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FA* 85mm/1.4 at KEH for $1050 (EX) · 07:44 AM

Someone should by this:

Pentax Autofocus Fixed Focal Length Lenses - KEH.com

elho_cid · 02-11-2011, 09:09 AM

Tempting... How does it stand in comparison with DA*55?

**Clinton** · 02-11-2011, 10:07 AM

It's quite a bit sharper I think. Adam's review in the lens review section kinda says it all though.

Tom S. · 02-11-2011, 10:11 AM

I agree, someone should buy it. And that someone should be me. Unfortunately, my uncle Sam has other plans for my money.

elho_cid · 02-11-2011, 12:05 PM

Originally posted by Clinton

It's quite a bit sharper I think. Adam's review in the lens review section kinda says it all though.

I also have a FA*85 and I agree it is super sharp - when focused properly. But isn't AF hit rate with the SDM drive of the DA*55 better? I mean, doesn't it make the lens more practical?

dgaies · 02-11-2011, 12:20 PM

Originally posted by elho_cid

I also have a FA*85 and I agree it is super sharp - when focused properly. But isn't AF hit rate with the SDM drive of the DA*55 better? I mean, doesn't it make the lens more practical?

I've actually had very good luck with both my FA*85 and DA*55 in terms of AF accuracy. The AF of the DA*55 is very quiet, but on the slow side. The AF of the FA*85 is audible but much faster. The quick-shift AF/MF feature of the DA*55 is better than the clutch/body switch combo of the FA*85. The 55 is smaller and more compact, especially when you consider the hood sizes. The 85 is probably a bit sharper and the OOF areas might be a little better.

All-in-all, both great lenses. I'd say the FA*85 wins in terms of IQ and AF speed, the DA*55 wins in terms of size and cost (plus it's WR). Obviously they are quite different in terms of focal lenght, so that right there might be the more important deciding factor

**Clinton** · 02-11-2011, 02:09 PM

My FA* 85 needed a -4 AF adjustment on both my K7 and my K5. My DA* 55 needed a -6. Once I tuned them with a lens align though, they both seem to hit spot on what I expect.

DSims · 02-12-2011, 01:29 PM

Clinton,

Thanks so much for making me aware of this through your post. The lens is due to arrive Wednesday.

**Clinton** · 02-12-2011, 03:45 PM

Glad someone from here snapped up the lens

**Fontan** · 02-12-2011, 05:14 PM

Originally posted by DSims

Clinton,

Thanks so much for making me aware of this through your post. The lens is due to arrive Wednesday.

Ah, this was what you were talking about, eh?

Clinton
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02-12-2011, 01:29 PM	#8
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	Thanks Clinton, Thanks so much for making me aware of this through your post. The lens is due to arrive Wednesday.

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02-11-2011, 09:09 AM	#2
elho_cid Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Prague Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,199	Tempting... How does it stand in comparison with DA*55?

02-11-2011, 10:07 AM	#3
Clinton Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,915 Original Poster	It's quite a bit sharper I think. Adam's review in the lens review section kinda says it all though.

02-11-2011, 10:11 AM	#4
Tom S. Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Michigan Photos: Albums Posts: 4,317	I agree, someone should buy it. And that someone should be me. Unfortunately, my uncle Sam has other plans for my money.

02-11-2011, 12:05 PM	#5
elho_cid Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Prague Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,199	Originally posted by Clinton It's quite a bit sharper I think. Adam's review in the lens review section kinda says it all though. I also have a FA85 and I agree it is super sharp - when focused properly. But isn't AF hit rate with the SDM drive of the DA55 better? I mean, doesn't it make the lens more practical?

02-11-2011, 12:20 PM	#6
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by elho_cid I also have a FA85 and I agree it is super sharp - when focused properly. But isn't AF hit rate with the SDM drive of the DA55 better? I mean, doesn't it make the lens more practical? I've actually had very good luck with both my FA85 and DA55 in terms of AF accuracy. The AF of the DA55 is very quiet, but on the slow side. The AF of the FA85 is audible but much faster. The quick-shift AF/MF feature of the DA55 is better than the clutch/body switch combo of the FA85. The 55 is smaller and more compact, especially when you consider the hood sizes. The 85 is probably a bit sharper and the OOF areas might be a little better. All-in-all, both great lenses. I'd say the FA85 wins in terms of IQ and AF speed, the DA55 wins in terms of size and cost (plus it's WR). Obviously they are quite different in terms of focal lenght, so that right there might be the more important deciding factor

02-11-2011, 02:09 PM	#7
Clinton Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,915 Original Poster	My FA* 85 needed a -4 AF adjustment on both my K7 and my K5. My DA* 55 needed a -6. Once I tuned them with a lens align though, they both seem to hit spot on what I expect.

02-12-2011, 03:45 PM	#9
Clinton Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,915 Original Poster	Glad someone from here snapped up the lens

02-12-2011, 05:14 PM	#10
Fontan Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 5th floor Posts: 1,610	Originally posted by DSims Clinton, Thanks so much for making me aware of this through your post. The lens is due to arrive Wednesday. Ah, this was what you were talking about, eh?

FA* 85mm/1.4 at KEH for $1050 (EX)

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!