77ltd vs 50-135* Thoughts...?

PentaxPoke · 10-09-2008, 08:43 AM

Originally posted by suro

I write it here recently - the 70mm Limited is much better

Prove it.

k100d · 10-09-2008, 09:00 AM

if you look at the DA70 lens reviews here, someone has mentioned the the 100 macro actually does a better job w/ portraits

Serge · 10-09-2008, 09:29 AM

Originally posted by k100d

if you look at the DA70 lens reviews here, someone has mentioned the the 100 macro actually does a better job w/ portraits

Maybe one mentioned just more detailed job, not really any better in terms of rendering. I believe the 100macro suffers from lack of individuality, has a kind of 'canon like' image

drewdlephone · 10-09-2008, 10:28 AM

I don't know if the OP has decided yet, but, if it were me, I'd seriously consider the 50-135 lens. Technically speaking, the 77 is a more capable low light/portrait lens if you look at just numbers, but I can't detect much, if any, difference in the shots off the zoom lens and the shots off the prime (they're both jaw-dropping). What would get me to purchase the 50-135 is the convenience of having zoom, and weather resistance.

It's a personal preference in the end though. I'm not a huge fan for having five lenses to cover a particular focal range instead of one.

maxwell1295 · 10-09-2008, 12:54 PM

I have a hard time believing any lens is "much better" than the 50-135. I imagine there are better lenses, but "much better"? Probably not without a very hefty price tag. It's just an incredible lens that offers versatility that the 70mm and 77mm lenses can't match. It's almost like having 4 lenses in one: 50mm, 70mm, 105mm, and 135mm.......plus everything in between. The DA70 was on my lens map....until I got the 50-135.

beaumont · 10-09-2008, 05:40 PM

Originally posted by drewdlephone

I don't know if the OP has decided yet, but, if it were me, I'd seriously consider the 50-135 lens. .

Nope, haven't decided yet. Too many good arguments both way. I guess the good news is that there's no bad decision. In the meantime, I'll ponder a little longer, and keep reading the feedback on the two...
(Thx for the feedback.)

vizjerei · 10-09-2008, 07:18 PM

interesting enough I have just reply one of the member here in the forum the same question

As you see I have both of them and the 100mm 2.8, I guess I will just share why.
The order I bought these 3 are follow: DFA 100mm Macro, 77ltd and then the DA* 50-135.

First it was a no brain for 100mm macro because I love doing macro ( even I thought my shaky hands don't usually work with me) and I thought to myself I can use it for portraits as well. I soon find out that 100mm doing portraits is giving me quite a lot of space between the subject and I... actually sometime too far.. not to metion the Auto Focus with the DFA100mm is damn slow since the focus distance is quite long.

So after abit of saving and researching I get the 77ltd, the night I got it was one of my friend's wedding dinner, so I bought K10D along with it, with no flash in the typical chinese restaurant indoor lighting, the photos are sharp, high detail and great contrast. From then on, it always in my camera bag when I go out. I love it even more when I can use it on my K2 film camera

I bought the DA* 50-135 used from a guy switching to Canon. I use it mainly when I got on busy trip, camping and events where somewhere crowed. Silent focusing, weather sealing, ease of use, great range of view... and I don't want my 77ltd get hurt XD, I didn't use it as much as 77 because the size and weight of the lens, yes it maybe like having 50, 77, 100 and 135 with you, but it is also like holding them all at the same time :P while I can put my 35 in one pocket and another lens in the camera bag, 77 on the camera feel much comforting to hold.

so there you have it... I always have the 35, 77ltd and now the 12-24 with me in the smaller camera bag. Only when I need it I will carry the bigger backpack that has the 50-135, with flash and stuff. DFA 100mm is doing what it does best, macro and sometime portraits if I was lazy to change the lens.

Last edited by vizjerei; 10-09-2008 at 07:24 PM.

beaumont · 10-09-2008, 07:45 PM

Originally posted by vizjerei

interesting enough I have just reply one of the member here in the forum the same question

As you see I have both of them and the 100mm 2.8, I guess I will just share why.
The order I bought these 3 are follow: DFA 100mm Macro, 77ltd and then the DA* 50-135.

First it was a no brain for 100mm macro because I love doing macro ( even I thought my shaky hands don't usually work with me) and I thought to myself I can use it for portraits as well. I soon find out that 100mm doing portraits is giving me quite a lot of space between the subject and I... actually sometime too far.. not to metion the Auto Focus with the DFA100mm is damn slow since the focus distance is quite long.

So after abit of saving and researching I get the 77ltd, the night I got it was one of my friend's wedding dinner, so I bought K10D along with it, with no flash in the typical chinese restaurant indoor lighting, the photos are sharp, high detail and great contrast. From then on, it always in my camera bag when I go out. I love it even more when I can use it on my K2 film camera

I bought the DA* 50-135 used from a guy switching to Canon. I use it mainly when I got on busy trip, camping and events where somewhere crowed. Silent focusing, weather sealing, ease of use, great range of view... and I don't want my 77ltd get hurt XD, I didn't use it as much as 77 because the size and weight of the lens, yes it maybe like having 50, 77, 100 and 135 with you, but it is also like holding them all at the same time :P while I can put my 35 in one pocket and another lens in the camera bag, 77 on the camera feel much comforting to hold.

so there you have it... I always have the 35, 77ltd and now the 12-24 with me in the smaller camera bag. Only when I need it I will carry the bigger backpack that has the 50-135, with flash and stuff. DFA 100mm is doing what it does best, macro and sometime portraits if I was lazy to change the lens.

Thanks for the insight. It's always nice to hear from someone who has both. (A few of the others that responded also had both.) One of your comments that really hit home was "yes it maybe like having 50, 77, 100 and 135 with you, but it is also like holding them all at the same time". I find my 18-250 to be rather large, yet it is somewhat smaller than the 50-135. I'm leaning towards the 77ltd, and might keep the 50-135 in mind to replace the 18-250 down the road...
thx again

jsherman999 · 10-09-2008, 08:53 PM

.

Though I rate the 77ltd higher, I guess my advice would be to get the 50-135
if you're only choosing one - much more versatile, incredible resolution and contrast -
and not just for a zoom. It is like having a bunch of primes on your camera
at the same time.

The 77ltd has speed & magic, but the 50-135 can please the hell out of you at
any focal length from 50 to 135mm.

.

rfortson · 10-09-2008, 09:04 PM

Originally posted by beaumont

I find my 18-250 to be rather large, yet it is somewhat smaller than the 50-135. I'm leaning towards the 77ltd, and might keep the 50-135 in mind to replace the 18-250 down the road...
thx again

If you find the 18-250 large, then the 50-135 will be like a tank to you. The 18-250 is only slightly larger than the kit lens, though noticeably heavier. The 50-135 is significantly larger than the 18-250, and you'd really miss the 18-50 range. 50mm is pretty long on an APS-C camera.

tomtor · 10-12-2008, 01:06 AM

Originally posted by beaumont

Thanks for the insight. It's always nice to hear from someone who has both. (A few of the others that responded also had both.) One of your comments that really hit home was "yes it maybe like having 50, 77, 100 and 135 with you, but it is also like holding them all at the same time". I find my 18-250 to be rather large, yet it is somewhat smaller than the 50-135. I'm leaning towards the 77ltd, and might keep the 50-135 in mind to replace the 18-250 down the road...
thx again

I have the 77 and the 18-250 but do still plan on getting the 50-135.

The obvious advantage of the 77 is speed and size/weight, but the weather seals and zoom capability of the 50-135 are also needed in some situations (and 18-250 is also nice in others). I originally considered getting the DA70, but I dismissed it because the speed advantage over a future 50-135 is minimal.

FA77 at F1.8 can really make a difference over F2.8:

nulla · 10-12-2008, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Though I rate the 77ltd higher, I guess my advice would be to get the 50-135
if you're only choosing one - much more versatile, incredible resolution and contrast -
and not just for a zoom. It is like having a bunch of primes on your camera
at the same time.

The 77ltd has speed & magic, but the 50-135 can please the hell out of you at
any focal length from 50 to 135mm.

I have both and agree 100% with your comments.

For me the 77ltd is the best when the occasion or event is pre planned and the focal length well suited, but the da 50-135 when mounted covers for the extra or lesser focal lengths in near on an equal manner IQ wise

Love them both... not to forget that a good copy of the DA 16-50 really caps of quite a range with 2 zooms giving great results. A couple of limited primes in between make pentax a very very worthwhile choice.

Neil

suro · 10-12-2008, 03:57 AM

Is from Pentax 77mm/ 1.8 Limited at f1.8 (without any edition):

I'm never can't get similar photo from my 50-135*

beaumont · 10-12-2008, 08:18 AM

Originally posted by suro

Is from Pentax 77mm/ 1.8 Limited at f1.8 (without any edition):

I'm never can't get similar photo from my 50-135*

Suro, as you are familiar with both the 70ltd and the 77ltd I thought I'd ask...Do you find the 77ltd AF to be noticably slower than the 70ltd?
PS Another great photo. Nicely done...

beaumont · 10-12-2008, 08:26 AM

So to summarize the feedback...I should keep the 18-250, purchase the 77ltd, purchase the 50-135*, purchase the 70ltd, and purchase the 16-50...all with very good justification behind each case. My wife is going to love you guys!lol:

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10-09-2008, 08:43 AM	#31
PentaxPoke Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,411	Originally posted by suro I write it here recently - the 70mm Limited is much better Prove it.

10-09-2008, 09:00 AM	#32
k100d Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 3,911	if you look at the DA70 lens reviews here, someone has mentioned the the 100 macro actually does a better job w/ portraits

10-09-2008, 09:29 AM	#33
Serge Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: St.-Petersburg, Russia Photos: Albums Posts: 40	Originally posted by k100d if you look at the DA70 lens reviews here, someone has mentioned the the 100 macro actually does a better job w/ portraits Maybe one mentioned just more detailed job, not really any better in terms of rendering. I believe the 100macro suffers from lack of individuality, has a kind of 'canon like' image

10-09-2008, 10:28 AM	#34
drewdlephone Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Nanaimo, BC Posts: 261	I don't know if the OP has decided yet, but, if it were me, I'd seriously consider the 50-135 lens. Technically speaking, the 77 is a more capable low light/portrait lens if you look at just numbers, but I can't detect much, if any, difference in the shots off the zoom lens and the shots off the prime (they're both jaw-dropping). What would get me to purchase the 50-135 is the convenience of having zoom, and weather resistance. It's a personal preference in the end though. I'm not a huge fan for having five lenses to cover a particular focal range instead of one.

10-09-2008, 12:54 PM	#35
maxwell1295 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Long Island, New York Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,703	I have a hard time believing any lens is "much better" than the 50-135. I imagine there are better lenses, but "much better"? Probably not without a very hefty price tag. It's just an incredible lens that offers versatility that the 70mm and 77mm lenses can't match. It's almost like having 4 lenses in one: 50mm, 70mm, 105mm, and 135mm.......plus everything in between. The DA70 was on my lens map....until I got the 50-135.

10-09-2008, 05:40 PM	#36
beaumont Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 505 Original Poster	Originally posted by drewdlephone I don't know if the OP has decided yet, but, if it were me, I'd seriously consider the 50-135 lens. . Nope, haven't decided yet. Too many good arguments both way. I guess the good news is that there's no bad decision. In the meantime, I'll ponder a little longer, and keep reading the feedback on the two... (Thx for the feedback.)

10-09-2008, 07:18 PM	#37
vizjerei Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,418	interesting enough I have just reply one of the member here in the forum the same question As you see I have both of them and the 100mm 2.8, I guess I will just share why. The order I bought these 3 are follow: DFA 100mm Macro, 77ltd and then the DA* 50-135. First it was a no brain for 100mm macro because I love doing macro ( even I thought my shaky hands don't usually work with me) and I thought to myself I can use it for portraits as well. I soon find out that 100mm doing portraits is giving me quite a lot of space between the subject and I... actually sometime too far.. not to metion the Auto Focus with the DFA100mm is damn slow since the focus distance is quite long. So after abit of saving and researching I get the 77ltd, the night I got it was one of my friend's wedding dinner, so I bought K10D along with it, with no flash in the typical chinese restaurant indoor lighting, the photos are sharp, high detail and great contrast. From then on, it always in my camera bag when I go out. I love it even more when I can use it on my K2 film camera I bought the DA* 50-135 used from a guy switching to Canon. I use it mainly when I got on busy trip, camping and events where somewhere crowed. Silent focusing, weather sealing, ease of use, great range of view... and I don't want my 77ltd get hurt XD, I didn't use it as much as 77 because the size and weight of the lens, yes it maybe like having 50, 77, 100 and 135 with you, but it is also like holding them all at the same time :P while I can put my 35 in one pocket and another lens in the camera bag, 77 on the camera feel much comforting to hold. so there you have it... I always have the 35, 77ltd and now the 12-24 with me in the smaller camera bag. Only when I need it I will carry the bigger backpack that has the 50-135, with flash and stuff. DFA 100mm is doing what it does best, macro and sometime portraits if I was lazy to change the lens. Last edited by vizjerei; 10-09-2008 at 07:24 PM.

10-09-2008, 07:45 PM	#38
beaumont Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 505 Original Poster	Originally posted by vizjerei interesting enough I have just reply one of the member here in the forum the same question As you see I have both of them and the 100mm 2.8, I guess I will just share why. The order I bought these 3 are follow: DFA 100mm Macro, 77ltd and then the DA* 50-135. First it was a no brain for 100mm macro because I love doing macro ( even I thought my shaky hands don't usually work with me) and I thought to myself I can use it for portraits as well. I soon find out that 100mm doing portraits is giving me quite a lot of space between the subject and I... actually sometime too far.. not to metion the Auto Focus with the DFA100mm is damn slow since the focus distance is quite long. So after abit of saving and researching I get the 77ltd, the night I got it was one of my friend's wedding dinner, so I bought K10D along with it, with no flash in the typical chinese restaurant indoor lighting, the photos are sharp, high detail and great contrast. From then on, it always in my camera bag when I go out. I love it even more when I can use it on my K2 film camera I bought the DA* 50-135 used from a guy switching to Canon. I use it mainly when I got on busy trip, camping and events where somewhere crowed. Silent focusing, weather sealing, ease of use, great range of view... and I don't want my 77ltd get hurt XD, I didn't use it as much as 77 because the size and weight of the lens, yes it maybe like having 50, 77, 100 and 135 with you, but it is also like holding them all at the same time :P while I can put my 35 in one pocket and another lens in the camera bag, 77 on the camera feel much comforting to hold. so there you have it... I always have the 35, 77ltd and now the 12-24 with me in the smaller camera bag. Only when I need it I will carry the bigger backpack that has the 50-135, with flash and stuff. DFA 100mm is doing what it does best, macro and sometime portraits if I was lazy to change the lens. Thanks for the insight. It's always nice to hear from someone who has both. (A few of the others that responded also had both.) One of your comments that really hit home was "yes it maybe like having 50, 77, 100 and 135 with you, but it is also like holding them all at the same time". I find my 18-250 to be rather large, yet it is somewhat smaller than the 50-135. I'm leaning towards the 77ltd, and might keep the 50-135 in mind to replace the 18-250 down the road... thx again

10-09-2008, 08:53 PM	#39
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	. Though I rate the 77ltd higher, I guess my advice would be to get the 50-135 if you're only choosing one - much more versatile, incredible resolution and contrast - and not just for a zoom. It is like having a bunch of primes on your camera at the same time. The 77ltd has speed & magic, but the 50-135 can please the hell out of you at any focal length from 50 to 135mm. .

10-09-2008, 09:04 PM	#40
rfortson Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,129	Originally posted by beaumont I find my 18-250 to be rather large, yet it is somewhat smaller than the 50-135. I'm leaning towards the 77ltd, and might keep the 50-135 in mind to replace the 18-250 down the road... thx again If you find the 18-250 large, then the 50-135 will be like a tank to you. The 18-250 is only slightly larger than the kit lens, though noticeably heavier. The 50-135 is significantly larger than the 18-250, and you'd really miss the 18-50 range. 50mm is pretty long on an APS-C camera.

10-12-2008, 01:06 AM	#41
tomtor Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Netherlands Posts: 382	Originally posted by beaumont Thanks for the insight. It's always nice to hear from someone who has both. (A few of the others that responded also had both.) One of your comments that really hit home was "yes it maybe like having 50, 77, 100 and 135 with you, but it is also like holding them all at the same time". I find my 18-250 to be rather large, yet it is somewhat smaller than the 50-135. I'm leaning towards the 77ltd, and might keep the 50-135 in mind to replace the 18-250 down the road... thx again I have the 77 and the 18-250 but do still plan on getting the 50-135. The obvious advantage of the 77 is speed and size/weight, but the weather seals and zoom capability of the 50-135 are also needed in some situations (and 18-250 is also nice in others). I originally considered getting the DA70, but I dismissed it because the speed advantage over a future 50-135 is minimal. FA77 at F1.8 can really make a difference over F2.8:

10-12-2008, 01:39 AM	#42
nulla Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 1,560	Quote: Though I rate the 77ltd higher, I guess my advice would be to get the 50-135 if you're only choosing one - much more versatile, incredible resolution and contrast - and not just for a zoom. It is like having a bunch of primes on your camera at the same time. The 77ltd has speed & magic, but the 50-135 can please the hell out of you at any focal length from 50 to 135mm. I have both and agree 100% with your comments. For me the 77ltd is the best when the occasion or event is pre planned and the focal length well suited, but the da 50-135 when mounted covers for the extra or lesser focal lengths in near on an equal manner IQ wise Love them both... not to forget that a good copy of the DA 16-50 really caps of quite a range with 2 zooms giving great results. A couple of limited primes in between make pentax a very very worthwhile choice. Neil

10-12-2008, 03:57 AM	#43
suro Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ekaterinburg Posts: 344	Is from Pentax 77mm/ 1.8 Limited at f1.8 (without any edition): I'm never can't get similar photo from my 50-135*

10-12-2008, 08:18 AM	#44
beaumont Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 505 Original Poster	Originally posted by suro Is from Pentax 77mm/ 1.8 Limited at f1.8 (without any edition): I'm never can't get similar photo from my 50-135* Suro, as you are familiar with both the 70ltd and the 77ltd I thought I'd ask...Do you find the 77ltd AF to be noticably slower than the 70ltd? PS Another great photo. Nicely done...

10-12-2008, 08:26 AM	#45
beaumont Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 505 Original Poster	So to summarize the feedback...I should keep the 18-250, purchase the 77ltd, purchase the 50-135*, purchase the 70ltd, and purchase the 16-50...all with very good justification behind each case. My wife is going to love you guys!lol: