[CreationBear]

Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here.

---

I've ordered M85/2

I'll be looking forward to the review, especially if you use it as a landscape lens as well for portraits. I've been looking for something to fill the gap between a 55 and 135 FL and always got the impression that the K85 1.8 was a bit more highly regarded in that role than the M--though as you mention, it's hard to find the K-series lens at a "reasonable" price for someone stuck at my skill level.

[zzeitg]

I'll be looking forward to the review, especially if you use it as a landscape lens as well for portraits. I've been looking for something to fill the gap between a 55 and 135 FL and always got the impression that the K85 1.8 was a bit more highly regarded in that role than the M--though as you mention, it's hard to find the K-series lens at a "reasonable" price for someone stuck at my skill level.

I haven't been able to find many sample photos for either M85 or K85. Honestly I believe both are very good lenses. There's one K-version on eBay ( Asahi Pentax 85mm F 1 8 SMC Super Multi Coated Lens RARE K Version | eBay ) which I was considering myself, too.

[CreationBear]

Honestly I believe both are very good lenses

No doubt! There's a "K" group on Flickr that might be worth exploring if you're hoping to turn up more samples:
https://www.flickr.com/groups/2548277@N23/
Otherwise, there's a K85 currently on KEH for $399 in "Bargain" condition--a bit expensive for my tastes, when you factor in the possibility of getting a decentered lens, but KEH is known for having a good return policy if you're in a position to really test things out.

[zzeitg]

No doubt! There's a "K" group on Flickr that might be worth exploring if you're hoping to turn up more samples:
https://www.flickr.com/groups/2548277@N23/
Otherwise, there's a K85 currently on KEH for $399 in "Bargain" condition--a bit expensive for my tastes, when you factor in the possibility of getting a decentered lens, but KEH is known for having a good return policy if you're in a position to really test things out.

Yeah, don't hesitate and go for it! I wanted to say that we might start an 85 mm lens club then, but hey - there's one already existing... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/290507-85mm-f2-faster-lens-club.html

[CreationBear]

Ha, that could be a very expensive thread!

[yusuf]

I haven't been able to find many sample photos for either M85 or K85. Honestly I believe both are very good lenses. There's one K-version on eBay ( Asahi Pentax 85mm F 1 8 SMC Super Multi Coated Lens RARE K Version | eBay ) which I was considering myself, too.

both are good lenses but M85 is okay wide open and you need to stop down a bit for more sharpness. This should be okay for portraits though.

Samyang and K85 are definitely more sharper at f2.

[Kerrowdown]

I've ordered M85/2 and Sigma 85/1.4

Two lenses eh, is the plan to keep the best and sell the other or that just a daft thing to even suggest.

Let us know how you get on, once you get them.

[ACG]

Hi,
Just got a mint copy of the Pentax k85 f1.8 for use with the Sony a7r.
Absolutely stellar quality.
Superbly well built.

Highly recommend this lens.

[zzeitg]

Two lenses eh, is the plan to keep the best and sell the other

Yeah, let's say this was the plan... can't promise it will happen accordingly if both of them are too good... . Selling of lenses is not my strong skill if you ask me...

[zzeitg]

I'll be looking forward to the review, especially if you use it as a landscape lens as well for portraits. I've been looking for something to fill the gap between a 55 and 135 FL and always got the impression that the K85 1.8 was a bit more highly regarded in that role than the M--though as you mention, it's hard to find the K-series lens at a "reasonable" price for someone stuck at my skill level.

so M85 f2 has arrived (Sigma still on the way).


some very first shots (x-posted from the 85mm club) below:

a girl








her hair


her toy


and 3 more

[bassek]

Regarding some of the pics the AWB may have played some tricks on you, but the cupcakes show the sharpness and the bokeh of the M85 nicely.

Seb

[noelpolar]

Just listed my K 85 1.8.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/292214-sal...-85-1-8-a.html

[zzeitg]

Just listed my K 85 1.8.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/292214-sal...-85-1-8-a.html

Hmm... I wouldn't ever sell it if I were you

[noelpolar]

Hmm... I wouldn't ever sell it if I were you

I have a 77..... and nobody I know lets me take pictures of them!

[CreationBear]

so M85 f2 has arrived

Great set--that lens really lets you "fill the frame" on your portraits and still life shots, and I'm studying the landscape example with great interest as well...its rendering couple with your processing really sets the mood.