DA*55mm F1.4 - A bargain really......

Remember that time when the DA*55 F1.4 first appeared, not that long ago really when it comes to lenses. The mutterings on various forums was "How much?", "too expensive" "you are having a laugh Pentax!" "I can get the FA50 F1.4 for a third of the price!"

Well roll onto today, and I think that the thoughts maybe a little bit different...

So The Street Price of the DA*55 is around £609 (SRS and Jessops) to £699 (WEX), so still not cheap.
BUT :-

Nikon's new 58mm F1.4? How about £1600!
Sony's 50mm F1.4 Zeiss? £1300!
Sony's E-mount 55mm F1.8 Zeiss? How about £929!
Zeiss Otus 55mm F1.4? £3200!!!!!!!


In this company, the DA* is something of a bargain.

Oh and before you ask, yes people have used it on film cameras without vignetting, so we could could consider it FF capable too

The only eye in the ointment is that the old 55mm F1.8's are so good on digital, with a complete lack of CA and oh so nice in their rendition, you would only want or need the DA* for the AF and weather sealing. Prices of the SMC-K 55's and Takumar 55's? Oh around £30-40!

But in the end, the excellent DA*, with it's excellent optics, weather sealing etc looks a major bargain against the other brands for a new lens.

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Some Cameras

They'll soon fix that.

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Pentax K-3, DA18-135, DA35 F2.4, DA17-70, DA55-300, FA28-200, A50 F1.7, A100 F4 Macro, A400 F5.6, Sigma 10-20 EXDC, 50-500 F4.5-6.3 APO DG OS Samsung flash SEF-54PZF(x2)
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Possibly Chris, when they bring out the HD-DA*55 F1.4 version, then again we hope not!!!!

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Some Cameras

I do concede that I'm a total cynic, but I'm always delighted to be proved wrong

It doesn't happen often enough, sadly

Actually, I must admit I'm dead pleased at the way the K-3 price has been creeping down. It's happened a lot earlier than I was expecting, and I'm quite optimistic about being able to get one in the not too distant future.

It's quite interesting that the way they're bringing the price down is to throw in the 35mm prime - it's not just SRS, Jessops are doing it too (not that I'd buy it from there).

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Pentax K-3, DA18-135, DA35 F2.4, DA17-70, DA55-300, FA28-200, A50 F1.7, A100 F4 Macro, A400 F5.6, Sigma 10-20 EXDC, 50-500 F4.5-6.3 APO DG OS Samsung flash SEF-54PZF(x2)
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Yes, it is a Pentax thing with the K-3 bundle. I will be getting the K-3, but not just yet. I'm still having fun with my k-5 and especially my K-01. I did ask the Pentax Rep the other week and the Jessops guy (it's the only Pentax dealer in Manchester, worst luck!) to see if they would swap the 35mm which I already have, for the fifty. Nope, can't do it, it is a national thing
Still I have no urgency to get the K-3, yet, but it will be mine at some point.

Now back to the 55mm. Although I already have, and I quote, FA50 F1.4, M50 F1.7, K55 F1.8, Super-Tak 55mm F1.8, CZJ 50mm F2.8, Pentacon 50 F1.8, Mamiya 55mm F1.4, The DA*55 would be a great addition to the collection for the silent AF, weather sealing, and the fact that 55mm is actually better for head and shoulders portraits shots over the fifty. Still, it is a LOT cheaper than the rivals, and will still be if they put the HD coating on it too


But I am going away from the original reason for this thread, and that is that Pentax glass is mighty and still costs a LOT less than the other brands.....

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Some Cameras

Yes the Pentax DA* 55 is a superb lens, but if and when Sigma release the 50mm f/1.4 Art lens in Pentax mount, I will buy one without any hesitation. I own the Sigma 35mm Art lens and its the best lens i own, its just so sharp on the K3.

Sigma are now producing some excellent glass and Pentax will be left plying catch up if they don't up their game.

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Fletcher8.

I agree that Sigma are producing excellent glass these days and it would be delightful that they actually provide them on the K-Mount.
However, I was pointing out that a Pentax pro lens is actually at a reasonable price these days compare to similar focal length lenses that have recently been announced and on sale.

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Some Cameras

Chris at SRS is being slightly more flexible: https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/current-srs-offers--47457

Dan

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K-3, a macro lens and a DA*300mm...