HD PENTAX-D FA* 50mm F1,4 SDM AW beats Sigma 50mm F1,4 DG HSM Art in review

SSGGeezer · 08-06-2018, 08:08 AM - **1 Like**

He is never going to be Mr. Production value but he has an honest enthusiasm for gear and it comes through. That is why he is fun to watch, it is like your excitable nephew discovered high quality photographic gear and wants to tell you about what he has learned.

solitudebound · 08-07-2018, 06:38 AM

No regrets with the new 50mm f1.4. Didn't need to see cameravilles review of it but at least there was some proof provided. Lee i believe his name is gets repetitive when he gets excited. He also moves around the side by side images too quickly considering how slow youtube is to send a fully resolved video packet. Most times i just download the videos to view offline which is a better experience.

The 85mm if as good as the new 50 mm will also make it into my collection. These new lenses will help out Pentax and i am pleased that i spent the money on this rather than on the MK2 upgrade.

As for Cameraville. It's lucky that he has access to a reliable source of Pentax equipment. Some other similarly hyperactive reviewers claim not to have any access to Pentax at all which is debatable. I did take note that he split the actual review into three parts claiming the "boring" factor. It's not going to make it into youtube main stream list with the new rules but it will get more unique views.

robiles · 08-07-2018, 07:43 AM

Good news to Pentax (not so much for me, 50 is not my thing), im just hoping the upcoming apsc UWA beats the [insert best regarded UWA here].

**Scorpio71GR** · 08-07-2018, 03:20 PM

This makes me excited for the DFA 85. That is one lens I would consider buying.

biz-engineer · 08-07-2018, 03:46 PM

Originally posted by solitudebound

The 85mm if as good as the new 50 mm will also make it into my collection.

Will weight 2kg is as good as the 50, that will be an issue. But the thing is, give me a 85mm 90% as good as the DFA*50 and I'll be happy because right now I have a Samyang 85 1.4 that is not ever sharp stopped-down to f8.

**Belnan** · 08-07-2018, 07:16 PM - **2 Likes**

If I owned the Pentax K-1 I would be all over this lens. (unless my wife found out)

willeisner · 08-07-2018, 07:46 PM - **1 Like**

very good review, the new star lens honoring the tradition of the name.

repaap · 08-08-2018, 11:32 AM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

Will weight 2kg is as good as the 50, that will be an issue. But the thing is, give me a 85mm 90% as good as the DFA*50 and I'll be happy because right now I have a Samyang 85 1.4 that is not ever sharp stopped-down to f8.

I think that it will be as good, or even better than 50(85 I mean). could it be that those lens measures would be quite close each other? perhaps this new 70-200, 50 ... * line has unique line of how they will look, to make em completelly stand out. Some speculation was made of 70-200 shape. because others (caniconron)are not as’straight pipes’. Now that would be interesting!? -pure speculation-

totsmuyco · 08-25-2018, 04:26 PM

I've seen a couple of his reviews. I don't mind his grammar. I like his review comparing the K-1, Sony A7 and Nikon D850. They're fair and unbiased.

**sbh** · 08-26-2018, 08:17 AM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

I've compared a number of images from both lenses, the sigma Art is very good in a way that it render excellent images, but the Pentax D-FA*50 is a step up from the sigma Art, especially with regards to sharpness wide open (subject separation) I like the contrast and colors better on the Pentax.

Originally posted by Belnan

If I owned the Pentax K-1 I would be all over this lens. (unless my wife found out)

I am. It was immediately noticable that this lens is different. I'm enjoying it like no other lens, regardless whether star or limited lens. It's a different category. Every other lens feels old now. Great sharpness, impressive colours and contrast, no flare, fast AF, close focussing and it's silent, this lens has it all.

For KP users this should already be the ultimate 85mm equivalent, or not?

repaap · 08-28-2018, 12:48 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by sbh

I am. It was immediately noticable that this lens is different. I'm enjoying it like no other lens, regardless whether star or limited lens. It's a different category. Every other lens feels old now. Great sharpness, impressive colours and contrast, no flare, fast AF, close focussing and it's silent, this lens has it all.

For KP users this should already be the ultimate 85mm equivalent, or not?

Close 85. 55 is more so. But who cares of those little things..this greatly reminds me of my DFA *70-200 experiences. It makes test of my exsisting lenses in shame. I don’t own 50. Going to wait for 85. But I just might leap to 50. It would mean selling my 55, 43, and 77. Loving my 43...well 77 and 55 could go. Maybe.

Lev · 08-29-2018, 10:08 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by str8talk83

I laugh at his grammar too sometimes, but he seems like a nice guy and I respect that he’s open to talking about Pentax gear and comparing it to other brands. His testing methodology is improving with each video and this comparison answered a lot of questions that I would have if I was trying to decide whether I should buy this lens or not.

I also like his videos except when he starts laughing non stop

torge · 08-29-2018, 11:25 AM

... could take the place my A* 85 had back in the days of film.
Problem is, when I would it I would want a FF camera to go with it - will need to win one.

zapp · 09-16-2018, 04:43 AM - **1 Like**

Sigma Art has only one advantage. It has a family of other ART lenses surrounding it. D-FA 50 has some old friends, but no family yet.

Reed · 09-16-2018, 05:42 AM

Originally posted by zapp

Sigma Art has only one advantage. It has a family of other ART lenses surrounding it. D-FA 50 has some old friends, but no family yet.

They have also USB dock, a feature that is very good if you like to max out your focus in relation to specific distances. A feature that I would like for DFA 24-70, two copies I have had in my hands had less or more need of adjustment on different focal lengths and distances that could not be addressed by in camera AF fine adjust feature.

08-07-2018, 06:38 AM	#17
solitudebound Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Posts: 140	No regrets with the new 50mm f1.4. Didn't need to see cameravilles review of it but at least there was some proof provided. Lee i believe his name is gets repetitive when he gets excited. He also moves around the side by side images too quickly considering how slow youtube is to send a fully resolved video packet. Most times i just download the videos to view offline which is a better experience. The 85mm if as good as the new 50 mm will also make it into my collection. These new lenses will help out Pentax and i am pleased that i spent the money on this rather than on the MK2 upgrade. As for Cameraville. It's lucky that he has access to a reliable source of Pentax equipment. Some other similarly hyperactive reviewers claim not to have any access to Pentax at all which is debatable. I did take note that he split the actual review into three parts claiming the "boring" factor. It's not going to make it into youtube main stream list with the new rules but it will get more unique views. Last edited by solitudebound; 08-07-2018 at 06:52 AM.

08-29-2018, 11:25 AM	#28
torge Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Hamburg Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 199	*this DFA 50 on APS ...** ... could take the place my A* 85 had back in the days of film. Problem is, when I would it I would want a FF camera to go with it - will need to win one.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
HD Pentax-D FA* 1:1.4 50mm SDM AW	dcpropilot	Lens Clubs	424	03-31-2024 03:29 PM
RICOH ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF HD PENTAX-D FA★50mm F1.4 SDM AW STAR-SERIES LENS	OoKU	Pentax News and Rumors	1144	01-19-2020 08:46 PM
Pentax HD D-FA 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW for 1,099 EUR with 5 year warranty	beholder3	Pentax Price Watch	10	12-09-2018 05:08 PM
Official image sample from the HD Pentax-DFA★ 50mm F1.4 SDM AW uploaded	Madaboutpix	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	2	12-05-2017 05:36 PM
Wanted - Acquired: Sigma 150-500mm HSM, 150mm MACRO HSM, Sigma 18-250 HSM, Sigma 10-20mm HSM	mackloon	Sold Items	7	05-01-2011 02:25 AM

08-06-2018, 08:08 AM - 1 Like	#16
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	He is never going to be Mr. Production value but he has an honest enthusiasm for gear and it comes through. That is why he is fun to watch, it is like your excitable nephew discovered high quality photographic gear and wants to tell you about what he has learned.

08-07-2018, 07:43 AM	#18
robiles Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Deva Posts: 311	Good news to Pentax (not so much for me, 50 is not my thing), im just hoping the upcoming apsc UWA beats the [insert best regarded UWA here].

08-07-2018, 03:20 PM	#19
Scorpio71GR Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,014	This makes me excited for the DFA 85. That is one lens I would consider buying.

08-07-2018, 03:46 PM	#20
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,237	Originally posted by solitudebound The 85mm if as good as the new 50 mm will also make it into my collection. Will weight 2kg is as good as the 50, that will be an issue. But the thing is, give me a 85mm 90% as good as the DFA*50 and I'll be happy because right now I have a Samyang 85 1.4 that is not ever sharp stopped-down to f8.

08-07-2018, 07:16 PM - 2 Likes	#21
Belnan Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Nova Scotia Photos: Albums Posts: 1,090	If I owned the Pentax K-1 I would be all over this lens. (unless my wife found out)

08-07-2018, 07:46 PM - 1 Like	#22
willeisner Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Photos: Gallery Posts: 122	very good review, the new star lens honoring the tradition of the name.

08-08-2018, 11:32 AM	#23
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Originally posted by biz-engineer Will weight 2kg is as good as the 50, that will be an issue. But the thing is, give me a 85mm 90% as good as the DFA50 and I'll be happy because right now I have a Samyang 85 1.4 that is not ever sharp stopped-down to f8. I think that it will be as good, or even better than 50(85 I mean). could it be that those lens measures would be quite close each other? perhaps this new 70-200, 50 ... line has unique line of how they will look, to make em completelly stand out. Some speculation was made of 70-200 shape. because others (caniconron)are not as’straight pipes’. Now that would be interesting!? -pure speculation-

08-25-2018, 04:26 PM	#24
totsmuyco Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Iloilo City Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,276	I've seen a couple of his reviews. I don't mind his grammar. I like his review comparing the K-1, Sony A7 and Nikon D850. They're fair and unbiased.

08-26-2018, 08:17 AM	#25
sbh Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Black Forest, Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 852	Originally posted by biz-engineer I've compared a number of images from both lenses, the sigma Art is very good in a way that it render excellent images, but the Pentax D-FA*50 is a step up from the sigma Art, especially with regards to sharpness wide open (subject separation) I like the contrast and colors better on the Pentax. Originally posted by Belnan If I owned the Pentax K-1 I would be all over this lens. (unless my wife found out) I am. It was immediately noticable that this lens is different. I'm enjoying it like no other lens, regardless whether star or limited lens. It's a different category. Every other lens feels old now. Great sharpness, impressive colours and contrast, no flare, fast AF, close focussing and it's silent, this lens has it all. For KP users this should already be the ultimate 85mm equivalent, or not?

08-28-2018, 12:48 PM - 1 Like	#26
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Originally posted by sbh I am. It was immediately noticable that this lens is different. I'm enjoying it like no other lens, regardless whether star or limited lens. It's a different category. Every other lens feels old now. Great sharpness, impressive colours and contrast, no flare, fast AF, close focussing and it's silent, this lens has it all. For KP users this should already be the ultimate 85mm equivalent, or not? Close 85. 55 is more so. But who cares of those little things..this greatly reminds me of my DFA *70-200 experiences. It makes test of my exsisting lenses in shame. I don’t own 50. Going to wait for 85. But I just might leap to 50. It would mean selling my 55, 43, and 77. Loving my 43...well 77 and 55 could go. Maybe.

08-29-2018, 10:08 AM - 1 Like	#27
Lev Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia Posts: 1,197	Originally posted by str8talk83 I laugh at his grammar too sometimes, but he seems like a nice guy and I respect that he’s open to talking about Pentax gear and comparing it to other brands. His testing methodology is improving with each video and this comparison answered a lot of questions that I would have if I was trying to decide whether I should buy this lens or not. I also like his videos except when he starts laughing non stop

09-16-2018, 04:43 AM - 1 Like	#29
zapp Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,387	Sigma Art has only one advantage. It has a family of other ART lenses surrounding it. D-FA 50 has some old friends, but no family yet.

09-16-2018, 05:42 AM	#30
Reed Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Warsaw Photos: Gallery Posts: 638	Originally posted by zapp Sigma Art has only one advantage. It has a family of other ART lenses surrounding it. D-FA 50 has some old friends, but no family yet. They have also USB dock, a feature that is very good if you like to max out your focus in relation to specific distances. A feature that I would like for DFA 24-70, two copies I have had in my hands had less or more need of adjustment on different focal lengths and distances that could not be addressed by in camera AF fine adjust feature.