DA*55 F1.4 - Tastes prtty gud aktualy

dugrant153 · 06-12-2009, 10:16 AM

So I've been using the DA*55 F1.4 for about 2 weeks now and I'd have to say that it is an excellent lens. I have no regrets in purchasing this lens and would probably buy one again if for some reason I lost mine.

I'm not a pixel peeper by any means, but I like to know that the tools that I use are capable of making the image in my head into the awesome photos that I want. The DA*55 has not failed to disappoint me in this regard.

I have my own personal reasons for taking out a mortgage (just kidding) to purchase this lens. But this lens is not for everyone, especially at it's price point. I would say that if you're happy with the 50mm focal length and you're fine without SDM, weather-sealing, etc. then stick with the FA50 F1.4, or an M50 or A50 F1.4 if you're okay with manual focus.

My personal reasons for purchasing it were:

-weather-sealing
-the silent SDM autofocus (great to have in quiet situations)
-the extremely awesome manual focus feel
-build quality
-Sharp from F1.4 to... well, every other aperture on it.
-colors and saturation are great. Skin tones are vibrant.
-the 55mm focal length (suits me better than 50mm). Feels like home.

The more I use this lens and work around (and work with) its little quirks, the more I like it. Portraits (and other pictures too) are nothing short of stunning at pretty much every aperture from F1.4 up. They're sharp, well colored and they have a certain 'look' to them that I really like. And the overall build quality and feel of the lens is excellent. It feels good in the hands, and knowing that I can use SDM and manual focus on this equally well (because the MF feel is so good) is a huge plus for me.

The cons? Contrary to my initial views of this lens, the SDM is kind of slow for autofocusing, but after trying out my friend's Canon XSi, I think that's just a Pentax camera body thing... or maybe just the AA's I'm using (Panasonic Nimh rechargeables).

Unfortunately, I don't have any pics to show of what this lens can do as I've been really busy but I hope to post some soon!

Conclusion? If you like this lens, buy it. I used my Dad's 55mm F2 takumar to see if I liked 55mm over 50mm and to me atleast there was enough of a different "feel" to warrant considering 55mm. Add in everything else this lens does (and it does it well) and you may find yourself saving your pennies for one.

Nick Siebers · 06-12-2009, 10:57 AM

Lets see some pictures!

I agree, though, that 55mm has a different feel than 50. I have an old Mamiya 58mm, and it is a whole different lens than a 50mm. (So I tell myself and my LBA!)

Wheatfield · 06-12-2009, 01:42 PM

I think we should start a DA*55/1.4 club.

dugrant153 · 06-12-2009, 07:48 PM

Well, I ran into some harsher lighting conditions and this lens had a rough time autofocusing. I think this is partly the camera too and hopefully the K7 will fix this up. That being said, still a great lens!

Here are some sample shots I took with this lens. It's my radio control drift car (Another hobby of mine):

Note that these are NOT edited in photoshop. They came straight out of my K200D.

This last one was shot at F1.4:

06-12-2009, 10:16 AM	#1
dugrant153 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,059	*DA55 F1.4 - Tastes prtty gud aktualy** So I've been using the DA55 F1.4 for about 2 weeks now and I'd have to say that it is an excellent lens. I have no regrets in purchasing this lens and would probably buy one again if for some reason I lost mine. I'm not a pixel peeper by any means, but I like to know that the tools that I use are capable of making the image in my head into the awesome photos that I want. The DA55 has not failed to disappoint me in this regard. I have my own personal reasons for taking out a mortgage (just kidding) to purchase this lens. But this lens is not for everyone, especially at it's price point. I would say that if you're happy with the 50mm focal length and you're fine without SDM, weather-sealing, etc. then stick with the FA50 F1.4, or an M50 or A50 F1.4 if you're okay with manual focus. My personal reasons for purchasing it were: -weather-sealing -the silent SDM autofocus (great to have in quiet situations) -the extremely awesome manual focus feel -build quality -Sharp from F1.4 to... well, every other aperture on it. -colors and saturation are great. Skin tones are vibrant. -the 55mm focal length (suits me better than 50mm). Feels like home. The more I use this lens and work around (and work with) its little quirks, the more I like it. Portraits (and other pictures too) are nothing short of stunning at pretty much every aperture from F1.4 up. They're sharp, well colored and they have a certain 'look' to them that I really like. And the overall build quality and feel of the lens is excellent. It feels good in the hands, and knowing that I can use SDM and manual focus on this equally well (because the MF feel is so good) is a huge plus for me. The cons? Contrary to my initial views of this lens, the SDM is kind of slow for autofocusing, but after trying out my friend's Canon XSi, I think that's just a Pentax camera body thing... or maybe just the AA's I'm using (Panasonic Nimh rechargeables). Unfortunately, I don't have any pics to show of what this lens can do as I've been really busy but I hope to post some soon! Conclusion? If you like this lens, buy it. I used my Dad's 55mm F2 takumar to see if I liked 55mm over 50mm and to me atleast there was enough of a different "feel" to warrant considering 55mm. Add in everything else this lens does (and it does it well) and you may find yourself saving your pennies for one.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Misc The Grass Tastes Greener	AutoEccentric	Post Your Photos!	2	10-06-2010 10:06 AM
SilkyPix TasTes	Jaleel	Digital Processing, Software, and Printing	11	05-30-2008 09:32 AM

06-12-2009, 10:57 AM	#2
Nick Siebers Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Madison, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,165	Lets see some pictures! I agree, though, that 55mm has a different feel than 50. I have an old Mamiya 58mm, and it is a whole different lens than a 50mm. (So I tell myself and my LBA!)

06-12-2009, 01:42 PM	#3
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	I think we should start a DA*55/1.4 club.

06-12-2009, 07:48 PM	#4
dugrant153 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,059 Original Poster	Well, I ran into some harsher lighting conditions and this lens had a rough time autofocusing. I think this is partly the camera too and hopefully the K7 will fix this up. That being said, still a great lens! Here are some sample shots I took with this lens. It's my radio control drift car (Another hobby of mine): Note that these are NOT edited in photoshop. They came straight out of my K200D. This last one was shot at F1.4: