[jfsavage]

I am trying to decide between the 50-135mm f2.8 or the 77mm f1.8.

The 50-135 has a great reputation and the flexibility of a zoom.

The 77mm has an amazing reputation - sm-02-05-02

The extra speed of the 77mm would be nice, but not a huge factor. Likewise, the shallow DOF with the 77mm is nice, but not a critical factor.

So is the extra quality of the 77mm worth the loss in flexibility?

The quantitative reviews show the 77mm is better, but not amazingly so...

Pentax SMC-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Review / Test Report
Pentax SMC-DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM - Review / Test Report

But the numbers may not be important - Eyes vs. Numbers

The usage is mostly portraits, but also any other use that may require a short-medium telephoto. Currently the 16-50mm is my longest lens, so this would be my only telephoto.

I'm after any advice, thoughts or opinions.

[BBear]

I'm after any advice, thoughts or opinions.

I hate to say that mate, but I bet $10 you'll wind up with both lenses!!! so prepare your pockets!!!

I've asked the same question, did my research and noticed that more users had the same question, and I bought the 50-135, thinking that was it.. at first I was VERY satisfied and couldnt even think about buying the 77mm...

But down the road (actually few weeks after!) i bought the 77mm and finally understood the big fuss about it and why people that had them both (or at least tried them both) would always say that i was comparing apples to orange, and that both lenses could absolutely live together in harmony in the same gear bag.


And it is true, they complement each other.

I'll save you some time: you'll hear great things about both of them, from all sides: people that have the DA*, people that have the LTD, and people that tried/have both. Maybe the best thing to do is ask people who have both, each one they'd give up if they had to choose. It is like asking a kid to choose who he loves more: dad or mom! Hard choice!

The easiest thing is to choose the first one, buy, enjoy, save some money, then buy the other. Dont try to resist!!

[BBear]

Maybe the best thing to do is ask people who have both, each one they'd give up if they had to choose.

forgot to answer to my own proposed question: I dunno... maybe the.... geeez... hard hard hard to choose... hmmm.. let me think.... geeeez... .....


I've changed my mind.... dont ask people that have both lenses to choose one to keep it... because it is really really hard...

[ryno]

I too have both, but i kind of wish i didn't. The zoom is fast, but not as fast as the 77. It's a zoom, but not a very large range. And, it's fairly large and heavy. If I was to do it again, I would get the 77, and the 55-300. Use the zoom for good light and the zoom range, use the 77 for speed and light weight. But, If you don't want options, get the 50-135, great quality.

[fadzil karim]

Thanks for the info coz i also in same dilemma but my friend advised me for the 50-135 and 70mm f/2.4

[ll_coffee_lP]

77 ltd owns all.

c[_]

[Presto]

I was contemplating the same thing a few months ago. I ended up going with the zoom just to have the flexibility. I am fairly certain that I will end up with both lenses, but at the time; range was much more important than the almost lifelike colors in one focal length. That being said, the 50-135 is outstanding in terms of IQ. I can safely say that it is the best zoom that I have used, and possibly the best general use lens. It stays on my camera over half the time. I also, don't find the weight to be prohibitive to carrying it. This was just my reasoning behind my choice. I doubt that you'll be disappointed with either.

[nulla]

I have both and as stated they compliment one another.

Both great or either is great


Neil