Lens bokeh - Pentax FA77 Limited

[ChrisN]

I was reading another bokeh thread over on RFF, and got inspired to do some "testing". It sure is easier with digital, especially with the lens and exposure info captured in the exif data.

I've got a few lenses to test, but here's the first results, with the FA77 Limited lens.

I'll need to look for a scene that gives better highlights, I think. Any suggestions?

[zuikologist]

Nice work - a little hard to see on my monitor, but the seems to have good bokeh by all accounts.

The K10D had a poor review here in the UK due to harsh in-camera handling of OOF highlights, apparently unrelated to the lens. Is this borne out in the "real world"?

[Kin Lau]

Very nice.

For a more challenging background, try a tree with foilage that isn't too dense. That'll give lots of little points of light that cause trouble.

Christmas lights or candles in the background is another option, but I find tree foilage to be a harder test.

[zuikologist]

BTW the 77 Ltd for sale on RFF was veeery tempting. I spent an hour last night convincing myself I did not need it.

[ChrisN]

Ah, but you do need it! The price is very good. And the 31 too - I am very annoyed that I did not see that thread sooner, as I ordered a 31 just hours before I first read it.

The 31 arrived today - it is longer than the 77 on the camera! But lighter than a K50/1.2.

[ChrisN]

Nice work - a little hard to see on my monitor, but the seems to have good bokeh by all accounts.

The K10D had a poor review here in the UK due to harsh in-camera handling of OOF highlights, apparently unrelated to the lens. Is this borne out in the "real world"?


No - no sign of this so far in my "real world" testing.

[zuikologist]

Chris - thanks, I thought as much. Sometimes I wonder where these test results come from.

[Doug]

I've found a few of my 77mm shots on film showing a bit of bokeh for your delectation...

[ChrisN]

Nice shots Doug. I love that last one - they must be family?

I think the nice thing about the bokeh of the 77 is that it's pretty much a non-issue - I haven't seen it produce what I would term objectionable effects under any conditions so far, although I'll bet there is a combination of lighting and aperture that will produce that with almost every lens.

[zuikologist]

Doug - thank you. I love the middle shot.

[Doug]

Thanks guys; the lens is wonderful and I look forward to using it more. Chris, I'm not acquainted with the ladies at lunch; I was passing by and just asked if they'd mind a photo and mumbled something about the neon sign behind them making for an interesting image. I don't recall what the lady on the left was saying at the moment of the shot, maybe further inquiry on my motivation, but she wasn't objecting. :)

[ChrisN]

Good work Doug! Your line of smooth-talk must be just as smooth as the rendering of the lens you were using!

[rover]

I am going to stop looking at these old threads, you guys are going to spend too much of my money. I just got my RF kit under control, very little GAS for RF stuff. Now I want 31s and 77s, just called Stephen about that new 58.......;)