DA*55 vs. FA77

jptreen · 09-14-2009, 02:52 PM

I'm amazed nobody has said 'Keep the 55, just get a DA70 to go with it.'

It's cheaper than the 77 and it's still a very very good lens (I think it's only not raved about constantly because it's overshadowed by a very very very good lens)

My DA 70 may be slower than either of the above but it's heavenly. I'd suggest trying one out if you can before you bite on a 77 - unless you need 1.8 then it may do for you.

And I'm not saying 'oh, it'll do...' in that way people say when they talk about the kit lens or an old CZJ. It's a very good lens and is cheaper than the 77 (and a bit smaller too).

If you have your heart set on the 77 then go for it, but at least let the 70 cross your mind first and as I said above if you can get to try it out at any point then you might be pleasently pleased!

Parallax · 09-14-2009, 03:05 PM

Originally posted by jptreen

I'm amazed nobody has said 'Keep the 55, just get a DA70 to go with it.'

It's cheaper than the 77 and it's still a very very good lens (I think it's only not raved about constantly because it's overshadowed by a very very very good lens)

My DA 70 may be slower than either of the above but it's heavenly. I'd suggest trying one out if you can before you bite on a 77 - unless you need 1.8 then it may do for you.

And I'm not saying 'oh, it'll do...' in that way people say when they talk about the kit lens or an old CZJ. It's a very good lens and is cheaper than the 77 (and a bit smaller too).

If you have your heart set on the 77 then go for it, but at least let the 70 cross your mind first and as I said above if you can get to try it out at any point then you might be pleasently pleased!

That sounds like pretty good advice. With the loss you would take sell the 55 you will probably end up being out about the same money either way, and have two great lenses to show for it.

farfisa · 09-14-2009, 05:15 PM

Originally posted by TKH

This was no seriouse lens test. I used no tripod. I just picked up the camera and did that what I ever do when I go shooting.

Some things seem to be very new for me. I never thaugt that the FA77 was as razor sharp as my loved DA*55. The bokeh of the the DA*55 is (for 22mm less!!) very well!
In my eyes the FA is a tic warmer in the pics as the DA*55. Perhaps more in the three dimensions?

I will sell the DA*55 and look for a FA77.

Thanks for interest,
Rainer

Wow, Rainer! Big decision made quickly, but I fell for the 77 too when I met it!

Enjoy!

I remember you were one of the first to get the DA*55 and I quite enjoyed your shots with it. Can't wait to see what you do with the 77.

Now you have a hole between 35 and 77 -- what's going to go there?

Marc Sabatella · 09-14-2009, 07:26 PM

Originally posted by jptreen

I'm amazed nobody has said 'Keep the 55, just get a DA70 to go with it.'

FWIW, I thought of it, but assumed the OP had it in his head he needed something faster and wasn't in the mood to try to convince him otherwise. But you're totally right to recommend the 70. Actually, though, I'd sell the 55 and buy both 50 and the 70, as I'm not enamored of the 50-55mm FOV on APS-C to want such a expensive lens at that focal length.

Urkeldaedalus · 09-14-2009, 08:52 PM

Originally posted by TKH

This was no seriouse lens test. I used no tripod. I just picked up the camera and did that what I ever do when I go shooting.

Some things seem to be very new for me. I never thaugt that the FA77 was as razor sharp as my loved DA*55. The bokeh of the the DA*55 is (for 22mm less!!) very well!
In my eyes the FA is a tic warmer in the pics as the DA*55. Perhaps more in the three dimensions?

I will sell the DA*55 and look for a FA77.

Thanks for interest,
Rainer

Maybe not a scientific test, but I always like to see a battle of Pentax Titans. Thanks

Nubi · 09-14-2009, 10:31 PM

Originally posted by TKH

No way. I own the DA*55 and not the FA77. The FA77 on the pics is from user Tczobretti. Thats my point. I dont know if I should sell the DA for owning the FA?

Rainer

Oh, sorry. My bad.

You know, the way I look at it is that when I see pictures of the same object taken by FA 50 f/1.4 and DA*55 at the exact same aperture, in all honesty I could not tell them apart. DA*55 may handle better than FA50, but considering the price difference, I am beginning to think that perhaps DA*55 is a bit overrated.

But on the other hand, other members of the forum may tell you that it may also depend on what type of photography you shoot regularly.

ilya80 · 09-15-2009, 12:12 AM

Originally posted by TKH

Some things seem to be very new for me. I never thaugt that the FA77 was as razor sharp as my loved DA*55.

My thoughts exactly. I dont own the DA*55, but it hardly gets sharper than FA77, even wide open.

I love mine.

Class A · 09-15-2009, 01:50 PM

Rainer,

I'm sure you'll like the 77 but I also think you decided pretty quickly.

Originally posted by TKH

This was no serious lens test.

AFAIC, it wasn't sufficiently comprehensive. From your image sets, I also preferred the 77 shots. If you after these or similar scenarios, I'm sure the 77 will be better for you. However, in other scenarios, the FL of the 55 will be better than that of the 77.

I don't want to make you second guess your decision, just make sure that you see the full picture.

**rparmar** · 09-15-2009, 05:06 PM

The FA77 is single-handedly responsible for getting my wife into photography. I am not kidding! I don't think there's a substitute and she just likes the narrow depth of field and way it renders light.

rams · 09-15-2009, 07:54 PM

KEEP the 55DA!!..why is it exactly you want to get rid of it??!!

All the people bashing the 55 have not even handled it, let alone own it...it's a marvelous lens and the hood gives it character...did i mention it is also WR?
Unless your needs require 77, don't sell it!....and yes, I own it.

TKH · 09-15-2009, 10:27 PM

Good to see that you have an eye on me and my decision.

Its a good thing to read all your thaughts and so can rethink my own.

You have to know that I owned the FA77 two years ago. It was a good time with my K10D:

So I know also the negativ sides of the FA77 good.

The DA*55 is a really nice lens. The SDM is not as quick as I thaught. Thats not a big point. The IQ is really very good.

But the FA77 is a lot smaller and it has a (sorry

) sexy IQ...

Rainer

Let me say something very cruel:

With a DA*55 on a K20D I sometimes think that I also could have bought a Canon...
With a FA77 on the same camera I feel like a happy Pentaxian...

Class A · 09-16-2009, 02:45 AM

Originally posted by TKH

With a FA77 on the same camera I feel like a happy Pentaxian...

I can relate to that (even though I haven't seen a 77 in real life). It seems like a very fine piece of engineering and the OOF areas are really quite special.

**rparmar** · 09-16-2009, 04:14 AM

Originally posted by TKH

Let me say something very cruel:

With a DA*55 on a K20D I sometimes think that I also could have bought a Canon...
With a FA77 on the same camera I feel like a happy Pentaxian...

Rainer, I know what you mean. The FA series has incredible build most reminiscent of Zeiss or Leica glass, with fine machined parts, delicate but precise action and very functional design. Plus it is compact and self-contained. The feeling of the lens in use is a good reason to recommend it over the large plastic monsters.

farfisa · 09-16-2009, 06:07 AM

Originally posted by TKH

Let me say something very cruel:

With a DA*55 on a K20D I sometimes think that I also could have bought a Canon...
With a FA77 on the same camera I feel like a happy Pentaxian...

I agree with that somewhat! When I got the K-7, I could barely put the 50-135 on it. It just looked and felt wrong. Great glass, but didn't feel right, and I got rid of it.

The 55 was my best lens on the K20, without question, but the FA limiteds got a lot faster on the K-7 (much faster screw drive) and I use the 55 less now. I usually keep the 43 and 77 with me, and don't feel like I need much else (well, I do want that 15...).

But the DA* is definitely going to make it out in the winter for the weather sealing, and the winter is long! That's all I'm going to say there

cbaytan · 09-16-2009, 06:31 AM

Originally posted by TKH

No way. I own the DA*55 and not the FA77. The FA77 on the pics is from user Tczobretti. Thats my point. I dont know if I should sell the DA for owning the FA?

Rainer

Sel all your DA's and get FA's or any FF lens when DA's are fetching money, Pentax will eventually will come up with an FF camera, wouldn't she? In this time period, until Pentax releases a FF camera, you would be ready with a full FF lens lineup you wish.

09-15-2009, 10:27 PM	#26
TKH Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany Posts: 371 Original Poster	Good to see that you have an eye on me and my decision. Its a good thing to read all your thaughts and so can rethink my own. You have to know that I owned the FA77 two years ago. It was a good time with my K10D: So I know also the negativ sides of the FA77 good. The DA55 is a really nice lens. The SDM is not as quick as I thaught. Thats not a big point. The IQ is really very good. But the FA77 is a lot smaller and it has a (sorry ) sexy IQ... Rainer Let me say something very cruel: With a DA55 on a K20D I sometimes think that I also could have bought a Canon... With a FA77 on the same camera I feel like a happy Pentaxian... Last edited by TKH; 09-15-2009 at 10:41 PM.

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09-14-2009, 02:52 PM	#16
jptreen Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: "around" Posts: 116	I'm amazed nobody has said 'Keep the 55, just get a DA70 to go with it.' It's cheaper than the 77 and it's still a very very good lens (I think it's only not raved about constantly because it's overshadowed by a very very very good lens) My DA 70 may be slower than either of the above but it's heavenly. I'd suggest trying one out if you can before you bite on a 77 - unless you need 1.8 then it may do for you. And I'm not saying 'oh, it'll do...' in that way people say when they talk about the kit lens or an old CZJ. It's a very good lens and is cheaper than the 77 (and a bit smaller too). If you have your heart set on the 77 then go for it, but at least let the 70 cross your mind first and as I said above if you can get to try it out at any point then you might be pleasently pleased!

09-14-2009, 03:05 PM	#17
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,333	Originally posted by jptreen I'm amazed nobody has said 'Keep the 55, just get a DA70 to go with it.' It's cheaper than the 77 and it's still a very very good lens (I think it's only not raved about constantly because it's overshadowed by a very very very good lens) My DA 70 may be slower than either of the above but it's heavenly. I'd suggest trying one out if you can before you bite on a 77 - unless you need 1.8 then it may do for you. And I'm not saying 'oh, it'll do...' in that way people say when they talk about the kit lens or an old CZJ. It's a very good lens and is cheaper than the 77 (and a bit smaller too). If you have your heart set on the 77 then go for it, but at least let the 70 cross your mind first and as I said above if you can get to try it out at any point then you might be pleasently pleased! That sounds like pretty good advice. With the loss you would take sell the 55 you will probably end up being out about the same money either way, and have two great lenses to show for it.

09-14-2009, 05:15 PM	#18
farfisa Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,274	Originally posted by TKH This was no seriouse lens test. I used no tripod. I just picked up the camera and did that what I ever do when I go shooting. Some things seem to be very new for me. I never thaugt that the FA77 was as razor sharp as my loved DA55. The bokeh of the the DA55 is (for 22mm less!!) very well! In my eyes the FA is a tic warmer in the pics as the DA55. Perhaps more in the three dimensions? I will sell the DA55 and look for a FA77. Thanks for interest, Rainer Wow, Rainer! Big decision made quickly, but I fell for the 77 too when I met it! Enjoy! I remember you were one of the first to get the DA*55 and I quite enjoyed your shots with it. Can't wait to see what you do with the 77. Now you have a hole between 35 and 77 -- what's going to go there?

09-14-2009, 07:26 PM	#19
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Originally posted by jptreen I'm amazed nobody has said 'Keep the 55, just get a DA70 to go with it.' FWIW, I thought of it, but assumed the OP had it in his head he needed something faster and wasn't in the mood to try to convince him otherwise. But you're totally right to recommend the 70. Actually, though, I'd sell the 55 and buy both 50 and the 70, as I'm not enamored of the 50-55mm FOV on APS-C to want such a expensive lens at that focal length.

09-14-2009, 08:52 PM	#20
Urkeldaedalus Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Iowa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,369	Originally posted by TKH This was no seriouse lens test. I used no tripod. I just picked up the camera and did that what I ever do when I go shooting. Some things seem to be very new for me. I never thaugt that the FA77 was as razor sharp as my loved DA55. The bokeh of the the DA55 is (for 22mm less!!) very well! In my eyes the FA is a tic warmer in the pics as the DA55. Perhaps more in the three dimensions? I will sell the DA55 and look for a FA77. Thanks for interest, Rainer Maybe not a scientific test, but I always like to see a battle of Pentax Titans. Thanks

09-14-2009, 10:31 PM	#21
Nubi Guest	Originally posted by TKH No way. I own the DA55 and not the FA77. The FA77 on the pics is from user Tczobretti. Thats my point. I dont know if I should sell the DA for owning the FA? Rainer Oh, sorry. My bad. You know, the way I look at it is that when I see pictures of the same object taken by FA 50 f/1.4 and DA55 at the exact same aperture, in all honesty I could not tell them apart. DA55 may handle better than FA50, but considering the price difference, I am beginning to think that perhaps DA55 is a bit overrated. But on the other hand, other members of the forum may tell you that it may also depend on what type of photography you shoot regularly.

09-15-2009, 12:12 AM	#22
ilya80 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Saint-Petersburg, Russia Photos: Albums Posts: 410	Originally posted by TKH Some things seem to be very new for me. I never thaugt that the FA77 was as razor sharp as my loved DA55. My thoughts exactly. I dont own the DA55, but it hardly gets sharper than FA77, even wide open. I love mine.

09-15-2009, 01:50 PM	#23
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Rainer, I'm sure you'll like the 77 but I also think you decided pretty quickly. Originally posted by TKH This was no serious lens test. AFAIC, it wasn't sufficiently comprehensive. From your image sets, I also preferred the 77 shots. If you after these or similar scenarios, I'm sure the 77 will be better for you. However, in other scenarios, the FL of the 55 will be better than that of the 77. I don't want to make you second guess your decision, just make sure that you see the full picture.

09-15-2009, 05:06 PM	#24
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,823	The FA77 is single-handedly responsible for getting my wife into photography. I am not kidding! I don't think there's a substitute and she just likes the narrow depth of field and way it renders light.

09-15-2009, 07:54 PM	#25
rams New Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: seattle Photos: Gallery Posts: 23	KEEP the 55DA!!..why is it exactly you want to get rid of it??!! All the people bashing the 55 have not even handled it, let alone own it...it's a marvelous lens and the hood gives it character...did i mention it is also WR? Unless your needs require 77, don't sell it!....and yes, I own it.

09-16-2009, 02:45 AM	#27
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by TKH With a FA77 on the same camera I feel like a happy Pentaxian... I can relate to that (even though I haven't seen a 77 in real life). It seems like a very fine piece of engineering and the OOF areas are really quite special.

09-16-2009, 04:14 AM	#28
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,823	Originally posted by TKH Let me say something very cruel: With a DA*55 on a K20D I sometimes think that I also could have bought a Canon... With a FA77 on the same camera I feel like a happy Pentaxian... Rainer, I know what you mean. The FA series has incredible build most reminiscent of Zeiss or Leica glass, with fine machined parts, delicate but precise action and very functional design. Plus it is compact and self-contained. The feeling of the lens in use is a good reason to recommend it over the large plastic monsters.

09-16-2009, 06:07 AM	#29
farfisa Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,274	Originally posted by TKH Let me say something very cruel: With a DA55 on a K20D I sometimes think that I also could have bought a Canon... With a FA77 on the same camera I feel like a happy Pentaxian... I agree with that somewhat! When I got the K-7, I could barely put the 50-135 on it. It just looked and felt wrong. Great glass, but didn't feel right, and I got rid of it. The 55 was my best lens on the K20, without question, but the FA limiteds got a lot faster on the K-7 (much faster screw drive) and I use the 55 less now. I usually keep the 43 and 77 with me, and don't feel like I need much else (well, I do want that 15...). But the DA is definitely going to make it out in the winter for the weather sealing, and the winter is long! That's all I'm going to say there

09-16-2009, 06:31 AM	#30
cbaytan Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Trabzon/Turkey Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,010	Originally posted by TKH No way. I own the DA*55 and not the FA77. The FA77 on the pics is from user Tczobretti. Thats my point. I dont know if I should sell the DA for owning the FA? Rainer Sel all your DA's and get FA's or any FF lens when DA's are fetching money, Pentax will eventually will come up with an FF camera, wouldn't she? In this time period, until Pentax releases a FF camera, you would be ready with a full FF lens lineup you wish.