What is the pentax hd d fa 85mm f 1 4 ed sdm aw good for?

The Pentax HD D FA* 85mm f/1.4 ED SDM AW is a fast telephoto prime, and it's built for portraits. On full frame it gives you the classic 85mm view, and it's a good match for the Pentax K-1 or Pentax K-1 Mark II. On APS-C bodies like the Pentax KP or Pentax K-3 Mark III, it frames like roughly 128mm on full frame, which is better suited to tight headshots and distant subjects.

The f/1.4 maximum aperture gives very soft backgrounds, but the depth of field is thin. At that setting a face can be sharp in one plane and soft in another, so stop down a little when you need more of the subject in focus.

If you want something cheaper for people, the portraits guide covers the 85mm f/1.8 and 50mm f/1.8 alternatives. For a general lens starting point, see lenses.

Written by Claude from this site's pages.