[pres589]

This one wasn't *that* big (considering).
FA* 24/2 AL [IF] | The K-Mount Page

thibs, have you noticed how large the recent star lenses are? I would imagine a new star family 24mm f1.x from Pentax will be about as large as the Samyang 24 f1.4 available today.

[teiki arii]

The best STAR D-FA Pentax lens built to date for all generations as of today? With its bi-concave front lens, this lens enters the very closed circle of lenses with exceptional formulas such as the Zeiss Otus at € 4,000. Except that it is autofocus and takes advantage of the ISIS / SR of Pentax DSLR OVF cameras. It is a monster in every sense of the term where priority is given to quality versus maneuverability, like many optics released in recent years. In fact, the lens is heavy, bulky, and its setting point is probably not as pleasant as with a Leica-R optic I own…
Whatever tests come, apart from lens centering defects, the probability that it will be exceptional leaves little room for doubt. Especially since the K-1, despite a 36Mp Sony sensor (derived from the Sony A7R) "dated" for several years, but in Pentax sauce, remains in my eyes the best of FF OVF / EVF format until day with interchangeable lenses…
Just for that, both for the qualities of the body and the lens combined, the couple deserves to be in the bag of any photographer who seeks perfection, whatever brand he is a fan of…
In truth, I don't see any FF system capable of competing when the needs are very specific with the Pentax K-1 / HD PENTAX-D FA★85mmF1.4ED SDM AW couple. They justify their purchase alone.

Bravo Pentax!

[c.a.m]

The FA* 85/1.4 was introduced in 1992, and it still is highly regarded in 2020. Twenty-eight years from now, the D FA* 85/1.4 will likely still be highly desirable.

Although we need to see a fair cross-section of sample images before drawing definitive conclusions, I would bet that the new generation 85 will be a landmark lens.

- Craig

[zapp]

The FA* 85/1.4 was introduced in 1992, and it still is highly regarded in 2020. Twenty-eight years from now, the D FA* 85/1.4 will likely still be highly desirable.

Although we need to see a fair cross-section of sample images before drawing definitive conclusions, I would bet that the new generation 85 will be a landmark lens.

- Craig

I basically agree, but the FA spreads more than a single generation. It is not in business for 22 years, it was just the only offering. I good one though.

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Last edited by zapp; 05-31-2020 at 11:13 PM.

[thibs]

thibs, have you noticed how large the recent star lenses are? I would imagine a new star family 24mm f1.x from Pentax will be about as large as the Samyang 24 f1.4 available today.

To be honest, I was thinking modern 24/2 not 24/1.4.
That would be huge indeed (but exciting as could be lol)

[Mikesul]

Sooooo, the first handed out copy is now available in Paris

Can you say more about this?

[Mistral75]

Can you say more about this?

He won't: post deleted.

[Kunzite]

He won't: post deleted.

Then, can you say more about this?

[Mistral75]

I won't either.

[robbiec]

Hmm, John Reilly at Ephotozine / Pentaxuser mentioned testing a prime today. Adding 1 + 1 and getting 11

[normhead]

Hmm, John Reilly at Ephotozine / Pentaxuser mentioned testing a prime today. Adding 1 + 1 and getting 11

Do his amps go louder?

[robbiec]

Do his amps go louder?

No, But I'll build you an amp that goes to 12 for say the price of a DFA*85

---------- Post added 06-03-20 at 06:10 PM ----------

thibs, have you noticed how large the recent star lenses are? I would imagine a new star family 24mm f1.x from Pentax will be about as large as the Samyang 24 f1.4 available today.

I want it to be 645 25/4 sized!!! Nothing less will do

[Mistral75]

Ricoh Imaging has the new PENTAX 85mm on display at their Shinjuku showroom, which opened yesterday after being closed for two months.

The lens is larger than I expected, but feels good and balances very well on the K-1. Focus is quick enough and very silent. The motor "feels" and "sounds" (nearly silent) very different than the old SDM types. I don't know if it makes sense to say, but the AF "feels" more robust and confident than previous AF motors.

The overall fit, feel and construction is nothing short of spectacular. The output is sublime. This clearly is the definition of a premium product and is easy to see why the high cost is worth it. I think this is a lens that will cause people to give PENTAX a good look.

Here are two photos of the lens. Anyone is free to use or re-post them as desired. Enjoy!

(click to enlarge)

[gatorguy]

Quite a resemblance to the old FA 85 IMO. Perhaps handling too will be similar. Both are quite large and weighty sporting beefy hoods.

[Sandy Hancock]

Quite a resemblance to the old FA 85 IMO. Perhaps handling too will be similar. Both are quite large and weighty sporting beefy hoods.

Say what? Compared to the DFA*, the FA* is tiny
82 mm vs 67 mm filter threads for a start. 123 mm vs 70 mm long. 1255 gm vs 550 gm in weight.