Pentax D HD FA 85mm F 1 4 ED SDM AW Review | 54 Data compared

The HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm f/1.4 lens is a high-performance optic delivering exceptional central and edge sharpness from f/1.4 to f/5.6, designed for high-resolution sensors. It features robust weather-sealed construction, fast silent autofocus, and virtually zero distortion, producing smooth bokeh. However, the lens is heavy and bulky at roughly 1255g and comes at a high, premium price point. While it displays slight vignetting at maximum aperture, it represents a top-tier portrait option in the Pentax lineup, though it lacks built-in optical stabilization.

The HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm f/1.4ED SDM AW lens delivers exceptional, compromise-free image quality, producing crystal-clear detail, rich colours, and high contrast straight from an open f/1.4 aperture. In real-world commercial testing alongside the Pentax K1, the lens proved to have an incredibly reliable, fast autofocus mechanism that locks on accurately even in poorly lit environments. It is highly praised for its weather-sealed construction, which easily withstands harsh coastal wind and rain, as well as its buttery smooth, non-distracting bokeh that elegantly separates portrait subjects from their backgrounds. However, these elite optical capabilities come with significant physical compromises, making the lens exceptionally large and heavy. When paired with a vertical grip and two batteries, the setup scales in at over 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds), completely eliminating any chance of inconspicuous shooting or street photography. Additionally, the lens features a somewhat restrictive minimum focusing distance of approximately 85cm, limiting its effectiveness for extreme close-up portraits. The reviewer also notes that the depth of field is so incredibly narrow at f/1.4 that photographers must calibrate their setups and work with meticulous precision...

The PentaxUser review of the HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm f/1.4 ED SDM AW lens highlights a top-tier "Star" series optic providing exceptional, edge-to-edge sharpness and beautiful bokeh even at maximum aperture. It features a robust, fully weather-sealed construction, advanced optical coatings, and a fast, quiet electromagnetic diaphragm. Conversely, the lens is noted for its substantial weight and size, an expensive 82mm filter requirement, high cost, and limited compatibility with older Pentax bodies due to the KAF4 mount. Despite these drawbacks, the review concludes that the peerless optical performance justifies the investment for dedicated users.

The Pentax-D FA Star 85mm f/1.4 lens is an exceptional, top-tier portrait lens designed for K-mount DSLR cameras, earning a 9/10 rating from reviewer Daven Mathies on Digital Trends. As part of Ricoh-Pentax's premium Star series, the lens delivers incredible, world-class optical performance capable of competing directly with elite options like the Sigma Art line. According to user feedback highlighted in the review, its specific pros include an extraordinary rendering capacity, magical color profiles, unmatched performance, and a stunning background blur (bokeh) that makes it highly versatile even outside of traditional portraiture.

This review praises the HD PENTAX-D FA★ 85mm F1.4 ED SDM AW lens as a top-tier choice for portrait and commercial photography, highlighting its exceptional sharpness right from the wide-open f/1.4 aperture and its beautiful, smooth bokeh. Tested on a Pentax K1 body, the lens features a highly reliable, fast autofocus that performs flawlessly even in low-light environments, such as a dimly lit underpass. Its robust weather sealing makes it ideal for challenging outdoor shoots like those on the stormy North Sea coast. Ultimately, it delivers high resolution, rich colors, and stellar contrast without distracting color fringing or glow. On the downside, the reviewer notes that the lens is incredibly large and heavy, making a vertical grip necessary for balance and ruling it out for inconspicuous street photography. Weighing over 2.5 kilograms when combined with a gripped camera body, it can be physically tiring to handle. Additionally, the reviewer wishes for a shorter close-focusing distance than its current 85cm limit for tighter close-ups. Finally, the extremely shallow depth of field requires precise calibration and highly accurate focusing to ensure the...