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09-22-2014, 06:37 PM   #1
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Sigma 85 or FA 77?

Somebody help me decide between SIGMA 85 and FA 77 (IQ) before I loose my mind, thanks.

09-22-2014, 07:02 PM   #2
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This comparison has been troubling me too.
As far as I can tell, it's about lens size and weight (Sigma loses, Pentax wins) versus modern autofocus (Sigma wins). Both lenses have similarly nice rendering, optical performance and light collection ability. So if the comparison is just about IQ, it's a draw.
09-22-2014, 07:38 PM   #3
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I punted and went with the SMC-M 85mm f/2 so can't help you (except to make things worse). The 85mm focal length on aps-c is a nice one for me, but I doubt I'd notice the difference from the FA77. If it's close to a draw then settle for the best value, watch prices and pick your winner. Overthinking or looking back later will only bring headaches
09-22-2014, 07:48 PM   #4
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Thanks for your responses. I know I really can't go wrong with either lenses... But...Does the sigma have a more accurate AF?

09-22-2014, 08:09 PM   #5
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You will always second guess not getting the 77 :-)
09-22-2014, 08:09 PM   #6
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Will the 85mm easily fit in your pocket when you don't want to carry a bag?

If you're only using it in a studio, that's one thing, but when you're out and about, if you don't have the lens with you, you can't use it, and small lenses are much easier to have with you.
09-22-2014, 08:14 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by nicoprod Quote
somebody help me decide between sigma 85 and fa 77 (iq) before i loose my mind, thanks.
fa 85 1.4....

09-22-2014, 08:41 PM   #8
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Not to tempt you, but there's a Sigma 85 for sale in the Marketplace https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/273791-sal...ex-dg-hsm.html
09-22-2014, 08:46 PM   #9
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All other things being close to equal then which one will hold it's value better?In the long term i'd have to say the Pentax with it's great build.
09-22-2014, 10:02 PM   #10
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I have the 77 and I could say that the "great build" would only last if you take care of it too. The Sigma 85 shouldn't be a slacker in the build area too, given that it's a premium lens also, but handling it for longer periods will be more tiring to the hands. Ultimately, I guess you should decide on which aspect you value more because both are awesome glass.

for me the decision (vs Samyang 85) was that I prefer less weight and bulk because I'm not very fond of lugging tripods around
09-22-2014, 10:05 PM   #11
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77ltd goes out with me more as its far smaller and portable.
That's the key point to me.
It helps too when it's optical performance is excellent.
09-22-2014, 11:43 PM   #12
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Weight. If weight becomes an issue for you, go for the FA77mm Ltd.

This being said, both lenses are well-regarded.

Personally I opted for the FA77mm Ltd because I value a small and lightweight camera + lens combo.

My 5 cents.
09-23-2014, 02:57 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by SpecialK Quote
You will always second guess not getting the 77 :-)
I recently was undecided about the sigma 35 1.4 & the FA31.
I ended up with the 31...
09-23-2014, 03:01 AM   #14
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The focal length difference can be a big deal. 77mm is already pretty long for APS-C. You need a decent space to work with. 85mm is even longer, of course. 77 is a smaller lens, with screw driven auto focus (not super speedy) and really great rendering of out of focus areas and great transitions between in focus to out of focus areas. It has good center sharpness wide open, but borders need some stopping down. The 85 is of course bigger, with silent in lens focusing (faster) and has better edge to edge sharpness than the FA77. It has nice out of focus rendering, but not quite as good as the FA 77.

I chose the FA 77, but I don't think you can go wrong with either lens.
09-23-2014, 03:53 AM   #15
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