Hello from SE Wales

....and still smarting from the 6 nations rugby result

Fancying Pentax smc DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM Lens. Anybody with some experience with this lens? What do you think? Is there a better one on the market...any make?

Have Pentax zoom lenses as listed but are not particularly fast. Have K20D.



Rob

Hi and welcome,
Have not tried the DA*55 myself but some have on here at the SRS's open day a few weeks ago, I'm going for the FA 77.f1.8 Limited myself.

Hi Rob, welcome to the forum. Whereabouts in SE Wales are you?

I can't see any zooms listed I'm afraid... For the price of a new DA* 55mm, you could pick up an FA 50mm f1.4 & something like the 35mm f2 or f2.8 limited (or a longer 3rd party macro) on the used market, which will give you a few more options. The FA 50mm wont be as well built as the 55mm & is screw drive not sdm, but in terms of image quality you'll be getting much more value for money. There are obviously other factors & we've yet to see a proper side-by-side test. If money isn't a consideration however then I wouldn't think you'd be in any way dissapointed with a DA* 55mm.

I have one you can try out ( although you can't buy it ) also 30mm & 70mm Sigma Primes. I'm near Pontypridd, but can arrange to meet up somewhere photogenic in nice weather if you'd Like.

Regards, Bob

If you don't mind manually focusing and you are after a quality optical lens, Pentax made exceptionally high quality lenses before digital came along, you'll be amazed at how little you can pick up an f1.4 (fast) manual focus on eBay, but be quick the price of glass is rising and it looks like people are catching on, unlike our national rugby team.
Rees,
South West Wales.

Look at this very short write up. link

Hello robin128

Really greatful for all your advice and expertise....I'm sold!

Now all I have to do is get it passed by/past she that must be obeyed.



Rob

Welcome to the forum.

Welcome to the forum Rob
The little FA 50mm f1.4 is a fantastic bargain and a great little lens.

Welcome to the forum

Hi and welcome

Hi and welcome

Hi and welcome!

Hello Rob, and welcome.

Need some advice

Poised to get this for my K20D...mainly for indoor portraiture with/without(?) flash, but for the odd flower or bird outside etc

Pentax smc DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM Lens

Should I get a filter? UV or polarising...both??

Not subscribing to Pentaxusers at present....any discounts to be had with https://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/, free next day delivery etc?

Bit of an amateur but learning fast

All advice greatfully received.


Rob