Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black)
The Pentax SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited lens is a versatile, high resolution medium-telephoto lens that was specifically designed with portrait and snapshot applications in mind. As a result, it accurately reproduces the tones, colors and texture of the subject's skin, clothes and accessories as well as assuring an excellent rendering of highlight and out of focus areas.
- The SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 lens is of an exceptional optical quality and is treated with PENTAX's acclaimed Super-Multi-Coating for maximum light transmission, sharp definition, and high contrast, while minimizing flare and ghost imaging.
- PENTAX's exclusive FREE (Fixed Rear Element Extension) focusing system ensures sharp, crisp image reproduction over the entire focusing range.
- Beautifully-finished aluminum lens barrel and dark green indicator for easy lens attachment.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
77 mm Comparable APS-C Focal Length: 115.5 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/1.8 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Pentax K |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Pentax Digital (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 31.5° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 2.3' (70.10 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.14x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:7.14 |
| Groups/Elements | 6/7 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 49 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.9 x 1.9" (7.37 x 4.83 cm) |
| Weight | 9.5 oz (269 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 54 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Strong construction (36)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (33)
- Consistent output (32)
- Durable (30)
- Nice bokeh (30)
Cons
- Pricey / poor value (4)
- Slow focus (3)
Best Uses
- Low light (27)
- Night photography (24)
- Weddings (24)
- Landscape/scenery (14)
- Sports/action (13)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (24), Enthusiast (7), Semi-pro photographer (7), Pro photographer (4), Casual photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (26), Yes (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
What more needs to be said?
Luminous Landscape rated this lens as the best slr AF lens ever made, and while I don't believe there is a "best" lens, there is a category of lenses where there a...Read complete review
Luminous Landscape rated this lens as the best slr AF lens ever made, and while I don't believe there is a "best" lens, there is a category of lenses where there aren't any better, it's just a matter of preference. This lens is in that category.
I own both the 43 and the 77 and the sharpness on both is ridiculous--still saving up for the 31! And while sharpness is a very good thing, there is more to a lens than sharpness. Some say there is magic pixie dust in this lens and while that may be true, there is also an incredible amount of color and light contrastyness.
Example: We have a lot of waxy leaves in my area and when the sunlight relflects off the leaves it easily ruins pictures by either darkening non reflecting leaves or by blowing out the bright parts.
The usual way I deal with this problem is by using a polarizer, which works fine. But for some reason, the Limited's handle these high contrast situations much better than my other lenses--I own the awesome DA* 16-50 and the very fine FA50 1.4, along with the 55-300 and the DFA 100.
That doesn't mean I won't put a PF on this bad boy but right off the bat it takes very contrasty images. BTW, this lens is great for aquariums!!
I will address one area that seems to come up with this lens, and that's PF and CA. Pixel peeping reviews pride themselves on taking the crummiest photos imaginable just to prove their pixel peeping point of view. FWIW, I have never even seen a decent shot where PF or CA were a problem.
Final summary, if you want to take great pictures, get this lens. If you want to pixel peep crummy photos made only for pixel peeping, well, buy this lens and believe your review is somehow relevant.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Beautiful But Expensive
If price were no object, I would consider this a must-have. The images are superb and the fit and finish are exquisite. However, the focal length is a bit long and impractical for ...Read complete review
If price were no object, I would consider this a must-have. The images are superb and the fit and finish are exquisite. However, the focal length is a bit long and impractical for walkabout use.
I give it 5 stars for image quality, 3 stars for overall value.
Reviewed by 54 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black):
That little gem is a lens to be proud of...The pictures on my K5 are crazy sharp starting from the fastest aperture giving a wonderful bokeh.
Its focal length is a must for portrait photography.I tried to take the portraiture pictures of a friend with 77mm and 35mm to see the difference.With 35mm it's almot impossible to find the right perspective, either the forehead or the chin is prominant,giving a false result.But 77 mm always gives the accurate picture,you'll be amazed.
Moreover it's large aperture is very helpful in taking creative pictures in street photography for separating the background from the point of interest.
Focusing speed is fast and accurate,and the lens is very solid giving the feeling it'll serve for years.Also its small dimensions and lightweight is very handy to carry.
Now that I can't fit everything into 77mm focal length especially indoors,I'm looking forward to buying a 31mm.That's the only downside,when you buy the FA 77mm,you'll eventually start to think about having a FA 31mm...I think that's what they call LBA...
My last word just buy it, you won't regret it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good in low light
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Pricey but worth it
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Portraits
- Professional Work
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black):
The most amazing thing about this lens is how sharp it is. I can crop in incredibly close without losing image quality. Portraits at f/2 show every detail (which may or may not be a good thing, depending on who I am photographing). Performance in low light is superb, and I can't wait to try it on my 35mm. You can tell this is a quality lens before you even take the first photo, the construction is very solid.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black):
Great portrait lens with nice rendition of colours. Brilliant pictures on a K5 but as most people have said can feel a little long in a room. At F1.8 image is not really sharp and limited DOF makes taking nice shots much harder however bokeh is awesome. Sharpness clear as a tack by F2.4 and on a K5 quality is great even up to ISO 1600. I like the lens cover, (have the DA 15mm and that is a pain to remove). Probably won't use quite as much as my 15mm or 35mm limiteds but I think when I want to get a great shot of family/friends/kids to print up this will be the lens I use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black):
After three weeks, I keep the lens on a Pentax K-5, using it for focused scenes as well as close subject shots, switching to a 35mm lens when the width is needed. Pricy but rivals a Leica Summarit I used on an M8.
Sharp. Rich colors. None of that plastic look that so many modern lenses give. At f/5.6, the subject usually stands out from the background; narrow the aperture if the effect is too strong for you. Dark bokeh is very good; very bright patches in the background are subject to chromatic aberration.
Auto focus is fine. I shoot still scenes, can't comment about fast focus for action shots.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Built in hood
- Durable
- Image quility
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Sharpness
Cons
- some CA
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black):
This is my first limited lens.Ihave had this lens for two days.I love shooting portrait and snap shot. Nice bokeh, built in hood ,Sharpness and the best image quality. Highly recommended and you get the feeling this lens will last a life time. It is the default lens on my camera now, replacing the zooms previously used as my general purpose lenses
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black):
The perfect lens Ive aver took it my hands.The reason I returned it back is I dont like to go around ,back and forward.I like more to use zoom amd Im goonna change it to 50-135mm
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black):
This lens does eveything really well. Shot two kids sporting events the first weekend I had it. One indoors, one out, excellent shots from my K-7 with the 77. Went straight from there to a weekend camping trip. Build quality of the famous Leica M glass.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Pricey but worth it
Best Uses
- Everything
Comments about Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black):
sharp, metal, internal hood
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black):
supereminent portrait lens
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black):
I use this lens for portraits and scenes of plot
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black):
Got is last week - went camping this weekend. Did some AMAZING portraits of friends and family around the campfire. Using it with Pentax K-7.
Bouquet is perfect, extremely sharp and crisp focus, colours jump out at you.
Did some with terrible backlight - and the lens performed amazingly.
Very light and easy to take on hikes and camping trips.
There is nothing not to like about this lens - it just looks and feels great. The lenscap is different, but have not had problems with it so far.
If I could, i would buy it again...and again.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Excellent Low Light
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black):
Excellent photos, especially in low light. F5.6 is incredibly sharp. Combined with the K5 using the on camera flash allowed me to get sharp images at low light. Wide open shows some purple fringing of high contrast images, but is of minimal distraction. Very smooth bokeh.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
Comments about Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black):
Great for around the house photos
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black):
I use this lens in nature and for portraits on APS-C camera.
The wide open performance is great and sharp, with beautiful bokeh.
Stoped down the lens is amazingly sharp and does pretty well in landscape shots. Build quality is exellent, better than the DA Ltd's.
However, the downsides against the DA Ltd's is that theres no quickshift and the FA'a AF is slower.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Aperture Ring
- Excellent IQ
- Lightweight
- Manual Focus Feel
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Unobtrusive
Cons
- Nothing yet
Best Uses
- Portraits people
Comments about Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black):
Excellent combination with K-5. Suitable for portrait / people as part of a compact, light travel outfit. The excellent Limited pentax lenses are the only reason I use Pentax for my travel work. Nice compatibility with Pentax film bodies for B&W work as well.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black):
Renders the skin tones of even my very pale redheaded child beautifully, quite sharp with lovely bokeh. Can't believe I waited so long to get this lens.
Side note: I tried to submit this review day before yesterday and there was a process error, so if this is a duplicate, I do apologize.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Portrait
Comments about Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black):
This lens lives up to all that is said about it, and more. Crystal clear, sharp, vibrant colours, top build quality, solid, and compact. Without doubt my favourite lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Noisy Focus
Best Uses
- Night Photography
- Outdoor portrait
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black):
Excellent building quality. The sharpness is incredible from F4. Nice bokeh. A must-have lens for pentax body. A good match with my K7.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black):
I bought this lens when I purchased my Pentax
K5. I have always shot Canon but switched to Pentax when I retired from wedding photography. I was looking for a lightweight outfit with a robust body.
I bought the lens based on the reviews on the Pentax forum. It is everything I expected. Great color and
contrast. Very light weight and responsive.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Series Autofocus Lens (Black):
It's been said before, what can I add? It's one of the best lenses on any system. Sturdy, solidly constructed, and has great IQ and dreamy bokeh.
Some people hate the slip on lens cap, You can use a 49mm pinch cap with no problem.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $20.85
- Price: $31.08
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $39.95
Cases & Wraps
- Price: $11.99
Protective Wraps & Mats
- Price: $11.95
What's in the Box
- Built-In Lens Hood
- Front & Rear Caps
- Soft Case
- One Year Warranty
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