Looking for an 85mm 1.4

**Craigbob** · 01-01-2021, 08:04 PM

So I'm on the hunt for an 85mm 1.4 for my K-1. I want autofocus so that lets out the Samyank/Rokinons. I've found a couple of options that are in my price range. I've found an FA* 85 1.4 in great condition and the Sigma 85mm f1.4 EX DG HSM.

While I'd love to get the new HD D-FA 85, it's way outside my budget. Between the Sigma and the FA* which is the better lens in terms of Image quality and sharpness. The reviews up here give a very slight edge to the FA* 9.72 vs 9.2. I can get the sigma for about $200 less than the FA*. I 've had sigmas in the past (for my Canon) and been disappointed by the image quality. So I'm really on the horns of a delimma here.

Any advice is appreciated.

SharkyCA · 01-01-2021, 08:09 PM

Originally posted by Craigbob

So I'm on the hunt for an 85mm 1.4 for my K-1. I want autofocus so that lets out the Samyank/Rokinons. I've found a couple of options that are in my price range. I've found an FA* 85 1.4 in great condition and the Sigma 85mm f1.4 EX DG HSM.

While I'd love to get the new HD D-FA 85, it's way outside my budget. Between the Sigma and the FA* which is the better lens in terms of Image quality and sharpness. The reviews up here give a very slight edge to the FA* 9.72 vs 9.2. I can get the sigma for about $200 less than the FA*. I 've had sigmas in the past (for my Canon) and been disappointed by the image quality. So I'm really on the horns of a delimma here.

Any advice is appreciated.

I guess knowing your price may help, did you check out "Price Watch"? Or this link?

DA* 85mm - $200 off - PentaxForums.com

jgnfld · 01-01-2021, 08:13 PM

Originally posted by Craigbob

So I'm on the hunt for an 85mm 1.4 for my K-1. I want autofocus so that lets out the Samyank/Rokinons. I've found a couple of options that are in my price range. I've found an FA* 85 1.4 in great condition and the Sigma 85mm f1.4 EX DG HSM.

While I'd love to get the new HD D-FA 85, it's way outside my budget. Between the Sigma and the FA* which is the better lens in terms of Image quality and sharpness. The reviews up here give a very slight edge to the FA* 9.72 vs 9.2. I can get the sigma for about $200 less than the FA*. I 've had sigmas in the past (for my Canon) and been disappointed by the image quality. So I'm really on the horns of a delimma here.

Any advice is appreciated.

Do you require weather sealing for your projected uses? If so, I think you need to go Pentax regardless of cost. For a studio lens, that's an entirely different matter.

If much older lenses are OK, I have seen film era Pentax SMC 85mm 1.4's for in the range of 500USD. Some are manual focus. Keep watching the marketplace. In particular, there is one seller there who pretty specializes in older Pentax lenses. Again, many are manual if that's an issue for you.

**UncleVanya** · 01-01-2021, 08:39 PM

Be aware that the FA* 85 has a fragile gear inside that can break and it is hard to find replacement parts for. The D FA may be the only real option.

**Craigbob** · 01-01-2021, 08:46 PM

---------- Post added 01-01-21 at 09:49 PM ----------

[/COLOR]

Originally posted by SharkyCA

I guess knowing your price may help, did you check out "Price Watch"? Or this link?

DA* 85mm - $200 off - PentaxForums.com

Thanks, I'm looking to keep it under $800 so the new one is way out. of my price range. The ones I'm looking at are in the $400 - $700 range with the Sigma coming in around $450 and FA* at $625.

---------- Post added 01-01-21 at 09:50 PM ----------

Originally posted by jgnfld

Do you require weather sealing for your projected uses? If so, I think you need to go Pentax regardless of cost. For a studio lens, that's an entirely different matter.

If much older lenses are OK, I have seen film era Pentax SMC 85mm 1.4's for in the range of 500USD. Some are manual focus. Keep watching the marketplace. In particular, there is one seller there who pretty specializes in older Pentax lenses. Again, many are manual if that's an issue for you.

While weather sealing would be a plus, it's not a requirement. I've got the 70-200 f/2.8 if I need a Weather sealed lens in that range.

---------- Post added 01-01-21 at 09:51 PM ----------

Originally posted by UncleVanya

Be aware that the FA* 85 has a fragile gear inside that can break and it is hard to find replacement parts for. The D FA may be the only real option.

No, I wasn't aware of the gear issue. None of the reviews mentioned it. how big of an issue is it? What causes it to break?

**pepperberry farm** · 01-01-2021, 09:05 PM

auto focus 85mm lenses are far & few between for the K-mount....

so many more options for MF lenses - I'm partial to the Zeiss Planar 84/1.4...

**UncleVanya** · 01-01-2021, 09:14 PM

Originally posted by Craigbob

No, I wasn't aware of the gear issue. None of the reviews mentioned it. how big of an issue is it? What causes it to break?

As far as I know it is a simple case of metal fatigue. I’ve seen a number of threads on it in the past. Mind you it is something that is not unheard of but not something very common.

**stemked** · 01-01-2021, 09:38 PM

I know you said autofocus, but I really love my 85mm f1.8 SMC Takumar. Beautiful lens and it really isn't all that hard to nail the focus. I paid $275 for it. Just my $0.02

**tduell** · 01-01-2021, 09:49 PM

Originally posted by Craigbob

I 've had sigmas in the past (for my Canon) and been disappointed by the image quality. So I'm really on the horns of a delimma here.

Any advice is appreciated.

I have the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM and the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 IF EX DG HSM, and to my eye the image quality from both is exceptional.
I may be lucky and have good copies. I have no idea if there is much variance.
Hope that helps.

Cheers,
Terry

hcc · 01-01-2021, 09:52 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

so many more options for MF lenses - I'm partial to the Zeiss Planar 84/1.4...

I am also partial for the Zeiss 85mm f1.4. A MF all-metallic lens with excellent IQ!

When I want a fast AF lens about 80mm focal length, I use my FA7mm f1.8 Ltd. You can find a number of good second hand FA77mm f1.8 about $600-$700 if you are patient. The FA77mm is truly outstanding and was vote the best lens here at PF. You cannot go wrong with the FA77mm IMHO.

My 5 cents, hoping that it may help.

**UncleVanya** · 01-01-2021, 10:07 PM

Originally posted by hcc

I am also partial for the Zeiss 85mm f1.4. A MF all-metallic lens with excellent IQ!

When I want a fast AF lens about 80mm focal length, I use my FA7mm f1.8 Ltd. You can find a number of good second hand FA77mm f1.8 about $600-$700 if you are patient. The FA77mm is truly outstanding and was vote the best lens here at PF. You cannot go wrong with the FA77mm IMHO.

My 5 cents, hoping that it may help.

Maybe this will help the OP also:

I owned an absolutely mint copy of the A* 85 f1.4. I sold it and bought an FA 77 and a few more things. I’ve never regretted not having the 85. Granted I only used my 77 on crop until recently when I got the Sony A7R2 given to me. I’ve shot it up against the FE 85 f1.8 and the difference in focal length is not a massive one. I would be happy with the 77 on full frame particularly if I had the 70-200 f2.8 range covered.

Wheatfield · 01-01-2021, 10:27 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by UncleVanya

Maybe this will help the OP also:

I owned an absolutely mint copy of the A* 85 f1.4. I sold it and bought an FA 77 and a few more things. I’ve never regretted not having the 85. Granted I only used my 77 on crop until recently when I got the Sony A7R2 given to me. I’ve shot it up against the FE 85 f1.8 and the difference in focal length is not a massive one. I would be happy with the 77 on full frame particularly if I had the 70-200 f2.8 range covered.

There is a lot to be said for this.
Well, other than selling an A* 85/1.4.

jgnfld · 01-01-2021, 10:30 PM

Originally posted by Wheatfield

There is a lot to be said for this.
Well, other than selling an A* 85/1.4.

LOL! (I actually did!)

lesmore49 · 01-01-2021, 10:57 PM

I have my 70mm F 2.4 Limited and it works reasonably well. I also use my DF A Macro 100mm F 2.8 for portraits. A wonderful, versatile lens...that one. No, they're not F 1.4, but F 2.4 and F 2,8 are ok for my needs. I use them on my K1, K5 and K10D.

Sandy Hancock · 01-01-2021, 11:02 PM - **1 Like**

Buy an FA 77/1.8 Limited now, and start saving for the DFA* 85/1.4.

The former is a brilliant, compact, beautiful lens capable of first class portraiture, while the latter is without doubt the sine qua non if you want silent focus, edge to edge sharpness wide open and the ultimate in build quality and weather sealing. My, it's big though!

I have the FA* 85/1.4 as well, but I can't imagine ever using it again now I've tasted the special sauce.

01-01-2021, 08:04 PM	#1
Craigbob Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: San Antonio, TX Photos: Albums Posts: 521	Looking for an 85mm 1.4 So I'm on the hunt for an 85mm 1.4 for my K-1. I want autofocus so that lets out the Samyank/Rokinons. I've found a couple of options that are in my price range. I've found an FA* 85 1.4 in great condition and the Sigma 85mm f1.4 EX DG HSM. While I'd love to get the new HD D-FA 85, it's way outside my budget. Between the Sigma and the FA* which is the better lens in terms of Image quality and sharpness. The reviews up here give a very slight edge to the FA* 9.72 vs 9.2. I can get the sigma for about $200 less than the FA*. I 've had sigmas in the past (for my Canon) and been disappointed by the image quality. So I'm really on the horns of a delimma here. Any advice is appreciated.

01-01-2021, 08:13 PM	#3
jgnfld Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,789	Originally posted by Craigbob So I'm on the hunt for an 85mm 1.4 for my K-1. I want autofocus so that lets out the Samyank/Rokinons. I've found a couple of options that are in my price range. I've found an FA* 85 1.4 in great condition and the Sigma 85mm f1.4 EX DG HSM. While I'd love to get the new HD D-FA 85, it's way outside my budget. Between the Sigma and the FA* which is the better lens in terms of Image quality and sharpness. The reviews up here give a very slight edge to the FA* 9.72 vs 9.2. I can get the sigma for about $200 less than the FA. I 've had sigmas in the past (for my Canon) and been disappointed by the image quality. So I'm really on the horns of a delimma here. Any advice is appreciated. Do you require weather sealing for your projected uses? If so, I think you need to go Pentax regardless of cost. For a studio lens, that's an entirely different matter. If much older lenses are OK, I have seen film era Pentax SMC 85mm 1.4's for in the range of 500USD. Some are manual focus. Keep watching the marketplace. In particular, there is one seller there who pretty specializes in older Pentax lenses. Again, many are manual if that's an issue for you. Last edited by jgnfld; 01-01-2021 at 08:26 PM.*

01-01-2021, 08:46 PM	#5
Craigbob Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: San Antonio, TX Photos: Albums Posts: 521 Original Poster	---------- Post added 01-01-21 at 09:49 PM ---------- [/COLOR] Originally posted by SharkyCA I guess knowing your price may help, did you check out "Price Watch"? Or this link? DA* 85mm - $200 off - PentaxForums.com Thanks, I'm looking to keep it under $800 so the new one is way out. of my price range. The ones I'm looking at are in the $400 - $700 range with the Sigma coming in around $450 and FA* at $625. ---------- Post added 01-01-21 at 09:50 PM ---------- Originally posted by jgnfld Do you require weather sealing for your projected uses? If so, I think you need to go Pentax regardless of cost. For a studio lens, that's an entirely different matter. If much older lenses are OK, I have seen film era Pentax SMC 85mm 1.4's for in the range of 500USD. Some are manual focus. Keep watching the marketplace. In particular, there is one seller there who pretty specializes in older Pentax lenses. Again, many are manual if that's an issue for you. While weather sealing would be a plus, it's not a requirement. I've got the 70-200 f/2.8 if I need a Weather sealed lens in that range. ---------- Post added 01-01-21 at 09:51 PM ---------- Originally posted by UncleVanya Be aware that the FA* 85 has a fragile gear inside that can break and it is hard to find replacement parts for. The D FA may be the only real option. No, I wasn't aware of the gear issue. None of the reviews mentioned it. how big of an issue is it? What causes it to break? Last edited by Craigbob; 01-01-2021 at 08:56 PM.

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01-01-2021, 08:09 PM	#2
SharkyCA Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 806	Originally posted by Craigbob So I'm on the hunt for an 85mm 1.4 for my K-1. I want autofocus so that lets out the Samyank/Rokinons. I've found a couple of options that are in my price range. I've found an FA* 85 1.4 in great condition and the Sigma 85mm f1.4 EX DG HSM. While I'd love to get the new HD D-FA 85, it's way outside my budget. Between the Sigma and the FA* which is the better lens in terms of Image quality and sharpness. The reviews up here give a very slight edge to the FA* 9.72 vs 9.2. I can get the sigma for about $200 less than the FA. I 've had sigmas in the past (for my Canon) and been disappointed by the image quality. So I'm really on the horns of a delimma here. Any advice is appreciated. I guess knowing your price may help, did you check out "Price Watch"? Or this link? DA 85mm - $200 off - PentaxForums.com

01-01-2021, 08:39 PM	#4
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,402	Be aware that the FA* 85 has a fragile gear inside that can break and it is hard to find replacement parts for. The D FA may be the only real option.

01-01-2021, 09:05 PM	#6
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,678	auto focus 85mm lenses are far & few between for the K-mount.... so many more options for MF lenses - I'm partial to the Zeiss Planar 84/1.4...

01-01-2021, 09:14 PM	#7
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,402	Originally posted by Craigbob No, I wasn't aware of the gear issue. None of the reviews mentioned it. how big of an issue is it? What causes it to break? As far as I know it is a simple case of metal fatigue. I’ve seen a number of threads on it in the past. Mind you it is something that is not unheard of but not something very common.

01-01-2021, 09:38 PM	#8
stemked Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Indianapolis Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 527	I know you said autofocus, but I really love my 85mm f1.8 SMC Takumar. Beautiful lens and it really isn't all that hard to nail the focus. I paid $275 for it. Just my $0.02

01-01-2021, 09:49 PM	#9
tduell Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Melbourne Posts: 1,514	Originally posted by Craigbob I 've had sigmas in the past (for my Canon) and been disappointed by the image quality. So I'm really on the horns of a delimma here. Any advice is appreciated. I have the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM and the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 IF EX DG HSM, and to my eye the image quality from both is exceptional. I may be lucky and have good copies. I have no idea if there is much variance. Hope that helps. Cheers, Terry

01-01-2021, 09:52 PM - 1 Like	#10
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	Originally posted by pepperberry farm so many more options for MF lenses - I'm partial to the Zeiss Planar 84/1.4... I am also partial for the Zeiss 85mm f1.4. A MF all-metallic lens with excellent IQ! When I want a fast AF lens about 80mm focal length, I use my FA7mm f1.8 Ltd. You can find a number of good second hand FA77mm f1.8 about $600-$700 if you are patient. The FA77mm is truly outstanding and was vote the best lens here at PF. You cannot go wrong with the FA77mm IMHO. My 5 cents, hoping that it may help.

01-01-2021, 10:07 PM	#11
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,402	Originally posted by hcc I am also partial for the Zeiss 85mm f1.4. A MF all-metallic lens with excellent IQ! When I want a fast AF lens about 80mm focal length, I use my FA7mm f1.8 Ltd. You can find a number of good second hand FA77mm f1.8 about $600-$700 if you are patient. The FA77mm is truly outstanding and was vote the best lens here at PF. You cannot go wrong with the FA77mm IMHO. My 5 cents, hoping that it may help. Maybe this will help the OP also: I owned an absolutely mint copy of the A* 85 f1.4. I sold it and bought an FA 77 and a few more things. I’ve never regretted not having the 85. Granted I only used my 77 on crop until recently when I got the Sony A7R2 given to me. I’ve shot it up against the FE 85 f1.8 and the difference in focal length is not a massive one. I would be happy with the 77 on full frame particularly if I had the 70-200 f2.8 range covered.

01-01-2021, 10:27 PM - 1 Like	#12
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	Originally posted by UncleVanya Maybe this will help the OP also: I owned an absolutely mint copy of the A* 85 f1.4. I sold it and bought an FA 77 and a few more things. I’ve never regretted not having the 85. Granted I only used my 77 on crop until recently when I got the Sony A7R2 given to me. I’ve shot it up against the FE 85 f1.8 and the difference in focal length is not a massive one. I would be happy with the 77 on full frame particularly if I had the 70-200 f2.8 range covered. There is a lot to be said for this. Well, other than selling an A* 85/1.4.

01-01-2021, 10:30 PM	#13
jgnfld Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,789	Originally posted by Wheatfield There is a lot to be said for this. Well, other than selling an A* 85/1.4. LOL! (I actually did!)

01-01-2021, 10:57 PM	#14
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,343	I have my 70mm F 2.4 Limited and it works reasonably well. I also use my DF A Macro 100mm F 2.8 for portraits. A wonderful, versatile lens...that one. No, they're not F 1.4, but F 2.4 and F 2,8 are ok for my needs. I use them on my K1, K5 and K10D.

01-01-2021, 11:02 PM - 1 Like	#15
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	Buy an FA 77/1.8 Limited now, and start saving for the DFA* 85/1.4. The former is a brilliant, compact, beautiful lens capable of first class portraiture, while the latter is without doubt the sine qua non if you want silent focus, edge to edge sharpness wide open and the ultimate in build quality and weather sealing. My, it's big though! I have the FA* 85/1.4 as well, but I can't imagine ever using it again now I've tasted the special sauce.