[someasiancameraguy]

I'm hoping to expand my collection of glass that suits portrait photography, but I find the CA coming off the 77Ltd a bit distracting and the new DFA* 85mm prohibitively expensive. What other choices aside from the 100mm Macro would you guys recommend with little to no CA? I'm open to third party glass recommendations too as long as they work on both film and DSLR bodies.

Cheers

[BigMackCam]

I don't know if you would consider this too similar to the D FA100/2.8, but how about the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro? The performance and rendering is very similar, but in blind tests I've regularly chosen the Tamron's output as being slightly preferable. It's really a very good lens indeed.

If you're prepared to consider manual focus, you could do a lot worse than the Samyang / Rokinon 85mm f/1.4...

[Belnan]

Do you have a full frame or crop?

[someasiancameraguy]

Do you have a full frame or crop?

Only full frame so far

---------- Post added 11-01-20 at 06:40 AM ----------

I don't know if you would consider this too similar to the D FA100/2.8, but how about the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro? The performance and rendering is very similar, but in blind tests I've regularly chosen the Tamron's output as being slightly preferable. It's really a very good lens indeed.

If you're prepared to consider manual focus, you could do a lot worse than the Samyang / Rokinon 85mm f/1.4...

I'd say the Tamron 90mm doesn't quite hit the bokeh spot with the 2.8 (same reason why I wouldn't consider the DFA 100 macro).

Samyang's are good optically for sure and I've considered them, but I generally prefer AF for commercial work since I can get in more poses quickly. I should have clarified that in my initial post.

[pepperberry farm]

Zeiss Planar 85mm f1.4 ZK T* or Rokinon/Samyang 85mm f1.4 UMC - both will work on film or digital bodies....

[Adam007]

Rokinon 135 F2. Manual focus, but worth it.

[pepperberry farm]

Sigma EX DG 85mm f1.4 HSM... even has AF

[Belnan]

I can only comment on the lenses I have owned and I found the 77 to he almost perfect. My only complaint was the focus speed. I have know idea how the 70 2.4 performs on FF but it might what you are looking for.

[Lowell Goudge]

You might want to look at some old manual focus lenses. There are a lot in the 85-135mm range, and they have some unique characteristics that make many excellent portrait lenses

[BarryE]

I can only comment on the lenses I have owned and I found the 77 to he almost perfect..

I'll second that. Can't say CA has ever been particularly troublesome and is easy enough to fix in post. Flare resistance is good, which is more important, to me, and much harder to fix - if it ever occurs. Small and compact too.

[pschlute]

Before the DFA* 85 came along my go-to portrait lens was the FA* 85mm 1.4. They are not cheap even though an old lens.

Don't know about CA with it as I rarely used it outdoors.

[pid]

dont forget the fast 50's like a A, M, F or FA 50/1.4 and one very good too the DA*55/1.4 and the new DFA*50/1.4 ... al of them are good for Portrait

[BarryE]

Forgot to add. Pair the FA77 with its smaller sibling, the FA43 for tighter working spaces, or for full length body shots. Perfect combination. Huge modern lenses can be off putting I've believe. There's a simplicity, and discreteness in using the 77 & 43.

[Belnan]

I cant put my finger on it but when I look at the pics that came from the 43 1.9 there is definitely something unique there. I regret returning it more than any other lens. I definitely need to get one back. You can use it as a portrait or full body or group shots.

[BigMackCam]

I'm hoping to expand my collection of glass that suits portrait photography, but I find the CA coming off the 77Ltd a bit distracting and the new DFA* 85mm prohibitively expensive. What other choices aside from the 100mm Macro would you guys recommend with little to no CA? I'm open to third party glass recommendations too as long as they work on both film and DSLR bodies.

I'd say the Tamron 90mm doesn't quite hit the bokeh spot with the 2.8 (same reason why I wouldn't consider the DFA 100 macro).

Samyang's are good optically for sure and I've considered them, but I generally prefer AF for commercial work since I can get in more poses quickly. I should have clarified that in my initial post.

Right... so what you're looking for is something with a common portraiture field of view and fast maximum aperture, so you can achieve very shallow depth-of-field - yes?

If so - and if you don't like the idea of the FA77, the D FA*85 or manual focus options - then as @pepperberry farm; mentions, you might consider the Sigma 85/1.4 HSM...

EDIT: I will say, your concerns of CA aside, the FA77 has long been considered one of the best Pentax lenses around... Indeed, prior to the existence of the D FA*50 & 85, many thought it the best. No lens is perfect, and the CA on the FA77 is by no means bad...