[lguckert79]

Ok well its that time of the year again that I can get a new lens and last year I got the Tamron 17-50 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 so this year I am looking at 50mm's for low light. Well my choices are the Pentax Da 55mm* 1.4 lens or the sigma 50mm hsm 1.4 lens. I just hear about the horror stories about the sigma with the back and front focus issues and then I hear about the Pentax being slow to focus. I am using the k5 and getting a new body is not an option so. I am shooting more portraits and weddings lately so I do need fast focusing but would the pentax be fast enough for the weddings because I hear if you get a good copy of the sigma it focuses very fast so please if you could let me know about the 2 a little more thank you.

[SpecialK]

I just hear about the horror stories about the sigma with the back and front focus issues...

You can adjust FF/BF issues using the feature in the camera.

[DSims]

I think the DA*55 is one of the best "50s" out there - any brand. Only downside is some backgrounds come out harsh. But then the Sigma has it's own background problems: F1.4_13IMG_5162: dpreview review samples: Galleries: Digital Photography Review

I'd rather have the Pentax. I think the images are more beautiful, they're more eye-catching, and your clients will like them more. If AF turns out to be too slow then send it back, but I doubt it.


FA77 is good for low light too - shoots nice IQ wide-open. DA*55 and FA*85 are very good at f/1.6-f/1.8 and sometimes wide-open. No other Pentax AF lenses (except FA31 - also good wide open) match these. K50/1.2 (even more-so than A) will probably give you even better wedding images than all - and M50/1.4 will come close. That is, unless sharpness is paramount - then DA*55 is the king.

[malinku]

I'd go for the 55mm. As I personally find that focal length more interesting then 50mm.

And I really love the old 55mm f1.8 Pentax made. So I would expect the new 55mm to be pretty good.

[DSims]

And I really love the old 55mm f1.8 Pentax made. So I would expect the new 55mm to be pretty good.

Look at the PPG if you haven't already. That should convince you. You'll also notice the flaws in a few of the backgrounds (but many backgrounds are beautiful). PENTAX : Select a PENTAX interchangeable lens camera or a lens model

[hcc]

Both DA*55mm and Sigma 50mm are excellent lens. If you have any concern/worry about the Sigma, go for the DA*55mm.

But I would suggest another way. What are you shooting? Do you need AF? In the negative, there are two other fabulous alternative: Zeiss 50mm f1.4 and Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4. Both are very highly regarded. I personnally have the VL58mm and I am extremely happy with it.

My 5 cents.

[robjmitchell]

31ltd, 43ltd, 55*, 77ltd, pick two!

[RAART]

Why not Sigma 50mm ART 1.4 DG and then take advantage of mount exchange what Sigma offers...

[drypenn]

If you don't mind doing MF, a good copy of a K50/1.2 is cheaper than a brand new *55, and it has superior OOF rendering.

Or follow robjmitchell's advice above.

[Digitalis]

If you don't mind doing MF, a good copy of a K50/1.2 is cheaper than a brand new *55, and it has superior OOF rendering.

Though DOF is incredibly shallow at f/1.2, but in skilled hands the images from K 50mm f/1.2 are sublime.


Pentax K5IIs - Pentax SMCP-K 50mm f/1.2 @ f/1.2

I really love the old 55mm f1.8 Pentax made. So I would expect the new 55mm to be pretty good.

I prefer the older K55mm f/1.8 - like most film era lenses it renders things differently from more recent lens designs. One of the things I hate the most about current optics is the fact that resolution takes a higher priority than overall image rendering - look at the Fuji X system lenses, they are superb in terms of resolution and contrast but they don't render things like the Pentax DA and FA primes do.

Why not Sigma 50mm ART 1.4 DG and then take advantage of mount exchange what Sigma offers...

The sigma lens mount swap service is only available when the lens in question is already offered in the lens mount you are asking it to be switched to. Since the sigma 50mm f/1.4 isn't natively made in K mount there is little point in asking.

[drypenn]

Though DOF is incredibly shallow at f/1.2, but in skilled hands the images from K 50mm f/1.2 are sublime.


Pentax K5IIs - Pentax SMCP-K 50mm f/1.2 @ f/1.2



I prefer the older K55mm f/1.8 - like most film era lenses it renders things differently from more recent lens designs. One of the things I hate the most about current optics is the fact that resolution takes a higher priority than overall image rendering - look at the Fuji X system lenses, they are superb in terms of resolution and contrast but they don't render things like the Pentax DA and FA primes do.

I have always loved the K55/1.8. And at the very least, Digitalis' post validates that I'm not crazy actually preferring my K55/1.8 over my *55 when it comes to rendering, though the former's not as sharp.

[jeverettfine]

I have always loved the K55/1.8. And at the very least, Digitalis' post validates that I'm not crazy actually preferring my K55/1.8 over my *55 when it comes to rendering, though the former's not as sharp.

I have two 50's both of which I have owned for more than 30 years: SMC-A 50 1.4 and SMC-A 50 2.8 Macro. AF is just not a great issue with me. Personally, I think most people lean on it too much at the sacrifice of creativity. I wonder how many younger photographers know what "hyperfocal distance" is? Use it correctly and you will be faster than any autofocus. I also enjoy the color, handling, build etc of the old lenses.

But, if you are only looking at the new lenses, I also would vote for the Pentax DA 55 over the Sigma: though I have also heard wonderful things about the Zeiss and Vogtlander.

[Conqueror]

DA* 55mm has everything, great IQ, WR, AF...

[Digitalis]

I have also heard wonderful things about the Zeiss and Vogtlander.

Unfortunately Voigtlander and Zeiss SLR lenses no longer available in K mount.

DA* 55mm has everything, great IQ, WR, AF...

...and Skittish bokeh.

[lguckert79]

Well thank you all for the comments I still don't know what I am going to do I am leaning toward the pentax but still have some ?'s how is the vignette on it is it bad? Also I have seen some videos on the AF speeds and its not that slow not as bad as others have said. But now I'm thinking of getting a good 1.4 35mm for the wider FOV but I think I will wait on that one still want a 50 or 55 so thanks everyone.