Which lenses do you use for portraits or do you recommend?

kooks · 08-27-2018, 06:47 PM - **1 Like**

For portraits i love the 85mm but you have several options.. FA 77mm, FA 50mm, DFA* 50mm, Sigma 85mm, DFA* 70-200, Tamron 70-200.. Even the 100mm macro f2.8 is a nice portrait lens.

**Mikesul** · 08-27-2018, 06:56 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by kooks

For portraits i love the 85mm but you have several options.. FA 77mm, FA 50mm, DFA* 50mm, Sigma 85mm, DFA* 70-200, Tamron 70-200.. Even the 100mm macro f2.8 is a nice portrait lens.

Yes, all of those work well. Each gives its own different perspective and rendering.

Kaisas · 08-27-2018, 08:59 PM

Thanks for all your comments,
What about pentax fa 50mm f1.4 or pentax fa 50mm f1.7 which one is better?

**UncleVanya** · 08-27-2018, 10:02 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Kaisas

Thanks for all your comments,
What about pentax fa 50mm f1.4 or pentax fa 50mm f1.7 which one is better?

The 1.4 is really soft wide open. By 2.8 or sooner it catches up in sharpness. That softness can be useful. Also the bokeh is better on the 1.4. I still like my F 50 f1.7 on my k-3 however.

Generated from my Amazon Kindle Fire using tools.rackonly.com

Last edited by UncleVanya; 08-28-2018 at 07:28 AM.

Kaisas · 08-28-2018, 03:38 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

The 1.4 is really soft wide open. By 2.8 or sooner it catches up in sharpness. That softness can be useful. Also the bokeh is better on the 1.4. I still like my F 50 f1.7 on my k-3 however.

Generated from my Amazon Kindle Fire using tools.rackonly.com

Thanks for sharing your pucture.
I should consider on of them maybe .

**UncleVanya** · 08-28-2018, 03:59 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Kaisas

Thanks for sharing your pucture.
I should consider on of them maybe .

The f1.7 50mm lens is a bargain, as is the FA series f/1.7 Heck the 1.4's aren't that expensive either.

**Rondec** · 08-29-2018, 03:10 AM - **1 Like**

FA 77 or one of the 70-200 f2.8 lenses out there would fit the bill. You could probably swing a used Sigma or Tamron for the amount you are looking at. To me, the Pentax DFA *70-200 is worth it, but it is a very large lens and the price tag is high as well.

As far as the 50 recommendations, to me they are a bit wide for portraiture on a full frame camera. Not that you couldn't shoot full body shots or waist up shots and crop a bit, but classic portrait length is usually 85-ish mm. The 50s work better on APS-C for that purpose.

Kaisas · 08-29-2018, 06:45 AM

Originally posted by Rondec

FA 77 or one of the 70-200 f2.8 lenses out there would fit the bill. You could probably swing a used Sigma or Tamron for the amount you are looking at. To me, the Pentax DFA *70-200 is worth it, but it is a very large lens and the price tag is high as well.

As far as the 50 recommendations, to me they are a bit wide for portraiture on a full frame camera. Not that you couldn't shoot full body shots or waist up shots and crop a bit, but classic portrait length is usually 85-ish mm. The 50s work better on APS-C for that purpose.

I think you right 85ish looks much better on full frame ,I saw legend old fa 85mm at b&h it s around 800$ I just worry about it s old lens but I heard many good things about this lens and I think it s the best 85mm for pentax so far.

bdery · 08-29-2018, 08:28 AM

In oder of preference, all valid choices:

FA 77
FA 43
DFA 100 macro WR (slow AF)
DFA 70-200 if you have the space
DFA 24-70
FA 50 (the new DFA 50 might change that perspective)

**Kerrowdown** · 08-29-2018, 08:45 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by UncleVanya

The f1.7 50mm lens is a bargain, as is the FA series f/1.7 Heck the 1.4's aren't that expensive either.

Aye and they're both fine bits of glass... for the money.

**fs999** · 08-30-2018, 02:34 AM - **1 Like**

DA* 50mm F1.4
DA 70mm
Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art (35mm only)

**UncleVanya** · 08-30-2018, 08:47 AM - **1 Like**

My honest answer - the one you have with you at the time of the opportunity presenting itself.

I mean this without reservation. Use what you have at the moment there is a good chance of a good shot. Make the unworkable work. I have taken portraits using fisheyes - and 400mm telephotos. You make the tools creatively fit however best you can.

I know that's not the intent of the question and I answered it more in line with the OP's expectations earlier, but thinking about it I thought this may be the best answer. Find what you think will work and try it.

Le Fanfoué · 08-30-2018, 03:33 PM - **1 Like**

Hi all,
For me, 50mm F/1.4 on an APS-C camera. But 50mm is too short for a full frame like K-1.
For a K-1, A or FA 85mm F/1.4 will bee the good chos.

Wheatfield · 08-31-2018, 10:23 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Kaisas

Hi I have k1 ff camera ,I'm doing my research which lenses do you recommend for portraits, close shoots with nice bookeh?
Thanks

A* 85/1.4 is my go to lens at the moment. The 77 mm is quite nice and is actually available as a new item.

**UncleVanya** · 08-31-2018, 12:05 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Wheatfield

A* 85/1.4 is my go to lens at the moment. The 77 mm is quite nice and is actually available as a new item.

I sold my A* 85 and part of the money funded my FA 77 Limited. The two share a great deal of design elements. Great replacement even on crop.

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08-27-2018, 06:47 PM - 1 Like	#31
kooks Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: San José, Costa Rica Photos: Albums Posts: 794	For portraits i love the 85mm but you have several options.. FA 77mm, FA 50mm, DFA* 50mm, Sigma 85mm, DFA* 70-200, Tamron 70-200.. Even the 100mm macro f2.8 is a nice portrait lens.

08-27-2018, 06:56 PM - 1 Like	#32
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	Originally posted by kooks For portraits i love the 85mm but you have several options.. FA 77mm, FA 50mm, DFA* 50mm, Sigma 85mm, DFA* 70-200, Tamron 70-200.. Even the 100mm macro f2.8 is a nice portrait lens. Yes, all of those work well. Each gives its own different perspective and rendering.

08-27-2018, 08:59 PM	#33
Kaisas Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 121 Original Poster	Thanks for all your comments, What about pentax fa 50mm f1.4 or pentax fa 50mm f1.7 which one is better?

08-27-2018, 10:02 PM - 1 Like	#34
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Originally posted by Kaisas Thanks for all your comments, What about pentax fa 50mm f1.4 or pentax fa 50mm f1.7 which one is better? The 1.4 is really soft wide open. By 2.8 or sooner it catches up in sharpness. That softness can be useful. Also the bokeh is better on the 1.4. I still like my F 50 f1.7 on my k-3 however. Generated from my Amazon Kindle Fire using tools.rackonly.com Last edited by UncleVanya; 08-28-2018 at 07:28 AM.

08-28-2018, 03:38 PM	#35
Kaisas Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 121 Original Poster	Originally posted by UncleVanya The 1.4 is really soft wide open. By 2.8 or sooner it catches up in sharpness. That softness can be useful. Also the bokeh is better on the 1.4. I still like my F 50 f1.7 on my k-3 however. Generated from my Amazon Kindle Fire using tools.rackonly.com Thanks for sharing your pucture. I should consider on of them maybe .

08-28-2018, 03:59 PM - 1 Like	#36
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Originally posted by Kaisas Thanks for sharing your pucture. I should consider on of them maybe . The f1.7 50mm lens is a bargain, as is the FA series f/1.7 Heck the 1.4's aren't that expensive either.

08-29-2018, 03:10 AM - 1 Like	#37
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	FA 77 or one of the 70-200 f2.8 lenses out there would fit the bill. You could probably swing a used Sigma or Tamron for the amount you are looking at. To me, the Pentax DFA *70-200 is worth it, but it is a very large lens and the price tag is high as well. As far as the 50 recommendations, to me they are a bit wide for portraiture on a full frame camera. Not that you couldn't shoot full body shots or waist up shots and crop a bit, but classic portrait length is usually 85-ish mm. The 50s work better on APS-C for that purpose.

08-29-2018, 06:45 AM	#38
Kaisas Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 121 Original Poster	Originally posted by Rondec FA 77 or one of the 70-200 f2.8 lenses out there would fit the bill. You could probably swing a used Sigma or Tamron for the amount you are looking at. To me, the Pentax DFA *70-200 is worth it, but it is a very large lens and the price tag is high as well. As far as the 50 recommendations, to me they are a bit wide for portraiture on a full frame camera. Not that you couldn't shoot full body shots or waist up shots and crop a bit, but classic portrait length is usually 85-ish mm. The 50s work better on APS-C for that purpose. I think you right 85ish looks much better on full frame ,I saw legend old fa 85mm at b&h it s around 800$ I just worry about it s old lens but I heard many good things about this lens and I think it s the best 85mm for pentax so far.

08-29-2018, 08:28 AM	#39
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	In oder of preference, all valid choices: FA 77 FA 43 DFA 100 macro WR (slow AF) DFA 70-200 if you have the space DFA 24-70 FA 50 (the new DFA 50 might change that perspective)

08-29-2018, 08:45 AM - 1 Like	#40
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,819	Originally posted by UncleVanya The f1.7 50mm lens is a bargain, as is the FA series f/1.7 Heck the 1.4's aren't that expensive either. Aye and they're both fine bits of glass... for the money.

08-30-2018, 02:34 AM - 1 Like	#41
fs999 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Luxembourg Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,639	DA* 50mm F1.4 DA 70mm Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art (35mm only)

08-30-2018, 08:47 AM - 1 Like	#42
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	My honest answer - the one you have with you at the time of the opportunity presenting itself. I mean this without reservation. Use what you have at the moment there is a good chance of a good shot. Make the unworkable work. I have taken portraits using fisheyes - and 400mm telephotos. You make the tools creatively fit however best you can. I know that's not the intent of the question and I answered it more in line with the OP's expectations earlier, but thinking about it I thought this may be the best answer. Find what you think will work and try it.

08-30-2018, 03:33 PM - 1 Like	#43
Le Fanfoué Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Photos: Gallery Posts: 72	Hi all, For me, 50mm F/1.4 on an APS-C camera. But 50mm is too short for a full frame like K-1. For a K-1, A or FA 85mm F/1.4 will bee the good chos.

08-31-2018, 10:23 AM - 1 Like	#44
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	Originally posted by Kaisas Hi I have k1 ff camera ,I'm doing my research which lenses do you recommend for portraits, close shoots with nice bookeh? Thanks A* 85/1.4 is my go to lens at the moment. The 77 mm is quite nice and is actually available as a new item.

08-31-2018, 12:05 PM - 2 Likes	#45
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Originally posted by Wheatfield A* 85/1.4 is my go to lens at the moment. The 77 mm is quite nice and is actually available as a new item. I sold my A* 85 and part of the money funded my FA 77 Limited. The two share a great deal of design elements. Great replacement even on crop.