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08-11-2009, 03:38 PM   #1
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Why did Pentax give up the 85mm f1.4 for the 77mm f1.8?

I'm basically wondering if there is some reason that the 77mm f1.8 would be superior to the 85mm f1.4.

Any ideas?

08-11-2009, 04:11 PM   #2
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Because it is available in silver?
08-11-2009, 04:34 PM   #3
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DA* 55mm is the new FA*85mm as DA*50-135mm is the new FA*70-200mm given focal lenght equivalence.

I guess the 77 sticks around because it's so special.
08-12-2009, 08:07 AM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by kristoffon Quote
DA* 55mm is the new FA*85mm as DA*50-135mm is the new FA*70-200mm given focal lenght equivalence.
I'm assuming you say this because of the digital sensor crop factor. Is that correct?

08-12-2009, 08:10 AM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by kristoffon Quote
DA* 55mm is the new FA*85mm as DA*50-135mm is the new FA*70-200mm given focal lenght equivalence.

I guess the 77 sticks around because it's so special.
WRONG.
It's still here because it's too damn SEXY.
08-12-2009, 10:17 AM   #6
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it is a well known fact that pixies prefer 7s. They won't leave their dust in an 85 without a lot of bribery or perhaps some discipline. Small pixie whips will do.
08-12-2009, 11:05 AM   #7
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Pentax didn't give up FA*85 for FA77. All but a handful of FA have been retained because they sell, still. Practically speaking, I have found the FA77 easier to carry and use. The FA*85 looks cool but not so when you need to drag a big bag of gears on casual occassions.

08-12-2009, 11:29 AM   #8
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The only inherent advantage of a 77mm/1.8 over an 85/1.4 is size.

I suppose maybe they killed their 85/1.4 for the sake of keeping sales good on the Limited set, but honestly an 85/1.4 would be more useful to me. 2/3 of a stop and the slightly thinner DOF would be nice. And reports are that the 85/1.4 is a stunning lens in it's own right.
08-12-2009, 11:46 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by Kornbread Quote
I'm basically wondering if there is some reason that the 77mm f1.8 would be superior to the 85mm f1.4.

Any ideas?
They didn't. The FA77 f/1.8 Ltd didn't replace any lens.
They discontinued the whole FA* line, which the FA* 85mm f/1.4 was part of.
They kept the FA LTD line.
08-12-2009, 11:58 AM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by Kornbread Quote
I'm basically wondering if there is some reason that the 77mm f1.8 would be superior to the 85mm f1.4.

Any ideas?
Size and build. The 77 Ltd is way smaller and lighter than the FA* 85, while being made completely of metal.

I doubt there is a noticeable IQ difference in real world shooting. But thing is, if you really need those extra 2/3 of a stop...then you have to go with the FA*.
08-12-2009, 03:46 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by Kornbread Quote
I'm basically wondering if there is some reason that the 77mm f1.8 would be superior to the 85mm f1.4.

Any ideas?

Because the 77 Limited is way superior optically to the FA* 85/1.4. It's optical quality is constant regardless of focusing distance something that can not be said about the FA* 85/1.4. In the 90's, when the FA* 85/1.4 was available, lots Pentax users tried to find the superior A* lens instead and paid more for it used than the FA* costed brand new.
The 77 is also cheaper and more compact a sell a LOT better.....
The FA 77 Limited have it's place among Pentax short telephoto classics; the K 85/1.8, A* 85/1.4 and the 77/1.8 Limited. ..
08-14-2009, 04:36 PM   #12
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In so many ways the 77 is better than the 85. The 85 is a special purpose lens built for portraits. It is not so great for landscapes. But, what the 85 can deliver, like "3D'ness", bokeh and other portrait effects, the 77 just cannot.
08-14-2009, 05:51 PM   #13
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I personally think the FA* 85 belongs amongst the short tele classics from Pentax. I've never had a problem with its performance at longer than portrait distances.

I don't see how the 77 could be "way superior optically" to the FA* 85. I've never used the 77 but the FA* is nearly as sharp as the A* 85 from my experience, which is quite a feat. It shows a bit more flare than the A* 85, but it also has much less CA, and in my opinion better color rendition. Considering the A* 85 and 77 Ltd have the same optical formula I imagine their optical perfomance is similar.

Anyway, I bet the reason the 77 Ltd is still around while the 85mm is not is because it's cheaper, smaller, and is part of the FA Ltd series which is extremely popular and still being produced. I would be extremely surprised if it had anything to do with optical quality and the FA* 85 is a very good lens.

QuoteOriginally posted by Pål Jensen Quote
Because the 77 Limited is way superior optically to the FA* 85/1.4. It's optical quality is constant regardless of focusing distance something that can not be said about the FA* 85/1.4. In the 90's, when the FA* 85/1.4 was available, lots Pentax users tried to find the superior A* lens instead and paid more for it used than the FA* costed brand new.
The 77 is also cheaper and more compact a sell a LOT better.....
The FA 77 Limited have it's place among Pentax short telephoto classics; the K 85/1.8, A* 85/1.4 and the 77/1.8 Limited. ..
08-14-2009, 06:34 PM   #14
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in my opinion,77/1.8 is great but 85/1.4 make me feel passion
08-14-2009, 08:54 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by malakola Quote
in my opinion,77/1.8 is great but 85/1.4 make me feel passion
Make sure you use condom cos it is an expensive lens.
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