[SteveD]

In addition to, instead of or don't need it. By the way the 77mm seems pretty terrific to me.

[Vantage-Point]

What are you planning on using it for? The FA 85 gathers 1/3 stop more light than the FA77 can wide open. The FA 85 will have a shallower depth of field than the FA77 but it will only be noticed in certain conditions. More so with the K-1 than with the K-3 II. The FA 77 is easier to handle and is lighter than the FA 85. The hood on the FA85 is bulky compared to the hood on the FA77. If you do weddings/ portraits on the K-1, you might like the FA85 better. You should look at Le Rolls, Pinholecam, and Rancy's work here and on flickr and ask their advice about those two lenses.

[Sandy Hancock]

I am absolutely besotted with my FA77, both on crop and full frame. It is a tiny, beautiful jewel of a lens and epitomises the Pentax ethos.

I had a FA*85/1.4 briefly. The image quality was gorgeous, but the size, weight, enormous hood and tacky paint finish did not appeal enough to justify the marginal gains.

Only you can decide for yourself though.

[MadMathMind]

No. The 77 is the alpha, the omega, and everything inbetween.

[Digitalis]

you won't gain much from the FA*85mm f/1.4 - slightly faster AF perhaps, marginally brighter viewfinder and slightly shallower DOF. Regarding AF the FA77 does tend to hunt quite a bit more than what I consider to be typical for screw drive lenses. But other than that, the lens is a delight to work with. It is considerably smaller than the majority of 85mm f/1.4 lenses, this makes the lens less intimidating for subjects.

[LennyBloke]

As you already know they are both superb quality lenses, at the peak of their class. I'm fortunate enough to own both (at present) and although neither gets used as much as it should I do tend to choose the FA*85 over the FA77 - Is the 85 superior to the 77 - probably not, is it significantly brighter than the 77 - Nope, is it notably heavier & bulkier - Oh Yes, do I get a significant advantage from the faster aperture - not often. But I still prefer the FA*85 and I can't put my finger on why. I would urge you to seek one out and give it a try - you may well love it or you may well find the 77 is just right for you.

[lumbangorat_16]

If you need focal length 85mm. Buy SMC-M 85mm f/2, its little, sharp and suitable for portrait too

[joostdh]

There was actually a nice comparison done a few years ago. It is in Dutch but the photos speak for themselves: "The 70mm vs 77mm vs 85mm shoot out"

After spending way to much to time looking at it, I came away thinking the FA77 might be a bit sharper but the FA85 produces a nicer OOF rendering.

I have the FA* 85mm and regarding the big hood: I just never use it and have found no adverse effects. Probably also because its not the type of lens I would be using in full sun. I am very fond of it and use it a lot on the K-1, on which the focal length suits me more than it did on aps-c.