From f/2.8 this lens is very sharp with very high contrast and smooth bokeh. Results can be spectacular. Dreadful contrast and soft below f2.8 but real achilles heel is cyan and magenta fringing which is particularly evident in OOF areas. AF under incandescant light is infuriating.
Since acquiring the 77/1.8 I find the 50mm focal length a little too short for individual portraits and too long for two person portraits so I have replaced it with the FA35.
These weaknesses are true but name one f/1.4 AF Pentax lens available other than the FA50? (and the upcoming DA* 55). OK at f/1.4 it's not very sharp and contrasty but sometimes in low-light it's very handy. Some softness can also be attributed to incorrect focus, DOF is so short at f/1.4.
