[TKH]

Hi Folks!

Please help me in a little problem.

I´m very happy with the pics I take with my DA*55. Its a joy to see the perfect IQ on the prints I made. The setup of my K20D with the three primes 15, 35 and 55 fits my needs in a wonderful way. The only thing that sucks me is the size of the DA55 with the big hood. Have a look on two pics friend tzcobretti took yesterday from our cams:





I cannot afford owning both lenses and so Idont know if its a good idea to sell the DA*55 for buying a FA77.

What would you do?

Any pics and/or thoughts from friends who own both lenses?

Best,
Rainer

[Asahiflex]

I only have the FA77 but I can only say this to you: if you are bothered by the weight and bulk of the DA* 55, sell it. If it's the ultimate IQ you are after in this focal length, keep the DA* 55. Choose between weight or IQ - It's as simple as that.

[dadipentak]

I see what you mean. What would I do? I'd never part with my 77mm. It's not like there aren't other very good and more compact 50mm options.

I don't yet have a 77 ltd, so I would buy it off you for a reasonable price, if you want

[kenyee]

That hood for the 77 is too small...you can get flare issues with it, so you end up putting another hood on it anyways...
That said, the 77 is easily my favorite lens, though I've never tried the 55. The 50/1.4 I've never gotten anything amazing out of :-P

[TKH]

I don't yet have a 77 ltd, so I would buy it off you for a reasonable price, if you want

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

[farfisa]

For starters, you could try a smaller hood--I use a rubber collapsable standard one that fits the 58mm thread.

Doesn't look anywhere near as slick, but it works.

Obviously this doesn't give as much flare protection, etc. but neither does the pull-out hood for the 77! (It only extends half an inch or so)

Head to head, the 55 is sharper and contrast is better. I've never seen images as sharp as what come out of the 55 even at f/2. Seems to fit nicely in your line-up too--the 77 might leave too big of a hole!

Having said all that, I like using the 77 more. It is smaller, AF is very fast on the K-7 and the extra mm help isolate subjects a bit better. I love the look of the 77 images and backgrounds are smoother overall. Very natural look.

I say find your friend and see if he wants to trade for a week! It's too close to call. The weather sealing will be nice come winter too.

[TKH]

Thanks for all your right points.
I tried a rubber hood too.

I picked Thomas silver FA77 and will try a shootout tonight. Will report.

Rainer

[kristoffon]

That hood for the 77 is too small...you can get flare issues with it, so you end up putting another hood on it anyways...
That said, the 77 is easily my favorite lens, though I've never tried the 55. The 50/1.4 I've never gotten anything amazing out of :-P

Did you ever get flare with yours? I can shoot straight into the sun with mine and not get any flare.

Flare kills the FA50. Otherwise, great lens that gives great results having that limitation in mind. And tiny, too.

[a a i b]

This is a tough one.

I've had the FA77 for three years or so, and obviously the DA55 for much less time. In my view the DA55 is sharper, especially wide open, and the focal length is more useful. On the other hand, the FA77 is just great for candid portraits, faster focussing, a more compact size and easier to work with (the pinch-cap/big hood combo on the 55 is a drag.) And I have a dozen or more of shots with the FA77 that I just love love love.

If you have the 55, I'm not sure it makes sense to replace it with the 77, and vice-versa. There may be something to the argument that the 55 was designed for digital sensors and thus possibly "better" than the 77, but the 77 is plenty good.

The simple solution, of course, is to have both!

[Marc Sabatella]

The focal lengths of the 55 and 77 are so different, I can't imagine choosing between them based primarily on size. That would be like choosing between an pickup truck and a sports car based primarily on the upholstery. If you like the 55mm focal length, I'd be looking at the various 50mm lenses as a smaller alternative, assuming that simply switching to a small hood doesn't do the trick.

[TKH]

The focal lengths of the 55 and 77 are so different, I can't imagine choosing between them based primarily on size.

Maybe. but I tried to see what cup of tea is mine:

DA*55 1.4
DA*55 1.8
FA77 1.8
DA*55 2.8
FA77 2.8

[TKH]

Da*55 1.4
da*55 1.8
fa77 1.8
da*55 2.8
fa77 2.8

[redpigeons]

I don't get this lens... I really don't.

its more then that I am upset about this lens. the could have invest the same money for a fast 35mm lens. or even better a DA 400 that a lot of people needs .
or a new zoom that we need so much.

a BIG 55mm 1.4 for $900 . I don't get it I really don't.

the 77mm on the other hand as I am sure you know is one of the best reasons to own a Pentax camera. and one of the BEST lenses I ever had the pleasure to use.

[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