Pentax-DA 50mm F1.8
Specifications
The SMC Pentax-DA 50mm F1.8 lens name does not feature the long list of acronyms often found on more expensive products. Below is an explanation of various terms pertinent to this lens:
| SMC | "Super Multi Coating", the name of the famous Pentax coating used for many decades (with improvements added over time). On premium lenses, it was replaced by the new "HD Coating" starting in 2012. |
| DA | "DA" refers to a lens designed for APS-C digital cameras. The lens carries information used for specific program lines, in-camera lens corrections, and so forth. |
| F | "F" is the maximum aperture of the lens, 1.8 in this case. |
| SP | "SP" is not part of the lens name, but still an important part of its characteristics. Super protect is a type of coating used by Pentax that helps repel dust and grease on the front element, making the lens easier to clean. |
| DA L | Lenses designated “DA L” are made of lighter plastic, do not feature quick-shift and use a plastic mount. They often lack a lens hood. While the current lens does not feature the DA L label, it certainly fits the description! |
Below are the lens specifications. To make comparison easier, the FA 50mm and DA* 55mm are also included.
| Lens Name |
SMC DA 50mm f1.8 |
SMC DA* 55mm f1.4 SDM |
SMC FA 50mm f1.4 |
| Optical Formula | 6 elements in 5 groups | 9 elements in 8 groups, 1 ED | 7 elements in 6 groups |
| Coatings | SMC, SP | SMC, SP, Aero Bright | SMC |
| Image Circle | APS-C (full frame unofficially supported) | APS-C (full frame unofficially supported) | Full-frame |
| Auto-Exposure Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Construction | Plastic | Composite, metal mount | Plastic, metal mount |
| Field of View (APS-C) | Diagonal: 31.5° Horizontal: 27° | Diagonal: 29° Horizontal: 25° | Diagonal: 32° Horizontal: 27° |
| Aperture Range | F1.8-22 | F1.4-22 | F1.4-22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7, rounded | 9, rounded | 8 |
| Aperture Ring | No | No | Yes |
| Max. Magnification | 0.15x | 0.17x | 0.15x |
| AF Type | Screw-drive | SDM (with quick-shift) | Screw-drive |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 45cm | 45cm | 45cm |
| Internal Focus | No | Yes | No |
| Filter Thread Diameter | 52mm | 58mm | 49mm |
| Cap | Yes, clip-on | Yes, clip-on | Yes, clip-on |
| Hood | Optional rubber hood | Yes, dedicated hood | Optional rubber hood |
| Case | Optional pouch | Pouch included | Optional pouch |
| Diameter x Length | 63 x 38.5 mm | 70.5 x 66 mm | 65 x 37 mm |
| Weight | 122g | 375g | 220g |
| Pentax Mount Designation | KAF | KAF3 | KAF |
| Weather Sealing | No | Yes | No |
| Price (Mar, 2016 US Street / MSRP) | $89 / $129 USD | $626 / $749 USD | $296 / $349 USD |
| Launch Year | 2012 | 2008 | 1991 |
As a Pentax lens designed for digital cameras, the DA 50mm F1.8 supports in-camera lens corrections and alternate program lines (such as MTF). Its front element bears the Super Protect (SP) coating to repel dust, grease and other elements, making it easier to clean. On paper, it compares reasonably well with its two siblings, which makes it an attractive choice.
While this lens is officially designed for crop bodies, it also covers the full-frame image circle rather well. We will update this review with full-frame test photos once the Pentax K-1 is launched.
Of course, numbers and specifications never tell the whole story. Continue on to the next page to see what's in the box.
