Pls.... A* or fa* ??

bollicina31 · 11-27-2009, 01:37 PM

Good morning everyone.

I wanted to ask you a question.
What do you choose between a, A * FA * 85mm and a 85mm?
And because of your choice.

'm Torn between which one to buy.
From what I've discovered, disturbing the owners of these superb optics, is that the FA * 85mm is more inclined to the use of portraits, and generates less friming, of the A *.

I try as much detail / resolution, and beautiful colors.
AF / non-AF, blur, etc. do not interest me.

I await your opinions and advice, since you've had them maybe even both.

I forgot, I am not looking for a specific use, I love photographing what fate brings me ...... that is what I find fun

Tkx all

CertEdFriday · 11-27-2009, 05:39 PM

Originally posted by bollicina31

Good morning everyone.

I wanted to ask you a question.
What do you choose between a, A * FA * 85mm and a 85mm?
And because of your choice.

'm Torn between which one to buy.
From what I've discovered, disturbing the owners of these superb optics, is that the FA * 85mm is more inclined to the use of portraits, and generates less friming, of the A *.

I try as much detail / resolution, and beautiful colors.
AF / non-AF, blur, etc. do not interest me.

I await your opinions and advice, since you've had them maybe even both.

I forgot, I am not looking for a specific use, I love photographing what fate brings me ...... that is what I find fun

Tkx all

FA* Every time - my favourite portrait lens..

**dadipentak** · 11-27-2009, 05:50 PM

I don't know these lenses so I can't answer your question but when you say,

Originally posted by bollicina31

I love photographing what fate brings me

I know we are brothers

Wheatfield · 11-27-2009, 06:11 PM

My understanding is that the FA* is not as sharp as it could be at distance. I don't know this as fact, I read it on the internet.
OTOH, I have an A*85/1.4 and find it to be superb at any aperture and any distance, from closest focus to infinity.
Also, the M85 f/2 is a wonderful little lens that gets far less respect than it deserves.

matsoberg · 11-27-2009, 07:03 PM

I have both and to this date I`ve always thought they are equal in terms of IQ. But since Wheatfield´s post I need to compare them more thoughtfully tomorrow. Only difference for me has been AF or not. And of course the fact that the A version is more classic looking...

I do not need both though, so which one do you want to buy?

Votesh · 11-27-2009, 09:36 PM

I have both and prefer the FA*. It is nearly as sharp, and only really gets trumped by the A* when considering its susceptibility to flare. I also prefer the look,exterior design, and finish of the A*, but as far as picture taking goes i prefer the FA*.

bollicina31 · 11-28-2009, 07:29 AM

Originally posted by dadipentak

I don't know these lenses so I can't answer your question but when you say,

I know we are brothers

Good luck to both

Originally posted by Wheatfield

My understanding is that the FA* is not as sharp as it could be at distance. I don't know this as fact, I read it on the internet.
OTOH, I have an A*85/1.4 and find it to be superb at any aperture and any distance, from closest focus to infinity.
Also, the M85 f/2 is a wonderful little lens that gets far less respect than it deserves.

Exactly, there is evidence of a network 77limited vs FA * 85mm,
This points to the FA * 85mm EQUAL aperture, showed a higher resolution, more defined.
But FA * 85mm was defined only by the camera to the point of focus,
More that point, the image was decadent and less defined the 77 Limited.
This is believed to have been wanted by Pentax at design of the lens.
project designed especially for portraits.
Meanwhile, the A * 85mm, has a classic construction as 77limited.

Originally posted by matsoberg

I have both and to this date I`ve always thought they are equal in terms of IQ. But since Wheatfield´s post I need to compare them more thoughtfully tomorrow. Only difference for me has been AF or not. And of course the fact that the A version is more classic looking...

I do not need both though, so which one do you want to buy?

Hello, lucky, owner of both the optics.

Kindly await the photos to make a comparison.
Know that it will be very useful not only for me, I will rise now that the "worm" (doubt), but lighthouses me happy, especially me (but do not say it around).

Bipp .... awaiting pictures (series) for comparison.

Originally posted by Votesh

I have both and prefer the FA*. It is nearly as sharp, and only really gets trumped by the A* when considering its susceptibility to flare. I also prefer the look,exterior design, and finish of the A*, but as far as picture taking goes i prefer the FA*.

Kindly can you be clearer, more detailed, thanks.

You mean you think A * is more effective??
But A * is suffering most from friming open to everyone??
thanks

Thank you all for your kind help

Termik · 11-28-2009, 06:39 PM

Well, my FA*85 have *no* problem in delivering outstanding quality on distant objects! In fact I use it constantly wide open, at f1.4, on objects close, or at infinity. At 4-5.6 the sharpness, and the way it resolves at infinity is just fantastic.

Maybe I got the perfect copy, but I just do not undestand what people are talking about when it comes to sharpness at distant objects...

Votesh · 11-29-2009, 09:46 AM

What I was saying is that the A* is very slightly sharper at most apertures. But it's really not an issues because the diffeerence is minimal.

The main problem with the A* is purple fringing. It is evident at almost every aperture, and really apparent at wider apertures.

The main problems with the FA* are that it is susceptible to flare, and that its finish is easily scratched. On the other hand I greatly prefer the color rendition of photos from the FA*.

Bottom line, I prefer the FA* for image quality, but I like the construction of the A* better, not that the construction of the FA* is bad.

bollicina31 · 11-29-2009, 10:27 AM

Originally posted by Termik

Well, my FA*85 have *no* problem in delivering outstanding quality on distant objects! In fact I use it constantly wide open, at f1.4, on objects close, or at infinity. At 4-5.6 the sharpness, and the way it resolves at infinity is just fantastic.
Maybe I got the perfect copy, but I just do not undestand what people are talking about when it comes to sharpness at distant objects...

Originally posted by Votesh

What I was saying is that the A* is very slightly sharper at most apertures. But it's really not an issues because the diffeerence is minimal.
The main problem with the A* is purple fringing. It is evident at almost every aperture, and really apparent at wider apertures.
The main problems with the FA* are that it is susceptible to flare, and that its finish is easily scratched. On the other hand I greatly prefer the color rendition of photos from the FA*.
Bottom line, I prefer the FA* for image quality, but I like the construction of the A* better, not that the construction of the FA* is bad.

Tkx at all

I understand, so ...
how I propose it, the FA * seems more suited to digital.
And the colors reproduced by FA * are "good".

My indecision stemmed from the fact that I have never seen photos from both born the same optics (FA * vs A *).
But I have seen this test, which adds in the original language.
Look primal image, and then translate it with google, after translation, the captions from the photos and make them go away, indistinguishable.

LINK: FOTOGRAFIA NADIR MAGAZINE - SMC Pentax FA* 85mm f/1.4 IF e SMC Pentax FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited

Good vision

Let me know then, what do you think
thanks

Termik · 11-29-2009, 02:07 PM

Well, I think it boils down to this:

Both the FA77 and the FA*85 are *very* competent lenses. If you want a more compact and unobtrusive lens, then choose the FA77. If you see the FA*85 in the flesh with the hood attached, if you have not already done so, you will see that is a *massive* lens. It looks a little bit like a giant hood, with a lens in the middle and a small camera in the back. It is b-i-g!

When writing this, I just start to wonder why I did not go for the FA77... It has so many advantages... but then I is clear to me: I wanted to have the legend!

It is a little bit like the lord of the rings... You cares the silver beast and whisper:
Ohh my precsiousssss... I am here with you.. ;-)

Adam · 11-29-2009, 02:36 PM

FA* 85mm. The second best Pentax lens every made IMO, following the 300mm/2.8.

It's my favorite lens by far, and the lens with which I take almost all my travel photos.

The A* version of the 85mm is optically similar to the FA Limited 77mm, whereas the FA* uses a different, arguable better formula featuring internal focusing.

Votesh · 11-29-2009, 07:07 PM

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/54815-fa*-85mm-vs-*-85mm.html

That is a comparison I did of the 2 lenses. The comparison photos definitely aren't the best(regarding both the subject matter and size/quality of the photos on the net), but I also summarized my opinions of the 2 lenses as best as I could.

I'm planning on picking up a couple of other lenses of a similar focal length in the future amd when/if I do I'll do another comparison post of better quality. I also might continue the comparison in that thread with some better quality examples from the A* and FA* lenses if I get bored this winter.

bollicina31 · 11-30-2009, 01:13 PM

Originally posted by Termik

Well, I think it boils down to this:
Both the FA77 and the FA*85 are *very* competent lenses. If you want a more compact and unobtrusive lens, then choose the FA77. If you see the FA*85 in the flesh with the hood attached, if you have not already done so, you will see that is a *massive* lens. It looks a little bit like a giant hood, with a lens in the middle and a small camera in the back. It is b-i-g!
When writing this, I just start to wonder why I did not go for the FA77... It has so many advantages... but then I is clear to me: I wanted to have the legend!
It is a little bit like the lord of the rings... You cares the silver beast and whisper:
Ohh my precsiousssss... I am here with you.. ;-)

Yes, FA * 85 is really mass, but as giving you wrong, is a myth, a unique value.

Originally posted by Adam

FA* 85mm. The second best Pentax lens every made IMO, following the 300mm/2.8.
It's my favorite lens by far, and the lens with which I take almost all my travel photos.
The A* version of the 85mm is optically similar to the FA Limited 77mm, whereas the FA* uses a different, arguable better formula featuring internal focusing.

Hello, thank you for info.
When I say that A * 85mm is similar to 77Limitad, you mean for the construction, which extends the dinghy??

hello thanks

Originally posted by Votesh

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/54815-fa*-85mm-vs-*-85mm.html
That is a comparison I did of the 2 lenses. The comparison photos definitely aren't the best(regarding both the subject matter and size/quality of the photos on the net), but I also summarized my opinions of the 2 lenses as best as I could.
I'm planning on picking up a couple of other lenses of a similar focal length in the future amd when/if I do I'll do another comparison post of better quality. I also might continue the comparison in that thread with some better quality examples from the A* and FA* lenses if I get bored this winter.

Hello, dear.

Thanks for the link. I rush out of curiosity ....

I hope winter comes early, and it is icky, but not too much for my friends, (FA * and A *, intended for friends .... lol ....)

Seriously, I thank you and I look forward to your test.

11-27-2009, 01:37 PM	#1
bollicina31 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: ita/swiss Posts: 267	*Pls.... A or fa* ??** Good morning everyone. I wanted to ask you a question. What do you choose between a, A * FA * 85mm and a 85mm? And because of your choice. 'm Torn between which one to buy. From what I've discovered, disturbing the owners of these superb optics, is that the FA * 85mm is more inclined to the use of portraits, and generates less friming, of the A *. I try as much detail / resolution, and beautiful colors. AF / non-AF, blur, etc. do not interest me. I await your opinions and advice, since you've had them maybe even both. I forgot, I am not looking for a specific use, I love photographing what fate brings me ...... that is what I find fun Tkx all

11-29-2009, 02:36 PM	#12
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	FA* 85mm. The second best Pentax lens every made IMO, following the 300mm/2.8. It's my favorite lens by far, and the lens with which I take almost all my travel photos. The A* version of the 85mm is optically similar to the FA Limited 77mm, whereas the FA* uses a different, arguable better formula featuring internal focusing. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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11-27-2009, 05:39 PM	#2
CertEdFriday Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: UK - Somerset Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 175	Originally posted by bollicina31 Good morning everyone. I wanted to ask you a question. What do you choose between a, A * FA * 85mm and a 85mm? And because of your choice. 'm Torn between which one to buy. From what I've discovered, disturbing the owners of these superb optics, is that the FA * 85mm is more inclined to the use of portraits, and generates less friming, of the A . I try as much detail / resolution, and beautiful colors. AF / non-AF, blur, etc. do not interest me. I await your opinions and advice, since you've had them maybe even both. I forgot, I am not looking for a specific use, I love photographing what fate brings me ...... that is what I find fun Tkx all FA Every time - my favourite portrait lens..

11-27-2009, 05:50 PM	#3
dadipentak Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,590	I don't know these lenses so I can't answer your question but when you say, Originally posted by bollicina31 I love photographing what fate brings me I know we are brothers

11-27-2009, 06:11 PM	#4
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,976	My understanding is that the FA* is not as sharp as it could be at distance. I don't know this as fact, I read it on the internet. OTOH, I have an A*85/1.4 and find it to be superb at any aperture and any distance, from closest focus to infinity. Also, the M85 f/2 is a wonderful little lens that gets far less respect than it deserves.

11-27-2009, 07:03 PM	#5
matsoberg Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Norrtälje Posts: 220	I have both and to this date I`ve always thought they are equal in terms of IQ. But since Wheatfield´s post I need to compare them more thoughtfully tomorrow. Only difference for me has been AF or not. And of course the fact that the A version is more classic looking... I do not need both though, so which one do you want to buy?

11-27-2009, 09:36 PM	#6
Votesh Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 817	I have both and prefer the FA. It is nearly as sharp, and only really gets trumped by the A when considering its susceptibility to flare. I also prefer the look,exterior design, and finish of the A, but as far as picture taking goes i prefer the FA.

11-28-2009, 07:29 AM	#7
bollicina31 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: ita/swiss Posts: 267 Original Poster	Originally posted by dadipentak I don't know these lenses so I can't answer your question but when you say, I know we are brothers Good luck to both Originally posted by Wheatfield My understanding is that the FA* is not as sharp as it could be at distance. I don't know this as fact, I read it on the internet. OTOH, I have an A85/1.4 and find it to be superb at any aperture and any distance, from closest focus to infinity. Also, the M85 f/2 is a wonderful little lens that gets far less respect than it deserves. Exactly, there is evidence of a network 77limited vs FA 85mm, This points to the FA * 85mm EQUAL aperture, showed a higher resolution, more defined. But FA * 85mm was defined only by the camera to the point of focus, More that point, the image was decadent and less defined the 77 Limited. This is believed to have been wanted by Pentax at design of the lens. project designed especially for portraits. Meanwhile, the A * 85mm, has a classic construction as 77limited. Originally posted by matsoberg I have both and to this date I`ve always thought they are equal in terms of IQ. But since Wheatfield´s post I need to compare them more thoughtfully tomorrow. Only difference for me has been AF or not. And of course the fact that the A version is more classic looking... I do not need both though, so which one do you want to buy? Hello, lucky, owner of both the optics. Kindly await the photos to make a comparison. Know that it will be very useful not only for me, I will rise now that the "worm" (doubt), but lighthouses me happy, especially me (but do not say it around). Bipp .... awaiting pictures (series) for comparison. Originally posted by Votesh I have both and prefer the FA. It is nearly as sharp, and only really gets trumped by the A when considering its susceptibility to flare. I also prefer the look,exterior design, and finish of the A, but as far as picture taking goes i prefer the FA. Kindly can you be clearer, more detailed, thanks. You mean you think A * is more effective?? But A * is suffering most from friming open to everyone?? thanks Thank you all for your kind help

11-28-2009, 06:39 PM	#8
Termik Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Stockholm Posts: 35	Well, my FA85 have no* problem in delivering outstanding quality on distant objects! In fact I use it constantly wide open, at f1.4, on objects close, or at infinity. At 4-5.6 the sharpness, and the way it resolves at infinity is just fantastic. Maybe I got the perfect copy, but I just do not undestand what people are talking about when it comes to sharpness at distant objects...

11-29-2009, 09:46 AM	#9
Votesh Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 817	What I was saying is that the A* is very slightly sharper at most apertures. But it's really not an issues because the diffeerence is minimal. The main problem with the A* is purple fringing. It is evident at almost every aperture, and really apparent at wider apertures. The main problems with the FA* are that it is susceptible to flare, and that its finish is easily scratched. On the other hand I greatly prefer the color rendition of photos from the FA. Bottom line, I prefer the FA for image quality, but I like the construction of the A* better, not that the construction of the FA* is bad.

11-29-2009, 10:27 AM	#10
bollicina31 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: ita/swiss Posts: 267 Original Poster	Originally posted by Termik Well, my FA85 have no* problem in delivering outstanding quality on distant objects! In fact I use it constantly wide open, at f1.4, on objects close, or at infinity. At 4-5.6 the sharpness, and the way it resolves at infinity is just fantastic. Maybe I got the perfect copy, but I just do not undestand what people are talking about when it comes to sharpness at distant objects... Originally posted by Votesh What I was saying is that the A* is very slightly sharper at most apertures. But it's really not an issues because the diffeerence is minimal. The main problem with the A* is purple fringing. It is evident at almost every aperture, and really apparent at wider apertures. The main problems with the FA* are that it is susceptible to flare, and that its finish is easily scratched. On the other hand I greatly prefer the color rendition of photos from the FA. Bottom line, I prefer the FA for image quality, but I like the construction of the A* better, not that the construction of the FA* is bad. Tkx at all I understand, so ... how I propose it, the FA * seems more suited to digital. And the colors reproduced by FA * are "good". My indecision stemmed from the fact that I have never seen photos from both born the same optics (FA * vs A ). But I have seen this test, which adds in the original language. Look primal image, and then translate it with google, after translation, the captions from the photos and make them go away, indistinguishable. LINK: FOTOGRAFIA NADIR MAGAZINE - SMC Pentax FA 85mm f/1.4 IF e SMC Pentax FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Good vision Let me know then, what do you think thanks

11-29-2009, 02:07 PM	#11
Termik Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Stockholm Posts: 35	Well, I think it boils down to this: Both the FA77 and the FA85 are very* competent lenses. If you want a more compact and unobtrusive lens, then choose the FA77. If you see the FA85 in the flesh with the hood attached, if you have not already done so, you will see that is a massive* lens. It looks a little bit like a giant hood, with a lens in the middle and a small camera in the back. It is b-i-g! When writing this, I just start to wonder why I did not go for the FA77... It has so many advantages... but then I is clear to me: I wanted to have the legend! It is a little bit like the lord of the rings... You cares the silver beast and whisper: Ohh my precsiousssss... I am here with you.. ;-)

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11-29-2009, 07:07 PM	#13
Votesh Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 817	https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/54815-fa-85mm-vs--85mm.html That is a comparison I did of the 2 lenses. The comparison photos definitely aren't the best(regarding both the subject matter and size/quality of the photos on the net), but I also summarized my opinions of the 2 lenses as best as I could. I'm planning on picking up a couple of other lenses of a similar focal length in the future amd when/if I do I'll do another comparison post of better quality. I also might continue the comparison in that thread with some better quality examples from the A* and FA* lenses if I get bored this winter.

11-30-2009, 01:13 PM	#14
bollicina31 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: ita/swiss Posts: 267 Original Poster	Originally posted by Termik Well, I think it boils down to this: Both the FA77 and the FA85 are very* competent lenses. If you want a more compact and unobtrusive lens, then choose the FA77. If you see the FA85 in the flesh with the hood attached, if you have not already done so, you will see that is a massive* lens. It looks a little bit like a giant hood, with a lens in the middle and a small camera in the back. It is b-i-g! When writing this, I just start to wonder why I did not go for the FA77... It has so many advantages... but then I is clear to me: I wanted to have the legend! It is a little bit like the lord of the rings... You cares the silver beast and whisper: Ohh my precsiousssss... I am here with you.. ;-) Yes, FA * 85 is really mass, but as giving you wrong, is a myth, a unique value. Originally posted by Adam FA* 85mm. The second best Pentax lens every made IMO, following the 300mm/2.8. It's my favorite lens by far, and the lens with which I take almost all my travel photos. The A* version of the 85mm is optically similar to the FA Limited 77mm, whereas the FA* uses a different, arguable better formula featuring internal focusing. Hello, thank you for info. When I say that A * 85mm is similar to 77Limitad, you mean for the construction, which extends the dinghy?? hello thanks Originally posted by Votesh https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/54815-fa-85mm-vs--85mm.html That is a comparison I did of the 2 lenses. The comparison photos definitely aren't the best(regarding both the subject matter and size/quality of the photos on the net), but I also summarized my opinions of the 2 lenses as best as I could. I'm planning on picking up a couple of other lenses of a similar focal length in the future amd when/if I do I'll do another comparison post of better quality. I also might continue the comparison in that thread with some better quality examples from the A* and FA* lenses if I get bored this winter. Hello, dear. Thanks for the link. I rush out of curiosity .... I hope winter comes early, and it is icky, but not too much for my friends, (FA * and A *, intended for friends .... lol ....) Seriously, I thank you and I look forward to your test.