DA* 55mm f1.4?

Anyone got this lens?
Thinking of selling my FA 1.4 & 1.7 as I have seen one that would only cost me a little more than what I would get for the two FA's.

I notice they say there could be a BF problem on the K10D.

This is what I've been thinking about as well. The DA* 55mm apparently has a similar design heritage to the almost legendary FA* 85mm.

I can only recommend you do it, if only to give you another reason (read excuse) to upgrade to the K-7.

Here's a man setting up a rationale for upgrading his camera.

G

ETA: Great minds and all that, Peter.

I've contemplated getting a 55mm, but I have rejected the idea on the basis that if it isn't discernibly better than the 77mm I will feel I have wasted my money.

Of course, if you don't have either an 85mm or a 77mm, then it's a no-brainer - assuming you want a really good portrait lens.

G

Am I that transparent

It would seem so. Across Europe, there is consensus on this matter (if on no other).

G

btw how is the focus speed of this lens on the K7?
I know that there was little between the FA50 and the DA*55 speed wise and I wonder if that has changed?

Hmm, good question, another reason to get a K-7.

Indeed Mike
Have been pondering about the lens but all of a sudden I had more money then I thought so ended up buying the DA*50-135 instead since on paper that seemed like a better portrait lens but I still wander how the lens would be.

Yes.

I purchased the DA*55 about 6 months ago. Actually, Richard Day purchased it for me in the UK and shiiped it out to me because at that time the lens prices over there were cheaper than Australia!

Anyway, it was only recently that I decided to give this lens a workout and boy, I was not disappointed, this lens will end up being considered a classic. It is super sharp, has excellent bokeh, colour and contrast, it has that 3D look and excellent build quality. Yes, it may be a gnats slower to focus, but that is because the focus throw is longer due to the fact that it is an f1.4 lens and therefore requires accurate focusability. Give me accuracy over speed any day.

Have a look at my DA*55 gallery and look at the flowers, they exhibit wonderful 3D look as well as superb overall IQ. I am not posting examples here as Pentax USer reduces them down from their original 1,200pixel width which ruins the resolution and their impact. Better to look at my gallery.

http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/da55

Lance I've heard that the DA*35 would have the same lens formula as the DA*55, so if that lens might please you as well if it comes out.

Too bad no f-number was named though, for the lens.

..........or the DA70.

George said a really good portrait lens

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