Very tempting hefty1 as it would fit my Praktica too.....

But I am really looking for AF due to my stupid eyes needing glasses.....

with my eyes, yes AF is preferred as I want that all important eye pin sharp anvh

I know we have had topics about portrait lenses, but this time it is specific for me.
Now, I have come into a little bit of money, so I am considering getting a prime lens to suit my needs for portrait (I do a lot of portraits for the local theatre, work etc) so I am considering a dedicated portrait prime.

Now I have always hankered for a Limited prime, and the FA-77 limited would be very nice to have. However I already have a number of lenses that can (and are good at) doing portraiture, namely the following:-

SMC-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 SDM
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro
SMC-FA 50mm F1.4
Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX macro
Tamron 90mm F2.5 SP Macro
SMC-K 55mm F1.8
Takumar 135mm F2.5
The last three are manual only which can be a pain. But at least it slows you down.

Now, the conundrum.

FA 77mm F1.8 Limited
Pros - Fast, can be used on my MZ-5n too, its a limited.
Cons - PF I hear is a problem on digital.

DA 70mm F2.4 Limited
Pros - small, cheaper than the FA, designed for digital.
cons - can't be used on my MZ-5n(it needs an aperture ring) will it give me much more than my Sigma at 70mm or DA* at 70mm?

Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG
Pros - very fast, designed for digital, motor drive
cons - MF only on my MZ-5n, its not a limited. quite large really (but compared to the DA*, a lot smaller)

SMC-DA* 55mm F1.4
Pros - DA*, eqv fov of 85mm, motor drive, designed for digital, weather sealing
cons - not for film, I already have a manual 55mm, AND 50mm F1.4

There is a third option, but which would mean no limited or dedicated portrait lens, but means getting the K-5 in a few months when the price drops.

I think it comes down to more control of DOF, as Studio work you are shooting at F8-F11, and the DA* 50-135mm is in a class of its own in the studio, but having a smallish prime for available light, the others might more be suitable (or do I already have what I need?)

What would you do?

I love the second one. The light, colours and composition really make it. Up north here we don't have the contrasts of park and urban for stags, only big rural(ish) parks like Lyme, Tatton and Dunham Massey.
Kudos to you for that image.

I did'nt know, I did look but could'nt find another, but it was a brief look.
However, excited as I was that I found the deal in curry's, I just had to post it.

My Error.......well spotted

its a 360FGZ....

In case anyone is interested Currys have an unbelieveable deal on the 360 flashgun. I have just bought one today from the shop Manchester

link

How does £100 sound!

It was a price that you could not avoid getting one for.

Will go well as a slave to my 540 flash.

I am looking to buy a backdrop that is portable (so no paper rolls) and could be used in my garage when I convert to a studio as well.
Does anyone on here have a backdrop, if so, which make? what colour do you use (I am looking at dark grey or black initially and then possibly a whot fo hi-key work), and what do you think of it.
I have a short list of interfit (reasonable price) or Calumet (more expensive but seems solid) but open to other options.
Also, it wider, better? Or go for narrower. Most shots I will take will be single or pairs, but oaccasionally 4-6 people.

So, c'mon guys let me know.

I know I have put this in general chat, but there is nowhere else to put it....

Where I live and Stockport County's nickname. quite sad really

It depends on the portrait, Full length, top half of the body, head and shoulders or close up.
Also, studio lighting, ambient lighting, reflector etc.

Personally, I use the following for all my portraits
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8
FA 50mm F1.4
M 55mm F1.8
DA*50-135mm F2.8

The latter is great for head and shoulders and closeup.

hope this helps.