Lens Summary
Brand: Pentax
Also Known As: Pentax smc FA 50mm f/1.4
Lens Type: Prime Lens
Format: Full Frame / FX
Focus: Autofocus
Lens Mount: Pentax K
Release Date: 1991-01-01
MSRP Price: $359
Made in: Japan
Infrared Rating: Good
Production Status: In Production
Lens Description: With an angle of view and perspective similar to the human eye, the smcp PENTAX FA 50mm f/1.4 is incredibly fast and offers outstanding depth of field control. It’s versatile enough for all types of subjects in all types of lighting conditions.
Pentax smc FA 50mm f/1.4 Specifications
| Lens Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens Type | Prime Lens |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Mount Type | Pentax K |
| Format | Full Frame / FX |
| Compatible Format(s) | 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Pentax Digital (APS-C) |
| Compatible with Teleconverters | No |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:6.6 |
| Shake Reduction (Image Stabilization) | No |
| Aperture Information | |
| Aperture Ring | Yes |
| Maximim Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format) | 47° |
| Optical Information | |
| Lens Elements | 7 |
| Lens Groups | 6 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 8 |
| Focus Information | |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Built-in Focus Motor | Yes |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.45m |
| Distance Information | Yes |
| Filter Information | |
| Filter Size | 49mm |
| Accepts Filter Type | Screw-on |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weather / Dust Sealing | No |
| Mount Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 6.35 x 3.81cm |
| Weight | 221g |
| Other Information | |
| Available in Colors | Black |
I own this lens. There are plenty of review on the web so I’m gonna keep it slim ;)
This is one of two option for K-mount users (the other one beeing the Sigma 50 1.4) that preffer FX lenses so most users are going to compare the two. A friend of mine has the sigma and what I have to say is taht the sigma is so much bigger and heavier that the FA! Basically you will be able to put the Pentax into your pockets in order to carry it with you (try this with the Sigma…). One obvious benefit of the Pentax.
Image quality is perfect for me, it getwa really sharp at f2.0 and upwards but stays verry much usable even down to f1.4 (if you can handle the focus). It hase some CA problems especially when wide open (kind of expected) but this can be fixed in Lightroom in most cases with ease. I hear that the sigma is even better, yet I havenot compared both lenses directly.
Focus is pretty quick, nothing to complain. The Sigma is a bit slower and IMHO not as accurat (due to HSM) as the screw-drive focus on the FA.
Feels a bit cheap due to the plasitc used but mine hase quite some years no and shows nearly no sign of usage at all. The bayonet is of metal.
Also, it is kind of cheap. You will most likely have to buy this one used though as this lens dates back to film era (Pentax MZ and the likes).
i also have owned this lens for a number of years, I originally bought it to use with a Z1 later using it on a k5. Now its really come back into its own on a K1 its not w r but the construction is such that I doubt that makes any difference. its light compact and gives bright crisp results even in low light. it did go out of production for a while but recently has recently been brought back,