Any cheap options for the 85mm focal length?

ZombieArmy · 08-22-2014, 10:09 PM

I'm extremely interested in this focal length due to its superior isolation for portraits, but sadly can't justify the cost of a 300 dollar plus lens, especially as a poor college student such as myself. My k-01 has already set me back far enough as it is!

So I'm looking for any possibilities for a prime lens at this focal length for about 200 dollars or less (less being much more preferable) but I just can't find anything at all, is there even an 85 that cheap in existence that isn't rubbish?

**Miguel** · 08-22-2014, 10:27 PM - **1 Like**

The 85mm focal length as an ideal for portraits was originated in the film era. On a cropped-sensor camera body it becomes a moderate telephoto, which of course works for portraits, but it is not the same rendering.

To better match the intention consider the SMC 55mm f1.8 Super Takumar. It is a classic. I enjoy the colors and beautiful rendering of skin with this lens. You should be able to pick one up for under $50.

M

SpecialK · 08-22-2014, 10:30 PM

There is the Rokinon/Samyang/Bower 85 manual-focus for about $200.

**tranq78** · 08-22-2014, 10:37 PM

You want cheap and good? Under $200 street price?

There's none other than the Samyang 85mm F1.4. Also sold as Vivitar, Rokinon, etc. They're all the same.

Creamy smooth bokeh. Blazing fast f1.4 and very useable wide open. Comes with a warranty. Solid construction. Useable with modern d-SLR's (comes with "A" setting). Beautifully damped for accurate focus (it's manual focus). Plus it's internal focus... very nice!!

Check out the lens reviews:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/46479-revie...erical-if.html
Samyang 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF Lens Reviews - Samyang Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

ZombieArmy · 08-22-2014, 10:38 PM

Originally posted by Miguel

The 85mm focal length as an ideal for portraits was originated in the film era. On a cropped-sensor camera body it becomes a moderate telephoto, which of course works for portraits, but it is not the same rendering.

To better match the intention consider the SMC 55mm f1.8 Super Takumar. It is a classic. I enjoy the colors and beautiful rendering of skin with this lens. You should be able to pick one up for under $50.

Didn't realize this! How much different would this be from my Pentax-A 50mm F2.0? Also I would need an adapter for that lens correct?

Still interested to hear if there's any 85s in the price range though

Originally posted by tranq78

You want cheap and good? Under $200 street price?

There's none other than the Samyang 85mm F1.4. Also sold as Vivitar, Rokinon, etc. They're all the same.

Creamy smooth bokeh. Blazing fast f1.4 and very useable wide open. Comes with a warranty. Solid construction. Useable with modern d-SLR's (comes with "A" setting). Beautifully damped for accurate focus (it's manual focus). Plus it's internal focus... very nice!!

Check out the lens reviews:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/46479-revie...erical-if.html
Samyang 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF Lens Reviews - Samyang Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Thanks for this, I'll keep an eye out.

**luftfluss** · 08-22-2014, 10:51 PM

I really enjoy the Jupiter-9 85/2 on my K-01. There's a bunch of variations with somewhat differing characteristics. I sourced mine fairly local for $150.

mythguy9 · 08-22-2014, 11:10 PM

I have the cult classic russian Helios 44-2 and 44-2M (similar but different version), both under $50 and 58mm in focal length (equiv. to 90mm on FF). 44-2M is sharper than 44-2, but the latter has a more distinct swirly bokeh that may or may not appeal to you. Check out the lens database.

**kiwi_jono** · 08-22-2014, 11:35 PM

Well I have both a Bower (Samyang) 85 f1.4 and a SMC Takumar 55 f1.8.
They are both great lenses but do a different job.
Its true that in theory the 55mm is perfect on APS-C cameras for portraits. I also find it has good sharpness across the frame and renders colours very nicely. This lens is great for general purpose shooting too. M42 adapters are cheap and easy to get (just get one which supports infinity focus) but you will need to use manual exposure control (at least Pentax cameras have the green button to stop down and help you set the right exposure).
Examples:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/6237153306/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/6140055906/

The 85 is not so much a general purpose lens but certainly produces some pretty nice bokeh and I enjoy using it. It does have a bit of a learning curve though because depth of field wide open is very narrow making focus quite tricky at times.
Examples:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/14661819923/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/8753642888/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/9581579790/

hoanpham · 08-23-2014, 12:38 AM

If you want object isolation, use any longer focal lenses. The cheapest option is pentax M 135mm f3.5 (manual) or 55-200 (AF).
On crop sensor, you need to have longer distance to subject. High iso would not be a problem for newer bodies.

135/3.5 use at f4 or f5.6
55-200 use at 150-200mm f8
should give a very nice object isolation in day light.

**PJ1** · 08-23-2014, 04:51 AM

Cheap and good under $200 street price? Zeiss Biometar 80/f2.8 can be had for about $150 on Ebay plus about $25 for a Pentacon 6 to K-mount adapter. It's the same lens used in the filming of Indiana Jones and the Spear of Destiny. Shoot it wide open for that Zeiss finger print.

kev.pride · 08-23-2014, 05:27 AM

If you want a very good lens but don't have the m42/ K adapter - I would suggest the K 55 1.8 which has very good reviews, I think it is a fabulous piece of glass.

SMC Pentax 55mm F1.8 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Kevin

**Lowell Goudge** · 08-23-2014, 06:36 AM

Hmm let me see now, portrait lenses.

I have a super tak 85/1.9. , samyang (vivitar) 85/1.4, tamron 90/2.5 macro, SMC 105/2.8 and a Vernon edonar 105/2.8 preset.

They are all used for portraits, the K105/2.8 is soft wide open, the preset 105/2.8 with a round aperture has the bokeh most look for, the 90/2.5 is fast, and can do macro. But regardless, all these options are much cheaper than getting an 85. The super tak is a superb lens but difficult to use and prone to flare and CA. The samyang is the fastest of the group, has most modern lenses, has a KA mount that allows not just open aperture meting and full automatic mode but also supports flash.
New they are about $329 USD

If you have then money the samyang gets my vote.

lytrytyr · 08-23-2014, 08:18 AM

Originally posted by ZombieArmy

So I'm looking for any possibilities for a prime lens at this focal length for about 200 dollars or less (less being much more preferable) but I just can't find anything at all, is there even an 85 that cheap in existence that isn't rubbish?

Here's one for $172 shipped:

Amazon.com : Mitakon Zhongyi SLR 85mm F2.0 Silent Frame Prime Camera Lens for Pentax Pk Camera : Camera Lenses : Camera & Photo

Here are version 1 samples:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/12-post-your-photos/129571-misc-quick-fir...n-85mm-f2.html

**boriscleto** · 08-23-2014, 08:21 AM

Originally posted by lytrytyr

Here's one for $172 shipped:

Amazon.com : Mitakon Zhongyi SLR 85mm F2.0 Silent Frame Prime Camera Lens for Pentax Pk Camera : Camera Lenses : Camera & Photo

Here are version 1 samples:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/12-post-your-photos/129571-misc-quick-fir...n-85mm-f2.html

Unfortunately that's about 3 times more than it should be.

**savoche** · 08-23-2014, 08:33 AM

Originally posted by ZombieArmy

Didn't realize this! How much different would this be from my Pentax-A 50mm F2.0? Also I would need an adapter for that lens correct?

Still interested to hear if there's any 85s in the price range though

You will need an M42 to K mount adapter for a Takumar, yes. Do some research before you buy such an adapter, though. Some of the cheap ones can get stuck if you're not careful.

The A 50/2 should work quite well for portraits. It's not that much shorter or slower than the Tak 55/1.8. And it's very convenient with the A setting.

I just ordered a CZJ Biometar 80/2.8 (and an adapter) out of curiosity. I really ought to stay away from these threads...

08-22-2014, 10:09 PM	#1
ZombieArmy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 3,210	Any cheap options for the 85mm focal length? I'm extremely interested in this focal length due to its superior isolation for portraits, but sadly can't justify the cost of a 300 dollar plus lens, especially as a poor college student such as myself. My k-01 has already set me back far enough as it is! So I'm looking for any possibilities for a prime lens at this focal length for about 200 dollars or less (less being much more preferable) but I just can't find anything at all, is there even an 85 that cheap in existence that isn't rubbish?

08-22-2014, 10:51 PM	#6
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,619	I really enjoy the Jupiter-9 85/2 on my K-01. There's a bunch of variations with somewhat differing characteristics. I sourced mine fairly local for $150. Last edited by luftfluss; 06-08-2016 at 08:23 AM.

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08-22-2014, 10:27 PM - 1 Like	#2
Miguel Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Near Seattle Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,743	The 85mm focal length as an ideal for portraits was originated in the film era. On a cropped-sensor camera body it becomes a moderate telephoto, which of course works for portraits, but it is not the same rendering. To better match the intention consider the SMC 55mm f1.8 Super Takumar. It is a classic. I enjoy the colors and beautiful rendering of skin with this lens. You should be able to pick one up for under $50. M

08-22-2014, 10:30 PM	#3
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	There is the Rokinon/Samyang/Bower 85 manual-focus for about $200.

08-22-2014, 10:37 PM	#4
tranq78 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,005	You want cheap and good? Under $200 street price? There's none other than the Samyang 85mm F1.4. Also sold as Vivitar, Rokinon, etc. They're all the same. Creamy smooth bokeh. Blazing fast f1.4 and very useable wide open. Comes with a warranty. Solid construction. Useable with modern d-SLR's (comes with "A" setting). Beautifully damped for accurate focus (it's manual focus). Plus it's internal focus... very nice!! Check out the lens reviews: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/46479-revie...erical-if.html Samyang 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF Lens Reviews - Samyang Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

08-22-2014, 10:38 PM	#5
ZombieArmy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 3,210 Original Poster	Originally posted by Miguel The 85mm focal length as an ideal for portraits was originated in the film era. On a cropped-sensor camera body it becomes a moderate telephoto, which of course works for portraits, but it is not the same rendering. To better match the intention consider the SMC 55mm f1.8 Super Takumar. It is a classic. I enjoy the colors and beautiful rendering of skin with this lens. You should be able to pick one up for under $50. Didn't realize this! How much different would this be from my Pentax-A 50mm F2.0? Also I would need an adapter for that lens correct? Still interested to hear if there's any 85s in the price range though Originally posted by tranq78 You want cheap and good? Under $200 street price? There's none other than the Samyang 85mm F1.4. Also sold as Vivitar, Rokinon, etc. They're all the same. Creamy smooth bokeh. Blazing fast f1.4 and very useable wide open. Comes with a warranty. Solid construction. Useable with modern d-SLR's (comes with "A" setting). Beautifully damped for accurate focus (it's manual focus). Plus it's internal focus... very nice!! Check out the lens reviews: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/46479-revie...erical-if.html Samyang 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF Lens Reviews - Samyang Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Thanks for this, I'll keep an eye out.

08-22-2014, 11:10 PM	#7
mythguy9 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 276	I have the cult classic russian Helios 44-2 and 44-2M (similar but different version), both under $50 and 58mm in focal length (equiv. to 90mm on FF). 44-2M is sharper than 44-2, but the latter has a more distinct swirly bokeh that may or may not appeal to you. Check out the lens database.

08-22-2014, 11:35 PM	#8
kiwi_jono Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,437	Well I have both a Bower (Samyang) 85 f1.4 and a SMC Takumar 55 f1.8. They are both great lenses but do a different job. Its true that in theory the 55mm is perfect on APS-C cameras for portraits. I also find it has good sharpness across the frame and renders colours very nicely. This lens is great for general purpose shooting too. M42 adapters are cheap and easy to get (just get one which supports infinity focus) but you will need to use manual exposure control (at least Pentax cameras have the green button to stop down and help you set the right exposure). Examples: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/6237153306/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/6140055906/ The 85 is not so much a general purpose lens but certainly produces some pretty nice bokeh and I enjoy using it. It does have a bit of a learning curve though because depth of field wide open is very narrow making focus quite tricky at times. Examples: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/14661819923/in/photostream/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/8753642888/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/9581579790/

08-23-2014, 12:38 AM	#9
hoanpham Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Strand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,366	If you want object isolation, use any longer focal lenses. The cheapest option is pentax M 135mm f3.5 (manual) or 55-200 (AF). On crop sensor, you need to have longer distance to subject. High iso would not be a problem for newer bodies. 135/3.5 use at f4 or f5.6 55-200 use at 150-200mm f8 should give a very nice object isolation in day light.

08-23-2014, 04:51 AM	#10
PJ1 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Toowoomba, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,484	Cheap and good under $200 street price? Zeiss Biometar 80/f2.8 can be had for about $150 on Ebay plus about $25 for a Pentacon 6 to K-mount adapter. It's the same lens used in the filming of Indiana Jones and the Spear of Destiny. Shoot it wide open for that Zeiss finger print.

08-23-2014, 05:27 AM	#11
kev.pride Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Modbury North, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 351	If you want a very good lens but don't have the m42/ K adapter - I would suggest the K 55 1.8 which has very good reviews, I think it is a fabulous piece of glass. SMC Pentax 55mm F1.8 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Kevin

08-23-2014, 06:36 AM	#12
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,888	Hmm let me see now, portrait lenses. I have a super tak 85/1.9. , samyang (vivitar) 85/1.4, tamron 90/2.5 macro, SMC 105/2.8 and a Vernon edonar 105/2.8 preset. They are all used for portraits, the K105/2.8 is soft wide open, the preset 105/2.8 with a round aperture has the bokeh most look for, the 90/2.5 is fast, and can do macro. But regardless, all these options are much cheaper than getting an 85. The super tak is a superb lens but difficult to use and prone to flare and CA. The samyang is the fastest of the group, has most modern lenses, has a KA mount that allows not just open aperture meting and full automatic mode but also supports flash. New they are about $329 USD If you have then money the samyang gets my vote.

08-23-2014, 08:18 AM	#13
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by ZombieArmy So I'm looking for any possibilities for a prime lens at this focal length for about 200 dollars or less (less being much more preferable) but I just can't find anything at all, is there even an 85 that cheap in existence that isn't rubbish? Here's one for $172 shipped: Amazon.com : Mitakon Zhongyi SLR 85mm F2.0 Silent Frame Prime Camera Lens for Pentax Pk Camera : Camera Lenses : Camera & Photo Here are version 1 samples: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/12-post-your-photos/129571-misc-quick-fir...n-85mm-f2.html

08-23-2014, 08:21 AM	#14
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by lytrytyr Here's one for $172 shipped: Amazon.com : Mitakon Zhongyi SLR 85mm F2.0 Silent Frame Prime Camera Lens for Pentax Pk Camera : Camera Lenses : Camera & Photo Here are version 1 samples: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/12-post-your-photos/129571-misc-quick-fir...n-85mm-f2.html Unfortunately that's about 3 times more than it should be.

08-23-2014, 08:33 AM	#15
savoche Master of the obvious Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Lowlands of Norway Posts: 18,311	Originally posted by ZombieArmy Didn't realize this! How much different would this be from my Pentax-A 50mm F2.0? Also I would need an adapter for that lens correct? Still interested to hear if there's any 85s in the price range though You will need an M42 to K mount adapter for a Takumar, yes. Do some research before you buy such an adapter, though. Some of the cheap ones can get stuck if you're not careful. The A 50/2 should work quite well for portraits. It's not that much shorter or slower than the Tak 55/1.8. And it's very convenient with the A setting. I just ordered a CZJ Biometar 80/2.8 (and an adapter) out of curiosity. I really ought to stay away from these threads...