[TerryL]

Hello folks,
This is my first post since I new to Pentax. I received my K-1 today, and get my 24-70 on Thursday. So, I'm a happy camper. My question is, what's an awesome portrait lens? I would like an 85mm 1.4, but I don't see one under Pentax. Should I go with a 77 Limited? I want something really awesome, and sharp wide open. I love to shoot at razor thin dog.
Thank you very much.
Terry

[jlstrawman]

Samyang 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF Lens Reviews - Samyang Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Pretty good bang for the buck. I like mine a lot. But it is MF.

[Na Horuk]

Get a Helios 44-2! Or Voigtlander 58mm! Or Samyang 135mm! Or FA 77mm! Or Carl Zeiss 85mm! There are many many options, each with its pros and cons. Try to narrow it down more with features and budget. Do you need AF? Do you want a relatively normal perspective for closer work, indoors, or do you want a longer perspective?

If you don't mind MF, go with Samyang 135mm. If you want AF and character, go with FA 77mm. Both are great.
I enjoy the DFA 100mm and cheap old Helios 44-2 for the little, amateur portraiture that I do

[TwoUptons]

I have the Rokinon (Samyang) 85mm f1.4, and I really enjoy it. Manual focus is its biggest shortcoming, if that matters to you.

DoF at f1.4 is hard to manage, focus-wise in all but the most controlled environments.

It is decently sharp wide open but really nice from about f2.8 on, where I prefer the DoF anyway.

It has great balance on the K1 as well, and good ergonomics, though I’ve heard the focus ring can get grumpy when shooting in below freezing temperatures.

-Eric

[pschlute]

Hi Terry. Good luck with whatever you choose. I find the snout means I shoot my dogs at f11

[surfar]

DFA * 85mm f1.4, its years of the Primes...Which Years is the ?

[TerryL]

Samyang 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF Lens Reviews - Samyang Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Pretty good bang for the buck. I like mine a lot. But it is MF.

Thank you, that's a beautiful lens. I do need autofocus.
Terry

[mr.b.snowden]

Get both the FA77, or the FA*85, along with the Samyang 135mm f/2 and you'll be set. The 135 is a beast of a lens wide open and is a great complement to a shorter telephoto like the 77 or 85.

[TerryL]

Get a Helios 44-2! Or Voigtlander 58mm! Or Samyang 135mm! Or FA 77mm! Or Carl Zeiss 85mm! There are many many options, each with its pros and cons. Try to narrow it down more with features and budget. Do you need AF? Do you want a relatively normal perspective for closer work, indoors, or do you want a longer perspective?

If you don't mind MF, go with Samyang 135mm. If you want AF and character, go with FA 77mm. Both are great.
I enjoy the DFA 100mm and cheap old Helios 44-2 for the little, amateur portraiture that I do

Thank you. I love the Zeiss, had a 100 with a Nikon mount. I will need autofocus. Otherwise, I would definitely have on in my kit.
Terry

[mattb123]

FA 77 is fantastic. I hear the 85 is too but it's a lot harder to find and more expensive.

[TerryL]

DFA * 85mm f1.4, its years of the Primes...Which Years is the ?

I am looking for the FA 85 1.4, but they are all overseas on eBay. That makes me a little nervous and the wait is so long. It's a beautiful lens.
Terry

[hcc]

FA 77 is fantastic.

+1
The FA77mm is a great lens, superb for portrait. It was voted the best Pentax lens at PF. No wonder.

Highly recommended. I add that I have other great lenses, mentioned in earlier posts, like the Voigtlander 58mm, Carl Zeiss 85mm, Voigtlander 90mm, .... None are as good as the FA77mm Ltd in terms of portrait colour rendering IMHO.

Hope it may help.

[TerryL]

FA 77 is fantastic. I hear the 85 is too but it's a lot harder to find and more expensive.

Thank you, Matt. If I knew that I could shoot close to open, and the skin tones are beautiful along with color that pops, I would get the 77 and be done with it. It's been mentioned too many times.
Terry

---------- Post added 01-10-18 at 04:33 PM ----------

Get both the FA77, or the FA*85, along with the Samyang 135mm f/2 and you'll be set. The 135 is a beast of a lens wide open and is a great complement to a shorter telephoto like the 77 or 85.

Never heard of Samyang. Sounds great, though. I might just end up with the 77, and I am a little partial to 85 or 100 fl for portraits. Thank you.
Terry

[tduell]

Hello Terry,
I'll add my two bobs worth.
I use a Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM with the K-1 and reckon it's the ant's pants...hard to imagine what a better lens would produce.

Cheers,
Terry

[TerryL]

Hi Terry. Good luck with whatever you choose. I find the snout means I shoot my dogs at f11

Hi Peter. I looked really hard today for the FA 85. I'm not giving up, though. Your Dog pictures are absolutely beautiful, along with everything else.
Terry