Fast fifties - info please!

Before you ask, it's nothing to do with age

I'm looking at the 50mm A-series f1.4 and f1.2 lenses. Has anyone any experience with either of these two beasts, especially in comparison to the f1.7 (I have the SMC-F).

I'm mostly interested in the bokeh, flare, etc. As you may have guessed it's mostly for low light work.

Any information appreciated
Matt

Hi Matt,
I do have a 50/1.2A but it is the special chrome version and so doesn't get used a lot!. However, one of my most used lenses is the 50/1.2K which is the same optical formula and I have had most of the variations of the 1.4 which are all similiar in performance. IMHO, the 1.7s are very good, probably the sharpest of the 50's and have a very good flat field performance. As such they are the better lens for macro work and copying. However for general work, the 1.4s are much better and the 1.2 even more so. They give a much more pleasant 3D modelling effect and I prefer the colour rendition on Fuji film. Athough this will not affect you too much on a D. The narrower depth of field and brighter screen also very them a pleasure to use and a breeze to focus quickly and accurately. Again, in my view, they would also be better than a 1.7 as a portrait lens on a D because of the modelling effect that they have. As to flare, they are Pentax glass

As the the F versions, I must admit I have a preference for the FA versions. It may have been the particular one I had, but I was a little dissapointed by the 1.4F that I had and sold it. On the other hand my 1.7FA is easily on a par with the MF ones. I assume you have looked at the various discussions on Stan's site. There does seem to be a divided opinion on whether there is any difference between the F and FA versions with honours about even. The big point that swings it for me is that the FAs have a nicer more comfortable focus ring.

Kim

Hi Kim,
Appreciate the comment a lot. Actually my F-1.7 is very sharp, and as you say, has a great flat field. I use it mostly for low level light portraiture, but manual focussing with it is horrible (not very solid construction and such a small focus ring).

I thought the A-50/1.2 was rare, but your chrome version is even more rare!! I have the choice between a K and an A. The A is twice the price though The *ist-D has pretty good handling of the K lenses, but I reallly think I'd get more mileage out of an A - evaluative metering and P-TTL flash (when I do use it) being two.

Yes, it's the 3D modelling that I'm looking for, plus the beautiful bokeh...
I suppose it's a case of either trying to justify the price () or haggling
Matt

Matt,
I don't know what prices you are looking at but wether the advantage of the A setting is worth the difference has to be a personal choice. One point to consider though is that the difference between the 1.2 and the 1.4 is much less than the difference between the 1.4 and the 1.7. The qualities of the 1.4 and 1.2 are very similiar, it's just that the 1.2 is faster. On the other hand, the 1.7s produce a very different image.

Kim

Kim,
Thanks again.
The trouble is I'm having trouble finding even many A-1.4. I've seen a few around £120, but then there's an M-1.2 at £160. And the A-1.2 is twice that! The metering on the *ist-D for M lenses is a bit of a pain, especially when using the BG grip in portrait mode (because you have to press the little green button by the body shutter release to stop down and meter). The speed difference between the A-1.4 and A-1.7 is important, but not for nearly 3x the cost!
If anyone's got any leads, do drop me a private message!
And I'm getting a bit tired of finding 1.2's and discovering they are "1:2" (i.e. f2)!!
Thanks,
Matt

The f1.2 has very good control of point light sources, which is useful for night time shooting. Its performance when stopped down is the equal of the other 50mm lenses.

Are you sure you've seen a 50mm f1.2 M lens - I thought they went straight from K to A series.

I agree that using A lenses will be much more convenient on the DSLRs.

Whoops! Yes John, it's the "K". My mistake.
Thanks for your feedback too!
Matt

Thanks very much for your input Kim & John. The A-1.2 had gone already, but I've managed to find a reasonable A-1.4, so I'll make do with that
...but I'll keep my eyes open for the rare 1.2, and if you ever want to pass any on Kim, you know where to come

Matt

Matt, fancy a swap - my A 1.4 for your Z1? (I trust it's the original and not the 'P') - just a thought!

It's a nice lens in good condition but I bought it on a bit of a whim and doubt that I'll give it much use as I tend to use my 1.7 F most of the time.

Ah, do I take it you've already secured a 1.4?

Can't find a 1.2 at the mo but I was going to offer you a 1.4A. I was just waiting to get home so I could send a pic as well. Oh well good excuse to keep it!

Kim

Kimbo - thanks for the offer. The Z1 went long ago - didn't use it at all!
Kim - appreciate the offer. May still take you up on it. Will get the A1.4 on Monday with the option of returning. Price was pretty reasonable, and I'll wait to see the full condition. Many thanks again
I'll let you all know how I get on with manual focus and the *ist-D
Matt

Bummer...........I read a thread today where you posted pics. taken with the Z1 and a DA lens, to demonstrate the degree if vignetting. You said that the Z1 would have to go and that got me thinking.
Must have been an old thread because I can't find it now and don't know how or why I stumbled upon it earlier...............explains why you had roses in bloom against your garden fence though

Two things

(a) http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pentax-A-SMC-50mm-Lens-1-1-4_W0QQitemZ7566809414QQcategoryZ4688QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem (for info - I was just browsing)

(b) I was my fault - sorry - I revived an old thread when talking about the 16-45

Yes, found it - the pics were taken in July, oh well never mind.
Thanks Tony.

I have the A 1.4 amd the M 1.4. Both are superb lenses, the A is obviously easier to use on the *st D, but they both give excellent results.

FYI, the 50mm functions as a portrait lens on the smaller sensor of the digital cameras.