Pentax SMC-FA 50mm F/1.4 Lens Product Review

Blair Mathis
Blair Mathis, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Apr 10, 2010 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
A quality lens that allows photographers to get the picture they want without abrasion, glare, distortion, or vignette is the want of any professional. Pentax's SMC-FA f/1.4 is a small, compact lens that feels solid in the hand and comfortable on the camera. Though there are better lenses out there, the SMP-FA is a good mix between price and features.

Features

At $200, this lens not only has excellent features, but offers them with a low price tag. The lens is constructed of 7 elements and has 8 blades. Its minimum focus is a short half millimeter, while it maxes out at 75 millimeters. There isn't an auto-focus unit built into the lens itself, and all of the focusing is done via the camera, though there isn't really any degradation in speed or quality over the alternative.

There is no cover for the lens, no doubt due to its low price point.

Quality

Distortion on the SMC-FA 50mm lens is very, very minimal, and won't cause any noticeable problems to any photos. There is very slight vignettes that are more visible on some photos than others, though it isn't severe. There is also some slight issue with chromatic aberration in some shots, though it is usually only found at the extreme ends of the aperture range, and isn't particularly severe. It is worth noting, though it should be obvious from the construction of the camera, that the SMC-FA has a shallow depth of field.

Conclusion

The Pentax SMC-FA lens is a good choice for users who need a quality piece of glass on a restrictive budget. The build is durable, and tosses in a few extra perks for those using a film SLR. The rubber grip makes it easy to grasp, while the compact size is perfect for those long trips up a mountain (photography is always more fun when you're standing on a mountain). Images are very good in most cases, though there will be the occasional instance of shadow or streak, something to be expected from any lens.

Overall, I whole heartedly recommend this lens for someone who needs a good all-purpose lens on budget.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.

Published by Blair Mathis

Blair is a fulltime freelance writer who specializes in travel and technology writing. Having worked for both private and corporate clients, Blair has experience working to meet a wide range of requirements...  View profile

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