Pentax DA70 Limited
If you want AF and accurate metering, the FA 50mm 1:1.4 is almost as good as (but much cheaper than) the two top recommendations. Which, as I am sure you know, are the FA* 85mm 1:1.4 (hard to find), or the 77mm Ltd.
G
Keywords: Charming, polite, and generally agreeable.
There is an indefinable magic to the pictures produced by the 77m Ltd that no other lens that I have ever owned can match (though the 31mm gets close). It's especially good for skin, which is not surprising as portraits are the lens's raison d'etre.
But I have no doubt that the 70mm is superb, too.
G
Keywords: Charming, polite, and generally agreeable.
The other lens that George didn't mention is the 85 soft.

Kim
For me, one of the most important aspects of portrait type photography is to be able to control the DOF. The faster the lens, the more control you have. So no, I do not think the DA70 is the definative lens.
The other lens that George didn't mention is the 85 soft.

Kim
Yes, indeed. And it's much more affordable than the FA* 1.4.
G
Keywords: Charming, polite, and generally agreeable.
Thank you for your comments and for pointing me in the right direction.
Sorry for the late reply, have been away.
Peter
peter whipp
Member
Cirencester
A Pentax test report was worth reading on http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/index.html#pentax
Is this the definative portrait lens for the K10D ? or is there an alternative
at a more affordable level ?.
Comments and advice most welcome.
Peter