Call me crazy but I caught the FA ltd Bug

EdMaximus · 01-04-2010, 09:41 PM

Call me crazy but I caught the FA ltd Bug. My previous goal was to have in my bag the Sigma 10-20, the FA50/1.4, the DA*16-50, and the DA*50-135. The 50-135 was the best lens I've had in term of image quality and the 16-50 has been indispensable to photography service. I sold the 50-135 to buy the Tamron 90 macro and that lens has also been a gem to use. One thing I have to admit though is that I'm not the macro guy I thought I was. The bugs tend to get on my nerve when they don't want to sit still.

So I'm selling all my lenses to get just the FA 31, the FA 77, and the Sigma 10-20. I have been thinking hard about making such a drastic decision. The major con is the fact that I'm losing a lot in term of focal lengths. I did a search of my pictures based on focal lengths and found out that almost half of my pictures were taken with 50mm. For most of those, I always felt like the 50mm was too long. I also have a good number of pictures that fall around the 25mm to 35mm focal lengths.I think the FA31ltd can cover me there.

As for the 77ltd, it will basically replace my tamron 90 for portraiture. The DA*50-135 was amazing but it's too bulky for the direction I want to take. My biggest goal now is to focus on becoming a fine art photographer instead of trying to be commercial and do what people want. I want my camera to be an essential part of me where it will be on me everytime.

I know the 31 and the 77ltd are mighty expensive but I'm already 80% convinced about buying them. I'm looking for my work to be at the optimal quality where only my skill and vision can restrain me. From what I see and read from those two lenses, I think they will fit my purpose. However, I need to be 100% before I pull the trigger. YOu guys can increase or decrease my fever meter by helping me below:

1) Can someone who has an FA50mm, FA43ltd, and FA31ltd do a comparison for me by shooting and posting a full portraiture of a person standing with all three lenses at the same distance at aperture 1.9?

2) Does anyone have experience with using the FA limited with an extension tube for macro? Is there any degradation as far as IQ?

3) Do the FA77 and FA31 exhibit purple fringing similar to the FA50?

4) I heard story about someone dropping the FA31 with a camera in a river where the lens survive but the camera died. I know the FA ltds are not weather sealed but does anyone have any bad weather experience with them that test their durability?

5) I want to keep offer service (mainly portraiture) to people.Does anyone of you use similar set up for professional and commercial work? I know one famous photog who used an 85mm lens throughout his lifetime. I just cant remember his name.

6) Am I insane?

Thank you for reading my blah blah blah.
Edson

asdf · 01-04-2010, 09:43 PM

DA 14 f/2.8 may not be a limited lens, but it's difficult to find something faster with that angle of view on a cropped sensor. It's solidly built, too.

Why don't you keep the Tamron? Since it has a focus limiter, it's not limited to just macro work.

**Ash** · 01-04-2010, 09:56 PM

Wow Ed. You're more wild-crazy than crazy-crazy.

Can't go wrong with FA ltds IMO. All fine works of engineering.
I don't have the 43 so can't advise on that, but the 31 and 77 are both brilliant - very little need for drastic PP to bring out the best in the portraits taken with them.
I personally wouldn't risk taking them out in the rain, strong wind or duststorm...
I also haven't tested them out compared against the FA 50, but the 77 in particular is known for its strong PF in those typical high contrast areas.

Blue · 01-04-2010, 10:41 PM

I got weak last month and got the FA 77mm because I figure they are either going to go up in price or cease production. Plus, as a collector, I wanted a Japanese made one.

EdMaximus · 01-05-2010, 06:20 AM

Originally posted by asdf

DA 14 f/2.8 may not be a limited lens, but it's difficult to find something faster with that angle of view on a cropped sensor. It's solidly built, too.

Why don't you keep the Tamron? Since it has a focus limiter, it's not limited to just macro work.

I'm not looking for optimal quality when it comes to the UWA side. I'm sure the DA14 cost an arm and a leg too. For what the Sigma 10-20 offer at the price, I think it will be enough for me. As far as the Tamron, I've actually used it more for portrait work than macro. My only problems with it is that it's too long and too big to serve my purpose. Beside the 77ltd is more superior in term of IQ.

Originally posted by Ash

Wow Ed. You're more wild-crazy than crazy-crazy.

Can't go wrong with FA ltds IMO. All fine works of engineering.
I don't have the 43 so can't advise on that, but the 31 and 77 are both brilliant - very little need for drastic PP to bring out the best in the portraits taken with them.
I personally wouldn't risk taking them out in the rain, strong wind or duststorm...
I also haven't tested them out compared against the FA 50, but the 77 in particular is known for its strong PF in those typical high contrast areas.

Well Thank you Ash for confirming my craziness. You know what? we are all a bunch of crazy bastard. If we were not, we would be following the trend and use canikon instead. Yeah I see what all three lenses can do and that's why I'm going for them... I'll avoid bad weather with them I guess. I'm sure the PF for the 77 is controllable in photoshop. Can you provide me with a sample shot where it exhibits it please?

Originally posted by Blue

I got weak last month and got the FA 77mm because I figure they are either going to go up in price or cease production. Plus, as a collector, I wanted a Japanese made one.

Nice! I guess I'm not the only one who caught the bug. This lens make me see pictures in a different way.

**Ash** · 01-05-2010, 12:52 PM

Originally posted by afroed

I'm sure the PF for the 77 is controllable in photoshop. Can you provide me with a sample shot where it exhibits it please?

As yet, I have not used the 77 in high enough contrast scenes to push the limits of the lens and see the PF. So I don't have an example for you. PF is harder to manage in PS than regular CA though.

Jonson PL · 01-05-2010, 01:06 PM

For test of lenses, there is also this site :

Welcome to Photozone!

Blue · 01-05-2010, 01:23 PM

Originally posted by Jonson PL

For test of lenses, there is also this site :

Welcome to Photozone!

The only problem is that they "forced" the FA 77mm to get PF which is ok. However, they didn't push the DA 70mm the same way. Both lenses have the Pentax "ghostless" coating on their rear element. The FA 77mm lens optical layout is very similar to the A* 85mm f1.4 that have reports of PF as well.

Edit: Personally, I don't think the optical layout is the main contributing factor of PF in these lenses. I think its the aperture size. The DA 70mm aperture at wide open 2.4 is where many 85mm lenses start to show PF.

EdMaximus · 01-05-2010, 01:41 PM

Originally posted by Ash

As yet, I have not used the 77 in high enough contrast scenes to push the limits of the lens and see the PF. So I don't have an example for you. PF is harder to manage in PS than regular CA though.

Yeah PF is a pain in the butt. When I didn't know much about photography, I use to live my K100D in portrait mode with the FA50 and it kept shooting wide open. Man I had to deal with some nasty PF.

Originally posted by Jonson PL

For test of lenses, there is also this site :

Welcome to Photozone!

I read those the reviews on this site already. I thought they could have done a better job at them. I almost ran away when I saw the PF but it's reassuring that they mention that they have to push the lens specifically to bring that out

Originally posted by Blue

The only problem is that they "forced" the FA 77mm to get PF which is ok. However, they didn't push the DA 70mm the same way. Both lenses have the Pentax "ghostless" coating on their rear element. The FA 77mm lens optical layout is very similar to the A* 85mm f1.4 that have reports of PF as well.

Edit: Personally, I don't think the optical layout is the main contributing factor of PF in these lenses. I think its the aperture size. The DA 70mm aperture at wide open 2.4 is where many 85mm lenses start to show PF.

Maybe it's me but I think they could have done a better job with the review for both the 77ltd and the 31ltd on the site.

axl · 01-06-2010, 03:18 PM

Your are not crazy, it's a good idea. I have had it for a while too. I purchased 31ltd in January 09 and now year later I bought used 43 just last sunday. Both silver and with colored leather bags

Geee, can't wait until January 2011

I havent spent too much with 43 yet, so can't/won't comment much on it except that from f2.8 it seems ultrasharp. It even brings out details you sometimes don't want to see (think skin etc).
As far as PF goes on 31, in sub f4 you can get it if you try, but normaly it's not a big deal. In most situations it's actually well controled. What I find bit more annoying though is green(ish) CAs around just OOF strong highlights at wide open or very close. If you don't nail the focus pefectly you'll know it because of this, and sometimes it's ugly, IMO. Other than that, 31 is one SUPERB lens.

BR
Peter

axl · 01-06-2010, 03:23 PM

PS: I know it's not what you asked for but here isone portrait shot from 31ltd @ f1.8:

EdMaximus · 01-06-2010, 04:41 PM

Originally posted by axl

Your are not crazy, it's a good idea. I have had it for a while too. I purchased 31ltd in January 09 and now year later I bought used 43 just last sunday. Both silver and with colored leather bags

Geee, can't wait until January 2011

I havent spent too much with 43 yet, so can't/won't comment much on it except that from f2.8 it seems ultrasharp. It even brings out details you sometimes don't want to see (think skin etc).
As far as PF goes on 31, in sub f4 you can get it if you try, but normaly it's not a big deal. In most situations it's actually well controled. What I find bit more annoying though is green(ish) CAs around just OOF strong highlights at wide open or very close. If you don't nail the focus pefectly you'll know it because of this, and sometimes it's ugly, IMO. Other than that, 31 is one SUPERB lens.

BR
Peter

Thanks for the reassurance Peter. I know what the FA limited are capable off. Eventually I might end up with all three of them but the 31 and 77 should suffice. I know they won't make me a better photographer but they will definitely renew my love for photography. One thing I can attest is that the DA* zooms have turned me into a lazy dude with a camera. They give me too much options where most of the time I just throw away my conceptual vision. With a set of prime lens, I can limit my option and focus on exploring the few possibilities that I have to a greater extent.

stevebrot · 01-06-2010, 05:22 PM

I have the FA 77 and have not found PF to be a particular problem for my style of photography. It does exhibit PF under extreme contrast situations, but no worse than average in my opinion.

That being said, other users have had a different experience with their style of shooting. Your mileage may vary.

Steve

(Suspects that the PF is a side-effect of excess pixie dust...)

ilya80 · 01-06-2010, 06:32 PM

Hi there!

Just my 2 cents:

3) Yes.
5) Never used any of them professionally but FA77 *is* the ultimate portrait lens on a cropped camera IMHO
6) Yes

**dadipentak** · 01-06-2010, 07:39 PM

Yes, you're insane but don't let that stop you--they're crazy good lenses.

01-04-2010, 09:41 PM	#1
EdMaximus Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New York Posts: 318	Call me crazy but I caught the FA ltd Bug Call me crazy but I caught the FA ltd Bug. My previous goal was to have in my bag the Sigma 10-20, the FA50/1.4, the DA16-50, and the DA50-135. The 50-135 was the best lens I've had in term of image quality and the 16-50 has been indispensable to photography service. I sold the 50-135 to buy the Tamron 90 macro and that lens has also been a gem to use. One thing I have to admit though is that I'm not the macro guy I thought I was. The bugs tend to get on my nerve when they don't want to sit still. So I'm selling all my lenses to get just the FA 31, the FA 77, and the Sigma 10-20. I have been thinking hard about making such a drastic decision. The major con is the fact that I'm losing a lot in term of focal lengths. I did a search of my pictures based on focal lengths and found out that almost half of my pictures were taken with 50mm. For most of those, I always felt like the 50mm was too long. I also have a good number of pictures that fall around the 25mm to 35mm focal lengths.I think the FA31ltd can cover me there. As for the 77ltd, it will basically replace my tamron 90 for portraiture. The DA*50-135 was amazing but it's too bulky for the direction I want to take. My biggest goal now is to focus on becoming a fine art photographer instead of trying to be commercial and do what people want. I want my camera to be an essential part of me where it will be on me everytime. I know the 31 and the 77ltd are mighty expensive but I'm already 80% convinced about buying them. I'm looking for my work to be at the optimal quality where only my skill and vision can restrain me. From what I see and read from those two lenses, I think they will fit my purpose. However, I need to be 100% before I pull the trigger. YOu guys can increase or decrease my fever meter by helping me below: 1) Can someone who has an FA50mm, FA43ltd, and FA31ltd do a comparison for me by shooting and posting a full portraiture of a person standing with all three lenses at the same distance at aperture 1.9? 2) Does anyone have experience with using the FA limited with an extension tube for macro? Is there any degradation as far as IQ? 3) Do the FA77 and FA31 exhibit purple fringing similar to the FA50? 4) I heard story about someone dropping the FA31 with a camera in a river where the lens survive but the camera died. I know the FA ltds are not weather sealed but does anyone have any bad weather experience with them that test their durability? 5) I want to keep offer service (mainly portraiture) to people.Does anyone of you use similar set up for professional and commercial work? I know one famous photog who used an 85mm lens throughout his lifetime. I just cant remember his name. 6) Am I insane? Thank you for reading my blah blah blah. Edson

01-05-2010, 01:23 PM	#8
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by Jonson PL For test of lenses, there is also this site : Welcome to Photozone! The only problem is that they "forced" the FA 77mm to get PF which is ok. However, they didn't push the DA 70mm the same way. Both lenses have the Pentax "ghostless" coating on their rear element. The FA 77mm lens optical layout is very similar to the A* 85mm f1.4 that have reports of PF as well. Edit: Personally, I don't think the optical layout is the main contributing factor of PF in these lenses. I think its the aperture size. The DA 70mm aperture at wide open 2.4 is where many 85mm lenses start to show PF. Last edited by Blue; 01-05-2010 at 01:29 PM.

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01-04-2010, 09:43 PM	#2
asdf Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 1,252	DA 14 f/2.8 may not be a limited lens, but it's difficult to find something faster with that angle of view on a cropped sensor. It's solidly built, too. Why don't you keep the Tamron? Since it has a focus limiter, it's not limited to just macro work.

01-04-2010, 09:56 PM	#3
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Wow Ed. You're more wild-crazy than crazy-crazy. Can't go wrong with FA ltds IMO. All fine works of engineering. I don't have the 43 so can't advise on that, but the 31 and 77 are both brilliant - very little need for drastic PP to bring out the best in the portraits taken with them. I personally wouldn't risk taking them out in the rain, strong wind or duststorm... I also haven't tested them out compared against the FA 50, but the 77 in particular is known for its strong PF in those typical high contrast areas.

01-04-2010, 10:41 PM	#4
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	I got weak last month and got the FA 77mm because I figure they are either going to go up in price or cease production. Plus, as a collector, I wanted a Japanese made one.

01-05-2010, 06:20 AM	#5
EdMaximus Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New York Posts: 318 Original Poster	Originally posted by asdf DA 14 f/2.8 may not be a limited lens, but it's difficult to find something faster with that angle of view on a cropped sensor. It's solidly built, too. Why don't you keep the Tamron? Since it has a focus limiter, it's not limited to just macro work. I'm not looking for optimal quality when it comes to the UWA side. I'm sure the DA14 cost an arm and a leg too. For what the Sigma 10-20 offer at the price, I think it will be enough for me. As far as the Tamron, I've actually used it more for portrait work than macro. My only problems with it is that it's too long and too big to serve my purpose. Beside the 77ltd is more superior in term of IQ. Originally posted by Ash Wow Ed. You're more wild-crazy than crazy-crazy. Can't go wrong with FA ltds IMO. All fine works of engineering. I don't have the 43 so can't advise on that, but the 31 and 77 are both brilliant - very little need for drastic PP to bring out the best in the portraits taken with them. I personally wouldn't risk taking them out in the rain, strong wind or duststorm... I also haven't tested them out compared against the FA 50, but the 77 in particular is known for its strong PF in those typical high contrast areas. Well Thank you Ash for confirming my craziness. You know what? we are all a bunch of crazy bastard. If we were not, we would be following the trend and use canikon instead. Yeah I see what all three lenses can do and that's why I'm going for them... I'll avoid bad weather with them I guess. I'm sure the PF for the 77 is controllable in photoshop. Can you provide me with a sample shot where it exhibits it please? Originally posted by Blue I got weak last month and got the FA 77mm because I figure they are either going to go up in price or cease production. Plus, as a collector, I wanted a Japanese made one. Nice! I guess I'm not the only one who caught the bug. This lens make me see pictures in a different way.

01-05-2010, 12:52 PM	#6
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Originally posted by afroed I'm sure the PF for the 77 is controllable in photoshop. Can you provide me with a sample shot where it exhibits it please? As yet, I have not used the 77 in high enough contrast scenes to push the limits of the lens and see the PF. So I don't have an example for you. PF is harder to manage in PS than regular CA though.

01-05-2010, 01:06 PM	#7
Jonson PL Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Copenhagen Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,842	For test of lenses, there is also this site : Welcome to Photozone!

01-05-2010, 01:41 PM	#9
EdMaximus Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New York Posts: 318 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ash As yet, I have not used the 77 in high enough contrast scenes to push the limits of the lens and see the PF. So I don't have an example for you. PF is harder to manage in PS than regular CA though. Yeah PF is a pain in the butt. When I didn't know much about photography, I use to live my K100D in portrait mode with the FA50 and it kept shooting wide open. Man I had to deal with some nasty PF. Originally posted by Jonson PL For test of lenses, there is also this site : Welcome to Photozone! I read those the reviews on this site already. I thought they could have done a better job at them. I almost ran away when I saw the PF but it's reassuring that they mention that they have to push the lens specifically to bring that out Originally posted by Blue The only problem is that they "forced" the FA 77mm to get PF which is ok. However, they didn't push the DA 70mm the same way. Both lenses have the Pentax "ghostless" coating on their rear element. The FA 77mm lens optical layout is very similar to the A* 85mm f1.4 that have reports of PF as well. Edit: Personally, I don't think the optical layout is the main contributing factor of PF in these lenses. I think its the aperture size. The DA 70mm aperture at wide open 2.4 is where many 85mm lenses start to show PF. Maybe it's me but I think they could have done a better job with the review for both the 77ltd and the 31ltd on the site.

01-06-2010, 03:18 PM	#10
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	Your are not crazy, it's a good idea. I have had it for a while too. I purchased 31ltd in January 09 and now year later I bought used 43 just last sunday. Both silver and with colored leather bags Geee, can't wait until January 2011 I havent spent too much with 43 yet, so can't/won't comment much on it except that from f2.8 it seems ultrasharp. It even brings out details you sometimes don't want to see (think skin etc). As far as PF goes on 31, in sub f4 you can get it if you try, but normaly it's not a big deal. In most situations it's actually well controled. What I find bit more annoying though is green(ish) CAs around just OOF strong highlights at wide open or very close. If you don't nail the focus pefectly you'll know it because of this, and sometimes it's ugly, IMO. Other than that, 31 is one SUPERB lens. BR Peter

01-06-2010, 03:23 PM	#11
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	PS: I know it's not what you asked for but here isone portrait shot from 31ltd @ f1.8:

01-06-2010, 04:41 PM	#12
EdMaximus Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New York Posts: 318 Original Poster	Originally posted by axl Your are not crazy, it's a good idea. I have had it for a while too. I purchased 31ltd in January 09 and now year later I bought used 43 just last sunday. Both silver and with colored leather bags Geee, can't wait until January 2011 I havent spent too much with 43 yet, so can't/won't comment much on it except that from f2.8 it seems ultrasharp. It even brings out details you sometimes don't want to see (think skin etc). As far as PF goes on 31, in sub f4 you can get it if you try, but normaly it's not a big deal. In most situations it's actually well controled. What I find bit more annoying though is green(ish) CAs around just OOF strong highlights at wide open or very close. If you don't nail the focus pefectly you'll know it because of this, and sometimes it's ugly, IMO. Other than that, 31 is one SUPERB lens. BR Peter Thanks for the reassurance Peter. I know what the FA limited are capable off. Eventually I might end up with all three of them but the 31 and 77 should suffice. I know they won't make me a better photographer but they will definitely renew my love for photography. One thing I can attest is that the DA* zooms have turned me into a lazy dude with a camera. They give me too much options where most of the time I just throw away my conceptual vision. With a set of prime lens, I can limit my option and focus on exploring the few possibilities that I have to a greater extent.

01-06-2010, 05:22 PM	#13
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	I have the FA 77 and have not found PF to be a particular problem for my style of photography. It does exhibit PF under extreme contrast situations, but no worse than average in my opinion. That being said, other users have had a different experience with their style of shooting. Your mileage may vary. Steve (Suspects that the PF is a side-effect of excess pixie dust...)

01-06-2010, 06:32 PM	#14
ilya80 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Saint-Petersburg, Russia Photos: Albums Posts: 410	Hi there! Just my 2 cents: 3) Yes. 5) Never used any of them professionally but FA77 is the ultimate portrait lens on a cropped camera IMHO 6) Yes

01-06-2010, 07:39 PM	#15
dadipentak Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,590	Yes, you're insane but don't let that stop you--they're crazy good lenses.