Comparative Review: HD vs SMC Pentax FA Limited Lenses

By bdery in Review Announcements on Jun 20, 2021

We are excited to present our comparative review of the new HD Pentax FA Limited lenses: refreshed versions of the three SMC FA Limited lenses (31mm F1.8, 43mm F1.9, and 77mm F1.8) that have been around for two decades. Even today, this trio (sometimes called the "Three Princesses" or "Three Amigos") is considered among the best lenses available for the K-mount.

In 2021, Pentax released an updated version of the three FA Limited lenses. The update involves newer coatings, the use of curved aperture blades, and minimal cosmetic changes.

Revisiting a classic comes with a certain level of risk. The three FA Limited are popular in a large part because of their unique rendering (sometimes called "pixie dust" by users). In this review, we perform a detailed comparison of all the parameters likely to be influenced by the updates to the lenses.

Read on to see the detailed comparison of the SMC and HD FA Limited lenses!

Want to win one of the new HD FA Limiteds?  To celebrate their launch, we we are giving away your choice of one of these lenses.  Enter the giveaway here (ends July 31, 2021)!

Fernweh Backpack (from Wandrd) Review Posted

By bdery in Review Announcements on May 12, 2021

Today we are taking a look at a recently released large size hiking backpack for photographers, the Fernweh backpack from Wandrd.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/wandrd-fernweh-hiking-backpack-review/introduction.html

Available in two colors, with two different body shape options, the Fernweh is an extremely versatile and comfortable backpack, well suited for backpackers and hikers who want to carry a large amount of equipment in addition to their photography gear.

Read our review to find out more about this full-featured camera backpack!

Irix 45mm F1.4 Review Posted

By bdery in Review Announcements on Mar 23, 2021

Today we are happy to present our in-depth review of the Irix 45mm F1.4 lens!

Launched in 2020, this fast aperture, normal lens features a rugged, weather-sealed body, automatic aperture coupling, manual focus with adjustable friction and a focus lock.

The focal length makes the Irix a logical competitor to the Pentax 43mm F1.9 Limited, while its size and specifications bring it more in line with the D FA* 50mm F1.4.

How does the Irix compare with these lenses, and with other modern 50mm lenses available on K-mount? Read our review to find out!

Moment Rugged Camera Sling Bag Review Posted

By bdery in Review Announcements on Mar 5, 2021

Today we are taking a look at a recently released bag from Moment, the Rugged Camera Sling.

Available in two versions (6 and 10 liters), this sling offers a surprising number of features for such a small package. Thanks to the use of technical fabrics, well-placed magnets, and deliberate design choices, this bags strikes an interesting balance between minimalist and full-featured.

Read our review to find out more about this camera sling!

Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO Review Posted

By bdery in Review Announcements on Feb 8, 2021

Laowa (also called Venus Optics) is becoming one of the best-known third-party manufacturer of lenses for the K-mount. Concentrating on wide angle and high magnification macro lenses, the company create a successful niche for themselves.

One of their most compelling products, the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO, has been available in various mounts for some time, but until now it was not available on Pentax's K-mount. This changed during the fall of 2020, with the release of this lens on K-mount.

Offering a high 2.0x magnification, automatic aperture coupling on a metal body, the lens offers a unique list of features (typical macro lenses have between 0.5x-1.0x magnification). How does it perform in actual use? Can it compete with the other macro lenses already available for the K-mount? Read our review to find out!


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