85mm Portrait Philosophy

I have a question that I am sure has been asked before about two lenses that I am very interested in, they are:

The smc Pentax FA* 85mm F/1.4
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM

What I would like to know are peoples opinions of which is the better lens of the two and more importably your philosophy as to why.

I have concluded that 85mm is the focal length that I want and need for the type of portraits I want to take and that I want f/1.4, although I will no doubt step the lens down.

Which lens has the better Bokeh?
Which lens has the better sharpness?
Which lens has better contrast when shooting into the light /sun
Which lens has more accurate AF?

Any other things people may want to share?

Many Thanks

Fletcher8

As a general principle, the marque lens will be better made, have a better longevity without needing service and may or may not be better optically.

I'd ask why you think 85mm is the best focal length for portraits? It was the classic portrait lens in film camera terms, but the APS-C sensor is a smaller format and the direct equivalent in DSLR terms is actually the 55mm f/1.4. An 85mm (127.5mm equivalent) seems a bit long to me and you end up too far away from the subject.

Still, that's a personal choice and my personal choice for a portrait lens would be the 70mm f/2.4 Limited, which is very close to the 100mm I used to use on film.

I love the 85mm - f1:1.4

Mine is the Samyang version, and I think it is great for portraits.

link - Blue Girl @ f1.4

John M D.

Good morning John

I am buying FF lenses that I can use on APS-C so that when Pentax do release a FF model I can then use them on FF, rather than buying and limiting myself to APS-C only lens, best of both worlds really in terms of use and money as my intention is to use APS-C and FF depending on subject and requirements.

I take your point about the 85mm on APS-C, but even on APS-C I really like the look from the images I have seen on various sites. I recently purchased the Sigma 35mm Art f/1.4 which is superb in terms of sharpness and speed. I also own the Pentax DA*55 which is very nice too, but not as sharp as the Sigma. I am also really enjoying using primes, rather than relying on zooms. Personally I think using primes makes you think a lot more in relation to photography, but there are times when a zoom makes life a lot more simple.

I think people have their preference in terms of focal lengths for portrait lenses, but the way the 85mm renders the background just really appeals to me personally and it is different than using a zoom such as the DA* 50mm-135mm. I guess I am trying to decide wether the Pentax FA 85mm warrants the price tag? I have heard a few people state that the Sigma 85 matches the FA 85 and is better optically, but the FA seems to clearly have a zen like following. One can pick up a brand new Sigma 85mm for around £640, where as a second hand FA 85mm seem to be selling for £800 if you can find one.

I just thought people might be able to shine a little light on the two lenses and give their honest user opinions, which will help to play a part on my final decision as to which lens I go for.

Regards

Fletcher8

The Sigma is a better option in several ways.

It's current (newer design, coating, optimised for digital, etc.).
It will have a guarantee (if bought new).
It's cheaper New than an FA* is Used.
It gets excellent reviews (and the "in-depth" review on PF rates is as equal to the FA* - although they haven't performed a full head-to-head).

But, the Pentax is "The Pentax"

The specific questions you pose would be argued over (Bokeh, Sharpness, etc.) by each "camp" - I seriously doubt that one could be labelled as "better", it will come down to personal preference. If you can try each one it will help you greatly (I know - easier said than done)

But I'm totally biased (as you know)

Thanks Lenny,

I think you have hit the nail on the head in relation to personal preference. The FA really appeals to me, but the price does not. I guess you gets what you pays for.

Regards

Fletcher8

If I was in the market I would get the Sigma for the reasons LennyBloke gave, however I would be tempted to wait for the art version which may just be around the corner from Sigma, Sigma are killing it right now with their new lens releases.

Yep have to agree with you Gary. I just don't like waiting and the problem is it will no doubt be another two years before Sigma will make it available in Pentax mount.

The Sigma 35mm Art is stella Gary, its been on the K3 most of the time since I purchased it and I love it.

If all of the Sigma Art line lenses turn out this way, I think a lot of people will be putting money Sigmas way.

How are you getting on with the Nikon 600? If you get the chance can PM with your findings, I would really appreciate it.

Regards

Fletcher8

The price of the FA* lenses shot up over several years, but seem to have dropped back a bit now. When I started looking I couldn't find an FA*85 for much less than £1k, but the odd few I've seen over the last couple of years have been a bit less.

It would be interesting to know how many of the forum members who have an FA*85 would part with it - I've seen comments like "you'd have to prise it from my cold, dead hands" used in relation to it - I have bought, used and sold many excellent lenses, but the FA*24, 85 and F*300 are all likely to be with me for a very, very long time

Lenny, I am selling every bit of photographic kit I no longer use or need to help fund my next dream purchases Lol.

I think you are right about some of the FA* lenses, Fran and I have two FA* 80mm -200mm that we will never part with.

I wish Pentax would re release some of the FA* lenses with weather sealing.

Fletcher8

Not really had a proper chance to try it out yet to be honest, still putting all the kit together, finally got the 28-70 today, if the flash arrives before Saturday I can give it a whizz in the club

I imagine when Pentax do come out with an FF the lens lineup will be stellar too and prices of the FA* may actually fall if the quality of the DA* is replicated in the FF lens lineup particularly of they use the new DC motors in them

Fletcher8 wrote:

Why would you need a f1.4 lens, if you always stop it down?

Especially at that focal length you probably don't even have enough dof
even for a portrait.

Instead of the FA85mm f1.4 Yo could look at the FA77mm f1.8.

Regards, Horst

Horst, Having a f/1'4 lens provides you with more light, and most lenses perform better when stepped down by a little, so I would mainly shoot at f/1.8 or f/2. If you take a f/2.8 lens and a f/1.4 lens and set them to the same aperture, say f/2.8 or f/4 the 1.4 lens always is brighter from my experience, thats why I want lenses at f/1.4.

I have looked at the FA77, but the its not f/1.4 and I think the FA*85 renders better in my opinion from the images I have seen from both lenses. Moreover, The Sigma 85 is also cheaper than the FA77.

Gareth, what about the Jupiter9?

You should be able to sell a used FA* 85 for what you paid for it whereas you'd loose a little on a new Sigma.

Best wishes, Kris.

Womble you are right, in some cases perhaps even make a profit.