Originally posted by mikeSF I have used the FA*85 and I like it as a portrait lens, but the 77 just absolutely outshines it.
I sold my FA77 shortly before I started taking action photos, so unfortunately I can't give a comparison of the AF speed (where the FA*85 shines), and I can't seem to find anyone else using the FA77 for action. But nothing about the FA*85 has ever made me want to go back to the FA77. The FA*85 and F*300 are my two favorite lenses. Giving them up would be like giving up photography.
Nevertheless, the FA77 is still very impressive, as I've posted above.
I always thought I'd be a Ltd lens type of guy, and I've owned the three amigos (all excellent), but in the end my "essential six" consists of five star lenses plus the D FA 100 WR macro. But the FA77 is still the second best lens in its class, and not far behind the FA*85.