[Wasp]

If you can live with manual focus, check out the Samyang/Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 or the Lensbaby 85mm f/1.8.

I have the Rokinonon and it is just wonderful!

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Last edited by Wasp; 08-31-2018 at 01:33 PM.

[Wheatfield]

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.

You sold an A* 85/1.4?
Wow.
Truth be told I bought mine used about 10 years ago, so there are people who sell them. I don't understand it myself.

[UncleVanya]

You sold an A* 85/1.4?
Wow.
Truth be told I bought mine used about 10 years ago, so there are people who sell them. I don't understand it myself.

I did. I have poor vision and it became clear that at least on Pentax I was never going to have a high hit rate with that lens. When I did hit it was marvelous and it was a pristine copy I had owned since 1990 or so. It was a gift from a friend who is now dead - it was not a lightly taken move. With the money I bought an FA 77 and an FA 31 and still had money left over.

[Kerrowdown]

it was not a lightly taken move

I understand your thought process, but I do hope that I never feel I have to part with my “Sweetheart” (Pentax-A* 85mm F1.4).

[UncleVanya]

I understand your thought process, but I do hope that I never feel I have to part with my “Sweetheart” (Pentax-A* 85mm F1.4).

I've had bad eyes my whole life. On film cameras I could have made it work split prisms workex well for me. I might have been able to make a Sony work as well. But I just didn't have the heart to leave my other Pentax gear.

[Kerrowdown]

On film cameras I could have made it work

I've found that since the K1s came onto the scene, with it's brighter larger viewfinder, it has given my "Ladies" a new lease of life, more like their LX days.

[UncleVanya]

Oh well I may cry one day. Lol.

[Kaisas]

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.

Which one you prefer fa77 or A85mm ?

---------- Post added 08-31-18 at 06:36 PM ----------

If you can live with manual focus, check out the Samyang/Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 or the Lensbaby 85mm f/1.8.

I have the Rokinonon and it is just wonderful!

Actually I tried rokinon 85mm it s very sharp I like the bookeh effect but manual focus kinda difficult, when I checked the pictures on my laptop I have realized that I couldn't focus the eyes most of the pictures.

[UncleVanya]

Which one you prefer fa77 or A85mm ?

---------- Post added 08-31-18 at 06:36 PM ----------



Actually I tried rokinon 85mm it s very sharp I like the bookeh effect but manual focus kinda difficult, when I checked the pictures on my laptop I have realized that I couldn't focus the eyes most of the pictures.

Focusing f/1.4 using a modern DSLR is very hard. Manual focusing is hard for me - and harder still with wide open aperture. The A* 85 has more wide open bokeh - but I also am comparing largely by memory of Full Frame film vs. APSC digital. I did shoot a bit with the A* on my digital bodies but not as much as I have the FA 77. For this reason the FA 77 is my preference but pure optical quality is probably better on the A* 85. Incidentally the A* is a sharper than normal lens. It is sharper wide open than most 85 1.4's in my experience. It is not a dreamy lens ever. The FA 85 f/1.4 is much softer wide open - by design. The FA 77 in my opinion is like the A* 85 - sharp - but also is a lens that is only open to f/1.8. The size and weight of the FA 77 is a great boon - and the slightly shorter focal length allows a more intimate portrait distance.

In the end - they are both awesome and I don't cry over the loss of my baby the A*... but I still miss the buttery focus feel and the awe inspiring front element. I still have an extra metal lens hood for it - and that too was impressive.

[Wheatfield]

I did. I have poor vision and it became clear that at least on Pentax I was never going to have a high hit rate with that lens. When I did hit it was marvelous and it was a pristine copy I had owned since 1990 or so. It was a gift from a friend who is now dead - it was not a lightly taken move. With the money I bought an FA 77 and an FA 31 and still had money left over.

Who knows, maybe I bought my copy from you..

[UncleVanya]

Who knows, maybe I bought my copy from you..

I'd have to go back and look. I think I have the serial number still.

[kevingun]

I use a Tamron 70-200 for head and shoulder portraits. A Rokinon 135 2.0 for waist and up. And a Pentax 77 for above the knee shots Sometimes I will even use a Rokinon 35 1.4
The 135 being the sharpest in my work in PS I think it is a lot easier to soften a portrait then trying to sharpen one. But you can use any of the 3 for any shot you want just move up or move back

[Sandy Hancock]

It's October and you still haven't made a decision?

Just buy the damn 77 already!

[Kaisas]

I'm waiting for d fa 85mm lens lol

[Sandy Hancock]

I'm waiting for d fa 85mm lens lol

I must have missed the bit where you said you had two grand saved up to blow on this lens.

I'll sell you my FA*85 in the meantime though. I'm keeping my FA77