Compare lenses

Pentax HD FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited vs Pentax smc DA* 55mm f/1.4 SDM

The Pentax HD FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited and the Pentax smc DA* 55mm f/1.4 SDM side by side, computed from this guide's catalogue.

Which to pick

Pick the Pentax HD FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited if you want coverage of full frame, so it suits the larger-sensor bodies too. Pick the Pentax smc DA* 55mm f/1.4 SDM if you want a brighter f/1.4 (0.7 stops more light), for dim light and softer backgrounds and a design for APS-C, which usually means smaller and lighter.

Still torn? Ask the guide about the Pentax HD FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited and the Pentax smc DA* 55mm f/1.4 SDM

Specs side by side

Rows that differ are in full colour; the better value is marked where one is better by any measure.
Spec	Pentax HD FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited	Pentax smc DA* 55mm f/1.4 SDM
Maker	Pentax	Pentax
Focal length	77mm (prime)	55mm (prime)
Full-frame equivalent	77mm	82mm on APS-C
Maximum aperture	f/1.8	f/1.4brighter
Made for	Full frame	APS-C
Mounts	Pentax K	Pentax K
Stabilised	no	no
Autofocus	yes	yes
Weight	270 g	not listed
Cameras it fits	20 in this guide	20 in this guide

Focal range, in full-frame terms

Pentax HD FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited: 77mm.

Pentax smc DA* 55mm f/1.4 SDM: 55mm on APS-C, like 82mm.

Aperture

Pentax HD FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited: f/1.8 wide open.

Pentax smc DA* 55mm f/1.4 SDM: f/1.4 wide open.

Each opening drawn to scale against f/1.4: a smaller f-number lets in more light and blurs the background more.

Field of view

How wide each sees, at each end, on the sensor it was made for.

Cameras they fit

20 cameras in this guide take both, so either works on the same body.