Originally posted by Douglas_of_Sweden
Fotnote: The FA77ltd, which didn't make it into the top 10 average ratings, uses the same optical design as the A*85, which made it into the top 10. They just tweaked focal length and speed slightly, which isn't a big loss, since the A*85/1.4 is soft wide .
I wouldn't be so sure.
Optical layout isn't everything.
Both lenses should have been made with Hoya optical glass. I don't know when Japan restricted the use of hazardous materials (like lead) in the industry. Could have been after Germany. It is possible that the A Star was calculated for the use of optical glass that was not available anymore when the Limiteds were designed. And even if not, it's very likely that the curvatures and the refractive index of the various elements differ in a significant way, one lens from the other.
The different size of the elements, and the important difference in speed (almost 1 stop) suggest a new project, based on new raytracing data.
Btw, an interesting test done on film long time ago showed that the 77 Ltd was kind of average, resolution wise. I think it was designed to have great rendition, not great charts.
I found the original post very interesting, it gives an idea of the taste of us Pentaxians, or at least of those who write reviews
I see there are many A Star lenses in the first ten. Of those I own, only the 2.8/200mm could possibly not deserve its rank. I would also demote the 30mm series K.
I love MF optics, so according to my taste I would give their place to the 1.2/50mm (either K or A) and the 2.2/85mm Soft Focus. Both are the perfect example of the kind of lenses that are not always appreciated because of misplaced expectations and lack of patience/technique/knowledge.
Cheers
Paolo