DA 70mm vs FA 77mm Limited - speed of autofocus

nj1975 · 01-06-2015, 12:19 PM

A 'special' birthday is looming and I've decided to treat myself to a new lens!! I've spent a lot of time looking at reviews and threads on forums regarding the DA 70mm vs FA 77mm Limited. From what I have read image quality/style is a matter of personal taste to many people, however I would be really interested to hear from any owners regarding their experiences of auto-focus speed on both/either lenses - my plan is to use the lens for taking informal shots of my young children (most likely moving around!) both outdoors and in. Many thanks

Adam · 01-06-2015, 12:26 PM - **1 Like**

Their AF performance is very similar in practice. Since they're both screwdrive, the one with the longer throw (in this case the FA 77) will sometimes be fractions of a second slower.

**hjoseph7** · 01-06-2015, 12:52 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by nj1975

A 'special' birthday is looming and I've decided to treat myself to a new lens!! I've spent a lot of time looking at reviews and threads on forums regarding the DA 70mm vs FA 77mm Limited. From what I have read image quality/style is a matter of personal taste to many people, however I would be really interested to hear from any owners regarding their experiences of auto-focus speed on both/either lenses - my plan is to use the lens for taking informal shots of my young children (most likely moving around!) both outdoors and in. Many thanks

Both lenses would be great outdoors, but not so great indoors, unless you plan is head and shoulder shots...

kh1234567890 · 01-06-2015, 01:22 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by nj1975

A 'special' birthday is looming and I've decided to treat myself to a new lens!! I've spent a lot of time looking at reviews and threads on forums regarding the DA 70mm vs FA 77mm Limited. From what I have read image quality/style is a matter of personal taste to many people, however I would be really interested to hear from any owners regarding their experiences of auto-focus speed on both/either lenses - my plan is to use the lens for taking informal shots of my young children (most likely moving around!) both outdoors and in. Many thanks

I can only comment on the DA70 Ltd. In my experience (on a K-5ii) AF is fast and very reliable. Then again, I habitually centre focus an recompose ...

**arv** · 01-06-2015, 01:39 PM - **1 Like**

I have them both - IMO there is no difference in AF speed between them, at least in real world use.

A.

nj1975 · 01-06-2015, 01:44 PM

Originally posted by arv

I have them both - IMO there is no difference in AF speed between them, at least in real world use.

A.

Thank you for your reply - at the risk of sounding ignorant what does IMO stand for please?

**arv** · 01-06-2015, 01:49 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by nj1975

Thank you for your reply - at the risk of sounding ignorant what does IMO stand for please?

IMO - In My Opinion

A.

**Wingincamera** · 01-06-2015, 02:16 PM - **1 Like**

I can only comment on the DA 70mm F2.4. I do like the lens, the focus is accurate. I find I haven't been using it that much though, not sure why.

normhead · 01-06-2015, 02:20 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by arv

IMO - In My Opinion

A.

Many of us use IMHO, as in In My Humble Opinion cause god knows we are humble.

alamo5000 · 01-06-2015, 02:46 PM - **1 Like**

The camera body makes a huge difference. I never had a problem with this lens but its night and day between an original K5 and the K3...(I am talking about the 70mm)

It is a fantastic lens but I still might get a 77 anyway.

Of all the limited lenses the fastest focuser is the DA 40mm... The 70mm isn't slow by any means though. Especially on a K3.

**jrpower10** · 01-06-2015, 04:23 PM - **1 Like**

The 77 is a great lens and focuses plenty fast enough. I've also heard great things about the 70. If that's the focal length you're after you won't go wrong with either, but like hjoseph7 said, they'll be tight indoors. I never use the 77 in my house for people, only outdoors or indoors where I have a lot of room to back up (like a gym).

Driline · 01-06-2015, 04:48 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by alamo5000

The camera body makes a huge difference. I never had a problem with this lens but its night and day between an original K5 and the K3..

That does it. I'm going for the K-3 over a D FA Macro 100 lens. When the price is right Bob

alamo5000 · 01-06-2015, 05:39 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Driline

That does it. I'm going for the K-3 over a D FA Macro 100 lens. When the price is right Bob

What is your camera body now?

9 times out of 10 I would encourage people to get the lenses they want FIRST and then get the camera body...but there is no denying the improvements the K3 brings. I try to not be a gear junkie but I can tell you first hand that jumping from a K5 (original) to a K3.. you will see a big difference. For me so far the biggest difference is that all my lenses have new life... which is exciting!!! Before when it was slower and hunting...now it ain't....before when it missed focus... now it doesn't....

A good camera body makes great lenses better.

Driline · 01-06-2015, 06:21 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by alamo5000

What is your camera body now?

9 times out of 10 I would encourage people to get the lenses they want FIRST and then get the camera body...but there is no denying the improvements the K3 brings. I try to not be a gear junkie but I can tell you first hand that jumping from a K5 (original) to a K3.. you will see a big difference. For me so far the biggest difference is that all my lenses have new life... which is exciting!!! Before when it was slower and hunting...now it ain't....before when it missed focus... now it doesn't....

A good camera body makes great lenses better.

Just look at my signature. There you will see my camera and all the lenses I own. I'm thinking camera.......

nj1975 · 01-07-2015, 01:24 AM

Originally posted by arv

IMO - In My Opinion

A.

Thanks

01-06-2015, 12:19 PM	#1
nj1975 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 57	DA 70mm vs FA 77mm Limited - speed of autofocus A 'special' birthday is looming and I've decided to treat myself to a new lens!! I've spent a lot of time looking at reviews and threads on forums regarding the DA 70mm vs FA 77mm Limited. From what I have read image quality/style is a matter of personal taste to many people, however I would be really interested to hear from any owners regarding their experiences of auto-focus speed on both/either lenses - my plan is to use the lens for taking informal shots of my young children (most likely moving around!) both outdoors and in. Many thanks

01-06-2015, 12:26 PM - 1 Like	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Their AF performance is very similar in practice. Since they're both screwdrive, the one with the longer throw (in this case the FA 77) will sometimes be fractions of a second slower. 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:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
FA 77mm limited vs DA 70mm limited	kuau	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	59	05-16-2021 10:20 PM
Lens Tournament: FA 77mm F1.8 Limited vs DA* 300mm F4	Adam	Pentax Forums Giveaways	28	10-30-2014 03:57 PM
the FA 77mm Limited vs DA 70mm AF speed	braver	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	4	02-25-2010 01:52 PM
Change FA 77mm Limited for a DA 70mm Limited.	Voe	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	5	03-12-2008 06:11 AM

01-06-2015, 12:52 PM - 1 Like	#3
hjoseph7 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,047	Originally posted by nj1975 A 'special' birthday is looming and I've decided to treat myself to a new lens!! I've spent a lot of time looking at reviews and threads on forums regarding the DA 70mm vs FA 77mm Limited. From what I have read image quality/style is a matter of personal taste to many people, however I would be really interested to hear from any owners regarding their experiences of auto-focus speed on both/either lenses - my plan is to use the lens for taking informal shots of my young children (most likely moving around!) both outdoors and in. Many thanks Both lenses would be great outdoors, but not so great indoors, unless you plan is head and shoulder shots...

01-06-2015, 01:22 PM - 1 Like	#4
kh1234567890 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Manchester, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,653	Originally posted by nj1975 A 'special' birthday is looming and I've decided to treat myself to a new lens!! I've spent a lot of time looking at reviews and threads on forums regarding the DA 70mm vs FA 77mm Limited. From what I have read image quality/style is a matter of personal taste to many people, however I would be really interested to hear from any owners regarding their experiences of auto-focus speed on both/either lenses - my plan is to use the lens for taking informal shots of my young children (most likely moving around!) both outdoors and in. Many thanks I can only comment on the DA70 Ltd. In my experience (on a K-5ii) AF is fast and very reliable. Then again, I habitually centre focus an recompose ...

01-06-2015, 01:39 PM - 1 Like	#5
arv Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 413	I have them both - IMO there is no difference in AF speed between them, at least in real world use. A.

01-06-2015, 01:44 PM	#6
nj1975 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 57 Original Poster	Originally posted by arv I have them both - IMO there is no difference in AF speed between them, at least in real world use. A. Thank you for your reply - at the risk of sounding ignorant what does IMO stand for please?

01-06-2015, 01:49 PM - 1 Like	#7
arv Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 413	Originally posted by nj1975 Thank you for your reply - at the risk of sounding ignorant what does IMO stand for please? IMO - In My Opinion A.

01-06-2015, 02:16 PM - 1 Like	#8
Wingincamera Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pine Haven, Wyoming Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,182	I can only comment on the DA 70mm F2.4. I do like the lens, the focus is accurate. I find I haven't been using it that much though, not sure why.

01-06-2015, 02:20 PM - 1 Like	#9
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by arv IMO - In My Opinion A. Many of us use IMHO, as in In My Humble Opinion cause god knows we are humble.

01-06-2015, 02:46 PM - 1 Like	#10
alamo5000 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 2,962	The camera body makes a huge difference. I never had a problem with this lens but its night and day between an original K5 and the K3...(I am talking about the 70mm) It is a fantastic lens but I still might get a 77 anyway. Of all the limited lenses the fastest focuser is the DA 40mm... The 70mm isn't slow by any means though. Especially on a K3.

01-06-2015, 04:23 PM - 1 Like	#11
jrpower10 Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Richland, Washington, USA Posts: 935	The 77 is a great lens and focuses plenty fast enough. I've also heard great things about the 70. If that's the focal length you're after you won't go wrong with either, but like hjoseph7 said, they'll be tight indoors. I never use the 77 in my house for people, only outdoors or indoors where I have a lot of room to back up (like a gym).

01-06-2015, 04:48 PM - 1 Like	#12
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697	Originally posted by alamo5000 The camera body makes a huge difference. I never had a problem with this lens but its night and day between an original K5 and the K3.. That does it. I'm going for the K-3 over a D FA Macro 100 lens. When the price is right Bob

01-06-2015, 05:39 PM - 1 Like	#13
alamo5000 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 2,962	Originally posted by Driline That does it. I'm going for the K-3 over a D FA Macro 100 lens. When the price is right Bob What is your camera body now? 9 times out of 10 I would encourage people to get the lenses they want FIRST and then get the camera body...but there is no denying the improvements the K3 brings. I try to not be a gear junkie but I can tell you first hand that jumping from a K5 (original) to a K3.. you will see a big difference. For me so far the biggest difference is that all my lenses have new life... which is exciting!!! Before when it was slower and hunting...now it ain't....before when it missed focus... now it doesn't.... A good camera body makes great lenses better.

01-06-2015, 06:21 PM - 1 Like	#14
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697	Originally posted by alamo5000 What is your camera body now? 9 times out of 10 I would encourage people to get the lenses they want FIRST and then get the camera body...but there is no denying the improvements the K3 brings. I try to not be a gear junkie but I can tell you first hand that jumping from a K5 (original) to a K3.. you will see a big difference. For me so far the biggest difference is that all my lenses have new life... which is exciting!!! Before when it was slower and hunting...now it ain't....before when it missed focus... now it doesn't.... A good camera body makes great lenses better. Just look at my signature. There you will see my camera and all the lenses I own. I'm thinking camera.......

01-07-2015, 01:24 AM	#15
nj1975 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 57 Original Poster	Originally posted by arv IMO - In My Opinion A. Thanks