[Paul the Sunman]

For my birthday a couple of months ago I was given a $100 gift certificate for Camera House, a chain with two stores in outer eastern Melbourne. I don't normally shop there because it is a long way to go, and it is significantly more expensive than a number of other camera shops in town.

However, after poring over their on-line catalogue I reluctantly decided on a Peak Design Clutch. I already have the PD Cuff, which I prefer, but thought it may occasionally come in handy (pun intended). So I headed out to Croydon this afternoon to buy it in-store.

First though, I thought I'd check out their decent collection of bags and other accessories (too expensive). It's always good to see these things in person, even if familiar with them on-line. But then I noticed a second hand gear cabinet in the corner. I didn't have high hopes, but headed over to check it out. There were two Pentax lenses (they don't stock any new Pentax gear). The A 28 f/2.8 and the F 28 f/2.8, both priced at AU$150 (about US$100). The A and F 28s are both the same optically, though of course the F is later and has autofocus. So I examined the F 28; it seemed perfect. I then chucked it on my K1 and it behaved perfectly. So without much hesitation, I bought it (and paid the extra $50 myself beyond the gift certificate). It seems the price was much less than the going rate, so I feel I got a good deal. It's also my first F lens.

The lens looks brand new (surprising considering it's 1987 vintage) and performs flawlessly. Here's what it does close up and wide open. Sharp but dreamy.



The look is much different from any of my zooms that can reach 28mm, so it's a valuable addition to the collection.

Who else has the F 28mm? Has it been a good buy for you? Does it need a hood?

[garywakeling]

Nice find, it works well and a hood is always a bonus if shooting in to the light, it also performs really nicely when reversed as a macro lens

[Ausable]

I've owned the F28 for decades. I bought it new to use with the SF1 for a wide angle lens. Now it serves as a normal perspective lens on the KP. I keep a collapsible rubber hood attached to it.

[AfterPentax Mark II]

For my birthday a couple of months ago I was given a $100 gift certificate for Camera House, a chain with two stores in outer eastern Melbourne. I don't normally shop there because it is a long way to go, and it is significantly more expensive than a number of other camera shops in town.

However, after poring over their on-line catalogue I reluctantly decided on a Peak Design Clutch. I already have the PD Cuff, which I prefer, but thought it may occasionally come in handy (pun intended). So I headed out to Croydon this afternoon to buy it in-store.

First though, I thought I'd check out their decent collection of bags and other accessories (too expensive). It's always good to see these things in person, even if familiar with them on-line. But then I noticed a second hand gear cabinet in the corner. I didn't have high hopes, but headed over to check it out. There were two Pentax lenses (they don't stock any new Pentax gear). The A 28 f/2.8 and the F 28 f/2.8, both priced at AU$150 (about US$100). The A and F 28s are both the same optically, though of course the F is later and has autofocus. So I examined the F 28; it seemed perfect. I then chucked it on my K1 and it behaved perfectly. So without much hesitation, I bought it (and paid the extra $50 myself beyond the gift certificate). It seems the price was much less than the going rate, so I feel I got a good deal. It's also my first F lens.

The lens looks brand new (surprising considering it's 1987 vintage) and performs flawlessly. Here's what it does close up and wide open. Sharp but dreamy.



The look is much different from any of my zooms that can reach 28mm, so it's a valuable addition to the collection.

Who else has the F 28mm? Has it been a good buy for you? Does it need a hood?

Congratulations! This is such a good lens. I bought it together with the SFX. I also had the F 50mm f1.4. They accompanied me and my wife on many holidays and they gave such good results, they still do. At a time I put the 50mm on a K-1 and believe it or not, it is so much better than the DFA 50mm f1.4. I compared them and send the latter back and had my money returned. I never used a hood, didn't think about it, always kept the sun at my back. Of the many pictures we made with the lens, only a few that can be counted on the fingers of one hand had some flare. Both are surprisingly good and were the first lenses developed with AF in mind (apart from the one of the ME-F that probably served as a role model) and were quick in locking focus. And did the same on the K-1 and my K-3 Mark II. What a find!

[Just1MoreDave]

I bought a lot of 28mm lenses but my favorite is the F28/2.8. It's a really good performer in an almost Limited-size package. I use a hood but it's probably not necessary. I have considered making a hood like the DA21/3.2 has.

[PKMike]

I love the F28. Very capable lens. Sharp, great color and contrast, fast accurate focus.

I usually use a hood out of habit, but not certain it needs one. Have been under the general opinion that lenses just perform best with a hood.

[Apet-Sure]

Average user rating is 9.5! Not too shabby


SMC Pentax-F 28mm F2.8 Reviews - F Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

[bdery]

I'm jealous, it's a rare lens indeed! I like my wide angle lenses to perform well for night photography, starbursts, etc, and it seems this lens is an excellent performer. Enjoy it!

[Paul the Sunman]

It is indeed a very good lens. The extreme corners are weak, as befits a 1980s wide lens, but it's very good over 98% of the frame, and has snappy AF. The bokeh is a stand out. Happy camper!