PENTAX-DA 50mmF1.8 vs. SMC Pentax 55mm F1.8

Michael Piziak · 01-24-2022, 08:26 PM

Curious question,

What are opinion(s) on the new PENTAX-DA 50mmF1.8 lens quality vs. the vintage SMC Pentax 55mm F1.8 lens

Comments please. If you were to choose between the 2, which would you choose. I know a big difference is the new lens has auto focus... Will be using on the k-s2 aps-c crop sensor body.

Reference(s): https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/smc-pentax-da-50mm-f1.8.html

and https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-K-55mm-F1.8-Lens.html

Last edited by Michael Piziak; 01-24-2022 at 08:48 PM.

stevebrot · 01-24-2022, 10:10 PM - **2 Likes**

I own both and while the DA 50/1.8 is a fun lens, the Pentax-K 55/1.8 is a much more capable optic, both on crop and on 24x36mm FF.

Pentax-K 55/1.8 on Kodachrome 64 (last production batch)

Sorry...I have no DA 50/1.8 shots to share, though the lens does see some use where its combination of light weight and quick AF are sure assets.

My suggestion is to include the Pentax-M 50/1.7 for consideration as well as the Pentax-F 50/1.7.

Steve

**yucatanPentax** · 01-25-2022, 12:01 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

My suggestion is to include the Pentax-M 50/1.7 for consideration as well as the Pentax-F 50/1.7.
Steve

I can only weigh in regarding the M 50/1.7, but it is truly one of the best, if not the best, of the various "normal" vintage lenses I own. I could only compare it to the "plastic fantastic" DA 50/1.8, where I find the M 50/1.7 superior. But no AF, which doesn't often bother me. I think the M version has more 'depth' than the newer lens.

Jonathan Mac · 01-25-2022, 04:13 AM

It really depends on what you want.

Choose the K 55mm f/1.8 is you are not in a hurry with your photography, you don't need AF or auto exposure modes and enjoy using a well-designed and built item.

Choose the DAL 50/1.8 if you need AF and auto-exposure modes or appreciate something that's very light weight.

There's a middle ground if you want auto-exposure but don't need AF - the A 50/1.7, which is an excellent optic (but make sure the aperture rings works properly).

If I had to choose between both I'd get the DAL 50/1.7. But then I'd also get an M 50/1.7 for when I have time to enjoy the photographic process.

**Papa_Joe** · 01-25-2022, 04:40 AM

I do not own the DA 50/1.8, but I have the 55/1.8 and it is a very nice lens stopped down. But very soft at 1.8. My SMC A 50/1.7 is much better in this regard, thus for APS-C I would vote for the DA 50/1.8 without a second thought.

**pepperberry farm** · 01-25-2022, 05:27 AM

I no longer have a DA 50/1.8 - very sharp, very capable, but did not have much character for me....

I do have a K 55/2, which I've read is the same as the K 55/1.8, and I love it.....

one lens to consider - an SMC A 50mm f1.4 - one of the few I do regret selling and am currently thinking of buying another copy....

I think it is better than the A 50/1.7, plus it's better built so fewer issues with the aperture ring....

ChristianRock · 01-25-2022, 06:51 AM - **1 Like**

I've had both and the K 55 f1.8 or f2 is the better lens. The M 50 1.7 is close.
The issue with the K 55 and the reason I don't have one anymore is that its copies develop amalgam separation and that makes the lens useless.
I might pick one up again but I've been looking at the Helios 44 instead... Just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

**jopenmx** · 01-25-2022, 08:56 AM

I own K 55 f/1,8 and A 50 f/1,7. Both are excellent manual lenses , but the build and handling of K 55 is miles ahead the other one. But of course K 55 hasn´t A position in the aperture ring , therefore you must use the green button .
If you prefer and AF lens , I would recommend F or FA 50 f/1,7. Both are stellar performers, concerning sharpness, colours, etc , but without the charm of a "K " lens.

**luftfluss** · 01-25-2022, 10:53 AM

I own the F 50/1.7 and briefly owned the DA 50/1.8. The DA's AF seemed louder and the barrel had less dense, more cheap-plasticky feel. I never gave the DA much of a chance simply because I was satisfied with the performance of my F 50/1.7.

Buntzbooze · 01-25-2022, 10:55 AM

I would pick the 50 1.8. I love my K55, and it certainly has superior image characteristics, but it doesn't get much use in comparison with the 1.8. Purely down to ease of use and AF, plus I am able to use the 1.8 without a hood due to the recessed front element, making it a lighter and more compact setup. I find manual focus quite enjoyable with the 1.8 too, nicely dampened for a modern lens.

**pres589** · 01-25-2022, 11:54 AM

I'll say that, when it comes to manually focusing and general ease of use with a digital SLR, I would rather have the lens with AF any day (unless we're talking about a wide-angle, 20mm or wider lens, at which point it's more of a wash).

The K 55 1.8 seems to offer quite nice images that probably are a half-step ahead of the DA 50 1.8 but I doubt I would reach for the K very often if I was using it on my K-5 II or your K-S2. If I was adapting it to a mirrorless body (like a Fuji which I keep teasing myself about for no good reason) I'd be going for the K 55 1.8 in a heartbeat.

I also use pre-A Pentax lenses on my K-5 II and I don't mind using the green button or playing with exposure in post. Non-issue for me in my experience in my opinion; others may vary greatly.

stevebrot · 01-25-2022, 03:21 PM

Originally posted by ChristianRock

The issue with the K 55 and the reason I don't have one anymore is that its copies develop amalgam separation and that makes the lens useless.

I am curious as to whether this is was your personal experience with balsam separation on the K 55/1.8? If so, how did it present?

Steve

**pres589** · 01-25-2022, 03:35 PM

There's complaints of separation in the user reviews for the K 55 1.8. Anecdotal and not my issue, but something I noticed when I was looking through reviews for the lens earlier today.

tibbitts · 01-25-2022, 05:42 PM

Originally posted by Michael Piziak

Curious question,

What are opinion(s) on the new PENTAX-DA 50mmF1.8 lens quality vs. the vintage SMC Pentax 55mm F1.8 lens

Comments please. If you were to choose between the 2, which would you choose. I know a big difference is the new lens has auto focus... Will be using on the k-s2 aps-c crop sensor body.

Reference(s): SMC Pentax-DA 50mm F1.8 Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

and SMC Pentax 55mm F1.8 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

I don't have any experience with these two lenses, but just based on my experience with the A50/1.7, I'd say you have to consider your skill at manual focusing and decide at least partly if not mostly based on that. Personally I can't focus the 50 fast enough on my APS cameras with sufficient accuracy at f1.7 or f2. I thought I did pretty well (not perfectly of course) with 35mm bodies using split image especially. Even with just microprisms on 35mm I did better than with APS. Obviously if you have time you can focus on the LCD using magnification.

Texas-expat · 01-25-2022, 10:51 PM

I have two 55 f 1.8 SMC Takumar lenses (M 42), first acquired with my SP II in 1971 and later with my ES II that I got at clearance at a big box store that was there before it's time. Both lenses are still in service.. I did a lot pf B&W in those days and on one trip, I photographed a memorial from the deck of the Battleship Texas using Panatomic X film. There was a head in parking lot behind the memorial and the cars were approximately 75 yards from my position. When I examined the negatives with a medical Microscope on "scanning Power", I was able to read the license plates of the cars.

I don't have any other lenses in my kit with that resolution, but neither do I have Panatomic X anymore. I still have both lenses and continue to enjoy them.

01-24-2022, 08:26 PM	#1
Michael Piziak Closed Account Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 2,815	PENTAX-DA 50mmF1.8 vs. SMC Pentax 55mm F1.8 Curious question, What are opinion(s) on the new PENTAX-DA 50mmF1.8 lens quality vs. the vintage SMC Pentax 55mm F1.8 lens Comments please. If you were to choose between the 2, which would you choose. I know a big difference is the new lens has auto focus... Will be using on the k-s2 aps-c crop sensor body. Reference(s): https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/smc-pentax-da-50mm-f1.8.html and https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-K-55mm-F1.8-Lens.html Last edited by Michael Piziak; 01-24-2022 at 08:48 PM.

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01-24-2022, 10:10 PM - 2 Likes	#2
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	I own both and while the DA 50/1.8 is a fun lens, the Pentax-K 55/1.8 is a much more capable optic, both on crop and on 24x36mm FF. Pentax-K 55/1.8 on Kodachrome 64 (last production batch) Sorry...I have no DA 50/1.8 shots to share, though the lens does see some use where its combination of light weight and quick AF are sure assets. My suggestion is to include the Pentax-M 50/1.7 for consideration as well as the Pentax-F 50/1.7. Steve

01-25-2022, 12:01 AM	#3
yucatanPentax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dallas / Yucatan Posts: 1,841	Originally posted by stevebrot My suggestion is to include the Pentax-M 50/1.7 for consideration as well as the Pentax-F 50/1.7. Steve I can only weigh in regarding the M 50/1.7, but it is truly one of the best, if not the best, of the various "normal" vintage lenses I own. I could only compare it to the "plastic fantastic" DA 50/1.8, where I find the M 50/1.7 superior. But no AF, which doesn't often bother me. I think the M version has more 'depth' than the newer lens.

01-25-2022, 04:13 AM	#4
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,911	It really depends on what you want. Choose the K 55mm f/1.8 is you are not in a hurry with your photography, you don't need AF or auto exposure modes and enjoy using a well-designed and built item. Choose the DAL 50/1.8 if you need AF and auto-exposure modes or appreciate something that's very light weight. There's a middle ground if you want auto-exposure but don't need AF - the A 50/1.7, which is an excellent optic (but make sure the aperture rings works properly). If I had to choose between both I'd get the DAL 50/1.7. But then I'd also get an M 50/1.7 for when I have time to enjoy the photographic process.

01-25-2022, 04:40 AM	#5
Papa_Joe Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: SW Bavaria Posts: 562	I do not own the DA 50/1.8, but I have the 55/1.8 and it is a very nice lens stopped down. But very soft at 1.8. My SMC A 50/1.7 is much better in this regard, thus for APS-C I would vote for the DA 50/1.8 without a second thought.

01-25-2022, 05:27 AM	#6
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,766	I no longer have a DA 50/1.8 - very sharp, very capable, but did not have much character for me.... I do have a K 55/2, which I've read is the same as the K 55/1.8, and I love it..... one lens to consider - an SMC A 50mm f1.4 - one of the few I do regret selling and am currently thinking of buying another copy.... I think it is better than the A 50/1.7, plus it's better built so fewer issues with the aperture ring....

01-25-2022, 06:51 AM - 1 Like	#7
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,912	I've had both and the K 55 f1.8 or f2 is the better lens. The M 50 1.7 is close. The issue with the K 55 and the reason I don't have one anymore is that its copies develop amalgam separation and that makes the lens useless. I might pick one up again but I've been looking at the Helios 44 instead... Just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

01-25-2022, 08:56 AM	#8
jopenmx Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: vigo Photos: Gallery Posts: 137	I own K 55 f/1,8 and A 50 f/1,7. Both are excellent manual lenses , but the build and handling of K 55 is miles ahead the other one. But of course K 55 hasn´t A position in the aperture ring , therefore you must use the green button . If you prefer and AF lens , I would recommend F or FA 50 f/1,7. Both are stellar performers, concerning sharpness, colours, etc , but without the charm of a "K " lens.

01-25-2022, 10:53 AM	#9
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,627	I own the F 50/1.7 and briefly owned the DA 50/1.8. The DA's AF seemed louder and the barrel had less dense, more cheap-plasticky feel. I never gave the DA much of a chance simply because I was satisfied with the performance of my F 50/1.7.

01-25-2022, 10:55 AM	#10
Buntzbooze Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 60	I would pick the 50 1.8. I love my K55, and it certainly has superior image characteristics, but it doesn't get much use in comparison with the 1.8. Purely down to ease of use and AF, plus I am able to use the 1.8 without a hood due to the recessed front element, making it a lighter and more compact setup. I find manual focus quite enjoyable with the 1.8 too, nicely dampened for a modern lens.

01-25-2022, 11:54 AM	#11
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,533	I'll say that, when it comes to manually focusing and general ease of use with a digital SLR, I would rather have the lens with AF any day (unless we're talking about a wide-angle, 20mm or wider lens, at which point it's more of a wash). The K 55 1.8 seems to offer quite nice images that probably are a half-step ahead of the DA 50 1.8 but I doubt I would reach for the K very often if I was using it on my K-5 II or your K-S2. If I was adapting it to a mirrorless body (like a Fuji which I keep teasing myself about for no good reason) I'd be going for the K 55 1.8 in a heartbeat. I also use pre-A Pentax lenses on my K-5 II and I don't mind using the green button or playing with exposure in post. Non-issue for me in my experience in my opinion; others may vary greatly.

01-25-2022, 03:21 PM	#12
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by ChristianRock The issue with the K 55 and the reason I don't have one anymore is that its copies develop amalgam separation and that makes the lens useless. I am curious as to whether this is was your personal experience with balsam separation on the K 55/1.8? If so, how did it present? Steve

01-25-2022, 03:35 PM	#13
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,533	There's complaints of separation in the user reviews for the K 55 1.8. Anecdotal and not my issue, but something I noticed when I was looking through reviews for the lens earlier today.

01-25-2022, 05:42 PM	#14
tibbitts Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Oklahoma USA Posts: 2,196	Originally posted by Michael Piziak Curious question, What are opinion(s) on the new PENTAX-DA 50mmF1.8 lens quality vs. the vintage SMC Pentax 55mm F1.8 lens Comments please. If you were to choose between the 2, which would you choose. I know a big difference is the new lens has auto focus... Will be using on the k-s2 aps-c crop sensor body. Reference(s): SMC Pentax-DA 50mm F1.8 Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database and SMC Pentax 55mm F1.8 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database I don't have any experience with these two lenses, but just based on my experience with the A50/1.7, I'd say you have to consider your skill at manual focusing and decide at least partly if not mostly based on that. Personally I can't focus the 50 fast enough on my APS cameras with sufficient accuracy at f1.7 or f2. I thought I did pretty well (not perfectly of course) with 35mm bodies using split image especially. Even with just microprisms on 35mm I did better than with APS. Obviously if you have time you can focus on the LCD using magnification.

01-25-2022, 10:51 PM	#15
Texas-expat Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Sioux Falls, SD Posts: 195	I have two 55 f 1.8 SMC Takumar lenses (M 42), first acquired with my SP II in 1971 and later with my ES II that I got at clearance at a big box store that was there before it's time. Both lenses are still in service.. I did a lot pf B&W in those days and on one trip, I photographed a memorial from the deck of the Battleship Texas using Panatomic X film. There was a head in parking lot behind the memorial and the cars were approximately 75 yards from my position. When I examined the negatives with a medical Microscope on "scanning Power", I was able to read the license plates of the cars. I don't have any other lenses in my kit with that resolution, but neither do I have Panatomic X anymore. I still have both lenses and continue to enjoy them.