smc PENTAX-FA F1.8 77mm Limited

Another fantastic Pentax lens with an unusual focal length – 77 is a lucky number in the 70-80mm range.
This short telephoto lens is considered by many to be one of the best lenses in its category, and may be the very best lens available for your Pentax camera. In 2002, Mike Johnston writes: “A nearly ideal short tele, the 77mm Limited is superb – contrasty, excellent for portraits wide open, with a truly beautiful, delicate bokeh that compliments the almost 3-D vividness of the in-focus image.”

Makoto and Mon flank the FA F1.8 77mm Limited portrait lens.

Impressions

I love this lens. Altjough very similar to the 70mm Limited, I think the 77mm has a slight advantage when it comes to sharpness and bokeh.

Examples

Pinky gang at the beach with Turning Torso in the background (1/500 f/?).

August photo of plank wall with window and thermometer (1/350 f/16).

Unretouched detail from the original image (3008 x 2000 pixels).

Specifications

Lens construction: 7 elements in 6 groups
Number of diaphragm blades: 9
Minimum aperture: f/22
Minimum focusing distance: 0.7m
Filter size: 49mm
Maximum magnification: 0.12X
Dimensions (diameter x length): 64mm x 48mm
Weight: 270g

Links

PentaxForums 2018 review of SMC Pentax-FA 77mm F1.8 Limited.
LensTip.com test of Pentax smc P-FA 77 mm f/1.8 limited
Sean Carpenter smc FA 77mm Gallery
German comparison between DA 70mm and FA 77mm
Another 70 vs 77mm comparison, courtesy The Digital SLR and Lens Review
Chinese page Comparison DA 70mm & FA 77mm
Lens Comments Stan’s Pentax Photography Site.
Bojidar Dimitrov’s Pentax K-Mount Page
The Lens Gallery example images

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