Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 

Reply
Show Printable Version Search this Thread
04-22-2020, 10:12 AM   #16
Seeker of Knowledge
Loyal Site Supporter
aslyfox's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Topeka, Kansas
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 24,563
QuoteOriginally posted by BryantCP Quote
I'm assuming that when you write SMC FA 50mm f2.8 macro, you mean the D FA 50mm version. If so, I would highly recommend that version. Its very sharp, flat field and has great color. Unlike the SMC A 50mm version it has auto-focus.
why

QuoteQuote:
Description:
This macro lens features 1:1 magnification. The optics are seated so far from the front that no separate lens hood is required.

Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-FA-50mm-F2.8-Macro-Lens.html#ixzz6KMXZjoeE

04-22-2020, 10:26 AM   #17
Pentaxian
D1N0's Avatar

Join Date: May 2012
Location: ---
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 6,802
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by stevebrot Quote
The Pentax-A 50/2.8 does not support 1:1. Based on reviews and sample photos, the FA 50/2.8 offers fine performance, but the focus ring leaves much to be desired, IMHO. Is there any reason why 50mm is the target? Working distance at that focal length is unavoidably close at higher magnification and can interfere with lighting due to the lens shading the subject.


Steve
I can also use it as a normal lens, also I already have a 100mm Macro (Cosina) and 90mm (Tamron 52B). I have seen some samples of rendering wide open of the A 50mm 2.8 and I like it very much. I was wondering how the FA compares to the A since they have a different lens scheme.
04-22-2020, 10:34 AM   #18
Veteran Member




Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 2,009
I have the DFA 50 macro and it is a wonderful lens. It has quickshift and the clamp which allows catch in focus. But it's true that lens shadowing is a real problem at high magnification. Removing the hood reduce the problem but does not eliminate it.
04-22-2020, 11:03 AM - 1 Like   #19
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter
MossyRocks's Avatar

Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Minnesota
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 2,978
QuoteOriginally posted by ToddK Quote
Here are a couple of samples from the FA50. Not necessarily macro shots, but show how it renders.
Stop tempting me to buy another lens, especially another 50ish one.

04-22-2020, 11:19 AM - 2 Likes   #20
Moderator
Loyal Site Supporter
Wheatfield's Avatar

Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: The wheatfields of Canada
Posts: 15,903
QuoteOriginally posted by MossyRocks Quote
Stop tempting me to buy another lens, especially another 50ish one.
Well, if you want to not be tempted to buy another 50mm lens, you might not want to look at trying to find an FA* 200/4 macro.
Just sayin....
04-22-2020, 11:42 AM   #21
Otis Memorial Pentaxian
stevebrot's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Vancouver (USA)
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 42,007
QuoteOriginally posted by D1N0 Quote
I can also use it as a normal lens, also I already have a 100mm Macro (Cosina) and 90mm (Tamron 52B). I have seen some samples of rendering wide open of the A 50mm 2.8 and I like it very much. I was wondering how the FA compares to the A since they have a different lens scheme.
OK...I only commented because you said 1:1 was a requirement.


Steve
04-22-2020, 11:54 AM   #22
Senior Member
kayakfari's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: South Florida
Posts: 171
The Vivitar (Komine) 55mm 2.8 is impressively sharp and inexpensive, does 1:1.
The main cons: may take some time to find K mount version and only stops down to f/16

Vivitar (komine) 55mm f2.8 (f3 - early version); 1:1 macro Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

https://www.ephotozine.com/article/vivitar-auto-macro-55mm-f-2-8-vintage-lens-review-32163

https://www.outsidetheshot.com/vivitar-55mm-f-2-8-macro-lens-review/


Last edited by kayakfari; 04-22-2020 at 11:59 AM.
04-22-2020, 12:01 PM   #23
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter
MossyRocks's Avatar

Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Minnesota
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 2,978
QuoteOriginally posted by Wheatfield Quote
Well, if you want to not be tempted to buy another 50mm lens, you might not want to look at trying to find an FA* 200/4 macro.
Just sayin.
I already want that one. It would be a nice fried for A* 400/2.8 I own.
04-22-2020, 01:20 PM   #24
Pentaxian
D1N0's Avatar

Join Date: May 2012
Location: ---
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 6,802
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by stevebrot Quote
OK...I only commented because you said 1:1 was a requirement.
I wonder where I said that. I wanted to take it out of the equation, because it is not that important to me. The same with AF.
04-22-2020, 02:50 PM   #25
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
pbancr's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Southeast Connecticut
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 2,574
QuoteOriginally posted by ToddK Quote
Here are a couple of samples from the FA50. Not necessarily macro shots, but show how it renders.

Two beautiful samples!
04-22-2020, 03:07 PM   #26
Site Supporter
Site Supporter




Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Goldsboro North Carolina
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 2,860
QuoteOriginally posted by D1N0 Quote
I was wondering how the FA compares to the A since they have a different lens scheme.
I don't own either of these lenses, so can't comment specifically on them. In general terms though, I've read that older lenses with fewer elements are better at 3D rendering and poorer at CA control. Newer lenses with more elements control CA better, but lose some of the 3D 'character'. This is a broad generalization, and no doubt some will dispute it. I just throw it out there for others more knowledgeable to discuss.
04-22-2020, 04:30 PM   #27
Otis Memorial Pentaxian
stevebrot's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Vancouver (USA)
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 42,007
QuoteOriginally posted by D1N0 Quote
I wonder where I said that. I wanted to take it out of the equation, because it is not that important to me. The same with AF.
Sorry, my mistake.


Steve
04-22-2020, 10:02 PM   #28
Moderator
Loyal Site Supporter
Wheatfield's Avatar

Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: The wheatfields of Canada
Posts: 15,903
QuoteOriginally posted by MossyRocks Quote
I already want that one. It would be a nice fried for A* 400/2.8 I own.
I plan on being cremated with my copy of it.
04-23-2020, 12:14 AM   #29
Pentaxian




Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Oregon
Photos: Albums
Posts: 1,435
I am very impressed with my A50/2.8. It's likely the sharpest lens for Pentax I have. The lens is well-built. I use it with a gutted 2x tele-convertor when I want more magnification. It's the 50mm I use unless I want shallow DoF.
04-23-2020, 03:50 AM   #30
Site Supporter
Site Supporter




Join Date: Feb 2017
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 1,990
QuoteOriginally posted by Wheatfield Quote
I've never met a macro lens that wasn't a very good lens.
As Wheatfield says...... I have the A 50mm. It is beautiful. A setting very convenient. Only lacks 1:1, which is pretty silly at this focal length anyway , which can be remedied which an extension tube or close up filter if required, and AF which is not needed for close up work but may be useful for more general photography. Personally though I prefer my K 50mm f4, for its' superior build quality and its' je ne sais quois in terms of IQ. Unless you need f2.8, I would not discount either the K or M f4 model especially if you already have a fast 50mm.
Reply

Bookmarks
  • Submit Thread to Facebook Facebook
  • Submit Thread to Twitter Twitter
  • Submit Thread to Digg Digg
Tags - Make this thread easier to find by adding keywords to it!
50mm, 50mm 2.8 macro, elements, equation, k-mount, macro, pentax lens, slr lens, smc
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Nature Pick me,Pick me,Pick me. Sqideyes Post Your Photos! 4 12-08-2018 05:44 AM
Pentax DA* 60-250 vs. Tamron 70-200 on FF (K1) – which one would you pick? zeitlos Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 31 02-07-2018 05:52 AM
If you could have only 2 lenses in the 50mm(ish) range, which two would you pick? Clinton Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 64 04-05-2010 09:49 PM
Which macro lens would you pick if you only had one choice? ViS Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 27 11-09-2008 08:46 PM



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 01:16 PM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top