HD 77mm f/1.8 LTD!

**Belnan** · 04-17-2021, 06:20 AM

Originally posted by ncallender

Wow. I would have thought the trio would have followed the styling and features of the new DFA 21 ltd. Namely, WR and DC.

That would of been a dream for sure.

house · 04-17-2021, 06:47 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by robbiec

By helping it control PF in high contrast situations wide open

I think there's very little evidence for HD controlling PF? The one japanese store that compared the FA35's had as pointed out on this site different focus points. Cameraville's comparison of the same lens judged the HD lens to have *more* PF. My assumption is that Cameraville did a similar mistake to the japanese store. IE the tests are flawed.

That HD reduces ghosting and flare compared to SMC is pretty much proven in quite a few tests.

JPT · 04-17-2021, 08:06 AM

If you want to see the amount of PF on the new 77mm, this is the one full size image I've seen, taken at f2.8. It doesn't seem much better than the SMC version in that regard. My guess is that the main improvement will be flare control.

https://www.yaotomi.co.jp/blog/walk/IMGP1257.JPG

Bear in mind this is an APS-C shot taken with the K-3 III.

taktoon · 04-17-2021, 01:42 PM

One day we will see direct comparison of two versions. I am happy that price went down with HD coatings.

Smolk · 04-17-2021, 02:59 PM

The DA SMC lenses did not seem to suffer as much of PF anyway, so they are not a good indicator for the FA Ltds.

robjmitchell · 04-17-2021, 03:08 PM

The HD 21 was reported as having improved CA vs the SMC version, but it may have just been copy variation. There were no reports of improvement from any other of the DA limiteds from memory.

I also suspect SMC was upgraded between the Fa and Da series lenses. SMC was not a static formula. So I expect plenty of improvement in flare control.

repaap · 04-18-2021, 12:52 AM

Originally posted by JPT

If you want to see the amount of PF on the new 77mm, this is the one full size image I've seen, taken at f2.8. It doesn't seem much better than the SMC version in that regard. My guess is that the main improvement will be flare control.

https://www.yaotomi.co.jp/blog/walk/IMGP1257.JPG

Bear in mind this is an APS-C shot taken with the K-3 III.

I have SMC version and to me that actually does look better.

Smolk · 04-18-2021, 02:42 AM

I have made several lens purchase scenarios... but I'm gonna wait for the actual camera to get a better feel of what I need.
There is perhaps only one item on my list for any format, namely WR, I have no lens like that, and an ultra-wide on APS-C.
The 11-18mm is too large an expensive for the limited use I'll make of it. So I'm looking at the DA 15mm.
For WR I will wait for the reviews of the 16-50mm, and even then, as it's large, I may try it out first before also inspecting the contents of my wallet.

totsmuyco · 04-24-2021, 07:32 PM

Originally posted by FozzFoster

From our lovely Twitter friend:
https://twitter.com/nokishita_c/status/1363675069084442628

PENTAX "HD PENTAX-FA 77mm F1.8 Limited" has been added to overseas retailers.
The currently registered price is $ 799.

I've never been a fixed lens user but this lens seems like a good alternative to the very expensive and heavy 85 if I decide to go for prme lenses. I wish it wasn't that expensive.

reh321 · 04-24-2021, 07:38 PM

Originally posted by Smolk

I have made several lens purchase scenarios... but I'm gonna wait for the actual camera to get a better feel of what I need.
There is perhaps only one item on my list for any format, namely WR, I have no lens like that, and an ultra-wide on APS-C.
The 11-18mm is too large an expensive for the limited use I'll make of it. So I'm looking at the DA 15mm.
For WR I will wait for the reviews of the 16-50mm, and even then, as it's large, I may try it out first before also inspecting the contents of my wallet.

I've found that the Sigma 10-20mm is an inexpensive - but good - alternative for those of us who need UWA only occasionally.

**FozzFoster** · 04-24-2021, 07:40 PM

Originally posted by totsmuyco

I've never been a fixed lens user but this lens seems like a good alternative to the very expensive and heavy 85 if I decide to go for prme lenses. I wish it wasn't that expensive.

I've picked up a smc 77mm LTD off a forum member for ~$500 CAD - one of my most favourite lenses!

Smolk · 04-24-2021, 10:44 PM

Originally posted by reh321

I've found that the Sigma 10-20mm is an inexpensive - but good - alternative for those of us who need UWA only occasionally.

Yes - but as noted in this forum recently, firmware updates are no longer forthcoming from Sigma. Although it may work to great satisfaction, the absence of support makes it less attractive.

totsmuyco · 04-25-2021, 01:59 AM

Originally posted by reh321

I've found that the Sigma 10-20mm is an inexpensive - but good - alternative for those of us who need UWA only occasionally.

I have this lens and I use it a lot. I'm sure the 11-18 is much better. However, considering its size and weight, I might purchase a 12-24 when my finances permits. I'd like to have an original Pentax super wide.

mtkeller · 04-25-2021, 07:43 AM

Originally posted by Smolk

Yes - but as noted in this forum recently, firmware updates are no longer forthcoming from Sigma. Although it may work to great satisfaction, the absence of support makes it less attractive.

AFAICT, the Sigma 10–20 (even the f/3.5) is not compatible with the USB dock, and thus doesn’t have firmware to be updated. I’m still thinking of jumping to the DA*11–18 f/2.8 (testing a rental this summer on a trip to Badlands National Park), but amongst the Sigma lenses, I don’t think there’s a cause to worry about the 10–20 ones having firmware issues.

quaternion · 04-28-2021, 01:53 PM

so tomorrow is the day?

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04-17-2021, 06:20 AM	#91
Belnan Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Nova Scotia Photos: Albums Posts: 1,090	Originally posted by ncallender Wow. I would have thought the trio would have followed the styling and features of the new DFA 21 ltd. Namely, WR and DC. That would of been a dream for sure.

04-17-2021, 06:47 AM - 1 Like	#92
house Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,306	Originally posted by robbiec By helping it control PF in high contrast situations wide open I think there's very little evidence for HD controlling PF? The one japanese store that compared the FA35's had as pointed out on this site different focus points. Cameraville's comparison of the same lens judged the HD lens to have more PF. My assumption is that Cameraville did a similar mistake to the japanese store. IE the tests are flawed. That HD reduces ghosting and flare compared to SMC is pretty much proven in quite a few tests.

04-17-2021, 08:06 AM	#93
JPT Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,821	If you want to see the amount of PF on the new 77mm, this is the one full size image I've seen, taken at f2.8. It doesn't seem much better than the SMC version in that regard. My guess is that the main improvement will be flare control. https://www.yaotomi.co.jp/blog/walk/IMGP1257.JPG Bear in mind this is an APS-C shot taken with the K-3 III.

04-17-2021, 01:42 PM	#94
taktoon Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 605	One day we will see direct comparison of two versions. I am happy that price went down with HD coatings.

04-17-2021, 02:59 PM	#95
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	The DA SMC lenses did not seem to suffer as much of PF anyway, so they are not a good indicator for the FA Ltds.

04-17-2021, 03:08 PM	#96
robjmitchell Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne Aus Posts: 1,776	The HD 21 was reported as having improved CA vs the SMC version, but it may have just been copy variation. There were no reports of improvement from any other of the DA limiteds from memory. I also suspect SMC was upgraded between the Fa and Da series lenses. SMC was not a static formula. So I expect plenty of improvement in flare control.

04-18-2021, 12:52 AM	#97
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Originally posted by JPT If you want to see the amount of PF on the new 77mm, this is the one full size image I've seen, taken at f2.8. It doesn't seem much better than the SMC version in that regard. My guess is that the main improvement will be flare control. https://www.yaotomi.co.jp/blog/walk/IMGP1257.JPG Bear in mind this is an APS-C shot taken with the K-3 III. I have SMC version and to me that actually does look better.

04-18-2021, 02:42 AM	#98
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	I have made several lens purchase scenarios... but I'm gonna wait for the actual camera to get a better feel of what I need. There is perhaps only one item on my list for any format, namely WR, I have no lens like that, and an ultra-wide on APS-C. The 11-18mm is too large an expensive for the limited use I'll make of it. So I'm looking at the DA 15mm. For WR I will wait for the reviews of the 16-50mm, and even then, as it's large, I may try it out first before also inspecting the contents of my wallet.

04-24-2021, 07:32 PM	#99
totsmuyco Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Iloilo City Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,276	Originally posted by FozzFoster From our lovely Twitter friend: https://twitter.com/nokishita_c/status/1363675069084442628 PENTAX "HD PENTAX-FA 77mm F1.8 Limited" has been added to overseas retailers. The currently registered price is $ 799. I've never been a fixed lens user but this lens seems like a good alternative to the very expensive and heavy 85 if I decide to go for prme lenses. I wish it wasn't that expensive.

04-24-2021, 07:38 PM	#100
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,179	Originally posted by Smolk I have made several lens purchase scenarios... but I'm gonna wait for the actual camera to get a better feel of what I need. There is perhaps only one item on my list for any format, namely WR, I have no lens like that, and an ultra-wide on APS-C. The 11-18mm is too large an expensive for the limited use I'll make of it. So I'm looking at the DA 15mm. For WR I will wait for the reviews of the 16-50mm, and even then, as it's large, I may try it out first before also inspecting the contents of my wallet. I've found that the Sigma 10-20mm is an inexpensive - but good - alternative for those of us who need UWA only occasionally.

04-28-2021, 01:53 PM	#105
quaternion New Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 8	so tomorrow is the day?

04-24-2021, 07:40 PM	#101
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806 Original Poster	Originally posted by totsmuyco I've never been a fixed lens user but this lens seems like a good alternative to the very expensive and heavy 85 if I decide to go for prme lenses. I wish it wasn't that expensive. I've picked up a smc 77mm LTD off a forum member for ~$500 CAD - one of my most favourite lenses!

04-24-2021, 10:44 PM	#102
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	Originally posted by reh321 I've found that the Sigma 10-20mm is an inexpensive - but good - alternative for those of us who need UWA only occasionally. Yes - but as noted in this forum recently, firmware updates are no longer forthcoming from Sigma. Although it may work to great satisfaction, the absence of support makes it less attractive.

04-25-2021, 01:59 AM	#103
totsmuyco Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Iloilo City Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,276	Originally posted by reh321 I've found that the Sigma 10-20mm is an inexpensive - but good - alternative for those of us who need UWA only occasionally. I have this lens and I use it a lot. I'm sure the 11-18 is much better. However, considering its size and weight, I might purchase a 12-24 when my finances permits. I'd like to have an original Pentax super wide.

04-25-2021, 07:43 AM	#104
mtkeller Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Sioux City, IA Photos: Gallery Posts: 938	Originally posted by Smolk Yes - but as noted in this forum recently, firmware updates are no longer forthcoming from Sigma. Although it may work to great satisfaction, the absence of support makes it less attractive. AFAICT, the Sigma 10–20 (even the f/3.5) is not compatible with the USB dock, and thus doesn’t have firmware to be updated. I’m still thinking of jumping to the DA*11–18 f/2.8 (testing a rental this summer on a trip to Badlands National Park), but amongst the Sigma lenses, I don’t think there’s a cause to worry about the 10–20 ones having firmware issues.