50-135mm - anyone have it and what do you think?

[melissa_corcoran1]

This is the next lens I'm contemplating for my k10d. Either that or the 77mm.

Eventually, I want both! I photograph children on location, candid style

photography so this would be used outdoors as a portrait lens. I love the

f/2.8. I need wide apertures. Any thoughts on either lens? Thanks! :)

[michael_kuhne]

I would get the 77mm f/1.8 Limited first because there is at least a possiblity of its being discontinued in favor of the 70mm f/2.4 lens. Especially with a slow economy, it is possible Pentax will again run a rebate program like they did last year. I got mine with a $100 rebate.

 

No guarantee, though. May not happen.

[mountainvisions]

a quick forum search will yield all the detail in the world on this lens.

 

But in a nutshell...EXCELLENT.

[michael_kuhne]

BTW, you will love the 77mm Limited!! All reports regarding the DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 have been with high praise. But it is new, and will continue to be available.

[andrewg_ny]

Or just get the DA 70 f/2.4 which is no slouch either.

 

I don't know how important autofocus performance is for your style but my guess (I only own the DA 70) is that the FA 77 is probably the slowest of the three for AF performance. I would think that the zoom might give you some flexibility for rapidly-moving children.

[michael_kuhne]

I can't speak for the 70mm, but if the 77mm's AF is at all slower, it can't be by much. Tests have rated its AF as fast. I have found it to be quite fast on both my MZ-S film model, which has a VG AF system, and also with my DSLR models. It's MF grip and feel are also very fine. An exceptional, beautiful lens indeed. I just posted a couple of quick shots taken with it on the "2nd chance for Pentax" thread. I have found it to be very responsive.

[melissa_corcoran1]

thanks everyone. Does Pentax make or have they made an 85mm f/1.8? Any plans to? I know Nikon's is rated exceptionally high. I would love a lens similar which is why I considered the 77mm. Autofocus is key for me with rapidly moving children. :) No manual focus lenses here! :)

[shots worth sharing]

As between the 77mm and the 50-135mm, you just can't make a bad (or inexpensive) choice. I have the 77mm and love it--it's really terrific for portraits (see the attachment.) I can understand the attraction of the zoom for your purposes though.<div></div>

[wpoupore]

I find the autofocus on the 77 just fine for photographing my three year old.

[jgredline]

I have both those lenses and frankly, I can't tell any difference in image quality between the two..Get the 50-135 and call it a day. :)

[jtk]

The 70 2.4's great, phenomenal in fact. Optically a wonder, mechanically superb. And it's tiny. The pancakes/ltds are the main reasons I went with Pentax K20D rather than 300D.

 

But if the 70's pancake size doesn't ring your bell the 77 probably makes as much sense.

[michael_kuhne]

Most lenses, especially tele lenses do not test as actual spec. A margin of difference is allowed. Most 85mm lenses will likely test more like 80mm or perhaps even a bit less. The 77mm Limited tested right on the money. It could easily have been designated at least as 80mm, but Pentax elected to show precision, hence the odd 77mm focal length. Although not quite a panckake design, which would not be possible, it is remarkably small for f/1.8, at just 1.9" long.

 

Times have changed, though, and the 70mm Limited actually tested at slightly over 67mm, so there is a 10mm difference between the two models.

[michael_kuhne]

BTW I certainly do not in any way dismiss the merits of the 70mm lens, just pointing out differences. If getting down to ultimate smallness is the main goal, while enjoying top quality, the amazing 70mm is an obvious choice.

[mountainvisions]

Optically the 70mm and 40mm actually seem to test better on digital bodies.

 

The 40mm seems to be more well rounded while the 43 seems to be better wide open.

 

I'd guess the 70 vs 77mm is the same.

 

I have no intention of getting the 77 because of size and cost. But I'd guess from a optical standpoint (from a lot of research and user comments) they are quite similar. From what I've seen the 70mm is really closer to a 2.8 than a 2.4 but for the size it's worth the marginal speed loss.

 

The question is do you shoot film? And are you optimistic Pentax is coming out with a full frame.

 

I shoot film but have plenty of FF lenses, and I'm neither optimistic nor hoping that Pentax does go FF. I think it's a step backwards...but thats another thread.

 

Anyway, to date the only lens out of the 3 I can speak for is the 50-135mm and it's a great lens.

 

Oh, and as far as an 85mm 1.8??? Not sure but they did make a legendary 85mm 1.4 which canon usuers actually rip apart to mount on EOS bodies (without an adapter). This lens is neither cheap, nor fast focusing, nor light, nor compact. but if you want a killer portrait lens, this might be it.

[my stuff]

I have the 50-135 and it falls in to my "Brutally Sharp" category. Unfortunately as I rarely

shoot long and generally stay between 14 to around 60 mm in most cases, it rarely gets used.

 

Ben

[shots worth sharing]

Ben, is "brutally sharp" just a colorful expression or are you suggesting that it may be too sharp for portrait purposes?

[melissa_corcoran1]

Thanks everyone. I just love you guys - you always give such good info.! I think it will be the 50-135mm. Everything you say is pointing me in that direction. I have just developed a love of the primes but now you have me thinking the 70mm may be the way to go with my next prime. I don't shoot film and have no intention of it. No cares if they FF or not.

 

Oh, and I actually meant 85mm f/1.4. f/1.8 - typo. Sorry. After posting this I read thread about the legendary 85mm f/1.4. Something I'd like to have but not going to pay that price for a used lens even if I could find it. Very funny about Canon users! :)

 

Just bought the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 and like the range but the thing front focused right out of the box. It's off for service. Makes me leary now of buying a non-Pentax lens. I'd rather spend the money for Pentax quality. I've also been impressed with Pentax service. My k10d back focused HORRIBLY a few months after getting it and they fixed it and had it back to me in 10 days. Now it's amazing!

 

thanks again,

Melissa

[my stuff]

A Lens can never be too sharp...

[shots worth sharing]

Thanks for clearing that up, Ben ;~)

[cory_zerkee]

The DA* 50-135mm is - in a nutshell - a tack sharp lens with excellent color and contrast.

 

Here is an example of my daughter I shot with it and I have done nothing but resize it. :)

 

<a href=" title="IMGP6736 by BJBMWTech, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/2474629693_360ff624c9.jpg" width="500" height="429" alt="IMGP6736" /></a>

[cory_zerkee]

And one more for your viewing pleasure.

 

<a href=" title="IMGP6788 by BJBMWTech, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/2475456818_2362362caa.jpg" width="500" height="342" alt="IMGP6788" /></a>

[richardsona]

You could also try renting a variety if you are in the US - cameralensrentals dot com carries all the ones you are looking for, and their service is fast and easy and IMO fairly priced. Good way to test things out for a week or two before pulling the trigger on some expensive glass. (Not affiliated, just a satisfied customer)

 

Adam