Lens review
Pentax smc FA 50 mm f/1.4
11. Summary
Pros:
- solid but small barrel,
- excellent image quality up from f/2.0,
- low distortion,
- acceptable astigmatism,
- good autofocus work,
- relatively good transmission,
- good work against bright light on stopping down the aperture.
Cons:
- noticeable „soap” by f/1.4,
- high chromatic aberration,
- narrow and not very comfortable manual focus ring,
- weak work against bright light at the maximum relative aperture,
- too high coma.
Although the “cons” list consists of as many as five items, the overall performance of the lens should be assessed as good. This device seems to be a tad better suggestion than the Pentax 2.8/40 Limited, tested before – mainly because of better results at the edge of the frame. Up from f/2.8 aperture the lens generates outstandingly sharp images. By f/2.0 you can have some reservations about the frame edge and inadequate lighting conditions certainly might make some photographers use f/1.4. Doing so, they will not be exactly happy with the results but they can’t complain either because for this price the competitors offer you nothing better.
Sample shots:












