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10-21-2016, 07:23 PM   #1
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Best Portrait lens for my K-1

Hello, I'm seeking some lens advice. On my K-7, I loved using my Pentax SMC FA 50mm f/1.4 for portraits. However, with my K-1, I'm finding it isn't quite as useful for portraits. I decided to pick up the Pentax 100mm f/2.8 WR Macro Lens thinking that it might workout for portraits and some macro, but I'm not feeling the love there with regards to portraits. I've been reading around and it seems that 70mm is the standard for portraits. My question is do I buy into the hype and start looking for a ~70mm or do I keep shooting with the 100mm and adjust my shooting habit?

I generally shoot in 3 situations: Flower shots (thus the need for the macro), portraits during parties with so/so lighting, and hiking for which I have the FA 28-105 zoom. I know that Pentax is slated to put out new primes in 2017, but I'd like to go into the holidays with a nice lens that I can use for portraits.

Used/Film era lens is OK (I'm nervous about buying used lenses), Autofocus would be nice, but not a requirement. What's important is that it must be usable in low light conditions so f2.8 would be required.

Regards,
Rodney

10-21-2016, 07:33 PM - 1 Like   #2
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Remember, the K-7 has a smaller sensor, so the 50mm lens has a different effect than it would on a K-1 FF sensor. The crop factor (how much the sensor sees compared to a Full Frame 35mm film camera), is 1.5. The senor is 75% of the size of the 35mm frame, so, the inverse gives us that 1.5 value. A 50mm lens would give the effect of a 75mm lens on a FF camera. The 100mm macro can work nice for head shots or busts, but is generally too long for sitting portraits. The preferred focal length in 35mm film photography is the 85mm lens. Try setting your 28-105 at about 75-85mm and see if that doesn't give you the effect you want. Keep the 50mm lens for street photography.
10-21-2016, 07:45 PM   #3
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You need an old Takumar 135 f2.5 or 3.5. Amazing for portraits, a little long but super nice on full frame. There is of course the FA77mm Ltd, autofocus, amazing rendering, just costs $600 plus.
10-21-2016, 08:04 PM   #4
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Portrait length lens is an endless can of worms. Length depends on desired subject to fill the frame and subject to photographer working distance desired, and desired facial flattening of features.

Taking a traditional "headshot" with head and some shoulders I'd lean towards 77-85mm as a staring place. Since you have the 28-105 try 75, 85, 100 and see what working distance feels best. If you want to be even farther away then think 135.

The DFA 100 is a good lens but I like the FA 77 more for portraits. This has little to do with focal length.

10-21-2016, 09:17 PM - 1 Like   #5
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Women in my family ban the use of 90-100mm macros (Tamron and Pentax) for portraits. They are too clinical, unflattering. DA 70 or FA 77 are ideal for head shots.
10-21-2016, 09:31 PM   #6
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I really like the A*85/1.4 but they are pretty rare and somewhat expensive. The 77/1.8 is a really good choice.
10-21-2016, 10:46 PM   #7
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The DFA100WR is absolutely fine (even great) for portraits. In fact, for head or head & shoulder shots I prefer the 100mm focal length on full frame to the FA77. The latter is better suited to half body or full body shots.

As for being too sharp - leave it wide open and soften in post if you really want to.

I sold my K135/2.5 before I got my K-1. Seller's remorse is still raw on that....

You still need the FA77

10-21-2016, 11:19 PM   #8
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Ideally, you'd have a range of focal lengths available for portraiture, given that everything from full length to head and shoulders (or even tighter) can be classified as a portrait. Even wide angles are useful, though mainly for environmental portraits.

In general, though, given you've got a 50, I'd agree the FA77 is a good next step for half-length, and maybe an A135/2.8 for head and shoulders. I even use an old screw-mount SMC Takumar 135/2.5 with an adapter, but the aperture data from the A version (same optical formula as the later M42s, I think) makes it a bit easier to use. I find that people seem to prefer photos of themselves when you stand back a bit, presumably because the more prominent facial features are de-emphasised, or perhaps because they relax a little more if you're not too close, maybe both.
10-21-2016, 11:48 PM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by Paul the Sunman Quote
Women in my family ban the use of 90-100mm macros (Tamron and Pentax) for portraits. They are too clinical, unflattering. DA 70 or FA 77 are ideal for head shots.
But isn't that when Portrait Professional comes in handy?
10-21-2016, 11:55 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by Paul the Sunman Quote
Women in my family ban the use of 90-100mm macros (Tamron and Pentax) for portraits. They are too clinical, unflattering. DA 70 or FA 77 are ideal for head shots.
Agreed, the DFA 100 is too sharp for female portraits. Each little imperfection is amplified. I highly recommend the FA77. Wondrous lens.
10-22-2016, 12:36 AM   #11
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I echo the FA 77 recommendations. If you want something longer and don't mind manual focus, the Samyang/Rokinon 135/2.0 is amazing.
10-22-2016, 01:48 AM   #12
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FA 77 has that wonderful bokeh , beautiful colors and just enough sharpness. It's small light and very well made. Go for it you won't regret it.
10-22-2016, 02:09 AM   #13
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For me, 85mm has the most natural perspective, f/2 or faster for decent bokeh. Despite all its flaws, personally, I would go for a MF Jupiter 9, 15 bladed diaphragm version. Should not exceed 100 EUR or dollars.
10-22-2016, 02:15 AM   #14
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The FA* 85mm F/1.4 is also very good SMC Pentax-FA* 85mm F1.4 [IF] Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database
Cheap options samyang/rokinon 85 1.4 (no af) Any legacy pentax or takumar is good, really.

And don't forget the Sigma: https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/sigma-85mm-f1-4-ex-dg-hsm.html

It is discontinued but is probably still available in some shops.

Last edited by D1N0; 10-22-2016 at 05:08 AM.
10-22-2016, 06:02 AM   #15
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Sample of FA77/1.8
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