A comparison between DFA 85, FA 85 and A 85

normhead · 07-14-2020, 09:44 AM

Originally posted by awscreo

You're not helping Norm!

I'm trying to resist a 2k purchase that my wife will not appreciate lol.

I got my Tamron 90 macro, and Tamron 70-200 that doesn't see much use because I don't shoot a lot of portraits and it's too heavy to carry on hikes.

Getting a third "portrait" lens, especially of that grade, seems like a unwise (but very tempting) proposition.

Ya that's our situation, My Sigma 70 macro, Tammy 90, DFA 100, DA*55 and DA*200 are all excellent portrait lenses. And we don't often shoot portraits. I haven't used the Sigma 70 since a few shots at a wedding a year or two ago.

The thing with the macros , is they're good for macros. Last wedding I used it for some of the ceremony images and also for macros of the rings. A nice multi-purpose lens. Using an 85 1.4, I still need a macro lens for the ring images.

**gofour3** · 07-14-2020, 09:53 AM

Originally posted by gatorguy

Where the heck did they find new A* and FA*85's, new boxes and all.

Yeah I was wondering that as well.....

Phil.

normhead · 07-14-2020, 10:36 AM

Originally posted by gofour3

Yeah I was wondering that as well.....

Phil.

I shipped my A-400 in the original box, some of us keep those things.

zapp · 07-14-2020, 10:57 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by normhead

Given the price of the DFA, the FA which I've been stalling on for ages looks really good. Same as my DA*55 vs DFA 50 comparison. The difference when you care are there, but for an amateur, less than compelling. If I was shooting in studio, the 85 was an every day lens, the differences would be enough to push me to the DFA. But I don't get paid, and I can't see the extra IQ meaning much to me.

What an excellent post. With great images.

This sounds too simple. The 55 is not designed for full frame, AF and overall performance and feeling are quite different from DFA*50. Focus of the 55 was erratic on K5. Focus of 50 on K1 is right on.
There is no f/1.4 85 available from Pentax for 20 or so years. Comparisons to classic glass make sense, but AF, WR, the whole built quality is very different.

kinkindoll · 07-14-2020, 12:34 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

Nice comparison, with encouraging results for the new kid on the block.

Next week I hope....

finger crossed, i ordered on 1st of July, checked with CRK last week they are quite confident to get the lens before end of July

**gofour3** · 07-14-2020, 01:09 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by normhead

I shipped my A-400 in the original box, some of us keep those things.

Yep same here I keep all boxes as well. However the A* and FA* 85/1.4's shown in the link look brand new, not just used lenses with the original boxes.

Phil.

kinkindoll · 07-14-2020, 03:41 PM

Originally posted by gofour3

Yep same here I keep all boxes as well. However the A* and FA* 85/1.4's shown in the link look brand new, not just used lenses with the original boxes.

Phil.

same thought... then i looked deep of the post and there is a link to that person's blog, seems he is the collector of Pentax lens for many years, you can find many good photos in the blog although in Chinese...

gatorguy · 07-14-2020, 04:03 PM

Originally posted by kinkindoll

same thought... then i looked deep of the post and there is a link to that person's blog, seems he is the collector of Pentax lens for many years, you can find many good photos in the blog although in Chinese...

Oh, makes sense now. Thanks

LeRolls · 07-14-2020, 06:06 PM

Nice comparison! This is definitely the lens that would make me go back to shooting with the K-1 but I can't justify it at this time.

Batman_ · 07-15-2020, 01:15 AM - **1 Like**

It is clearly a step up from the Sigma HSM 85mm F1.4 in Pentax mount. I have a copy of this lens. It has CA and inconsistent AF. I can't justify the price of the new DFA 85mm but if I had the cash I would be sorely tempted.

Don't know how it compares to the Art version though.

**Kerrowdown** · 07-15-2020, 03:32 AM - **3 Likes**

I going stick my neck out here with a wee piece of fortune telling...

Much like another local man to me the Brahan Seer... albeit he was a wee while ago now.

I now predict that with the recent addition of both a fine new piece Pentax glass and the ongoing FF Pentax camera bodies... the resurgence of 85mm will be the new "go to" focal length.

Pentax is IMHO far from being "Doomed".

P.S. The forthcoming lottery numbers do still evade me.

Kunzite · 07-15-2020, 04:09 AM

Originally posted by Kerrowdown

I now predict that with the recent addition of both a fine new piece Pentax glass and the ongoing FF Pentax camera bodies...

Hmm... camera bodies you say... I have a feeling you know something...

Unrelated with the above, a thread on the other forum reached the conclusion that 36MPs are far too few for the D FA* 85mm.

**Kerrowdown** · 07-15-2020, 04:52 AM

Originally posted by Kunzite

Hmm... camera bodies you say... I have a feeling you know something...

No not at all... just thinking K1 and K1 MkII.

Originally posted by Kunzite

the other forum reached the conclusion that 36MPs are far too few for the D FA* 85mm.

To be honest 36 is more than enough... unless of course your going for building size poster images.

Paul the Sunman · 07-15-2020, 05:34 AM - **2 Likes**

It is possible to admire something without needing to own it.

Class A · 07-15-2020, 06:12 AM

Originally posted by kinkindoll

Just find a post from Taiwan compared captioned 85 focal lengths legend, of course it is not hard to guess the result.

Amazing.

The new lens is better in terms of sharpness, CA, Bokeh-CA, and Bokeh smoothness.
I wouldn't call the difference in Bokeh smoothness subtle at all; quite apparent AFAIC.

What a winner!

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07-14-2020, 09:44 AM	#16
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by awscreo You're not helping Norm! I'm trying to resist a 2k purchase that my wife will not appreciate lol. I got my Tamron 90 macro, and Tamron 70-200 that doesn't see much use because I don't shoot a lot of portraits and it's too heavy to carry on hikes. Getting a third "portrait" lens, especially of that grade, seems like a unwise (but very tempting) proposition. Ya that's our situation, My Sigma 70 macro, Tammy 90, DFA 100, DA55 and DA200 are all excellent portrait lenses. And we don't often shoot portraits. I haven't used the Sigma 70 since a few shots at a wedding a year or two ago. The thing with the macros , is they're good for macros. Last wedding I used it for some of the ceremony images and also for macros of the rings. A nice multi-purpose lens. Using an 85 1.4, I still need a macro lens for the ring images.

07-14-2020, 09:53 AM	#17
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,090	Originally posted by gatorguy Where the heck did they find new A* and FA*85's, new boxes and all. Yeah I was wondering that as well..... Phil.

07-14-2020, 10:36 AM	#18
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by gofour3 Yeah I was wondering that as well..... Phil. I shipped my A-400 in the original box, some of us keep those things.

07-14-2020, 10:57 AM - 1 Like	#19
zapp Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,385	Originally posted by normhead Given the price of the DFA, the FA which I've been stalling on for ages looks really good. Same as my DA55 vs DFA 50 comparison. The difference when you care are there, but for an amateur, less than compelling. If I was shooting in studio, the 85 was an every day lens, the differences would be enough to push me to the DFA. But I don't get paid, and I can't see the extra IQ meaning much to me. What an excellent post. With great images. This sounds too simple. The 55 is not designed for full frame, AF and overall performance and feeling are quite different from DFA50. Focus of the 55 was erratic on K5. Focus of 50 on K1 is right on. There is no f/1.4 85 available from Pentax for 20 or so years. Comparisons to classic glass make sense, but AF, WR, the whole built quality is very different.

07-14-2020, 12:34 PM - 1 Like	#20
kinkindoll Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sydney Posts: 173 Original Poster	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock Nice comparison, with encouraging results for the new kid on the block. Next week I hope.... finger crossed, i ordered on 1st of July, checked with CRK last week they are quite confident to get the lens before end of July

07-14-2020, 01:09 PM - 1 Like	#21
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,090	Originally posted by normhead I shipped my A-400 in the original box, some of us keep those things. Yep same here I keep all boxes as well. However the A* and FA* 85/1.4's shown in the link look brand new, not just used lenses with the original boxes. Phil.

07-14-2020, 03:41 PM	#22
kinkindoll Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sydney Posts: 173 Original Poster	Originally posted by gofour3 Yep same here I keep all boxes as well. However the A* and FA* 85/1.4's shown in the link look brand new, not just used lenses with the original boxes. Phil. same thought... then i looked deep of the post and there is a link to that person's blog, seems he is the collector of Pentax lens for many years, you can find many good photos in the blog although in Chinese...

07-14-2020, 04:03 PM	#23
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,092	Originally posted by kinkindoll same thought... then i looked deep of the post and there is a link to that person's blog, seems he is the collector of Pentax lens for many years, you can find many good photos in the blog although in Chinese... Oh, makes sense now. Thanks

07-14-2020, 06:06 PM	#24
LeRolls Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: PSL, FL Posts: 4,504	Nice comparison! This is definitely the lens that would make me go back to shooting with the K-1 but I can't justify it at this time.

07-15-2020, 01:15 AM - 1 Like	#25
Batman_ Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 85	It is clearly a step up from the Sigma HSM 85mm F1.4 in Pentax mount. I have a copy of this lens. It has CA and inconsistent AF. I can't justify the price of the new DFA 85mm but if I had the cash I would be sorely tempted. Don't know how it compares to the Art version though.

07-15-2020, 03:32 AM - 3 Likes	#26
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,816	I going stick my neck out here with a wee piece of fortune telling... Much like another local man to me the Brahan Seer... albeit he was a wee while ago now. I now predict that with the recent addition of both a fine new piece Pentax glass and the ongoing FF Pentax camera bodies... the resurgence of 85mm will be the new "go to" focal length. Pentax is IMHO far from being "Doomed". P.S. The forthcoming lottery numbers do still evade me.

07-15-2020, 04:09 AM	#27
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by Kerrowdown I now predict that with the recent addition of both a fine new piece Pentax glass and the ongoing FF Pentax camera bodies... Hmm... camera bodies you say... I have a feeling you know something... Unrelated with the above, a thread on the other forum reached the conclusion that 36MPs are far too few for the D FA* 85mm.

07-15-2020, 04:52 AM	#28
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,816	Originally posted by Kunzite Hmm... camera bodies you say... I have a feeling you know something... No not at all... just thinking K1 and K1 MkII. Originally posted by Kunzite the other forum reached the conclusion that 36MPs are far too few for the D FA* 85mm. To be honest 36 is more than enough... unless of course your going for building size poster images.

07-15-2020, 05:34 AM - 2 Likes	#29
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	It is possible to admire something without needing to own it.

07-15-2020, 06:12 AM	#30
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by kinkindoll Just find a post from Taiwan compared captioned 85 focal lengths legend, of course it is not hard to guess the result. Amazing. The new lens is better in terms of sharpness, CA, Bokeh-CA, and Bokeh smoothness. I wouldn't call the difference in Bokeh smoothness subtle at all; quite apparent AFAIC. What a winner!