Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 Lens
by Pentax
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital product summary information
Manufacturer: PentaxModel: B00005ABC5
Product features:
- Only 1.5 inches and 7.8 ounces
- 47 degree angle of view
- Fixed 50mm focal length
- Fully automatic diaphragm
- Lens construction of 6 elements in 5 groups
- Tiffen 49mm UV Protection Filter
- Tiffen 49mm Photo Essentials Filter Kit
- Sima CapKeeper 2 - Lens cap strap (pack of 3 )
- Adorama - Filter - circular polarizer - 49 mm
- Adorama - Lens hood - rubber
Digital camera reviews of Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 Lens
Digital camera Review: Excellent first prime lens
Summary: 4 Stars
My first Amazon review.
After many productive years of using a Panasonic FZ50 with a 2.8 aperture, I finally went for the mighty Pentax K20D. At $630 the camera had a compelling IQ to price ratio. I got 3 lenses to go with it; the Pentax smc DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL (first edition), the smc DA 50-200mm F4.5-6 ED WR, and this smc FA 50mm 1.4 prime.
What a powerful tool this lens is. Wide open it produces some really stunning bokeh. It has six blades which can give a hexagonal shape sometimes. It has really lovely rich colors and doesn't seem to have a lot of flare. Wide open the speed is amazing; you can go out at night and handhold using only street lights. Yes 1.4 is a bit soft as all fast primes tend to be, but I've still got some good results. Stop down to 2.0 or 2.8 and it will get plenty sharp. Focus is another story. Using manual focus wide open is difficult. I will reserve judgment as it is new to me and I suspect it takes finesse and practice to master. I've had some trouble with the K20D's autofocus on this lens too. I think there is a front-focus issue with my copy, and I need to do a proper optical test, and try the in camera focus adjustment feature on the K20D to make corrections. I think the K20D's matte focus screen has a wider depth of field view as well. Seriously thinking I need a split-screen upgrade like the Katzeye because of this. The shots I have managed to get in focus so far have been pleasingly sharp, with brilliant bokeh and exceptional colors. With practice, you will get great results with this lens. I'd give it 5 stars but for the crazy price jump here on Amazon. I paid less then $300 for this lens elsewhere (sorry Amazon) and feel this was money well spent.
PROS: Great colors, bokeh, speed, IQ, value (if under $300-350)
CONS: Overpriced, challenging focusing wide open
Summary of Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 Lens
The Pentax interchangeable lens system provides a complete line of high-quality lenses to satisfy your every creative need. Offering a wide range of focal lengths, functions and effects for different formats, Pentax lenses are designed to maximize each camera's capabilities.The Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f1.4 lens has a fully automatic diaphragm. At 1.5 inches long and weighing just 7.8 ounces, you can take this 50mm fixed focal length lens with you everywhere. You can use this lens with all Pentax SLR cameras, but the AF system only works with Pentax AF cameras.
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