[drypenn]

I haven't had any experience with the DA*55. Lately, I've found myself looking at the DA*55 images (which I thought a year ago was just hyped). and I must admit, I'm eating crow as I drool at some of the DA's output.

There are some images where I find the DA's bokeh harsh or busy, but I'm fascinated by how sharp it is, wide open. I've tried the FA50/1.4 and other various incarnations of 50, but the bottom line: my FA43 has been forever the Damocles sword whenever there's a new 50 in my stable. The FA43 has always been bitingly sharp at the center, even when wide open, and its bokeh reputation has been well earned. But in my eyes, the DA* seems a bit sharper, and a tad more saturated. And, as we all know, when LBA bites, it can sometimes impair visual acumen, and objective reasoning and the decision-making becomes even more difficult.

For those who have experience with DA*55 and FA43, (and perhaps the FA77), is the DA55 worth the high entrance fee? Or should I just get that ever postponed 50/1.2 I have been deferring to, for the longest time?

[Sandy Hancock]

Well I'm no help at all; I have the FA43, A50/1.2, DA*55 and FA77 (pathetic, I know) and can't bring myself part with any of them.

Sorry

[drypenn]

Well I'm no help at all; I have the FA43, A50/1.2, DA*55 and FA77 (pathetic, I know) and can't bring myself part with any of them.

Sorry

That's actually very helpful.

My wallet hates you now.

[Rondec]

I have not used the FA 43, but I do own the DA *55, FA 77 and DA 40. I prefer the DA *55 -- probably mostly due to the focal length. You just really need more room to work with the FA 77, while 40mm is a little too short for portraiture. I think the A 50mm f1.2 is really good, from the output I've seen, but I really like having auto focus. The only negative to the DA *55, as far as I am concerned, are the slow-ish auto focus.

These are a couple of photos shot at f1.4 -- just snap shots. They were playing a game where you balance pencils on the back of your hand, flip them up in the air and catch them. I wanted to freeze the motion and so I opened the lens up.

[aurele]

i don't have, nor even tested the FA43, but i have the DA*55.

Yes, it's sharp. wide open, all is about nailing the focus. @f1.6 it's become really sharp, f1.8 it's unflattering for the subject

The color are very well saturated, not to much, just what is required to make every color shot "pop". To be honest, that my favorite lens by far.

Yes, it's expensive, the AF is not fast ( or always reliable on my K-x - thank you huge focusing points ... more to do with the body than the lens, i'm sure). It's WR though.

But : if you like the 50/55mm FoV on APS-C (or film - my most used lens on cheap film body that have a KA or KAF mount), you'll be really happy.

Side note : the lens is large, but not heavy. Just keep in mind you won't be "unseen" by the others

[Reltih]

Along with high reputation about IQ, this lens lens also has good build quality. I have this lens and really like it. The only drawback is slow focusing speed (even on K-3) but for portraiture this is not a real problem. Here in the 2nd hand market, it is cheaper than the FA 77. Why not give it a try?

[nicoprod]

I got touched by the LBA fallen angel as well.... Same lens... Even worse considering that I just bought a FA*85.... But it is long, sometimes too long.... And my FA 31 is short, sometimes too short. I need the DA* 55... I need it, because my 50-135 is slow, sometimes too slow. So I need it. I really need it. I do.

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Last edited by nicoprod; 11-25-2014 at 09:19 AM.

[drypenn]

@rondec, nicoprod

Yup, that's my problem with 77. Indoors, it's virtually useless at times, as you need to back up and in a crowded room, you'll never get the shot with people incessantly crossing that huge distance between you and subject. In a tight space, forget it.

@aurele, reltih
I can live with the slow AF, it's part of the Pentax charm

@nicoprod,

I know how you feel, my 31 is just a few weeks old, and here comes LBA again!

[blackcloudbrew]

The DA*55 is my go to lens for portraiture. The fact that it's also a FF lens is a hidden plus but regardless - for me - I find this length great for head shots on an APS-c camera. I've done some playing with the FA77 and find it too long for my tastes (still will own one SOMEday) and the DA70 falls into the too long class for me. The only other lens that - to me - is equivalent is the now no longer produced Voigtlander 58 f1.4 manual focus lens (which I own and will never sell). I love the bokeh of both of these two.

One of my favorite DA*55 images I produced for some headshots at my work.

[JinDesu]

Here is an album comparing the DA*55 to the Sigma 50 F1.4 EX DG HSM, which is considered a very sharp 50mm: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jindesu/sets/72157647736916351/

Here are some of my favorite images to help make the point for this lens:


@F1.4


@F1.4


This lens gives me the knowledge that I can shoot in inclement weather without worry


Makes amazing starbursts (F14)


Very sharp at F2 without hurting the bokeh - https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3885/15026672506_e62a3c85e3_o.jpg (full size link)

It has been worth the high price that I paid for it, every penny.

[JibbaJab]

DA*55 is on sale at B&H and Adorama for $636. Question is, do I buy it now or wait in case there's an even better price on Black Friday?

*EDIT* Nevermind, just saw the official Black Friday price announcement on the main page. Pulling the trigger on this bad boy!

[drypenn]

Thanks guys, for enabling, feeding and supporting this addiction.

The decision could not have been made any easier without these images.

Before the end of Monday, I will be $636+ poorer.

[LeRolls]

DA*55 is on sale at B&H and Adorama for $636. Question is, do I buy it now or wait in case there's an even better price on Black Friday?

*EDIT* Nevermind, just saw the official Black Friday price announcement on the main page. Pulling the trigger on this bad boy!

Hope you like it! I've often thought about picking one up.

[Rondec]

Thanks guys, for enabling, feeding and supporting this addiction.

The decision could not have been made any easier without these images.

Before the end of Monday, I will be $636+ poorer.

I think you'll be happy the DA *55 and DA 15 limited would be my two desert island lenses.

For what it's worth, it works fine on film too. This is shot on Tmax 100 film.

[drypenn]

My DA*55 has been ordered! Now anxiously waiting....