andy_coach

<p>The 77mm is a very nice lens and I enjoyed the speed and IQ when I had it. Somehow I could not get used to the way it handled physically, the pull-out hood especially used to drive me crazy. The physical form and handling of the gear are very important to me, the lens has to feel "right" in use.</p>

<p>Glad you have joined the club ;)<br />In the unforgettable words of Wayne "She will be mine. Oh yes, she will be mine" ;);)</p>

<p>Yep, it's the legendary <strong><a href="http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-FA-Star-85mm-F1.4-Lens.html">SMC Pentax-FA* 85mm F1.4 [iF]</a> <br /></strong><br> <img src="http://bserver.img.photosharp.com.tw/Image/News/200907/2009070715555013_600x560.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="560" /><br /><br /></p>

<p>Very informative and enjoyable website. Of course now I want the OTUS 85mm ;) </p>

<p>All else being equal, 85/1.4 will generate stronger blur than a 50/1.4, right?</p>

<p>Wow, nice portraits. What scares me is how easy it is to get used to the idea of spending $1000+ on a lens just for fun :) That's what happens to me once I start looking at nice piece of gear. I need help...</p>

<p>Oh how I wish I could swing by a real store like B&H or Adorama.. In AZ we have two rather small stores, with very bad Pentax aversion.</p>

<p>Holy cow, the bokeh from the Rokinon is beautiful. I will have to borrow one and test it out. I've tried MF at a basketball game on my 50/1.2 but it was rather futile during action. I am researching lens rentals but so far not one shop is offering the Sigma 85/1.4 in K mount.</p>

<p>Wouter, Hector, and Jochen thanks a bunch for your thoughtful advice, I appreciate it. I think I might skip the Nikon 85/1.8D despite its good price and go straight for the Pentax or Sigma 85/1.4, they are rated almost identically by <a href="http://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/sigma-85mm-f14-hsm/review.html?src=lrdb">this review</a> and users tend to rave about their bokeh, which appears to be on par or even smoother than with the Nikkor 85/1.4D. My K-3 focuses most of my lenses quickly and accurately, so I can't wait to see how it does with the 85/1.4 :)<br /><br /></p>

<p>I've been having dreams about a fast 85mm lens. Not entirely sure why. I have that length covered with other fairly fast (2.4 and 2.8) lenses. I don't really need it, other than maybe for occasional indoor basketball game. I want to see what (fast) 85mm it all about. The Pentax 85/1.4 is expensive, so is the Sigma version. I've used the 77/1.8 and liked the IQ but the handling of the lens left me cold, so I sold it.<br> Since there are no inexpensive Pentax options for a fast, AF 85mm and I happen to still have a Nikon D90 sitting on the shelf, I thought maybe I could try the 85/1.8D to get the taste. Has anyone here tried that combo? Is it fast to auto-focus? Or, is the Pentax 85/1.4 so great that I should just go for it w/out any Nikon detours?<br> Andy</p>