DA 70mm or DA* 50-135mm

disya2 · 04-16-2010, 10:51 AM

Hi,

I own DA* 16-50 and found that 50mm is not quite enough for portrait photographs. I feel a need in longer focal length. Being very pleased with DA* 16-50 my obvious choice was DA* 50-135 but they disappeared from most shops (BH, Adorama) and only a few auctions left on eBay with somewhat crazy price tags.
I've been always eager to test limited lenses and I think it might be a good chance.

The main question is whether I should wait for 50-135 to appear or take DA 70mm now.

BTW, does anyone have an idea when 50-135 is back again? I could wait a few weeks if needed.

I suspect that if I get DA 70mm I would be very tempted to get other DA limiteds.
FA 77mm is not an option for me because I'm so used to quick-shift that can not imagine a lens without it.

noahpurdy · 04-16-2010, 11:06 AM

I think that's a silly reason not to consider the FA 77, as it is PERFECT for what you want to use it for.

Ari · 04-16-2010, 11:38 AM

Yeah, gonna have to agree with noahpurdy on this. I sold my 50-135 because of the limited reach and realizing I was using 70-80mm focal range the most and bought the 77ltd to replace it. The 77ltd is an outstanding lens!!!!! I eventually sold it when I picked up the Sigma 70-200 (I hate having duplicate focal lengths) and am now using the DA*55 for my fast prime.

Blue · 04-16-2010, 11:53 AM

Personally, I would consider the DA 70mm ltd and the 77. I in fact chose the FA 77mm ltd rather than the DA* zoom. I think you would be pleased with any of those 3 lenses however. I personally like both the Prime ltd series better. There is another option, the DA 17-70mm f4.

davidvcd · 04-16-2010, 12:11 PM

I had the DA70 which I sold, have the 50-135 and 77ltd.

For portraits, I would go with the 77mm - not quite as sharp as the DA70 but better bokeh, better colors and more unique ( really does have pixie dust ) IMO.

the 50-135mm is big and cumbersome, the pictures don't "pop out" like the 77mm.

there's always one of the older 85mm 1.8 / 1.9, even though they are manual the optics are great, and inexpensive compared to the other choices.

**grey goat** · 04-16-2010, 12:25 PM

Originally posted by disya2

The main question is whether I should wait for 50-135 to appear or take DA 70mm now.

I suspect that if I get DA 70mm I would be very tempted to get other DA limiteds.

If you absolutely want the zoom and can't afford both lenses, you should wait.

But . . . I have the DA70 and love it. So far I haven't bought another Limited, though that's not because I wouldn't want one: there's the little matter of money, after all.

But the DA70 is a great lens. If money had been no concern, I may have opted for the 77, but I'm very happy with the 70.

Let us know what you decide to pick up, and what you think of it, too!

Blue · 04-16-2010, 01:09 PM

Originally posted by grey goat

If you absolutely want the zoom and can't afford both lenses, you should wait.

But . . . I have the DA70 and love it. So far I haven't bought another Limited, though that's not because I wouldn't want one: there's the little matter of money, after all.

But the DA70 is a great lens. If money had been no concern, I may have opted for the 77, but I'm very happy with the 70.

Let us know what you decide to pick up, and what you think of it, too!

The 85mm lenses used to be on my list. But when the 85mm f2 M went above $300, I decided to go after the 77mm ltd. I still have the Auto-Tak 85mm on my wish list from a "working" collection stand point. I find the 77mm is a good complimentary lens for street shooting paired up with the 21mm ltd in my case or the 15mm as an option.

Here's some street shooting examples taken just before sundown:

Blue · 04-16-2010, 01:27 PM

The 77mm ltd is also quite good for "street" portraits . . .

**montman** · 04-16-2010, 01:53 PM

I own the 70 2.4 limited and the 50-135 2.8. If I were you I would wait for the 50-135 to drop in price or get the 77 1.8. The 70 is an amazing lens but I find 2.4 is just not enough for me, I have considered selling it to get the 77 1.8. The 50-135 is just an amazing lens, the bokeh and sharpness are outstanding.

70 2.4 Limited

50-135 2.8

rfortson · 04-16-2010, 02:27 PM

Well...here's my crazy path.

I bought the 77ltd a few years back. It is a great lens. Around the same time, I bought the 50-135, which is also a great lens. I found that while the 77ltd may be a little better, the 50-135 was close enough for me, and it was a zoom. So, I sold my 77 Ltd.

However, today I just ordered the DA70 Ltd since I've gotten on a DA Ltd kick (I will soon have the 21, 40 and 70, plus the handy little case). So, I guess I can't really tell you what to do. Any of the lenses you're talking about are great.

Just for kicks and giggles, I took some similar shots with the 77Ltd, 50-135, DA*200, and 18-250 and put them into a set here. What I decided is that all of these lenses can be great under certain circumstances. However, the DA* or Ltd lenses can really look lovely.

netrex · 04-16-2010, 05:30 PM

I haven't had tons of regret from selling my 50-135mm due to finances. I'd go for that again in a heartbeat. A fantastic lens sharp at all apertures and focal lengts, and gives a beautiful bokeh. It's a prime lens killer. It's much bigger of course, but also very versatile.

I know have the 60-250mm to heal the wounds, and it does a good job, even bigger though :P And "only" f/4, but it works very well still. I went for that over the 50-135mm due to its range. It's VERY versatile too.

The 50-135mm:
http://netrex.deviantart.com/art/Dee-Snider-of-Twisted-Sister-129470356 (and the pictures in the description)
http://netrex.deviantart.com/art/My-Grandfather-95444901
http://netrex.deviantart.com/art/My-Grandmother-95444816
http://netrex.deviantart.com/gallery/#Runde-Norway (most of these except the sunrise IIRC)
http://netrex.deviantart.com/art/Monica-Kaasen-in-Action-80810313 (almost 100% crop)
http://netrex.deviantart.com/art/Dad-128346321
http://netrex.deviantart.com/art/Stella-117965137
http://netrex.deviantart.com/art/Stella-117965166

twitch · 04-16-2010, 08:28 PM

I own the DA70 and it's my favourite lens, perfect for portraits.

However if I were to ever get the 50-135mm, I'd probably trade the DA70 in for a FA77 because I don't think it's better enough (at all?) than the 50-135mm @ 70mm. It does have the obvious size advantage but to be honest the niche would be too small. The FA77 however is over a stop fast than the zoom, and it renders images quite differently from the DA lens'.

So I think if you are planning to acquire a 50-135mm in the near future, and you have the funds, get the FA77, it's a better fit with the zoom.

disya2 · 04-16-2010, 10:18 PM

Thank you all for sharing your opinions. They were very helpful.

It seems I'm leaning towards FA 77mm after reading your replies. Though I think I'll also order 50-135 when they are back at shops at adequate prices.

MrPetkus · 04-17-2010, 08:35 AM

I can't speak for the 70 (don't have) but the 50-135 is an absolutely stellar portrait lens with beautiful colors and bokeh - worth the wait. Primes are indeed special but you can't beat the flexibility of a good zoom.

I was in a similar position with the 50-135 a few months back, annoyed it was sold out. I called a ton of local/regional shops and eventually lucked out. Had to pretend I didn't know much about the lens & was borderline interested. It was their last copy.

Buy both if you can

**EsBee** · 04-17-2010, 02:26 PM

Here is another vote for the 50-135. That, along with your 16-50, should meet most if not all of your portrait needs, and I don't think either the DA70 or FA77 can say that while they both offer unique features of their own.

That said, every Pentaxian must experience shooting with the FA77 at least once.

04-16-2010, 10:51 AM	#1
disya2 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 91	*DA 70mm or DA 50-135mm** Hi, I own DA* 16-50 and found that 50mm is not quite enough for portrait photographs. I feel a need in longer focal length. Being very pleased with DA* 16-50 my obvious choice was DA* 50-135 but they disappeared from most shops (BH, Adorama) and only a few auctions left on eBay with somewhat crazy price tags. I've been always eager to test limited lenses and I think it might be a good chance. The main question is whether I should wait for 50-135 to appear or take DA 70mm now. BTW, does anyone have an idea when 50-135 is back again? I could wait a few weeks if needed. I suspect that if I get DA 70mm I would be very tempted to get other DA limiteds. FA 77mm is not an option for me because I'm so used to quick-shift that can not imagine a lens without it.

04-16-2010, 01:53 PM	#9
montman Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Kansas City Photos: Gallery Posts: 576	70mm I own the 70 2.4 limited and the 50-135 2.8. If I were you I would wait for the 50-135 to drop in price or get the 77 1.8. The 70 is an amazing lens but I find 2.4 is just not enough for me, I have considered selling it to get the 77 1.8. The 50-135 is just an amazing lens, the bokeh and sharpness are outstanding. 70 2.4 Limited 70 2.4 Limited 50-135 2.8 50-135 2.8

04-16-2010, 05:30 PM	#11
netrex Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Alta Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 279	I haven't had tons of regret from selling my 50-135mm due to finances. I'd go for that again in a heartbeat. A fantastic lens sharp at all apertures and focal lengts, and gives a beautiful bokeh. It's a prime lens killer. It's much bigger of course, but also very versatile. I know have the 60-250mm to heal the wounds, and it does a good job, even bigger though :P And "only" f/4, but it works very well still. I went for that over the 50-135mm due to its range. It's VERY versatile too. The 50-135mm: http://netrex.deviantart.com/art/Dee-Snider-of-Twisted-Sister-129470356 (and the pictures in the description) http://netrex.deviantart.com/art/My-Grandfather-95444901 http://netrex.deviantart.com/art/My-Grandmother-95444816 http://netrex.deviantart.com/gallery/#Runde-Norway (most of these except the sunrise IIRC) http://netrex.deviantart.com/art/Monica-Kaasen-in-Action-80810313 (almost 100% crop) http://netrex.deviantart.com/art/Dad-128346321 http://netrex.deviantart.com/art/Stella-117965137 http://netrex.deviantart.com/art/Stella-117965166 Last edited by netrex; 04-16-2010 at 05:36 PM.

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04-16-2010, 11:06 AM	#2
noahpurdy Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 479	I think that's a silly reason not to consider the FA 77, as it is PERFECT for what you want to use it for.

04-16-2010, 11:38 AM	#3
Ari Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Freehold, NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 856	Yeah, gonna have to agree with noahpurdy on this. I sold my 50-135 because of the limited reach and realizing I was using 70-80mm focal range the most and bought the 77ltd to replace it. The 77ltd is an outstanding lens!!!!! I eventually sold it when I picked up the Sigma 70-200 (I hate having duplicate focal lengths) and am now using the DA*55 for my fast prime.

04-16-2010, 11:53 AM	#4
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Personally, I would consider the DA 70mm ltd and the 77. I in fact chose the FA 77mm ltd rather than the DA* zoom. I think you would be pleased with any of those 3 lenses however. I personally like both the Prime ltd series better. There is another option, the DA 17-70mm f4.

04-16-2010, 12:11 PM	#5
davidvcd Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NorthernVA , USA / Grenoble, FRANCE Posts: 148	I had the DA70 which I sold, have the 50-135 and 77ltd. For portraits, I would go with the 77mm - not quite as sharp as the DA70 but better bokeh, better colors and more unique ( really does have pixie dust ) IMO. the 50-135mm is big and cumbersome, the pictures don't "pop out" like the 77mm. there's always one of the older 85mm 1.8 / 1.9, even though they are manual the optics are great, and inexpensive compared to the other choices.

04-16-2010, 12:25 PM	#6
grey goat Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Spring Green, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 926	Originally posted by disya2 The main question is whether I should wait for 50-135 to appear or take DA 70mm now. I suspect that if I get DA 70mm I would be very tempted to get other DA limiteds. If you absolutely want the zoom and can't afford both lenses, you should wait. But . . . I have the DA70 and love it. So far I haven't bought another Limited, though that's not because I wouldn't want one: there's the little matter of money, after all. But the DA70 is a great lens. If money had been no concern, I may have opted for the 77, but I'm very happy with the 70. Let us know what you decide to pick up, and what you think of it, too!

04-16-2010, 01:09 PM	#7
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by grey goat If you absolutely want the zoom and can't afford both lenses, you should wait. But . . . I have the DA70 and love it. So far I haven't bought another Limited, though that's not because I wouldn't want one: there's the little matter of money, after all. But the DA70 is a great lens. If money had been no concern, I may have opted for the 77, but I'm very happy with the 70. Let us know what you decide to pick up, and what you think of it, too! The 85mm lenses used to be on my list. But when the 85mm f2 M went above $300, I decided to go after the 77mm ltd. I still have the Auto-Tak 85mm on my wish list from a "working" collection stand point. I find the 77mm is a good complimentary lens for street shooting paired up with the 21mm ltd in my case or the 15mm as an option. Here's some street shooting examples taken just before sundown:

04-16-2010, 01:27 PM	#8
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	The 77mm ltd is also quite good for "street" portraits . . .

04-16-2010, 02:27 PM	#10
rfortson Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,129	Well...here's my crazy path. I bought the 77ltd a few years back. It is a great lens. Around the same time, I bought the 50-135, which is also a great lens. I found that while the 77ltd may be a little better, the 50-135 was close enough for me, and it was a zoom. So, I sold my 77 Ltd. However, today I just ordered the DA70 Ltd since I've gotten on a DA Ltd kick (I will soon have the 21, 40 and 70, plus the handy little case). So, I guess I can't really tell you what to do. Any of the lenses you're talking about are great. Just for kicks and giggles, I took some similar shots with the 77Ltd, 50-135, DA200, and 18-250 and put them into a set here. What I decided is that all of these lenses can be great under certain circumstances. However, the DA or Ltd lenses can really look lovely.

04-16-2010, 08:28 PM	#12
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	I own the DA70 and it's my favourite lens, perfect for portraits. However if I were to ever get the 50-135mm, I'd probably trade the DA70 in for a FA77 because I don't think it's better enough (at all?) than the 50-135mm @ 70mm. It does have the obvious size advantage but to be honest the niche would be too small. The FA77 however is over a stop fast than the zoom, and it renders images quite differently from the DA lens'. So I think if you are planning to acquire a 50-135mm in the near future, and you have the funds, get the FA77, it's a better fit with the zoom.

04-16-2010, 10:18 PM	#13
disya2 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 91 Original Poster	Thank you all for sharing your opinions. They were very helpful. It seems I'm leaning towards FA 77mm after reading your replies. Though I think I'll also order 50-135 when they are back at shops at adequate prices.

04-17-2010, 08:35 AM	#14
MrPetkus Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 387	I can't speak for the 70 (don't have) but the 50-135 is an absolutely stellar portrait lens with beautiful colors and bokeh - worth the wait. Primes are indeed special but you can't beat the flexibility of a good zoom. I was in a similar position with the 50-135 a few months back, annoyed it was sold out. I called a ton of local/regional shops and eventually lucked out. Had to pretend I didn't know much about the lens & was borderline interested. It was their last copy. Buy both if you can

04-17-2010, 02:26 PM	#15
EsBee Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: National Capital Region Posts: 739	Here is another vote for the 50-135. That, along with your 16-50, should meet most if not all of your portrait needs, and I don't think either the DA70 or FA77 can say that while they both offer unique features of their own. That said, every Pentaxian must experience shooting with the FA77 at least once.