| Author: | | Site Supporter Registered: February, 2017 Posts: 2,032 | | Review Date: September 15, 2021 | Recommended
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | IQ, build, versatility, handling | | Cons: | Rarity and lacks the convenience of AF. Maybe better options | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 10
Value: 8
Camera Used: K3, KP
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I will be reviewing this as a standard lens on APSC. 28-30mm is my favourite standard focal length on crop cameras.
Like the the A 28mm f2.8, this is a nice, light and compact design. It is truly astonishing that this is only slightly larger than its f2.8 brother. Like most Pentax lenses the colour rendition is excellent. My copy shows little in the way of CA's and is acceptably sharp at all apertures, improving quickly as you stop down to f5.6. It handles very well on my K3 and KP cameras. When considered as a lens on its own merits it a very good lens indeed. I paid £250 plus £30 for the infinity focus to be re-calibrated and this represents fair value for money to me.
However, there are plenty of alternatives out there which should also be considered. I have numerous K mount 28mm or 30mm lenses. My harem consists of K 28mm f3.5, M 28mm f3.5, A 28mm f2.8, F 28mm f2.8, K 30mm f2.8 and this A f2.0 model. For out and out ultimate image quality at a reasonable price the K f3.5 is the clear winner. The budget option which is still pretty decent is either the A f2.8 or M f3.5. However I struggle to focus both these lenses through the viewfinder (ageing eyes for you). The A f2.8 is capable of really excellent IQ but your technique has to be spot on, so I do not find it that convenient to use. The F (and presumably the FA too) is easily the most convenient to use with its AF which is fast and accurate. It has excellent IQ too, but the price is now starting to rise. The K 30mm is a lovely compact lens with great IQ once stopped down a little, but it is now in the more expensive price bracket and they are not that easy to find unless you source from Japan. This brings us to the A f2.0. IQ wise it is up there with the F and has the benefit of a faster maximum aperture, but loses AF. It is generally much harder to find a copy and the prices are higher than a FA. I find it much easier to focus than the M or A f2.8.
Having considered all this would I recommend the lens? Yes, but there may be better options depending on what you want your 28mm to do. For landscapes I would rather have the K f3.5, for general walk about the F or FA are more convenient and easier to source. I like MF though, so for me this represents a sweet spot in the 28mm range combining both increased convenience and great IQ in a small package. Some pictures:-    | | | | | | | Pentaxian Registered: April, 2007 Location: Toronto/Victoria Posts: 460 | | Review Date: February 4, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $300.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Compact, fast, well made, good IQ | | Cons: | Not perfect on FF | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 10
Value: 9
Camera Used: K100D, K-1
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I already had the A28/2.8 as my first wide angle lens from shooting film. It took me a while and some luck to find the F2.0 version. This lens performs similar to the F2.8 version (based on my review). It is very good for APS-C, including wide open sharpness. On my K-1, it's still good, but definitely challenged in the corners. There is field curvature; I had to adjust the focus ring because it couldn't quite focus to infinity, and once the centre was adjusted, the corners were still a bit out of focus so I had to adjust it again to let the focus go past infinity in the centre. There is a fair bit of green/magenta CA in the corners; the sharpness improves stopping down, but the CA is still there. However, the colours/contrast are good wide open, unlike traditional 50mm lenses.
On the other hand, most of this nitpicking is only in the context of viewing at 100%. It's amazing this lens is only a bit bigger/heavier than the F2.8 version, and it also keeps the 49mm filter.
| | | | | New Member Registered: June, 2016 Location: Kyiv Posts: 3
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 20, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $300.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharpness, size, speed | | Cons: | manual focusing, price | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 6
Bokeh: 6
Handling: 8
Value: 7
Camera Used: K-1
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Very nice small lens, tightly built, works perfectly fine with the apperture 2.0. You can even get a nice bokeh if the object isn't very far from the lens. Size is quite small so it's very convenient for carrying. And it perfectly works on a full frame! General impression is very good. I only wish it had auto focus 
Some samples:
 | | | | | New Member Registered: May, 2012 Posts: 14 | | Review Date: May 6, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $350.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp, excellent color rendition and contrast, 3d effect | | Cons: | expensive and extremely difficult to find | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 7
Handling: 10
Value: 10
Camera Used: K-5, K-30
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I got this lens a year ago when searching for a 28mm. I owned a A 28mm 2.8, F28mm 2.8 and FA28mm 2.8. From Sigma the 28mm 2.8 Mini-wide. I need to say that this lens is far better. Not just because is sharper, the Sigma mini wide and the F28mm were also very sharp, but this lens give amazing colors and a 3D effect that none of the other lenses could provide.
Stop this gem a bit and you would get razor sharp images across the frame. Contrast is great when used with a lens hood (mine from the Tak 28mm 3.5)
The way this lens renders the image is very similar to my DA 35mm 2.8 Limited, it has this "something" limited lenses have. It's a great complement to my M 50mm f1.4, and FA 77mm 1.8 when you want to travel light.
If you find this gem, buy it!
Sample images:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cvicente1932/13930277530/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cvicente1932/with/14113630831/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cvicente1932/13018918834/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cvicente1932/12272209874/ | | | | | | | Junior Member Registered: January, 2013 Location: Texas Posts: 32 | | Review Date: September 9, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $455.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Aperture, Weight, smooth focusing | | Cons: | No shade, no AF | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 8
Camera Used: Pentax K70
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Very nice lense, corresponding to 'normal' focal in APS-C format. Amazingly large aperture (f/2.0) for the weight.
Hard to find, and therefore expensive, unfortunately.
Very well built, smooth focusing.
Sharpness and contrast, Center:
- Already very good at full aperture (amazing for a light weight 28/2.0!)
- Excellent from 2.8 and up!
Sharpness and contrast, Edges:
- So-so at full aperture
- Becomes better and better at smaller apertures. Typical behavior.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: June, 2013 Location: Washington DC Posts: 610 | | Review Date: July 15, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $465.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Solid, classic A-lens build, good normal FL on APS-C | | Cons: | price | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 8
Value: 8
Camera Used: K-01, K-30
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This review is in part primarily to report my recent pricing of $465 for an Ex+ sample from KEH. Others have done a good job here describing the qualities; my sample follows suit with those comments. I give it straight 8 ratings partly because I must reserve ratings of 9's and 10's for the Limited series lenses, especially the "10+" 70mm, although the 28mm f2.0 SMC-A has better bokeh than the Limited 21mm, which has always seemed ragged to me.
I like the focal length on APS-C -- roughly 42mm -- and that it takes 49mm filters. I think this (and the SMC-M version) is the widest prime lens that Pentax ever made at f2.0 that could still accommodate 49mm filters.
I'm in the process of figuring out whether K-30/K-01 Custom Image setting "reversal film" is better suited to this old lens formulation as opposed to the lenses designed expressly for digital sensors.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: September, 2010 Location: Zhukovsky,Russia / SF Bay Area Posts: 249
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 7, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $350.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | sharpness, build quality, f2 | | Cons: | | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 10
Camera Used: K5
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This is an excellent lens. It is very sharp even wide open and razor sharp starting from f2.8. In fact, it is sharper at f2 than K 30/2.8 at f2.8. Bokeh is very pleasant, though it is usually not a case for wide angle primes. Contrast is somewhat low at f2 but very good at f2.8 and higher. Flare resistance is good, I never need to use a hood. Build quality is excellent, and the lens is pretty small. The lens is very convenient as a walkaround option for APS-C. I also used it in mountains, for landscapes and for video.
However, I must admit that I own both A 28/2 and K 30/2.8, and I use the latter one more frequently when shooting people. Mainly because of colors, that are better at K 30/2.8. The colors at A 28/2 are on the cold side and sometimes look dull. Though, this is probably a matter of personal preference.
Overall, I can definitely recommend this lens if you can find one. One of the best non-star lenses in Pentax A-lineup.
| | | | | New Member Registered: August, 2012 Posts: 6 | | Review Date: February 26, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $440.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Extremely sharp, great color rendering, very fine making quality. | | Cons: | Expensive | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 9
Camera Used: K-5, K-01, NEX-5n
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This lens is difficult to find, especially in good condition. However, it is very sharp at all aperture settings. Contrast and saturation are also top-notch. The handling feeling is very smooth. Works perfectly with peak focusing. Although expensive (>$400 now), overall a great buy for those who enjoy the fun of manual focusing.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: November, 2009 Location: Strand Posts: 1,366 | | Review Date: May 8, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $290.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Small, light weight, sharp, yes very sharp | | Cons: | More blades for rounder bokeh. it's a manual focus lens. | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 9
Camera Used: K20d, K5d, LX, ME-s
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This is a very good lens. You need a focus screen to use with manual lenses.
Among many lenses I have used from different makers, this lens is tiny, light weight, beautiful rending, lots of contrast, and razor sharp, even wide open - and therefore my to-go lens when size and weight is an issue.
The lens is hard to find and a bit pricy, but it delivers very good photos for the money.
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: November, 2009 Location: Israel Posts: 55 | | Review Date: February 16, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $350.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Good build quality, relatively fast lens | | Cons: | price | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 8
Camera Used: K-5
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Very good walkaround lens, i really like the focal length. Sharpness is very good, even wide open. Pretty easy to focus manually , and it got automatic aperture control. Feels very solid and is not very heavy.
The only negative thing is the price. I am not sure that 28mm f2 is that much better then 28mm f2.8 as the price difference suggests.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: September, 2006 Location: Ames, Iowa Posts: 774
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 25, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $200.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Versatility, speed, great sharpness | | Cons: | none | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 7
Handling: 10
Value: 9
Camera Used: MX, KM, ZX5n, etc.
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As others have noted, 28mm is a nice focal length for APS-C digital, but I generally keep this in its original role for wide-angle shooting on film. The A28/2 with an orange filter and black and white film has been a satisfying combination for everyday outdoor use.
As with almost all the manual focus SMC primes, focus action is positive and confident; at F/2.0 it helps make a 35mm viewfinder extra bright and involving.
Tiniest nitpick: a lens of this caliber should have been given a 7- or 9-blade iris instead of 6. Although most people don't care a lot about this on a short lens, the A28/2's combination of speed and sharpness frees you up for unconventional wide-angle compositions where the bokeh does matter. That said, out of focus rendering is still pretty good, and doesn't deserve to be listed as a "con" for the review.
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Revised in 2016 to fix broken image links and add some thoughts...
Pentax LX, Acros 100 film
Pentax LX, Fuji 400x slide film
Pentax K100D, F/2.4, 1/180sec with bounce flash
Since writing this review I've acquired a copy of the FA31 Limited, and at a similar focal length, that has taken the throne as "most used lens" in my K mount collection. It beats the A28/2 in almost every category - but given its pedigree and price, of course it should. The A28/2 still compares well. It doesn't have quite the magical 3d rendering of the FA31, but it's nearly as sharp and nearly as fast. And if you're manually focusing, the A28/2 has a definite advantage in handling.
This lens still gets a high recommendation.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: August, 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 674
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: November 22, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $400.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Light, fast, compact, well built, A-setting, great IQ | | Cons: | manual focus on a DSLR is not always easy to get right | |
This is a rare, largely overlooked and underrated lens.
On a digital SLR this is the equivalent of 42mm on 35mm film and is an excellent fast prime - perfect for general purpose photography.
It's sharp even when used wide open and razor sharp when stopped down even a little.
Great for low light situations and/or when you want a shallow depth of field.
Taken with an A28/2 on K7 camera at 1/180s F4 and ISO 100
 | | | | | New Member Registered: April, 2008 Location: Norway Posts: 17
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: September 10, 2009 | Recommended
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Very sharp even wide open. Fast,. Small. Well built. | | Cons: | Fairly much fringing. Costy. Dark at F2. | |
I like this lens. I have used it some time on the K20D and an MX. Its so small and nice. The build is very good and I like that you can control the aperture from the camera . And that the used aperture gets written in the exif.
I did a little test on a tripod and compared all apertures and also compared it to the DA35 ltd. I have only tested the centre sharpness properly. Its very sharp right from F2. And stopping down doesnt really improve things. The DA35 seemed slightly softer at F2.8 and just as sharp when stopping down. However The A28 has lower contrast at F2. That improves with stopping down. At F5.6 it seems to be at the top.
Vignetting I have not noticed. Not CA either, but I get much blue fringing wide open. Then any overexposed little bit gets a blue halo. It goes away when stopping down.
Strangly the A28 seems to be too dark at F2, as if it wasnt actually letting in as much light as supposed to at this aperture. It seems to be a half stop of light missing.
Anyway this lens is alot of fun. It takes great pictures wide open. The problem with the fringing matters less when used wide open. Thats what this lens is about. Stopped down its great too, but so are other cheaper lenses I believe. So I recommend it only if you want the large aperture.
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