Pentax has finally released the new HD PENTAX-D FA★85mm F1.4ED SDM AW lens
May 29, 2020
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
Share:
It’s been long-awaited and after a development announcement in March, Pentax has now officially announced the HD PENTAX-D FA★ 85mm F1.4 SDM AW, ahead of its original “late 2020” target. This is the second fixed focal length lens added in Pentax’s newest “Star” lens series, adding to the 50mm f/1.4 released in 2018.
There was some speculation that the Pentax 85mm was simply a rehoused Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art, but now that the optical formula for the new 85mm f/1.4 has been released, I think it’s a pretty safe bet to say that it isn’t.
| Focal length | 85mm |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Mount | Pentax K |
| Max aperture | f/1.4 |
| Min aperture | f/16 |
| Optics | 12 elements in 10 groups |
| Minimum focus distance | 0.85m (2.8ft) |
| Angle of view | 28.5° |
| Max magnification | 0.12x |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Stabilisation | No |
| Filter diameter | 82mm |
| Diaphragm blades | 9, rounded |
| Dimensions | 95 x 124mm (3.74 x 4.88″) |
| Weight | 1,225g (2.77lb) |
The specs are pretty much as they were during the development announcement, except now we have a few more details, like the weight (yes, it’s a hefty one) and the optical makeup, which is 12 elements in 10 groups. The optical diagram also shows that it’s clearly different to the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art it was rumoured to be a rehousing of.
Pentax says that the new HD PENTAX-D FA★85mm F1.4ED SDM AW lens utilises three Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements and one aspherical element to help eliminate spherical and chromatic aberrations for edge-to-edge sharpness. As an “AW” (all-weather) model, it’s also dustproof and weather-resistant with eight seals to prevent water ingress into the barrel.
The HD PENTAX-D FA★85mm F1.4ED SDM AW lens will be available to pre-order from mid-June for $1.899.
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
Related Posts
Pentax has officially announced development of the HD PENTAX-D FA★85mm F1.4 ED SDM AW lens
The Pentax FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW lens finally ships in July and will cost $1,199
Ricoh announces HD Pentax-D FA 70–210mm F4 ED SDM WR telephoto zoom lens.
smc PENTAX-DA★ 50-135mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM lens shows discontinued at retailers
Join the Discussion
DIYP Comment Policy
Be nice, be on-topic, no personal information or flames.