autofocus, fixed portrait lens for Pentax

[slawek_jacek]

Having tried my new ZX-5n with SMC-M 50mm/1.4 and manual Zeiss 70-

210, I've found many more keepers with fixed 50mm. Attempts to

capture portraits of my kids outdoors with manual zoom mostly failed

due to lack of proper focus (they move so fast!!!). I've found that

setting zoom factor eats into the time available to make the picture

and contributes to the problem.

 

I figured that I could use a not-too-slow autofocus portrait lens of

about 135mm. So I've check some internet stores. To my dismay, choice

of non-zoom, autofocus portrait lens for Pentax is rather little and

rather expensive.

 

Are there any more affordable alternatives to Pentax FA 135/2.8 ?

If there are - are they any sharper than AF zoom lenses such as Sigma

24-135mm f/2.8-4.5 ?

 

I would appreciate opinions from portrait lens users.

[daniel_tong1]

I got my FA 135/2.8 at around Can$200. I like it a lot.

 

This fellow got Sigma 24-135 at around US$71 as per http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=88571&forum_id=80&page=2.

 

That I think is affordable.

 

Both are good I believe.

 

Daniel

[godfrey]

I don't understand ... you want a portrait lens for the ZX-5n or a Pentax DSLR? 135mm

seems long for a portrait lens even on the ZX-5n, and very long for the DSLRs.

 

That said, theﾠPentax FA135/2.8 IS is about the best performer at that focal length

available. I have not seen a zoom that can beat it yet. Pentax will release their

DA50-135/2.8 lens in the Fall, and I'm hoping that it will be as nice for the DSLRs.

 

On the other hand, for people portraits I like the FA77/1.8 for film or FA50/1.4 for the

DSLR. The FA77 is somewhat pricey, even with a rebate, but it's one of the best lenses in

its class regardless of manufacturer.

 

Godfrey

[steve graham]

I've got one of the 24-135mm F2.8-4.5 Sigmas and while it's a decent lens it wouldn't be my first choice for portrait use. The 135mm F2.8 would be a good choice, however the lenses I prefer for portrait use are either the SMC-FA* 85mm F1.4 or the Tokina ATX-Pro 80-200 F2.8. The 85mm in particular has something special about it, however it's not cheap.