Pentax 77mm vs. 60-250 f4

**UncleVanya** · 10-13-2015, 06:53 AM

Originally posted by bdery

I beg to differ. It really depends on the scene, of course, but it can be a great people lens.

Context is king... I said it wasn't fast enough "for the most part" in a comparison with the FA77 and DA*50-135.

Most portraiture is shot with a shallower DOF. Of the shots you posted (both are good btw) only one is a portrait per say and it is one that has a darker background and is B&W both of which tend to minimize the background. I have shot my Sigma 400mm f/5.6 as a portrait lens - so I am aware and agree that a telephoto that isn't particularly fast is not excluded from portrait work. However, such a lens it is a far cry from being optimized for the same type of portraits that you would use the FA77 for.. The 50-135 on the other hand - at f/2.8 - is not quite as good at subject isolation as the faster lenses like the FA77, A*85, etc. but it does a pretty good job without a lot of manipulation or special compensation required.

Shots below were made with the 60-250 - these were shot with my AF540FGZ flash.

Last edited by UncleVanya; 10-13-2015 at 06:59 AM.

redcat · 10-13-2015, 07:05 AM

Originally posted by hjoseph7

Yes I love my 31mm and my 50mm Takumar but when I put on the 77mm, I'm either too close to fit the subject in the frame or too far...

you have what i have, the 31, takumar 50 and the 77 and for portrait, the 77 is unbeatable ! it's small, sharp wide open, colorful and smooth bokeh, even I have a great takumar 50mm 1.4, the bokeh of the 77 is silky smoother. I used to shoot full body with a 135mm and feel that 77 is not long at all ^^ just a little time and it'd be great

I don't have the 60-250 to compare but I used the Tamron 28-75, 18-200 and sigma 17-50 but the problem with the zoom is : it makes me lazy, I can cover the frame without bending, moving to choose a better angle. My vision is now sharpen with the primes

they are compact and light so you can take it out more often ^^ I sold all my zoom

**Des** · 10-13-2015, 08:26 PM

The 77 is stellar for portraits, but I love it for flowers too.

**UncleVanya** · 10-13-2015, 08:29 PM

My FA77 just arrived. The purple fringing is really easy to coax out...but what a nice lens.

**Rondec** · 10-14-2015, 03:06 AM

You should get what makes you happy and fits best with your shooting style. The FA 77 does require quite a bit more working distance than some other lenses. I prefer the DA *55 on APS-C for this reason. If you aren't taking many portraits then it may make sense to get another lens that works better for you.

The biggest thing that I like about the FA 77 is its out of focus rendering which can be amazing at times. It can be a decent landscape lens too...

drypenn · 10-14-2015, 06:35 AM

Originally posted by bdery

I beg to differ. It really depends on the scene, of course, but it can be a great people lens.

That's the main question that needs to be answered.

Agree on the first sentence. Slightly disagree on the second.

Every lens that is the subject of an LBA, will always be an ANSWER looking for a QUESTION. And as sure as the sun will rise from the East, that QUESTION will be found to justify the acquisition.

Seriously, my F70-210 has kept me from getting that 60-250, that lens and refusing to visit threads with 60-250 images.

bdery · 10-14-2015, 07:59 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by drypenn

refusing to visit threads with 60-250 images

Here:

That's what I could gather in a pinch

glad to mess with your lineup

Nicolas06 · 10-23-2015, 11:18 AM

Originally posted by hjoseph7

I'm thinking about selling my 77mm f1.8 Limited lens for the Pentax DA* 60-250mm f4. The reason is I find it hard finding subjects that fall in the 77mm range which on a cropped camera is actually 115mm. For head and shoulder portraits its OK, but I rarely shoot portraits anymore. I think that the 60-250 would give me more flexibility although its only an f4. Would I be missing something if I decide to sell ?

Like some other have say, the key question to ask first is:

The 60-250? For what use? If you have many cases of use for it, then it is worth to buy. That becaus you think you should get it.

And there of course another point: if you don't use/don't like you FA77, you should sell it, even if you buys nothing else in exchange. There no point to keep something expensive like that for no reason.

Sure to ensure you don't spend too much you can combine the 2 in a single operation. But if you want to optimize money really neither FA77 or 60-250 are good choice. a 70-200 f/2.8 from tamron (comparable in size to the 60-250) give the same reach except for infinite focus, comes with f/2.8 that help a lot in low light and for subject separation, is FF compatible, does 1:2 macro and is costing less than half the price of the 60-250. You could for the same price as selling the 77 to get the 60-250, get the tarmon 70-200 and keep the FA77... Or sell the FA77 and fully found the tamron and keep more money in the bank.

But for me you need a real use case for an heavy telezoom. The FA77 with a bit of cropping already get you up to 120mm without issue. Not much different than what the 60-250 does at close focus distance. The large apperture help significantly in low light or for subject separation... If you buy the 60-250 this is really either for the zooming comfort itself or the 150-250mm range. Not the 77-120mm range you could get away just by cropping a bit. And you are spending lot of money to get it with the 60-250 as well as getting much more weight in the bag !!!

Are you sure the 60-250 is the lense for you? Wouldn't be better to get a 135mm prime ? It is already all the reach you might need except for wildlife, much smaller, much lighter, much less expensive: I got my F135 for 318€, 60-250 is 1200€, 4 time more expensive. Or is it the wildlife? But then really wouldn't a 150-450 a better choice? Sure you pay more but for wildlife and getting some great shoots, you'll may want to add the TC to the 60-250 anyway... And the 150-450 is a modern fast lense that seem to perform very well...

Maybe what you need first is to get an innexpensive 55-300, see if you really need a tele, and what focal length you really use... The apperture is not really an issue as otherwise the f/4 of the 60-250 would already be a compromize. And the 55-300 closed to f/8 is quite good.

Then you'll be able to make an informed decision if 250-300mm is enough or not, if you ever use long focal length anyway, if you are happy to gather big lenses with you...

drypenn · 02-11-2016, 10:17 PM

Originally posted by bdery

Here:

That's what I could gather in a pinch

glad to mess with your lineup

Okay, you won!

My Da 60-250 is crossing the Pacific now. Thanks for making me almost $900 (including shipping) poorer!

fg-one · 02-12-2016, 05:56 AM

I would not sell a nice prime to buy a zoom. I would advice you to get a DA200 to complement your 77. Lighter, prime, f2.8. You can always crop in PP.

IchabodCrane · 02-12-2016, 07:05 AM

Originally posted by hjoseph7

I'm thinking about selling my 77mm f1.8 Limited lens for the Pentax DA* 60-250mm f4. The reason is I find it hard finding subjects that fall in the 77mm range which on a cropped camera is actually 115mm. For head and shoulder portraits its OK, but I rarely shoot portraits anymore. I think that the 60-250 would give me more flexibility although its only an f4. Would I be missing something if I decide to sell ?

If the FA 77 is too long, why not go with a more standard event/portrait zoom for APS-C such as the Tamron 28-75/2.8? If will be much smaller and lighter, not to mention less expensive, than the DA* 60-250/4.

bdery · 02-12-2016, 07:55 AM

Originally posted by drypenn

Okay, you won!

My Da 60-250 is crossing the Pacific now. Thanks for making me almost $900 (including shipping) poorer!

I'd rather think I've made you 190mm happier!

fg-one · 02-12-2016, 09:47 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by bdery

I'd rather think I've made you 190mm happier!

oh dear !

drypenn · 02-20-2016, 01:23 AM

Originally posted by bdery

I'd rather think I've made you 190mm happier!

It's funny, but I really want to thank you for helping me spend my money

.

Yup, it IS really sharp even after pixel peeping even at 250mm. I have tried it on my KX. I will see how much more I'll be surprised when mounted on a K3. Indeed it is in a different league when compared against the 55-300.

On a side note, it's quite heavy. I need to hit the gym.

Thank you!

bdery · 02-24-2016, 06:26 AM

Originally posted by drypenn

It's funny, but I really want to thank you for helping me spend my money .

Yup, it IS really sharp even after pixel peeping even at 250mm. I have tried it on my KX. I will see how much more I'll be surprised when mounted on a K3. Indeed it is in a different league when compared against the 55-300.

On a side note, it's quite heavy. I need to hit the gym.

Glad to read it.

I'm no athlete but I'm pretty tall and relatively strong. for me it's not a problem to handle it for extended periods of time. I usually do not bother with a monopod or tripd, everything is handheld.

You'll find that ni addition to sharpness, it has superb colours, and pretty good bokeh.

02-12-2016, 07:05 AM	#26
IchabodCrane Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,728	Originally posted by hjoseph7 I'm thinking about selling my 77mm f1.8 Limited lens for the Pentax DA* 60-250mm f4. The reason is I find it hard finding subjects that fall in the 77mm range which on a cropped camera is actually 115mm. For head and shoulder portraits its OK, but I rarely shoot portraits anymore. I think that the 60-250 would give me more flexibility although its only an f4. Would I be missing something if I decide to sell ? If the FA 77 is too long, why not go with a more standard event/portrait zoom for APS-C such as the Tamron 28-75/2.8? If will be much smaller and lighter, not to mention less expensive, than the DA* 60-250/4. Last edited by IchabodCrane; 02-12-2016 at 07:59 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Pentax 60-250 DA* F4 Zoom Question/Issue?	TDPhotodog	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	6	06-08-2016 03:09 PM
Tamron 70-200+1.4xTC (vs) Pentax 60-250	snimcho	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	10	06-03-2015 01:48 AM
For Sale - Sold: Pentax DA*60-250 F4, Pentax AF080C ring flash	mokey	Sold Items	3	12-28-2014 09:55 PM
Pentax 80-200 f2.8 vs 60-250 f4	hjoseph7	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	14	11-14-2014 03:32 PM

10-13-2015, 06:53 AM	#16
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Originally posted by bdery I beg to differ. It really depends on the scene, of course, but it can be a great people lens. Context is king... I said it wasn't fast enough "for the most part" in a comparison with the FA77 and DA50-135. Most portraiture is shot with a shallower DOF. Of the shots you posted (both are good btw) only one is a portrait per say and it is one that has a darker background and is B&W both of which tend to minimize the background. I have shot my Sigma 400mm f/5.6 as a portrait lens - so I am aware and agree that a telephoto that isn't particularly fast is not excluded from portrait work. However, such a lens it is a far cry from being optimized for the same type of portraits that you would use the FA77 for.. The 50-135 on the other hand - at f/2.8 - is not quite as good at subject isolation as the faster lenses like the FA77, A85, etc. but it does a pretty good job without a lot of manipulation or special compensation required. Shots below were made with the 60-250 - these were shot with my AF540FGZ flash. Last edited by UncleVanya; 10-13-2015 at 06:59 AM.

10-13-2015, 07:05 AM	#17
redcat Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Paris Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,939	Originally posted by hjoseph7 Yes I love my 31mm and my 50mm Takumar but when I put on the 77mm, I'm either too close to fit the subject in the frame or too far... you have what i have, the 31, takumar 50 and the 77 and for portrait, the 77 is unbeatable ! it's small, sharp wide open, colorful and smooth bokeh, even I have a great takumar 50mm 1.4, the bokeh of the 77 is silky smoother. I used to shoot full body with a 135mm and feel that 77 is not long at all ^^ just a little time and it'd be great I don't have the 60-250 to compare but I used the Tamron 28-75, 18-200 and sigma 17-50 but the problem with the zoom is : it makes me lazy, I can cover the frame without bending, moving to choose a better angle. My vision is now sharpen with the primes they are compact and light so you can take it out more often ^^ I sold all my zoom

10-13-2015, 08:26 PM	#18
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	The 77 is stellar for portraits, but I love it for flowers too.

10-13-2015, 08:29 PM	#19
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	My FA77 just arrived. The purple fringing is really easy to coax out...but what a nice lens.

10-14-2015, 03:06 AM	#20
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	You should get what makes you happy and fits best with your shooting style. The FA 77 does require quite a bit more working distance than some other lenses. I prefer the DA *55 on APS-C for this reason. If you aren't taking many portraits then it may make sense to get another lens that works better for you. The biggest thing that I like about the FA 77 is its out of focus rendering which can be amazing at times. It can be a decent landscape lens too...

10-14-2015, 06:35 AM	#21
drypenn Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 963	Originally posted by bdery I beg to differ. It really depends on the scene, of course, but it can be a great people lens. That's the main question that needs to be answered. Agree on the first sentence. Slightly disagree on the second. Every lens that is the subject of an LBA, will always be an ANSWER looking for a QUESTION. And as sure as the sun will rise from the East, that QUESTION will be found to justify the acquisition. Seriously, my F70-210 has kept me from getting that 60-250, that lens and refusing to visit threads with 60-250 images.

10-14-2015, 07:59 AM - 1 Like	#22
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by drypenn refusing to visit threads with 60-250 images Here: That's what I could gather in a pinch glad to mess with your lineup

10-23-2015, 11:18 AM	#23
Nicolas06 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 4,854	Originally posted by hjoseph7 I'm thinking about selling my 77mm f1.8 Limited lens for the Pentax DA* 60-250mm f4. The reason is I find it hard finding subjects that fall in the 77mm range which on a cropped camera is actually 115mm. For head and shoulder portraits its OK, but I rarely shoot portraits anymore. I think that the 60-250 would give me more flexibility although its only an f4. Would I be missing something if I decide to sell ? Like some other have say, the key question to ask first is: The 60-250? For what use? If you have many cases of use for it, then it is worth to buy. That becaus you think you should get it. And there of course another point: if you don't use/don't like you FA77, you should sell it, even if you buys nothing else in exchange. There no point to keep something expensive like that for no reason. Sure to ensure you don't spend too much you can combine the 2 in a single operation. But if you want to optimize money really neither FA77 or 60-250 are good choice. a 70-200 f/2.8 from tamron (comparable in size to the 60-250) give the same reach except for infinite focus, comes with f/2.8 that help a lot in low light and for subject separation, is FF compatible, does 1:2 macro and is costing less than half the price of the 60-250. You could for the same price as selling the 77 to get the 60-250, get the tarmon 70-200 and keep the FA77... Or sell the FA77 and fully found the tamron and keep more money in the bank. But for me you need a real use case for an heavy telezoom. The FA77 with a bit of cropping already get you up to 120mm without issue. Not much different than what the 60-250 does at close focus distance. The large apperture help significantly in low light or for subject separation... If you buy the 60-250 this is really either for the zooming comfort itself or the 150-250mm range. Not the 77-120mm range you could get away just by cropping a bit. And you are spending lot of money to get it with the 60-250 as well as getting much more weight in the bag !!! Are you sure the 60-250 is the lense for you? Wouldn't be better to get a 135mm prime ? It is already all the reach you might need except for wildlife, much smaller, much lighter, much less expensive: I got my F135 for 318€, 60-250 is 1200€, 4 time more expensive. Or is it the wildlife? But then really wouldn't a 150-450 a better choice? Sure you pay more but for wildlife and getting some great shoots, you'll may want to add the TC to the 60-250 anyway... And the 150-450 is a modern fast lense that seem to perform very well... Maybe what you need first is to get an innexpensive 55-300, see if you really need a tele, and what focal length you really use... The apperture is not really an issue as otherwise the f/4 of the 60-250 would already be a compromize. And the 55-300 closed to f/8 is quite good. Then you'll be able to make an informed decision if 250-300mm is enough or not, if you ever use long focal length anyway, if you are happy to gather big lenses with you...

02-11-2016, 10:17 PM	#24
drypenn Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 963	Originally posted by bdery Here: That's what I could gather in a pinch glad to mess with your lineup Okay, you won! My Da 60-250 is crossing the Pacific now. Thanks for making me almost $900 (including shipping) poorer!

02-12-2016, 05:56 AM	#25
fg-one Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 293	I would not sell a nice prime to buy a zoom. I would advice you to get a DA200 to complement your 77. Lighter, prime, f2.8. You can always crop in PP.

02-12-2016, 07:55 AM	#27
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by drypenn Okay, you won! My Da 60-250 is crossing the Pacific now. Thanks for making me almost $900 (including shipping) poorer! I'd rather think I've made you 190mm happier!

02-12-2016, 09:47 AM - 1 Like	#28
fg-one Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 293	Originally posted by bdery I'd rather think I've made you 190mm happier! oh dear !

02-20-2016, 01:23 AM	#29
drypenn Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 963	Originally posted by bdery I'd rather think I've made you 190mm happier! It's funny, but I really want to thank you for helping me spend my money . Yup, it IS really sharp even after pixel peeping even at 250mm. I have tried it on my KX. I will see how much more I'll be surprised when mounted on a K3. Indeed it is in a different league when compared against the 55-300. On a side note, it's quite heavy. I need to hit the gym. Thank you!

02-24-2016, 06:26 AM	#30
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by drypenn It's funny, but I really want to thank you for helping me spend my money . Yup, it IS really sharp even after pixel peeping even at 250mm. I have tried it on my KX. I will see how much more I'll be surprised when mounted on a K3. Indeed it is in a different league when compared against the 55-300. On a side note, it's quite heavy. I need to hit the gym. Glad to read it. I'm no athlete but I'm pretty tall and relatively strong. for me it's not a problem to handle it for extended periods of time. I usually do not bother with a monopod or tripd, everything is handheld. You'll find that ni addition to sharpness, it has superb colours, and pretty good bokeh.