Best Portrait Lens? Budget: $600

24thNomad · 08-02-2018, 10:25 AM

Title pretty much says it all. I'm looking into purchasing an upgrade to my fantastic plastic 50mm f/1.8. I have been scoping out the reviews but I wanted to see how others felt and see if I missed anything I haven't seen yet.

Relevant notes:

- I shoot with a K-70.

- I owned a 70mm Limited for a short time. Image quality was very nice but I feel like its full frame equiv focal length (105 ish) is a bit too narrow for me.

- I've had my eye on the 55mm f.1.4 Star lens for a little bit. Looks like a compelling choice.

Thanks in advance for any insight!

**UncleVanya** · 08-02-2018, 10:42 AM - **1 Like**

Disclosure: I have not used the DA* 55. I also tend to like longer focal length than most for portrait work. I have used my DA* 200 on my K-3 for this for example.

My personal favorite is the FA Limited 77 f/1.8 but the DA 70 is another good choice. Both of these are similar in their angle of view to my old standard on Nikon film bodies the 105 f/2.5. On Pentax film I used an A* 85 f/1.4 and a 100mm f/2.8 Macro.

Other fine options include:
DA* 55 f/1.4 (I haven't used this)
FA 50 f/1.4 (I haven't used this on crop digital)
DA* 200 f/2.8 (L-o-n-g working distance) Fantastic isolation, great option for outdoor shots if you have the working relationship to make it work.
DA 100 2.8 Macro (WR or not) Some think too clinical and sharp but it is pretty good. Biggest issue is overshooting focus and waiting for focus to catch up when missed.
DA 50-135 f/2.8 - Lovely zoom that on crop mimics the 70-200 used on full frame by loads of pros.
FA 135 f/2.8 (have never used on crop)
F versions of the FA lenses may work also.

aaacb · 08-02-2018, 10:54 AM - **2 Likes**

I like that fa 43 or da 40 for portraits other than tight headshots, or the fa 50 if you want something longer but not as long as 70mm. (All on apsc)

SSGGeezer · 08-02-2018, 10:55 AM - **2 Likes**

I have to agree with most of Uncle Vanya's choices, I also agree that the FA 77 is probably the best, if the narrower FOV bothered you on the 70, it would probably not work for you.
I would definitely agree on the DA* 50-135 as it is an amazing lens! For a budget choice, I would say a DA 17-70 that still has a good SDM, (Available new with warrantee also,) that is a nice all around shooter.

I have even gotten nice results with my SMC DA 40 F2.8 Limited for groups of two plus a baby as long as they don't mind you up close. Any modern and many older lenses in the 30 to 135mm focal length can get great images depending on what your style of shooting is. Go for a limited or a Star* lens and your IQ will hold up to pretty much any style.

Go to the Pentax deals thread and McBains Camera in Canada has the DA*55 for under $410 USD shipped New!

Last edited by SSGGeezer; 08-02-2018 at 01:34 PM.

24thNomad · 08-02-2018, 11:08 AM

Originally posted by SSGGeezer

I have to agree with most of Uncle Vanya's choices, I also agree that the FA 77 is probably the best, if the narrower FOV bothered you on the 70, it would probably not work for you.
I would definitely agree on the DA* 50-135 as it is an amazing lens! For a budget choice, I would say a DA 17-70 that still has a good SDM, (Available new with warrantee also,) that is a nice all around shooter.

I have even gotten nice results with my SMC DA 40 F3.2 Limited for groups of two plus a baby as long as they don't mind you up close. Any modern and many older lenses in the 30 to 135mm focal length can get great images depending on what your style of shooting is. Go for a limited or a Star* lens and your IQ will hold up to pretty much any style.

Go to the Pentax deals thread and McBains Camera in Canada has the DA*55 for under $410 USD shipped New!

Whoa, that's a steal. I might have to pull the trigger on that deal.

The 50-135* looks like a great option as well. I do a lot of concert and event photography so the wide coverage could be just what I need. A lot of my work is indoors so a wider aperture is appreciated. I was looking into a prime (I don't have many) but I may consider that. My main lens is the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 ART. I've learned its nuances and gotten some good shots with it. But you can't always get that close to your subject in these settings.

Thanks for all these suggestions so far guys. Gonna have to do some homework on a few of these I haven't looked into like 40 or 43.

bienvenueici · 08-02-2018, 11:19 AM

The 77mm f1.8 Limited is practically glued to my K-5iis for portraits.

But if you find 70mm too narrow, you may better look at the 43mm f1.9 Limited which seems to have that pixie dust, 3D effect.

Further more, it's also a FF-ready lens, coming from film-era.

Gianclaudio · 08-02-2018, 11:37 AM - **2 Likes**

Get the 50-135..... Is an outstanding, all rounder lens that will be enormously useful for concerts, stand up acts, weedings, etc.
Sharpness, rendering, bokeh, skin tones.... they're as good as prime, and has better CA control compared to many of them.

Also, although focusing is slow, is very precise and locks at first... no jerking no hesitation.

Good luck

**FozzFoster** · 08-02-2018, 11:42 AM - **1 Like**

I recently posted in the Price Watch section about the 50-135 (and many others) at McBain. The 50-135 is on for $650 CAD which is an absolute steal.

Huge Sale at McBain Camera - Alberta, Canada - PentaxForums.com

Originally posted by SSGGeezer

Go to the Pentax deals thread and McBains Camera in Canada has the DA*55 for under $410 USD shipped New!

^^^ I should have read the comments more thoroughly!

**Alex645** · 08-02-2018, 11:43 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by 24thNomad

Title pretty much says it all. I'm looking into purchasing an upgrade to my fantastic plastic 50mm f/1.8. I have been scoping out the reviews but I wanted to see how others felt and see if I missed anything I haven't seen yet.

- I've had my eye on the 55mm f.1.4 Star lens for a little bit. Looks like a compelling choice.

There's going to be various subjective opinions here, but if you feel your 70mm on the K-70 was a bit long, I would agree with your choice of a DA* 55mm f/1.4 that is currently under your $600 budget.

24thNomad · 08-02-2018, 11:46 AM

Originally posted by FozzFoster

I recently posted in the Price Watch section about the 50-135 (and many others) at McBain. The 50-135 is on for $650 CAD which is an absolute steal.

Huge Sale at McBain Camera - Alberta, Canada - PentaxForums.com

2nd person in this thread to suggest this retailer. Definitely checking this out. Thanks!

**mike.hiran** · 08-02-2018, 11:46 AM

If you don't need auto focus and you don't mind stop down metering, the Helios 44-2 58mm f2.0 is a pretty amazing choice too. It has a very unique rendering of out of focus highlights in the background that some people like. This lens can often be found for around $50 (used) and you'd need an m42 adapter for about $40 if you want the Pentax one. So that would leave you about $500 to buy a good used 50-135 maybe

SSGGeezer · 08-02-2018, 11:50 AM

Stretch your budget a little and get the 17-70 F4 and the DA* 50-135 for 729 and change USD plus another 20 for shipping. (based on current exchange rates, Your Credit card's rates may vary, (and often do!)

**UncleVanya** · 08-02-2018, 11:51 AM - **6 Likes**

Originally posted by Gianclaudio

Get the 50-135..... Is an outstanding, all rounder lens that will be enormously useful for concerts, stand up acts, weedings, etc.
Sharpness, rendering, bokeh, skin tones.... they're as good as prime, and has better CA control compared to many of them.

Also, although focusing is slow, is very precise and locks at first... no jerking no hesitation.

Good luck

And while it is SDM it can be converted to screw drive.

I love my DA* 50-135.

Another couple of unusual lenses to recommend:
DA 18-135 - it is quite surprising how good this lens is for portraits in good lighting.
DA 40 limited - if you can get closer this is a really fun lens to use and very non-threatening which can be a factor for many subjects not used to getting their picture taken.

Some examples:

18-135:

DFA 100 Macro:

F 50 f/1.7:

HD DA 70:

DA* 50-135:

FA 77 Limited:

**FozzFoster** · 08-02-2018, 11:53 AM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

Some examples

Nice examples UncleVanya! Well done

24thNomad · 08-02-2018, 12:07 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by UncleVanya

And while it is SDM it can be converted to screw drive.

I love my DA* 50-135.

Another couple of unusual lenses to recommend:
DA 18-135 - it is quite surprising how good this lens is for portraits in good lighting.
DA 40 limited - if you can get closer this is a really fun lens to use and very non-threatening which can be a factor for many subjects not used to getting their picture taken.

Some examples:

18-135:

DFA 100 Macro:

F 50 f/1.7:

HD DA 70:

DA* 50-135:

FA 77 Limited:

Okay, this helps a LOT. Thank you for that.

Also, I do own the 18-135; I got it with my K-70. When I first got it, I was unsure about it and seemed lackluster. I made myself use it more and will definitely be keeping it. But, I have used it in an indoor concert situation, and the slower aperture is a bane in some lighting situations. Perhaps, I'm not experienced enough to know to how to get around this. But I found it too slow for those settings. In good lighting, though, I definitely agree.

Also, that 50-135 is impressive! That's such nice IQ from a zoom. I'd probably be willing to go past the budget a little bit if a nice copy came my way.

08-02-2018, 10:25 AM	#1
24thNomad Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 66	Best Portrait Lens? Budget: $600 Title pretty much says it all. I'm looking into purchasing an upgrade to my fantastic plastic 50mm f/1.8. I have been scoping out the reviews but I wanted to see how others felt and see if I missed anything I haven't seen yet. Relevant notes: - I shoot with a K-70. - I owned a 70mm Limited for a short time. Image quality was very nice but I feel like its full frame equiv focal length (105 ish) is a bit too narrow for me. - I've had my eye on the 55mm f.1.4 Star lens for a little bit. Looks like a compelling choice. Thanks in advance for any insight!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Where to get accessories for the FA* 300/2.8, FA* 600/4, FA* 250-600, A* 400/2.8, etc	Clinton	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	28	07-13-2023 12:07 AM
Best 300mm lens on a budget	Vicioustuna2012	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	55	02-12-2017 05:02 PM

08-02-2018, 10:42 AM - 1 Like	#2
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Disclosure: I have not used the DA* 55. I also tend to like longer focal length than most for portrait work. I have used my DA* 200 on my K-3 for this for example. My personal favorite is the FA Limited 77 f/1.8 but the DA 70 is another good choice. Both of these are similar in their angle of view to my old standard on Nikon film bodies the 105 f/2.5. On Pentax film I used an A* 85 f/1.4 and a 100mm f/2.8 Macro. Other fine options include: DA* 55 f/1.4 (I haven't used this) FA 50 f/1.4 (I haven't used this on crop digital) DA* 200 f/2.8 (L-o-n-g working distance) Fantastic isolation, great option for outdoor shots if you have the working relationship to make it work. DA 100 2.8 Macro (WR or not) Some think too clinical and sharp but it is pretty good. Biggest issue is overshooting focus and waiting for focus to catch up when missed. DA 50-135 f/2.8 - Lovely zoom that on crop mimics the 70-200 used on full frame by loads of pros. FA 135 f/2.8 (have never used on crop) F versions of the FA lenses may work also.

08-02-2018, 10:54 AM - 2 Likes	#3
aaacb Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,724	I like that fa 43 or da 40 for portraits other than tight headshots, or the fa 50 if you want something longer but not as long as 70mm. (All on apsc)

08-02-2018, 10:55 AM - 2 Likes	#4
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	I have to agree with most of Uncle Vanya's choices, I also agree that the FA 77 is probably the best, if the narrower FOV bothered you on the 70, it would probably not work for you. I would definitely agree on the DA* 50-135 as it is an amazing lens! For a budget choice, I would say a DA 17-70 that still has a good SDM, (Available new with warrantee also,) that is a nice all around shooter. I have even gotten nice results with my SMC DA 40 F2.8 Limited for groups of two plus a baby as long as they don't mind you up close. Any modern and many older lenses in the 30 to 135mm focal length can get great images depending on what your style of shooting is. Go for a limited or a Star* lens and your IQ will hold up to pretty much any style. Go to the Pentax deals thread and McBains Camera in Canada has the DA55 for under $410 USD shipped New! Last edited by SSGGeezer; 08-02-2018 at 01:34 PM.*

08-02-2018, 11:08 AM	#5
24thNomad Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 66 Original Poster	Originally posted by SSGGeezer I have to agree with most of Uncle Vanya's choices, I also agree that the FA 77 is probably the best, if the narrower FOV bothered you on the 70, it would probably not work for you. I would definitely agree on the DA* 50-135 as it is an amazing lens! For a budget choice, I would say a DA 17-70 that still has a good SDM, (Available new with warrantee also,) that is a nice all around shooter. I have even gotten nice results with my SMC DA 40 F3.2 Limited for groups of two plus a baby as long as they don't mind you up close. Any modern and many older lenses in the 30 to 135mm focal length can get great images depending on what your style of shooting is. Go for a limited or a Star* lens and your IQ will hold up to pretty much any style. Go to the Pentax deals thread and McBains Camera in Canada has the DA55 for under $410 USD shipped New! Whoa, that's a steal. I might have to pull the trigger on that deal. The 50-135 looks like a great option as well. I do a lot of concert and event photography so the wide coverage could be just what I need. A lot of my work is indoors so a wider aperture is appreciated. I was looking into a prime (I don't have many) but I may consider that. My main lens is the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 ART. I've learned its nuances and gotten some good shots with it. But you can't always get that close to your subject in these settings. Thanks for all these suggestions so far guys. Gonna have to do some homework on a few of these I haven't looked into like 40 or 43.

08-02-2018, 11:19 AM	#6
bienvenueici Junior Member Join Date: May 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 39	The 77mm f1.8 Limited is practically glued to my K-5iis for portraits. But if you find 70mm too narrow, you may better look at the 43mm f1.9 Limited which seems to have that pixie dust, 3D effect. Further more, it's also a FF-ready lens, coming from film-era.

08-02-2018, 11:37 AM - 2 Likes	#7
Gianclaudio Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Hannover Photos: Gallery Posts: 163	Get the 50-135..... Is an outstanding, all rounder lens that will be enormously useful for concerts, stand up acts, weedings, etc. Sharpness, rendering, bokeh, skin tones.... they're as good as prime, and has better CA control compared to many of them. Also, although focusing is slow, is very precise and locks at first... no jerking no hesitation. Good luck

08-02-2018, 11:42 AM - 1 Like	#8
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	I recently posted in the Price Watch section about the 50-135 (and many others) at McBain. The 50-135 is on for $650 CAD which is an absolute steal. Huge Sale at McBain Camera - Alberta, Canada - PentaxForums.com Originally posted by SSGGeezer Go to the Pentax deals thread and McBains Camera in Canada has the DA*55 for under $410 USD shipped New! ^^^ I should have read the comments more thoroughly!

08-02-2018, 11:43 AM - 1 Like	#9
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,526	Originally posted by 24thNomad Title pretty much says it all. I'm looking into purchasing an upgrade to my fantastic plastic 50mm f/1.8. I have been scoping out the reviews but I wanted to see how others felt and see if I missed anything I haven't seen yet. - I've had my eye on the 55mm f.1.4 Star lens for a little bit. Looks like a compelling choice. There's going to be various subjective opinions here, but if you feel your 70mm on the K-70 was a bit long, I would agree with your choice of a DA* 55mm f/1.4 that is currently under your $600 budget.

08-02-2018, 11:46 AM	#10
24thNomad Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 66 Original Poster	Originally posted by FozzFoster I recently posted in the Price Watch section about the 50-135 (and many others) at McBain. The 50-135 is on for $650 CAD which is an absolute steal. Huge Sale at McBain Camera - Alberta, Canada - PentaxForums.com 2nd person in this thread to suggest this retailer. Definitely checking this out. Thanks!

08-02-2018, 11:46 AM	#11
mike.hiran Site Supporter Join Date: May 2007 Location: portland Photos: Albums Posts: 1,491	If you don't need auto focus and you don't mind stop down metering, the Helios 44-2 58mm f2.0 is a pretty amazing choice too. It has a very unique rendering of out of focus highlights in the background that some people like. This lens can often be found for around $50 (used) and you'd need an m42 adapter for about $40 if you want the Pentax one. So that would leave you about $500 to buy a good used 50-135 maybe

08-02-2018, 11:50 AM	#12
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	Stretch your budget a little and get the 17-70 F4 and the DA* 50-135 for 729 and change USD plus another 20 for shipping. (based on current exchange rates, Your Credit card's rates may vary, (and often do!)

08-02-2018, 11:51 AM - 6 Likes	#13
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Originally posted by Gianclaudio Get the 50-135..... Is an outstanding, all rounder lens that will be enormously useful for concerts, stand up acts, weedings, etc. Sharpness, rendering, bokeh, skin tones.... they're as good as prime, and has better CA control compared to many of them. Also, although focusing is slow, is very precise and locks at first... no jerking no hesitation. Good luck And while it is SDM it can be converted to screw drive. I love my DA* 50-135. Another couple of unusual lenses to recommend: DA 18-135 - it is quite surprising how good this lens is for portraits in good lighting. DA 40 limited - if you can get closer this is a really fun lens to use and very non-threatening which can be a factor for many subjects not used to getting their picture taken. Some examples: 18-135: DFA 100 Macro: F 50 f/1.7: HD DA 70: DA* 50-135: FA 77 Limited:

08-02-2018, 11:53 AM	#14
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by UncleVanya Some examples Nice examples UncleVanya! Well done

08-02-2018, 12:07 PM - 1 Like	#15
24thNomad Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 66 Original Poster	Originally posted by UncleVanya And while it is SDM it can be converted to screw drive. I love my DA* 50-135. Another couple of unusual lenses to recommend: DA 18-135 - it is quite surprising how good this lens is for portraits in good lighting. DA 40 limited - if you can get closer this is a really fun lens to use and very non-threatening which can be a factor for many subjects not used to getting their picture taken. Some examples: 18-135: DFA 100 Macro: F 50 f/1.7: HD DA 70: DA* 50-135: FA 77 Limited: Okay, this helps a LOT. Thank you for that. Also, I do own the 18-135; I got it with my K-70. When I first got it, I was unsure about it and seemed lackluster. I made myself use it more and will definitely be keeping it. But, I have used it in an indoor concert situation, and the slower aperture is a bane in some lighting situations. Perhaps, I'm not experienced enough to know to how to get around this. But I found it too slow for those settings. In good lighting, though, I definitely agree. Also, that 50-135 is impressive! That's such nice IQ from a zoom. I'd probably be willing to go past the budget a little bit if a nice copy came my way.