Pentax SMC FA 77mm F 1 8 Limited Review | 54 Data compared

The LensTip review of the Pentax smc FA 77 mm f/1.8 Limited concludes that this cult prime lens offers exceptional, high-end characteristics despite its unique parameters. The evaluation highlights substantial optical and physical pros, beginning with its immaculate, classic metal build quality, featuring a smooth manual focus ring, a precise aperture ring, and a built-in telescopic hood. Optically, the lens delivers brilliant image sharpness at the center of the frame across all apertures. It further stands out by maintaining very good corner sharpness when slightly stopped down, correcting chromatic aberrations perfectly, exhibiting virtually zero distortion, and remaining highly resilient against flares and ghosting when shooting toward bright light sources. Conversely, the review identifies distinct cons that compromise the lens's otherwise premium appeal. Image sharpness drops noticeably at the extreme edges of the frame when using the maximum f/1.8 to f/2.0 apertures, creating a visible softness that is largely driven by a prominent level of coma. The mechanical autofocus system is cited as another major drawback; the "screw drive" mechanism functions loudly like a small drill and operates slowly, taking roughly...

The ePHOTOzine review of the SMC Pentax-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited lens highlights its exceptional build quality, featuring a robust all-aluminium body with a built-in retractable hood, and praises its outstanding central sharpness and beautiful bokeh for portraiture. The lens is noted for its functional manual aperture ring and excellent handling on both film and digital camera bodies. However, the review points out that the older design lacks Quick-Shift focus, meaning manual adjustments cannot be made while in autofocus mode. Additionally, the autofocus is described as noisy, and the lens shows chromatic aberrations in high-contrast scenes, along with slight softness in the extreme corners at maximum aperture.

The SMC Pentax-FA 77mm F1.8 Limited lens is highly regarded as a legendary portrait prime, featuring premium all-metal construction, a built-in hood, and exceptional image quality characterized by high contrast, vibrant colors, and smooth bokeh at f/1.8. Its compact, lightweight design and 9-blade diaphragm, which yields distinct starbursts, make it a favorite for 3D-like rendering, though it lacks weather sealing. Conversely, the lens uses an older, noisy screw-driven autofocus system that can hunt in low light, and it is prone to significant purple/green chromatic aberration at wide apertures, necessitating stopping down to f/4 for optimal results. Furthermore, the lens lacks modern Quick-Shift focus and its signature metal lens cap is known to slide off easily.

The SMC Pentax-FA 77mm F1.8 Limited is a highly regarded, compact, short-telephoto prime lens celebrated for its robust all-metal build, built-in hood, and distinct, painterly rendering rather than clinical perfection. Delivering excellent sharpness in the center and creamy bokeh, the 270g lens functions as a versatile, well-balanced portrait tool on both film and modern digital cameras. While lauded for its character, the 1999 optical design displays notable cons, including soft edges at maximum aperture and a tendency for chromatic aberration (purple/green fringing) in high-contrast or backlit scenes. Additionally, users must contend with a loud, sluggish screw-drive autofocus system and a lack of modern features like weather sealing.

The Pentax SMC FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited is a premium, full-format compatible lens featuring superb all-metal build quality and a smooth, slightly damped manual focus ring. It stands out with a dedicated physical aperture ring, a built-in telescope-style lens hood, and an exceptionally compact design weighing just 270g. Optically configured with 7 elements in 6 groups and 9 aperture blades, it delivers a very fast autofocus speed when mounted on bodies like the Pentax K10D. However, the lens has notable disadvantages, including its premium retail price of around 800€/US$, making it significantly more expensive than standard 85mm f/1.8 alternatives. Because it lacks an internal autofocus motor, it relies on the camera's slotted drive screw, which generates a moderate amount of noise during operation. Additionally, the lens barrel extends slightly when focusing at its minimum distance of 0.7 metres.