Mac]

I haven't used the K but I love my M85. (Almost) everyone says the K is better but if I ever come across one that I can afford, I'll do a thorough comparison before getting rid of either. The M85mm is wonderful.

[crabe919]

I don't have the K85/1.8, but I do have the Takumar 85/1.9 and M85/2.

The M85/2 is unique.
About as small as a 50/1.4 prime, contrasty and very bold drawing of subject.
Very sharp if focus is correct and also stopped down.
Its main weakness is CA and flare in harsh conditions.
I'd take this out more often than the FA*85 and Takumar because of size alone (not to mention its bold drawing style)

The Takumar 85/1.9 is an excellent lens.
Well built, a joy to focus with its smooth focusing ring.
To me, its rendering is 'pre-SMC'.
A gentler drawing style and less contrasty (though still nice colors bit seemingly on a lighter palette )
AFAIK, the Takumar 85/1.8 will be as well built and said to be better.

Beautiful pictures with both lenses!