Pentax hd d fa 85mm f 1 4 ed sdm aw vs pentax hd fa 77mm f 1 8 limited?

Both are full-frame Pentax K-mount primes with autofocus and no stabilisation, and both fit the same bodies, so the choice comes down to the lens itself.

The 85mm f/1.4 is the one I'd pick for portraits. It's the faster lens and gives the thinnest depth of field. On APS-C it frames like 128mm, which is a comfortable distance for people.

The 77mm f/1.8 Limited is the slightly wider, more modest option. It's still fast, and it has the same optics as the earlier smc FA 77mm Limited. On APS-C it frames like 116mm.

If you're new to portrait lenses, the portraits guide explains why focal length and aperture matter, and the lenses page shows where an 85mm fits in a first kit.

Written by Claude from this site's pages.