Originally posted by ddbarchitect I am considering buying a new portrait lens to pair with my K-3ii. I currently own the M50mm f1.7 and the M85mm f2. I find both of these difficult to focus without using live view. Also, I don't like the hexagonal highlight bokeh of the 50mm f1.7 when stopped down.
I think the DA*55 would be a nice focal length, but I have heard reports about inconsistent and slow auto focus.
The DA70 is appealing in it's size, focal length, and cool limited factor, but I am wondering if f2.4 is a limitation. I haven't seen many examples from this lens that have a really soft background.
The 77mm is a lens that I have always lusted after, but now I am wondering if it is a little long, and also too expensive.
I would love to hear peoples thoughts and see any example photos.
I may be late to the show, but here's my take:
except if you own a studio or want to shoot outside where you have a lot of room, the 77 is not a good choice on the K-3 ii. Too tight. Even 50/55mm is too tight in many situations. I a realistic home studio environment, I find that 40mm is ideal for a portrait lens on APS-C. With my K-3, the DA40 limited was my most used prime by far, ni and out of the studio. Even outside, I used it a lot. I did not own a 50mm lens at the end.
Now I have a K-1 also, and don't use the 40 a lot. It's still a very good lens, but I find myself using 50 more, and the 77 has been added to my kit and is used very often. It's still a bit narrow inside, except for closely framed portraits.