The Pentax 77mm is another lens in the Limited lens lineup. You can get the best price from Amazon
This rare gem seems to be kind of hard to get nowadays due to the new release of the 70mm version. However, this glass is still worth looking at.
This 77mm instrument will be a great portraiture glass mounted either on cropped sensor or full frame sensor body. The f/1.8 aperture will also give great bokeh as well.
By being in the Limited lineup, this glass is an expensive one. The build quality is superb and can justify the expensive price.
However, in terms of optical performance I much prefer the Pentax 70mm instead. It is a newer version and it simply has better control over everything.
If you are shooting with a cropped sensor DSLR, definitely check out the 70mm version instead.
However, if you are using a film SLR camera, then you might want to check out the complete Pentax 77mm review below.
Specs • Performance • Sample Image • Conclusion • Where to Buy
Pentax 77mm Specs
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Official Name:
Pentax SMC FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited
Focal Length Markings:
77mm
Features:
SMC – Super Multi Coating – Minimizes flare in the glass elements.
FA – Compatible with both full frame and cropped sensor DSLR camera.
Limited – A Limited Edition glass. Label that is put for great performance in a compact package.
Full Technical Specs
| Technical Specifications | |
| Groups / Elements | 6 / 7 |
| Angle of View | 31.5° |
| Number of Blade Diaphragm | 9 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 2.3ft. |
| Filter Thread | 49mm |
| Weight | 9.5oz. |
| Dimension (Diameter x Length) | ø2.5 x 1.9″ |
| Macro Magnification Ratio | 0.14X |
| Available at | Amazon, B&H Photo, Adorama |
Optical Performance
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Pentax 77mm Sharpness
Center sharpness is excellent at any aperture, including at f/1.8.
Borders are a bit soft at f/1.8. At f/2.8, it is sharper, but not by much. You need to stop down to f/4 to get sharp borders.
To get maximum sharpness here, shoot at f/5.6.
Sharpness Scale (from Best to Worst):
(5) Excellent
(4) Great
(3) Good
(2) Fair
(1) Poor
Center Sharpness
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 |
| 77mm | Great | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
Border Sharpness
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 |
| 77mm | Fair | Good | Great | Excellent | Excellent |
Distortion
Distortion is very well controlled here. It is not visible at all.
See the distortion grid test below.
Pentax 77mm Distortion
Vignetting
Vignetting is visible at the widest aperture of f/1.8. Stopping down by one stop to f/2.8 will eliminate vignetting.
See the vignetting test result below.
Pentax 77mm Vignetting
Chromatic Aberration
Chromatic aberration is very well controlled here. It is negligible at any aperture.
See the test table result below.
Chromatic Aberration Scale (from Best to Worst):
(5) Negligible
(4) Very Low
(3) Low
(2) High
(1) Very High
Chromatic Aberration
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 |
| 77mm | Negligible | Negligible | Negligible | Negligible | Negligible |
Build Quality
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Materials
Being a Limited version, this instrument is made from very high quality parts made all from metal.
There is a built in telescope style hood here.
Focusing
Although the focusing ring is small, it operates smoothly. This is an FA version so there is an aperture ring here.
The glass will extend a bit during focusing. It has no internal AF motor and has to rely on the camera motor drive. Therefore, it will generate a bit of a noise during focusing.
Autofocus speed is fast and accurate.
The front element is a non-rotating one, so you can use polarizing filter easily.
Image Stabilization
The Image Stabilization feature is installed in the camera body, not on the lenses. Check your DSLR camera if it has Image Stabilization feature.
Compatibility
The FA designation means that it is compatible with both cropped sensor and full frame DSLR camera. It is also compatible with film SLR camera.
Sample Image
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Below are some sample shots that I took using this glass. Click on any thumbnail to open the image.
Get the best price online from these sites: Amazon
Conclusion
Back to: Menu • Introduction
In this section, I will summarize the Pentax 77mm review.
The optical performance of this glass is very good with very few limitations.
In terms of center sharpness, it is excellent. Even at f/1.8, this lens is sharp and contrasty.
Border sharpness is different. At f/1.8 and f/2.8, this lens is not as sharp as it should be. You need to stop down to f/4 to get great border sharpness.
Distortion, chromatic aberration and vignetting are all very well controlled.
The build quality is simply superb. However, the downside is the price.
This is not a cheap price by any means.
Considering everything, I would recommend this lens for anyone shooting professional portraiture or anyone looking for a good telephoto lens for low light situation.
Drawbacks
- Soft borders at f/1.8
- Expensive
Positives
- Very sharp on the center at any aperture
- Negligible distortion
- Great vignetting control
- Excellent chromatic aberration control at any aperture
- Superb build quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus mechanism
Good For
- Telephoto photography in low light
- Professional portraiture photography
Not So Good For
- Landscape photography due to the soft borders at f/1.8 and f/2.8
What Others Are Saying…
by “6×9″
This is really an amazing lens with “retro” design. It comes with a nice leather bag. The lens feels great in hands, operation is smooth. I liked also the built-in retracting hood. The original cap is…
Click here to see the full review
by “P. Ferreira”
I have owned this lens for a bit more than a year now. And I have to say that it is my favourite Pentax lens. (I own all three of the FA Limiteds .) Superb colour, outstanding bokeh and sharpness…
Click here to see the full review
Where to Buy
Support this site, buy the Pentax 77mm lens from these sites (best price online):
Amazon (Best Price + FREE Shipping)
See the related post below to see more options.
Thanks for reading this Pentax 77mm review and I hope you’ll be able to make a good purchasing decision based on my review.
| Lens Score | |
|---|---|
| Optical Quality | |
| Build Quality | |
| Value for Money | |
| Overall | |
Tags: pentax 77, pentax 77mm, pentax 77mm limited
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