The FA*85 is not an especially big lens, but it's much bigger than the surprisingly small FA77.
The FA*85 should probably be in the US$1150-1300 range. I paid somewhere around $1200 for mine from KEH over a year ago, in great condition. There weren't many to be found at the time, so I was happy about it. It replaced my FA77.
In retrospect the FA77 was super impressive, being one of very few lenses that shoots great photos wide open. Like the FA31, there's virtually no IQ difference among f/1.8, f/2, and f/2.2 shots. And then when you consider the small size it's even more amazing.
But the FA*85 has fast AF performance, and it's one of my most used lenses. It has near-optimal IQ down to f/1.8 or f/1.6, and can be shot wide open if necessary (though I seldom do). Right now I depend on the FA*85 so much, it's hard to even imagine having the FA77 any more - even as good as that lens is.
The FA77 is so good I don't think you'd go wrong with it, but I'd suggest getting the FA*85 instead, if you've found a good copy for the right price. It's really nice to have its combination of focal length, AF performance, IQ, and low light performance.
Originally posted by campdog Size doesnt worry me but Im not interested in the Sigma. I my regular lenses are a FA* 28-70 and FA*-80-200. I recently got rid of a Sigma 10-20 and replaced with a Pentax 15mm prime. More interested in the Pentax FA*85mm but not sure of what is a reasonable price.
John
Just saw your reply. Your other lens choices show you have similar tastes in IQ to mine. I think you'll be happier with the FA*85.