HD 77mm f/1.8 LTD!

**kiwi_jono** · 12-17-2021, 02:28 AM

I'm lucky to have both DA70 and FA77 and both are great lenses. Personally I prefer the DA 70 with my K-01 and the FA 77 with the K-1.

I'm quite happy with the sharpness of the FA77 at f1.8 and it even holds up pretty well across the frame. It does sharpen up a bit by f2.8 but its not night and day for me. Of course it very sharp at f5.6 across the frame. Purple fringing can be significant though - although, as previously pointed out, its usually fixed pretty easily in PP.

nonpigliounoshoot · 12-17-2021, 02:44 AM

I recently got 77 HD to complete the triad. Too little time to write a review, but the feeling is that it is a lens almost exclusively for portraiture (as I was looking for). Unlike the 31 and 43 that I know best, it seems that it suffers more in some circumstances, but on the other hand it seems to be able to achieve better results in others for the characteristics in which it excels.

**Pål Jensen** · 12-17-2021, 04:31 AM

Originally posted by nonpigliounoshoot

I recently got 77 HD to complete the triad. Too little time to write a review, but the feeling is that it is a lens almost exclusively for portraiture (as I was looking for). Unlike the 31 and 43 that I know best, it seems that it suffers more in some circumstances, but on the other hand it seems to be able to achieve better results in others for the characteristics in which it excels.

That's not my impression owning one since the day it was released. It is great all-round lens and a fantastic landscape lens, having fixed rear elements (FREE) in order to achieve optimum quality regardless of focusing distance. It can fringe wide open though, but it is perhaps the sharpest lens I've ever seen rivaling the FA* 200/4 Macro.....

nonpigliounoshoot · 12-17-2021, 04:53 AM

Originally posted by Pål Jensen

That's not my impression owning one since the day it was released. It is great all-round lens and a fantastic landscape lens, having fixed rear elements (FREE) in order to achieve optimum quality regardless of focusing distance. It can fringe wide open though, but it is perhaps the sharpest lens I've ever seen rivaling the FA* 200/4 Macro.....

It is certainly possible that I am wrong. But I was not referring to the fact that it is not clear, but to the chromatic aberations (purple fringing) in situations of strong contrast which in other genres, including the landscape, can create some problems. The blur and the colors instead have a very strong personality, and it is really very beautiful

bdery · 12-17-2021, 05:46 AM

Originally posted by nonpigliounoshoot

I recently got 77 HD to complete the triad. Too little time to write a review, but the feeling is that it is a lens almost exclusively for portraiture (as I was looking for). Unlike the 31 and 43 that I know best, it seems that it suffers more in some circumstances, but on the other hand it seems to be able to achieve better results in others for the characteristics in which it excels.

I agree that it's mostly a portrait lens, but not exclusively. It's a fast aperture short tele so it can serve in many situations. But where it shines is certainly for portraits.

**Serkevan** · 12-17-2021, 06:11 AM

Originally posted by Pål Jensen

That's not my impression owning one since the day it was released. It is great all-round lens and a fantastic landscape lens, having fixed rear elements (FREE) in order to achieve optimum quality regardless of focusing distance. It can fringe wide open though, but it is perhaps the sharpest lens I've ever seen rivaling the FA* 200/4 Macro.....

Yes and no. The lens is ridiculously sharp, and I do mean, just like you say, macro-levels sharp, the detail is absolutely stunning. However, from wide open to ~f/4 or even f/5.6, it does struggle a bit in challenging lightning (Even more than aberrations, which are not usually that damaging in my experience, I mean lower contrast, some mild veiling flare, etc.), and certainly does this more than the 43. It can be artistic and it's not always there, but at some light angles it can make you feel like you can't make use of the wide aperture...

I still bring it on hikes because the rendering is so beautiful that I just make the lens work one way or another

.

jab2980 · 12-17-2021, 06:45 AM - **7 Likes**

Originally posted by nonpigliounoshoot

I recently got 77 HD to complete the triad. Too little time to write a review, but the feeling is that it is a lens almost exclusively for portraiture (as I was looking for). Unlike the 31 and 43 that I know best, it seems that it suffers more in some circumstances, but on the other hand it seems to be able to achieve better results in others for the characteristics in which it excels.

It is a wonderful portrait lens... I find that the close up shots are where the real magic comes out. Some of my favorite landscape/nature shots have been taken with it as well, so I'm gonna have to fight you on the "exclusively for portraiture" part

If you don't mind me sharing:

thibs · 12-17-2021, 10:50 AM - **1 Like**

Wow ! Love these shots

**willdmo** · 12-19-2021, 04:19 AM - **1 Like**

indeed very beautiful @jab2980

jab2980 · 12-19-2021, 08:14 PM

Originally posted by willdmo

indeed very beautiful @jab2980

Originally posted by thibs

Wow ! Love these shots

Thank you both!

LeRolls · 12-19-2021, 11:57 PM - **7 Likes**

I never tried the HD version just the original FA 77 but I do miss it from time to time.

vijaykishan · 12-20-2021, 01:08 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by jab2980

It is a wonderful portrait lens... I find that the close up shots are where the real magic comes out. Some of my favorite landscape/nature shots have been taken with it as well, so I'm gonna have to fight you on the "exclusively for portraiture" part

If you don't mind me sharing:

Those are some very beautiful pictures jab2980. As alluded to before, it is a tool that works well for portraits, but in skilled hands, like yourself, It could be an intimate landscape lens. I need to use it more often though

. Thanks for sharing the pics.

bdery · 12-20-2021, 05:23 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by LeRolls

I never tried the HD version just the original FA 77 but I do miss it from time to time.

Two beautiful examples, thanks.

**Mikesul** · 12-20-2021, 06:24 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by LeRolls

I never tried the HD version just the original FA 77 but I do miss it from time to time.

Lovely photos. Nice to hear from you again.

**Mbaez** · 12-20-2021, 10:13 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by LeRolls

I never tried the HD version just the original FA 77 but I do miss it from time to time.

BEAUTIFUL portraits, thanks for sharing!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: Pentax K-1 + FA 31mm Ltd. + FA 77mm Ltd. + DA 15mm Ltd.	parkjoo000	Sold Items	3	08-23-2016 05:57 PM
For Sale - Sold: DA21 Ltd, DA40 Ltd, DA70 Ltd, plus Ltd Case	rfortson	Sold Items	19	11-09-2012 06:24 PM
For Sale - Sold: DA 21mm LTD, FA 31mm LTD, and FA 77mm LTD (US)	happygui	Sold Items	6	10-17-2010 11:37 AM
For Sale - Sold: FS: Sigma "Bigma" 50-500; SMCP FA 31 Ltd and SMCP FA 77mm Ltd	anthonysemone	Sold Items	16	01-11-2008 04:12 PM

12-17-2021, 02:28 AM	#241
kiwi_jono Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,437	I'm lucky to have both DA70 and FA77 and both are great lenses. Personally I prefer the DA 70 with my K-01 and the FA 77 with the K-1. I'm quite happy with the sharpness of the FA77 at f1.8 and it even holds up pretty well across the frame. It does sharpen up a bit by f2.8 but its not night and day for me. Of course it very sharp at f5.6 across the frame. Purple fringing can be significant though - although, as previously pointed out, its usually fixed pretty easily in PP.

12-17-2021, 02:44 AM	#242
nonpigliounoshoot Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2019 Posts: 735	I recently got 77 HD to complete the triad. Too little time to write a review, but the feeling is that it is a lens almost exclusively for portraiture (as I was looking for). Unlike the 31 and 43 that I know best, it seems that it suffers more in some circumstances, but on the other hand it seems to be able to achieve better results in others for the characteristics in which it excels.

12-17-2021, 04:31 AM	#243
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	Originally posted by nonpigliounoshoot I recently got 77 HD to complete the triad. Too little time to write a review, but the feeling is that it is a lens almost exclusively for portraiture (as I was looking for). Unlike the 31 and 43 that I know best, it seems that it suffers more in some circumstances, but on the other hand it seems to be able to achieve better results in others for the characteristics in which it excels. That's not my impression owning one since the day it was released. It is great all-round lens and a fantastic landscape lens, having fixed rear elements (FREE) in order to achieve optimum quality regardless of focusing distance. It can fringe wide open though, but it is perhaps the sharpest lens I've ever seen rivaling the FA* 200/4 Macro.....

12-17-2021, 04:53 AM	#244
nonpigliounoshoot Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2019 Posts: 735	Originally posted by Pål Jensen That's not my impression owning one since the day it was released. It is great all-round lens and a fantastic landscape lens, having fixed rear elements (FREE) in order to achieve optimum quality regardless of focusing distance. It can fringe wide open though, but it is perhaps the sharpest lens I've ever seen rivaling the FA* 200/4 Macro..... It is certainly possible that I am wrong. But I was not referring to the fact that it is not clear, but to the chromatic aberations (purple fringing) in situations of strong contrast which in other genres, including the landscape, can create some problems. The blur and the colors instead have a very strong personality, and it is really very beautiful

12-17-2021, 05:46 AM	#245
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,362	Originally posted by nonpigliounoshoot I recently got 77 HD to complete the triad. Too little time to write a review, but the feeling is that it is a lens almost exclusively for portraiture (as I was looking for). Unlike the 31 and 43 that I know best, it seems that it suffers more in some circumstances, but on the other hand it seems to be able to achieve better results in others for the characteristics in which it excels. I agree that it's mostly a portrait lens, but not exclusively. It's a fast aperture short tele so it can serve in many situations. But where it shines is certainly for portraits.

12-17-2021, 06:11 AM	#246
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	Originally posted by Pål Jensen That's not my impression owning one since the day it was released. It is great all-round lens and a fantastic landscape lens, having fixed rear elements (FREE) in order to achieve optimum quality regardless of focusing distance. It can fringe wide open though, but it is perhaps the sharpest lens I've ever seen rivaling the FA* 200/4 Macro..... Yes and no. The lens is ridiculously sharp, and I do mean, just like you say, macro-levels sharp, the detail is absolutely stunning. However, from wide open to ~f/4 or even f/5.6, it does struggle a bit in challenging lightning (Even more than aberrations, which are not usually that damaging in my experience, I mean lower contrast, some mild veiling flare, etc.), and certainly does this more than the 43. It can be artistic and it's not always there, but at some light angles it can make you feel like you can't make use of the wide aperture... I still bring it on hikes because the rendering is so beautiful that I just make the lens work one way or another .

12-17-2021, 06:45 AM - 7 Likes	#247
jab2980 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Photos: Albums Posts: 578	Originally posted by nonpigliounoshoot I recently got 77 HD to complete the triad. Too little time to write a review, but the feeling is that it is a lens almost exclusively for portraiture (as I was looking for). Unlike the 31 and 43 that I know best, it seems that it suffers more in some circumstances, but on the other hand it seems to be able to achieve better results in others for the characteristics in which it excels. It is a wonderful portrait lens... I find that the close up shots are where the real magic comes out. Some of my favorite landscape/nature shots have been taken with it as well, so I'm gonna have to fight you on the "exclusively for portraiture" part If you don't mind me sharing:

12-17-2021, 10:50 AM - 1 Like	#248
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Wow ! Love these shots

12-19-2021, 04:19 AM - 1 Like	#249
willdmo Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Stuttgart Posts: 389	indeed very beautiful @jab2980

12-19-2021, 08:14 PM	#250
jab2980 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Photos: Albums Posts: 578	Originally posted by willdmo indeed very beautiful @jab2980 Originally posted by thibs Wow ! Love these shots Thank you both!

12-19-2021, 11:57 PM - 7 Likes	#251
LeRolls Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: PSL, FL Posts: 4,504	I never tried the HD version just the original FA 77 but I do miss it from time to time.

12-20-2021, 01:08 AM - 1 Like	#252
vijaykishan Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2021 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,006	Originally posted by jab2980 It is a wonderful portrait lens... I find that the close up shots are where the real magic comes out. Some of my favorite landscape/nature shots have been taken with it as well, so I'm gonna have to fight you on the "exclusively for portraiture" part If you don't mind me sharing: Those are some very beautiful pictures jab2980. As alluded to before, it is a tool that works well for portraits, but in skilled hands, like yourself, It could be an intimate landscape lens. I need to use it more often though . Thanks for sharing the pics.

12-20-2021, 05:23 AM - 1 Like	#253
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,362	Originally posted by LeRolls I never tried the HD version just the original FA 77 but I do miss it from time to time. Two beautiful examples, thanks.

12-20-2021, 06:24 AM - 1 Like	#254
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	Originally posted by LeRolls I never tried the HD version just the original FA 77 but I do miss it from time to time. Lovely photos. Nice to hear from you again.

12-20-2021, 10:13 AM - 1 Like	#255
Mbaez Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: NY Photos: Albums Posts: 3,774	Originally posted by LeRolls I never tried the HD version just the original FA 77 but I do miss it from time to time. BEAUTIFUL portraits, thanks for sharing!