The Pentax FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW lens finally ships in July and will cost $1,199
Jun 29, 2018
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:
Yes, that’s right Pentax shooters. The wait is almost over. The Pentax FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW lens you’ve all been coveting is finally being released. Pentax says that this is the first new lens which follows a new set of standards for their top-of-the-line Star series lenses. New standards that will, they claim, help to minimise aberrations and deliver the highest possible image quality.
We took a brief look at the new lens along with the Pentax K-1 Mark II during The Photography Show a couple of months ago.
- Focal length: 50mm
- Max aperture: f/1.4
- Min aperture: f/16
- Mount: Pentax K
- Format: 35mm full frame
- Minimum focus distance: 39.62cm (1.3′)
- Optics: 15 elements in 9 groups
- Diaphragm blades: 9, Rounded
- Filter thread: 72mm
- Dimensions: 80 x 106mm (3.15 x 4.17″)
- Weight: 910g (32.1oz)
The lens features a newly designed ring-type motor, which offers up to 7.5 times as much torque as the SDM in previous generation lenses. This improved torque, they say, offers a smoother, high speed shift of the heavy lens elements during focusing. And coming in at a weight of just over 2lb, it sounds like it needs it. Basically, though, it should focus pretty quick compared to previous models.
It’s an “all weather” lens with a dustproof, weather-resistant body containing eight seals to prevent dust and water from entering into the lens interior. Paired with a compatible Pentax K mount body (we’ll get to that), it should be able to hold off just about anything. And we know how well Pentax’s weather sealing works.
The Pentax FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW lens features an electronic aperture. This is what I meant about compatible bodies. But, that list covers many of the popular bodies.
- Pentax K-1 Mark II
- Pentax K-1
- Pentax K-3 Mark II
- Pentax K-3
- Pentax KP
- Pentax K-70
- Pentax K-S2
- Pentax K-S1
So, if you’ve got one of those, you’re good. And if you don’t, maybe it’s time to upgrade?
The Pentax FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW lens is available to pre-order now for $1,199 and ships in July.
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.
Join the Discussion
DIYP Comment Policy
Be nice, be on-topic, no personal information or flames.