[rollsman4]

Can anyone tell me how this lens is. The Reviews dont look too good. My use is Portraits and some landscape . Thank you

[squarenegs]

Can anyone tell me how this lens is. The Reviews dont look too good. My use is Portraits and some landscape . Thank you

It is my go to lens with my 645D I have both a MF and auto focus version They seem to perform identically. I think it's one of the best in the 645 collection

[rollsman4]

I am sure you need a tripod when using it, Thank you. Why are there so few reviews and the ones I read are not saying anything good. Thanks

[johnha]

Umm, you mean these reviews that rate the lens as 9.25 out of 10: SMC Pentax-FA 645 45-85mm F4.5 Reviews - 645 Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database? I'd recommend looking at Rick's review that goes into a lot of detail on the pros & cons and see how they relate to your method of working.

It may not be the best option for portrait (too slow perhaps?) or landscape (not wide enough perhaps?) but it seems to be the most popular 645 FA zoom for the D & Z. There are better (and faster) primes of course, but that's expected compared to a zoom, I have no problem with mine on my D. There's no reason why you'd really need a tripod for most situations, but obviously they do help you to step away from the camera for portraits and are important for landscapes.

[Timotis77]

I don’t have the 645d, But I do have the FA 45-85mm (auto focus version) on my 645z, only had it a few weeks, but personally, I love the focal length. Its heavy, but then again it’s not over the top. I've taken it out a few times and used it both on a tripod and hand held. I think its better suited to a tripod due to its weight, but hand held I still find it yields lovely shots.

Sharpness is best after f/8 and really great between F/11 and F/16. That’s for landscape(though as noted above, 45mm isnt reallt wide enought, for my liking for landscape, but still cant be used for sure). This said, and depending on what you’re shooting it can also be used wide open at f/4.5 as I find center sharpens good and only smooths off on the corners

It’s a cheap to buy lens, look on ebay and there’s many Japanese sellers offering these for $300-400 au. I got mine for $380 in pristine condition

I'd be more going for the 80-160mm for portrait work no? Even looking into a 120mm macro? These are roughtly the same price as the 45-85mm give or take...