The f/2 is definitely not in the same class as the f/1.7 and f/1.4
although it's still a decent lens. The f/1.7 is sharper wide open than
the f/1.4, but once both of them are at f/2 they are both exceptionally
good. The f/1.7 seems to have better near-focus qualities and is a
better pick for use with an extension tube. The f/1.4 has somewhat
nicer out of focus rendering performance and does the job on portraits
and people much like the M85/2.
Godfrey
On Mar 15, 2005, at 8:55 AM, Shel Belinkoff wrote:
I liked the 50mm focal length on the istD, perhaps because it's pretty
close to the way the 85mm looks on 35mm film format. I wasn't thrilled
with the results from the A50/2.0, a little to "soft" for my taste at
the
apertures at which I was using it, but my focus was a little off for
quite
a few shots while getting used to the camera. I'd like to try some
faster
fifties on the istD, as well as some vintage lenses.
Shel
[Original Message]
From: Godfrey DiGiorgi
I obtained an F50/1.7 at a reasonable price (new in box) and have
stopped looking for an FA50/1.4 ... Far as I can tell, it is optically
identical to the A50/1.7, which is excellent.
I have the A50/1.4 which will suffice until Pentax releases a
D-FA50/1.4 ... if I feel I really need another 50! My understanding is
that the F and FA 50/1.4s differ by finish only. Some people seem to
want the F, some seem to want the FA.
All of the Pentax 50s I've used (A50/2, A50/1.7, A50/1.4, F50/1.7,
A50/2.8 Macro) are excellent quality. I use a 50 so much of the time
... :-)
