Help with New Lens Purchase FA77 or the DA*55

**Rondec** · 06-04-2015, 03:36 AM

They are both excellent lenses. I would choose based on focal length. If your plan is to shoot APS-C, then I would go with the 55. If you think maybe you will move to full frame, then probably the FA 77. The issue isn't that the 55 isn't usable on full frame, it is, but on a crop camera, the 77 is pretty long. You need a lot of working space to use it, while the DA 55 is better in that respect. The FA 77 does have worse purple fringing in my experience, although it is easy to fix in post. Both are quite sharp, even wide open. Bokeh is probably better on the FA 77, although it is very good on the 55 as well.

I would look at photos, but also try the different focal lengths with you 50-135 and see which one you prefer.

**jrpower10** · 06-04-2015, 07:20 AM

If the 31 and the 60-250 are the goals, I wouldn't buy anything. Keep saving. That said, if you gotta scratch that itch, I love my 77. Another option is sell the 50-135, combine that with what you already have and get the 60-250. Warning, the 60-250 is bigger and heavier. I have both and am selling the 50-135. While I love the 50-135 I can't justify keeping both and from an IQ standpoint I can't distinguish any real difference (at least that I care about) and the weight doesn't bother me. YMMV

Eder · 06-04-2015, 09:08 AM

Simply If you do Portrait go for 77 is great also in low light situation, if you want to shoot Macro go for Macro WR

dcpropilot · 06-04-2015, 05:48 PM

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I'll probably change my mind, but in the next couple of weeks I am going to go the route of the FA31, the FA77 and the 60-250 to fill my collection and my LBA. I'm still kind of up in the air about the 55 vs. 77. The 55 being weather sealed would be a big plus, but may be too close a focal length to the 43. The 77 being as legendary as it is, appears to be something that I'm always going to wonder about enjoying if I don't get it. And with FF around the corner, I'll be ready. Don't know if the 55 1.4 will be crippled/cropped on the FF due to it being a DA lens? Shouldn't be, right?

Last edited by dcpropilot; 06-04-2015 at 05:57 PM.

Bagga_Txips · 06-05-2015, 12:55 AM

You have 70 covered twice. You have 50ish covered 3 and a half times. I suggest you go for a longer lens, the 60-250 is perfect, then your next step is the 1.4 TC. In theory, I can't see the point of duplication of focal length - even though I do own 3 standard zooms! (18-55, 17-50, 18-135)

**Rondec** · 06-05-2015, 03:51 AM

Originally posted by Bagga_Txips

You have 70 covered twice. You have 50ish covered 3 and a half times. I suggest you go for a longer lens, the 60-250 is perfect, then your next step is the 1.4 TC. In theory, I can't see the point of duplication of focal length - even though I do own 3 standard zooms! (18-55, 17-50, 18-135)

I think you have to look at it as having two lens lineups -- one that is composed of primes and the other of zooms. There are situations where primes are just not an option -- you need more flexibility than they offer -- but they are faster and sharper than any zoom out there (at least the ones mentioned here). Even the 50-135, for all its "bundle of primes" reputation, isn't as good as the DA *55 or FA 77 till you get to f4.

dcpropilot · 06-05-2015, 04:17 AM

Rondec,
Exactly my thoughts. Two ways of acheving focal lengths: one being the utility of zooms, the other being the creative craft and portability of prime excellence.

Bagga_Txips · 06-05-2015, 05:42 AM

I agree. I have a similar setup in my clutch of lenses, up to 200/300 mm on two zooms. This is because I am scared to suggest to my wife that we need a *300 prime!

But I do think it's more important to extend before duplicating. The 60-250 is the best first step, I reckon. Or a 70-200 f2.8, maybe.

civiletti · 06-06-2015, 11:54 AM

Originally posted by drypenn

Please refer to Sandy's advice. Four posts up ^

---------- Post added 06-04-15 at 01:13 PM ----------

A preference for glasses devoid of character will probably be limited to Macro lenses, no?

For me, the principle is the same. As in audio, I prefer reproduction equipment that reproduces as faithfully as possible. I can add "character" in post production, but I cannot recover lost reality. Something like the Helios can be fun, but that is more novelty than workhorse.

dcpropilot · 06-11-2015, 08:50 AM - **1 Like**