More samples of the DA* 55/1.4

soccerjoe5 · 02-27-2009, 01:28 AM

Mark Dimalanta aka Dimo has posted some samples with the DA*55: chasing light...: Sample shots with the Pentax DA*55 f1.4 & DA 35 f2.8 macro ltd

Looking pretty darn sweet.

Diego

Buddha Jones · 02-27-2009, 06:49 AM

OK, I don't know what give, but HIS bokeh is much more appealing to me. It's like night and day in comparison to the ones that I've seen from the test shots on here... That just moved up a space in my next lens column.

losecontrol · 02-27-2009, 07:12 AM

Originally posted by soccerjoe5

Mark Dimalanta aka Dimo has posted some samples with the DA*55: chasing light...: Sample shots with the Pentax DA*55 f1.4 & DA 35 f2.8 macro ltd

Looking pretty darn sweet.

Diego

I think i seams like an awsome lens. Don't have a clue why people don't seams to like it.
Good sharpness, nice bokeh, fine colors and whethersealed.
What the hell could you expect more from a lens these days?

Built in shower and 5* hotel or what?

doc.mark.dimo · 02-27-2009, 07:48 AM

hey guys,

I was surprised to find out that some people found the lens to have slow AF? I find that a subjective opinion, but from my take the AF is at par with my fastest AF lenses. mine is quick and snappy, not as subtle as the DA 40 pancake, but quick and accurate.

Of course I would have to compare it to my FA 50, but it isnt one of the things that noticed right out of the gates.

usually, the first things that i notice on my initial use make a strong impact. for me, this lens turned out to be perfect out of the box. I'll test it more this weekend, but i know i am gonna love it!

cheers!

ps: Diego, I'll be headin back home in july for my cousin's wedding. gotta hang bro

soccerjoe5 · 02-28-2009, 07:20 PM

That's great to hear Mark, read your reply on your blog post. Looks like it's performing as good as expected, it's awesome to hear your real confident shooting wide open at f/1.4. I usually stop f/1.4 lenses down to f/2

Awesome news bro, I'll be seeing you on July then!

blende8 · 03-01-2009, 03:25 AM

Originally posted by doc.mark.dimo

I was surprised to find out that some people found the lens to have slow AF? I find that a subjective opinion, but from my take the AF is at par with my fastest AF lenses. mine is quick and snappy, not as subtle as the DA 40 pancake, but quick and accurate.

Of course you have to say that.
Aren't you sponsored by Pentax?

Yesterday we had a user-meeting and we had two DA55 present.
All agreed that the AF is slow.
One owner said that, compared, the DA70 is a rocket.

Compared to the DA Limiteds, or the FA50 and FA85, the DA55 is slow(er).
This is not a subjective opinion, but a fact.
I have measured this.
And I have read several other independent comments on this as well.

It is of course subjective to define what "slow" means.
Perhaps we can agree that it is just "slower" than the above lenses.
Whether this impacts you shooting in a negative way, depends on your subjects and habits.

But I think we should be honest and not sugarcoat facts.
Accurate? Yes. But quick? No.
Optically the lens is very good and I will keep my copy.

ogl · 03-01-2009, 07:30 AM

SDM is very smooth and silent. It makes effect of slow AF.
DA*55 is not fast lens, but not 3 times slower than FA50.
A bit slower.

SDM is the most silent in-lens motor in the world.

One remark - DA*55 is faster at K-m.

Last edited by ogl; 03-01-2009 at 07:39 AM.

séamuis · 03-01-2009, 08:02 AM

Quote:

SDM is the most silent in-lens motor in the world.

that depends on what type of 'SDM' you are referring to. the micromotor SDM that Pentax uses is much more noisier than the ring type that canon and nikon use in their high end lenses. also much faster because of the mechanics, or rather the lack their of. if you are referring specifically to other micromotors, do you have proof that pentax's is the most silent?

Quote:

Of course you have to say that.
Aren't you sponsored by Pentax?

Yesterday we had a user-meeting and we had two DA55 present.
All agreed that the AF is slow.
One owner said that, compared, the DA70 is a rocket.

Compared to the DA Limiteds, or the FA50 and FA85, the DA55 is slow(er).
This is not a subjective opinion, but a fact.
I have measured this.
And I have read several other independent comments on this as well.

It is of course subjective to define what "slow" means.
Perhaps we can agree that it is just "slower" than the above lenses.
Whether this impacts you shooting in a negative way, depends on your subjects and habits.

But I think we should be honest and not sugarcoat facts.
Accurate? Yes. But quick? No.
Optically the lens is very good and I will keep my copy.

I don't mean to be rude but your reply reeks of 'butthurt'. Ive said it to many time so far. its unfair to compare the 50 and the 55 in AF speed for benchmark regardless of the 'SDM' of the 55. however when someone who actually real world uses the lens (other than simple measurebation) says the lens has good AF speed, you have to say 'its a fact, that it doesn't cause me and some folks have tested it, and we all agree that it doesn't' give me a break... oh and of course the DA70 will be a 'rocket' its tiny with a short focus throw. jesus does nobody understand the mechanics involved in this?

BBear · 03-01-2009, 08:06 AM

Originally posted by ogl

One remark - DA*55 is faster at K-m.

After testing a KM, i believe ANY AF will be faster on it than the rest of the line, which is VERY VERY promising for the next gens body to come....

k100d · 03-01-2009, 08:38 AM

Originally posted by séamuis

I don't mean to be rude but your reply reeks of 'butthurt'. Ive said it to many time so far. its unfair to compare the 50 and the 55 in AF speed for benchmark regardless of the 'SDM' of the 55. however when someone who actually real world uses the lens (other than simple measurebation) says the lens has good AF speed, you have to say 'its a fact, that it doesn't cause me and some folks have tested it, and we all agree that it doesn't' give me a break... oh and of course the DA70 will be a 'rocket' its tiny with a short focus throw. jesus does nobody understand the mechanics involved in this?

i don't see why you have been so adamant against his tests. why is it unfair to compare the 50 and 55, or the 85 which is in the same 'class' of design? it's not like pentaxes focus super quick (or accurate) to begin with anyways. we already set the bar lower for pentax already. almost everyone (except mark) who has the lens says it is at least slower than the FA50.

jsherman999 · 03-01-2009, 08:44 AM

Originally posted by BBear

After testing a KM, i believe ANY AF will be faster on it than the rest of the line, which is VERY VERY promising for the next gens body to come....

Yeah, the little K-M had a mighty AF system. Good things may be coming further up the line.

doc.mark.dimo · 03-01-2009, 10:41 PM

like i said in an earlier post, the AF speed wasn't a concern for me because it didn't appear to be such a defining component. I wasn't evading an obvious truth either because I hadn't taken the time to put the FA 50 vs DA*55 head to head, but to quell any misconceptions and after taking a test spin on each one last night, the FA 50 does lock focus faster than the DA*55.

Each has its own strengths and weakness. The FA50 is the best bang for your buck 50 on the market across all makes. a little soft wide open but tack sharp when stopped down.

However, when you want Premium performance optically, the DA* with accurate AF, Weathersealing, SDM silence, quickshift, and consistent sharpness on target at f1.4 make this lens in a class by itself and isn't meant to be compared as equals.

Each lens has its own user group, and each shooter will be happy with their respective lens choice FA 50 1.4 or DA* 55 f1.4.

I just shot kid portraits on the beach, with the 2 year old kicking water and sand all over me and my k20 and DA*55. I didn't bother to flinch because the weathersealed combo makes life easier.

To each his own, and when the verdict is out this lens may prove to be one of Pentax's greatest.

séamuis · 03-02-2009, 04:27 AM

Originally posted by k100d

i don't see why you have been so adamant against his tests. why is it unfair to compare the 50 and 55, or the 85 which is in the same 'class' of design? it's not like pentaxes focus super quick (or accurate) to begin with anyways. we already set the bar lower for pentax already. almost everyone (except mark) who has the lens says it is at least slower than the FA50.

because he is pitting the two head to head simply because they are both normal primes. compare it against the 85, fine that's more fair. butt he DA 50 is a smaller, lighter lens with less elements. the 55 isn't meant to replace the 50 its meant to replace the A, FA 85. the 55 is more closely related to these than it is the 50. so why test it against the 50 and say its slow? it may be slower mechanically than the say the FA 85 but regardless of the results comparing it to the 50 is unfair.

TKH · 03-03-2009, 11:00 AM

Fun @f2.0:

Rainer

k100d · 03-03-2009, 12:04 PM

Originally posted by séamuis

because he is pitting the two head to head simply because they are both normal primes. compare it against the 85, fine that's more fair. butt he DA 50 is a smaller, lighter lens with less elements. the 55 isn't meant to replace the 50 its meant to replace the A, FA 85. the 55 is more closely related to these than it is the 50. so why test it against the 50 and say its slow? it may be slower mechanically than the say the FA 85 but regardless of the results comparing it to the 50 is unfair.

a lens being heavier is not an excuse to have slow autofocus.

02-27-2009, 01:28 AM	#1
soccerjoe5 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Philippines Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,343	*More samples of the DA 55/1.4** Mark Dimalanta aka Dimo has posted some samples with the DA55: chasing light...: Sample shots with the Pentax DA55 f1.4 & DA 35 f2.8 macro ltd Looking pretty darn sweet. Diego

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02-27-2009, 06:49 AM	#2
Buddha Jones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Charlotte, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,587	OK, I don't know what give, but HIS bokeh is much more appealing to me. It's like night and day in comparison to the ones that I've seen from the test shots on here... That just moved up a space in my next lens column.

02-27-2009, 07:12 AM	#3
losecontrol Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Gnesta, Sweden Posts: 373	Originally posted by soccerjoe5 Mark Dimalanta aka Dimo has posted some samples with the DA55: chasing light...: Sample shots with the Pentax DA55 f1.4 & DA 35 f2.8 macro ltd Looking pretty darn sweet. Diego I think i seams like an awsome lens. Don't have a clue why people don't seams to like it. Good sharpness, nice bokeh, fine colors and whethersealed. What the hell could you expect more from a lens these days? Built in shower and 5* hotel or what?

02-27-2009, 07:48 AM	#4
doc.mark.dimo Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 62	hey guys, I was surprised to find out that some people found the lens to have slow AF? I find that a subjective opinion, but from my take the AF is at par with my fastest AF lenses. mine is quick and snappy, not as subtle as the DA 40 pancake, but quick and accurate. Of course I would have to compare it to my FA 50, but it isnt one of the things that noticed right out of the gates. usually, the first things that i notice on my initial use make a strong impact. for me, this lens turned out to be perfect out of the box. I'll test it more this weekend, but i know i am gonna love it! cheers! ps: Diego, I'll be headin back home in july for my cousin's wedding. gotta hang bro

02-28-2009, 07:20 PM	#5
soccerjoe5 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Philippines Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,343 Original Poster	That's great to hear Mark, read your reply on your blog post. Looks like it's performing as good as expected, it's awesome to hear your real confident shooting wide open at f/1.4. I usually stop f/1.4 lenses down to f/2 Awesome news bro, I'll be seeing you on July then!

03-01-2009, 03:25 AM	#6
blende8 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bremen, Germany Photos: Albums Posts: 1,521	Originally posted by doc.mark.dimo I was surprised to find out that some people found the lens to have slow AF? I find that a subjective opinion, but from my take the AF is at par with my fastest AF lenses. mine is quick and snappy, not as subtle as the DA 40 pancake, but quick and accurate. Of course you have to say that. Aren't you sponsored by Pentax? Yesterday we had a user-meeting and we had two DA55 present. All agreed that the AF is slow. One owner said that, compared, the DA70 is a rocket. Compared to the DA Limiteds, or the FA50 and FA85, the DA55 is slow(er). This is not a subjective opinion, but a fact. I have measured this. And I have read several other independent comments on this as well. It is of course subjective to define what "slow" means. Perhaps we can agree that it is just "slower" than the above lenses. Whether this impacts you shooting in a negative way, depends on your subjects and habits. But I think we should be honest and not sugarcoat facts. Accurate? Yes. But quick? No. Optically the lens is very good and I will keep my copy.

03-01-2009, 07:30 AM	#7
ogl Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sankt Peterburg Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,382	SDM is very smooth and silent. It makes effect of slow AF. DA55 is not fast lens, but not 3 times slower than FA50. A bit slower. SDM is the most silent in-lens motor in the world. One remark - DA55 is faster at K-m. Last edited by ogl; 03-01-2009 at 07:39 AM.

03-01-2009, 08:02 AM	#8
séamuis Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Savannah, U.S./Baguio City, P.H. Posts: 5,979	Quote: SDM is the most silent in-lens motor in the world. that depends on what type of 'SDM' you are referring to. the micromotor SDM that Pentax uses is much more noisier than the ring type that canon and nikon use in their high end lenses. also much faster because of the mechanics, or rather the lack their of. if you are referring specifically to other micromotors, do you have proof that pentax's is the most silent? Quote: Of course you have to say that. Aren't you sponsored by Pentax? Yesterday we had a user-meeting and we had two DA55 present. All agreed that the AF is slow. One owner said that, compared, the DA70 is a rocket. Compared to the DA Limiteds, or the FA50 and FA85, the DA55 is slow(er). This is not a subjective opinion, but a fact. I have measured this. And I have read several other independent comments on this as well. It is of course subjective to define what "slow" means. Perhaps we can agree that it is just "slower" than the above lenses. Whether this impacts you shooting in a negative way, depends on your subjects and habits. But I think we should be honest and not sugarcoat facts. Accurate? Yes. But quick? No. Optically the lens is very good and I will keep my copy. I don't mean to be rude but your reply reeks of 'butthurt'. Ive said it to many time so far. its unfair to compare the 50 and the 55 in AF speed for benchmark regardless of the 'SDM' of the 55. however when someone who actually real world uses the lens (other than simple measurebation) says the lens has good AF speed, you have to say 'its a fact, that it doesn't cause me and some folks have tested it, and we all agree that it doesn't' give me a break... oh and of course the DA70 will be a 'rocket' its tiny with a short focus throw. jesus does nobody understand the mechanics involved in this?

03-01-2009, 08:06 AM	#9
BBear Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: CT / NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 822	Originally posted by ogl One remark - DA*55 is faster at K-m. After testing a KM, i believe ANY AF will be faster on it than the rest of the line, which is VERY VERY promising for the next gens body to come....

03-01-2009, 08:38 AM	#10
k100d Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 3,911	Originally posted by séamuis I don't mean to be rude but your reply reeks of 'butthurt'. Ive said it to many time so far. its unfair to compare the 50 and the 55 in AF speed for benchmark regardless of the 'SDM' of the 55. however when someone who actually real world uses the lens (other than simple measurebation) says the lens has good AF speed, you have to say 'its a fact, that it doesn't cause me and some folks have tested it, and we all agree that it doesn't' give me a break... oh and of course the DA70 will be a 'rocket' its tiny with a short focus throw. jesus does nobody understand the mechanics involved in this? i don't see why you have been so adamant against his tests. why is it unfair to compare the 50 and 55, or the 85 which is in the same 'class' of design? it's not like pentaxes focus super quick (or accurate) to begin with anyways. we already set the bar lower for pentax already. almost everyone (except mark) who has the lens says it is at least slower than the FA50.

03-01-2009, 08:44 AM	#11
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	Originally posted by BBear After testing a KM, i believe ANY AF will be faster on it than the rest of the line, which is VERY VERY promising for the next gens body to come.... Yeah, the little K-M had a mighty AF system. Good things may be coming further up the line.

03-01-2009, 10:41 PM	#12
doc.mark.dimo Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 62	like i said in an earlier post, the AF speed wasn't a concern for me because it didn't appear to be such a defining component. I wasn't evading an obvious truth either because I hadn't taken the time to put the FA 50 vs DA55 head to head, but to quell any misconceptions and after taking a test spin on each one last night, the FA 50 does lock focus faster than the DA55. Each has its own strengths and weakness. The FA50 is the best bang for your buck 50 on the market across all makes. a little soft wide open but tack sharp when stopped down. However, when you want Premium performance optically, the DA* with accurate AF, Weathersealing, SDM silence, quickshift, and consistent sharpness on target at f1.4 make this lens in a class by itself and isn't meant to be compared as equals. Each lens has its own user group, and each shooter will be happy with their respective lens choice FA 50 1.4 or DA* 55 f1.4. I just shot kid portraits on the beach, with the 2 year old kicking water and sand all over me and my k20 and DA*55. I didn't bother to flinch because the weathersealed combo makes life easier. To each his own, and when the verdict is out this lens may prove to be one of Pentax's greatest.

03-02-2009, 04:27 AM	#13
séamuis Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Savannah, U.S./Baguio City, P.H. Posts: 5,979	Originally posted by k100d i don't see why you have been so adamant against his tests. why is it unfair to compare the 50 and 55, or the 85 which is in the same 'class' of design? it's not like pentaxes focus super quick (or accurate) to begin with anyways. we already set the bar lower for pentax already. almost everyone (except mark) who has the lens says it is at least slower than the FA50. because he is pitting the two head to head simply because they are both normal primes. compare it against the 85, fine that's more fair. butt he DA 50 is a smaller, lighter lens with less elements. the 55 isn't meant to replace the 50 its meant to replace the A, FA 85. the 55 is more closely related to these than it is the 50. so why test it against the 50 and say its slow? it may be slower mechanically than the say the FA 85 but regardless of the results comparing it to the 50 is unfair.

03-03-2009, 11:00 AM	#14
TKH Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany Posts: 371	Fun @f2.0: Rainer

03-03-2009, 12:04 PM	#15
k100d Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 3,911	Originally posted by séamuis because he is pitting the two head to head simply because they are both normal primes. compare it against the 85, fine that's more fair. butt he DA 50 is a smaller, lighter lens with less elements. the 55 isn't meant to replace the 50 its meant to replace the A, FA 85. the 55 is more closely related to these than it is the 50. so why test it against the 50 and say its slow? it may be slower mechanically than the say the FA 85 but regardless of the results comparing it to the 50 is unfair. a lens being heavier is not an excuse to have slow autofocus.