[bossa]

I posted a thread about my experiences with the D800E and the 85 G and compared it with the Canon 85:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/non-pentax-cameras-canon-nikon-etc/185909...0e-vs-1d4.html

I didn't compare it directly with the FA77, but my observations are that it is easily as good as the FA77. The Nikon 85 is really sharp. I think maybe the FA77 has smoother bokeh, but not really sure since we are talking about full frame vs APS-C and different focal lengths.

A better comparison is with the FA50 1.4 (since that yields an equivalent of about 75mm full frame) - I think the Nikon 85 is easily a better lens than the FA50 - although the FA50 is sharp, bokeh is a bit busy at times and the Nikon is much more contrasty than the FA50.

My only gripe with the Nikon 85 is that colour rendition doesn't seem to be as refined or polished as either the Canon 85 or the Summicron 50 - but this could be the sensor rather than the lens. It was only an impression, not a scientific comparison so please don't take me to the Spanish Inquisition on it.

DA*55 is the '85' of APS-C. Let's keep the comparisons fair shall we?

[TOUGEFC]

Before I sent my K-5 away (yesterday)
I did a quick test between the D700+85mm1.8G vs K-5+DA*55 and D700+85mm1.8G (in DX mode) vs K-5+FA77
I have yet to look at the RAWs......

[bossa]

That would be the go.. I wouldn't mind seeing those myself. Don't forget to chuck in some of those '77 on a D700 shots too.. ;-)

[TOUGEFC]

Will do, first impressions so far is the Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G is sharper wide open and has better bokeh than both the DA*55 and FA77

[bossa]

Ouch!

[TOUGEFC]

A quick wide open preview FA77 vs 85mm 1.8G in DX mode-



Both images were shot in RAW and have IDENTICAL PP

(This is just a quick teaser, I did a set in the Garden and Kitchen)

[Christine Tham]

DA*55 is the '85' of APS-C. Let's keep the comparisons fair shall we?

Not really. 55 * 1.5 = 82.5

No such thing as a fair comparison when the sensor sizes are different. "equivalence" is an inherently flawed concept.

[apisto]

Before I sent my K-5 away (yesterday)
I did a quick test between the D700+85mm1.8G vs K-5+DA*55 and D700+85mm1.8G (in DX mode) vs K-5+FA77
I have yet to look at the RAWs......

Thanks for taking the time to do the side-by-side. I am really looking forward to the results.

[bossa]

Not really. 55 * 1.5 = 82.5

No such thing as a fair comparison when the sensor sizes are different. "equivalence" is an inherently flawed concept.

Yes I can multiply.. thankyou.

[jsherman999]

No such thing as a fair comparison when the sensor sizes are different. "equivalence" is an inherently flawed concept.

No, it's not, it simply describes a relationship, there's nothing inherently 'flawed' in it any more than there is about F=MA. It can't always be applied directly to available focal lengths if you don't have those focal lengths available, but if you discard it completely (as you did in your test,) you will find objections in forums such as this, and rightly so.

It's nice to give simple shot examples to the forum, but if you want to present your examples as a valid comparison, you need to be more careful with your concepts and methodology.

.

[Christine Tham]

Yes I can multiply.. thankyou.

So why say that the DA55 is the "85" of APS-C when it is not? And it is perhaps a *less* fair comparison to the Nikon 85 than the FA50 from a DOF/bokeh perspective (never liked the DA55 bokeh).

There is no such thing as a "fair" comparison when we are using different camera bodies, even if the sensor size is the same, so let's not kid ourselves. But there are degrees of fairness, and focal length is not the only parameter.

[normhead]

I didn't compare it directly with the FA77, but my observations are that it is easily as good as the FA77. The Nikon 85 is really sharp. I think maybe the FA77 has smoother bokeh, but not really sure since we are talking about full frame vs APS-C and different focal lengths.

Have you ever liked anything Pentax better than any other brand? Just wondering?

[Christine Tham]

Have you ever liked anything Pentax better than any other brand? Just wondering?

I just bought a K-01 ...

The FA and DA Limiteds are the jewels of Pentax - there is nothing that quite compares with them in the (D)SLR world - in terms of size and quality.

I also love the bokeh of the Super Takumar 55 - nothing compares with that, not even my Leicas - I inherited it along with a bunch of other lenses and bodies from someone who shot photos for a surfing magazine in the 70s.

Interestingly, I have met quite a few Leica shooters who say they have tremendous respect for the Taks.

That's one of the reasons I bought the K-01 - there's a lot of magic left in Pentax glass. As my eyes deteriorate and I am no longer able to use an optical viewfinder, these LCD screen cameras are helping me continue my hobby.

[normhead]

That's one of the reasons I bought the K-01 - there's a lot of magic left in Pentax glass. As my eyes deteriorate and I am no longer able to use an optical viewfinder, these LCD screen cameras are helping me continue my hobby.

IN total agreement there. I swear, a lot of the time all I see in my viewfinder is a blur. I'm completely dependent on that little red dot to tell me what I have in focus. I feel like I'm guessing. I haven't given up on optical viewfinders yet, but I understand your decision.

[pinholecam]

A quick wide open preview FA77 vs 85mm 1.8G in DX mode-



Both images were shot in RAW and have IDENTICAL PP

(This is just a quick teaser, I did a set in the Garden and Kitchen)

Just wondering.
Shouldn't the 77ltd shot be a bit closer to get to the same FOV?
Thereby loosing a bit more DOF?

I mean if I shot a person head to waist, I'd want to shoot her head to waist no matter my FL, moving myself to get than same coverage.