SMC Pentax-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Lens

SMC Pentax-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Lens: Performance

Chromatic aberration chart
	Chromatic aberration is very well controlled, as we can see in the CA graph. It is unlikely to be seen even in the corners where, although not quite so well controlled as the rest of the field, it is much better than most zoom lenses and will not be a problem.

Flare is virtually non-existent and distortion almost eliminated as well. Around 0.03% pincushion distortion is irrelevant photographically and an outstanding performance.

MTF50 graph
		The MTF50 graph, describing the fine detail properties of the lens, shows us a lens with a very creditable resolution that peaks between f5.6 to f11 and is almost perfectly even across the field. This should mean retention of the finest details well into the corners of an image. This is ideal for the production of large prints and other critical applications.
MTF20 graph
		MTF20 describes more of the response to coarser textures and details and the overall contrast of a lens. This peaks at the centre at f5.6 and is almost totally even across the field at f8 and f11. This is a very high level of performance and shows in practice as bright, flare free, contrasty and colourful images. This lens grabs the attention, without a doubt.

In more pictorial terms, this is indeed an outstanding lens that gives superb detail, contrast and lovely skin textures. There is wonderful bokeh, aided by the almost circular aperture, and the 77mm holds up on digital just as well as film. Its fine reputation is entirely justified and intact.

Using f/1.8 has made it possible to greatly reduce the visibility of the bars in front of this caged owl, ISO200, 1/4000, f/1.8, 77mm (35mm equiv: 115mm)		The sharpness of the 77mm matches the sharpness of that vicious looking beak, ISO200, 1/200, f/8, 77mm (35mm equiv: 115mm)
Reasonable close ups can be obtained even though this 77mm does not focus down to macro distances, ISO800, 1/60, f/8, 77mm (35mm equiv: 115mm)		Virtually no distortion, excellent detail and sharpness, ISO200, 1/400, f/6.3, 77mm (35mm equiv: 115mm)
Accurate and fast AF makes fast moving wildlife shots possible, ISO800, 1/160, f/4, 77mm (35mm equiv: 115mm)		The 77mm has that indefinable quality of a fine lens, ISO200, 1/200, f/8, 77mm (35mm equiv: 115mm)
Lovely skin tones in this close up portrait of Lyndsey, ISO200, 1/160, f/8, 77mm (35mm equiv: 115mm)		There is plenty of contrast and bite in this colourful subject, ISO800, 1/60, f/6.3, 77mm (35mm equiv: 115mm)

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