Pentax 77mm f/1.8 Limited

[Johnboy2978]

Just wondering if anyone here has this lens in their bag of goodies or have ever used it? If so is it worth the purchase price? I am just finishing up a little job that will net me the purchase price and I've had this lens on my wish list for some time now. It's supposed to be a phenominal portrait lens. So, are there any reviewers here?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/388316-REG/Pentax_27980_77mm_f_1_8_Limited_Autofocus.html

 

[Alpha]

Nice, but I would opt for the SMCP-A 85/1.4 or the SMCP-A 135/1.8. Both are pretty hard to find, and manual focus. But killer lenses.

 

[Johnboy2978]

You mean something like this? I'm afraid that's a little out of budget. Got an extra $700 you can spare? Also I think the 135 would be too telephoto for portraits in my cramped space.

http://cgi.ebay.com/smc-PENTAX-FA-8...39:1|66:2|65:12|240:1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Have you shot w/ the 77mm?

 

[Alpha]

I actually meant the manual focus version made in the mid-to-late 80's. I can't comment specifically on the limited edition auto focus lenses because I've never used them, but the regular AF lenses in 35mm feel like such flimsy pieces of ****.

 

[Johnboy2978]

I can't seem to find any MF in that focal length. I guess they are pretty much keepers. Anyone else have an opinion of the 77mm?

 

[Alpha]

http://www.photozone.de/pentax/128-pentax-smc-fa-77mm-f18-limited-review--test-report

Looks stellar. Not quite as good at the 85/1.4, but stellar. Go for it.

 

[pez]

There is a new Pentax DA 55mm 1.4, but no serious reviews that I can find as of yet.

 

[Alpha]

That's because it's DA. And DA lenses aren't serious.

 

[Dubious Drewski]

That's because it's DA. And DA lenses aren't serious.

Har har! Funny joke .

Anyway, I've had the privelege of trying out the 77 1.4 on my K10 for an entire day and it was quite impressive. It's optically spectacular and physically well-built. I already dropped $650 on the Sigma 10-20 and the 50-135 is still my next purchase, so this 77mm will have to wait. But I guarantee you it IS on my list, and if you shoot Pentax it should be on yours as well!

 

[reg]

So this is kinda random but why does Pentax do those kinda offbeat focal length primes, as opposed to the "standards"? I see some m42 generics, Soviet lenses, etc that do it too. Just wondering.

 

[pez]

So this is kinda random but why does Pentax do those kinda offbeat focal length primes, as opposed to the "standards"? I see some m42 generics, Soviet lenses, etc that do it too. Just wondering.

Hmm, so you are implying that Pentax simply re-brands cheap Russian glass. While anything is possible, Pentax lenses generally receive excellent reviews.

 

[Stratman]

That's because it's DA. And DA lenses aren't serious.

Have any proof of this? there are some FINE DA lenses. The 16-50, 50-135, DA200 2.8 DA300 F4 DA 16-45...all damn good lenses

 

[reg]

Hmm, so you are implying that Pentax simply re-brands cheap Russian glass.

Yeah, that's totally what I'm doing. I used a friend's K10d and 40mm pancake (another offbeat focal length) and it totally sucked. It reeked of rebranded cheap russian commie glass.

You're too paranoid, dude.

 

[Dubious Drewski]

What, is something wrong with russian glass, now? hehe.

 

[40LTD]

I don't own the FA 77/1.8, but I've used it a couple of times, and it is indeed an excellent lens. The only problem I encountered was some mild PF in high contrast areas when shooting wide open. IQ and build quality of this gem are top notch. I too intend to buy one as soon as finances permit.

BTW, the DA*50-135 is a *fine* lens and a total joy to use. With the BG attached, it balances the K20D perfectly for hand held shooting. IQ, color and contrast are excellent. The weather sealing is merely the icing on the cake Once I stick it on to my K20D, it doesn't usually come off for atleast a week...it's my favorite lens.