| Latest Review Posted | SMC Pentax-FA* 85mm F1.4 [IF]
I bought this lens to complement my D-FA* 50/1.4 because I could not justify the cost of both D-FA* lenses, but in many ways I wish I had gone with the D-FA* 85 and found some other solution for a fast modern 50. (Why is there no FA* 50? The world may never know.) As such, I'm writing this review as a sort of comparison to the D-FA* 50, which isn't fair, but I expect that I'm not the only person who is in this position.
What I did get from this lens is wonderful, but I'll start with the frustrating stuff.
Focusing
This lens uses the old screw drive focusing system. It is loud, slow, and it hunts a lot. You won't be using this lens to shoot any fast-moving nearby objects.
We're primarily using DSLRs, so I'm focusing and recomposing. I find that in difficult lighting scenarios (strong sunlight, back light), the camera gets confused. It will focus on the bright spots (usually the model's hair), or sometimes just nothing at all. If there is a lot of 3D-pop in your photo, it will also be unsure of where you're trying to look and will focus on things in your intended foreground or background. Sometimes, being just barely out of focus on your model.
I find that in these scenarios, it is best to just pop it into manual and leave it there.
Where the autofocus works best is in a studio setting. Put the camera on a tripod, the autofocus will get you within 95% of where you want it. I will disagree with what the camera wants to focus on, but snapping the le... |
