Confused ?!? SMC Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM - declared as FF by Yvon Bourque

Gerard_Dirks · 03-23-2019, 02:36 PM - **1 Like**

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Hello

In his eBook about the K-1 Mr. Yvon Bourque declared that the SMC Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM is FF compatible on the K-1
In Chapter 4 you can read; The Image circle is compatible with Full Frame sensor

I am a little bit confused about this statement! What is true?

Gérard

**clackers** · 03-23-2019, 02:47 PM - **2 Likes**

It's been discussed in this forum many times, Gerard, many DA primes are, and so are several zooms at various focal lengths.

Proof?

I shot this just yesterday with my DA*55 on the K-1:

Sluggo · 03-23-2019, 03:11 PM

Originally posted by Gerard_Dirks

What is true?

This page is worth a read: Full Frame Coverage of DA Lenses: Comprehensive Test

It's a question of whether the output of a lens fully covers the sensor without significant distortions (like vignetting or color aberrations). In this case, it almost does, except at the widest apertures there is just a little bit of vignetting.

When you are shooting portraits -- a common job of the DA*55 -- some vignetting is not always a bad thing; so in practice most users feel the lens is useful on full frame. Pentax won't call it officially compatible though.

pakinjapan · 03-23-2019, 03:56 PM

Yes it can be used on a FF body. You might want to get an off brand shorter hood.
some even compare it with the new DA*50 which it perform pretty well.
SLRCLUB, ??? ???? ?? ????

That page is one of the reason I buy it.

aurele · 03-23-2019, 04:06 PM

it is. works flawlessly on the K1.

**sbh** · 03-23-2019, 04:35 PM

It's a very fine lens with beautyful and unique image character. Unmatched by any other lens (except the Fat Fifty), neither star nor ltd lenses.

It works on the K-1. The only shortcomings on ff I noticed are slightly softer corners obviously, and also noticeable vignetting when focussing at closer distances like 2m (6 ft) or less. I've tested it against a white wall. Other than that, I see no reason not to use it in ff.

**clackers** · 03-23-2019, 04:39 PM - **1 Like**

I'm going to guess it vignettes *less* than the FA50 f1.4 and the FA31 Limited.

Sandy Hancock · 03-23-2019, 05:21 PM - **3 Likes**

Strictly speaking, it's not 100% FF compatible. At some focal distances and apertures, a tiny "physical" vignette (i.e. black corners with no recoverable detail) may occur. That is why Pentax have not declared it officially as a FF lens, like they have for the DA*200, DA*300 and DA560.

But as clackers and aurele have already stated, image quality is good to the corners and generally speaking, "optical" vignetting (completely correctable in post-processing) is negligible. It is a very useful and enjoyable lens on the K-1.

There is an album full of images HERE if you're interested.

pschlute · 03-24-2019, 03:20 AM

On the K-1 the lens will be able to use Lens-Correction features (distortion correction etc) when used in crop mode only, not in FF. But with a lens of this focal length and quality I would say that is irrelevant.

Gerard_Dirks · 03-24-2019, 04:23 AM

THX a lot for all the response

I uses Pentax since 1975 and what I always love was the (light-weight) of their body. I have very much old glass and still use it. Also an SMC Pentax-A 1.4/50mm.
I loved my Super A & LX an never could find a friendship to the film-area body. I owned a Z-1p and I really used it maybe for only 50 films

The K-1 is a heavyweight compared to my K-3 & K-5 bodies and I refuse to add another 750gr more for an new HD D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW. If the new has 1.2 it would the weight be OK, but not for an 1.4

Therefore I look to both the SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4 oder the SMC Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM. The first is very compact and tiny, 1.4/55mm some more impressive and still a lightweight compared to the newest 1.4/50mm

Which Lenshood will be the best to fit on the 1.4/55mm & K-1 and will not cause vignettering? I don't want a rubber one! Will this fit Sensei 58mm Screw-on Tulip Lens Hood LHSC-58 B&H Photo Video

Gérard

Sandy Hancock · 03-24-2019, 04:33 AM

When I got my first K-1 I tested my DA*55 with hood on and hood off. It made minimal difference.

normhead · 03-24-2019, 04:40 AM

Originally posted by Gerard_Dirks

Hello

In his eBook about the K-1 Mr. Yvon Bourque declared that the SMC Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM is FF compatible on the K-1
In Chapter 4 you can read; The Image circle is compatible with Full Frame sensor

I am a little bit confused about this statement! What is true?

Gérard

Absolutely true, I have third party lens hood on mine.

Virtually no vignetting even at ƒ1.4. And great lens on a K-1 as well for those who want better than average quality at less cost and weight than a 50 1.4.

Wheatfield · 03-25-2019, 02:49 PM

Originally posted by Gerard_Dirks

Hello

In his eBook about the K-1 Mr. Yvon Bourque declared that the SMC Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM is FF compatible on the K-1
In Chapter 4 you can read; The Image circle is compatible with Full Frame sensor

I am a little bit confused about this statement! What is true?

Gérard

After I had been using my K1 for long enough that I knew that I wouldn’t be going back to APS-C ever, I had a hard look at whether or not to keep the DA* 55mm. One of the things I did was check it for vignetting and I noted that wide open down to around f/2.8 there was slight falloff, but nothing too major. However, it was there, and it was too great for Pentax to be able to call it a full frame lens.
My biggest beef with it was I found the bokeh to be a little odd.
Anyway, I sold the thing and did find myself regretting that I had as even with its faults it was still better than the FA 50/1.4. After the D FA* 50mm was released I stopped missing it.

bdery · 05-06-2019, 05:11 AM - **1 Like**

See here:

Modern Fast 50mm Shootout - Review Announcements | PentaxForums.com

While not perfect, it's fully FF compatible, and a valid solution for a high-quality WR and AF 550-ish lens.

pid · 05-14-2019, 03:10 PM

Originally posted by Gerard_Dirks

THX a lot for all the response

I uses Pentax since 1975 and what I always love was the (light-weight) of their body. I have very much old glass and still use it. Also an SMC Pentax-A 1.4/50mm.
I loved my Super A & LX an never could find a friendship to the film-area body. I owned a Z-1p and I really used it maybe for only 50 films

The K-1 is a heavyweight compared to my K-3 & K-5 bodies and I refuse to add another 750gr more for an new HD D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW. If the new has 1.2 it would the weight be OK, but not for an 1.4

Therefore I look to both the SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4 oder the SMC Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM. The first is very compact and tiny, 1.4/55mm some more impressive and still a lightweight compared to the newest 1.4/50mm

Which Lenshood will be the best to fit on the 1.4/55mm & K-1 and will not cause vignettering? I don't want a rubber one! Will this fit Sensei 58mm Screw-on Tulip Lens Hood LHSC-58 B&H Photo Video

Gérard

I use a ventilated lens hood like this one: 58mm ventilated lens hood
With this hood you can use your original lens cap!

03-23-2019, 02:36 PM - 1 Like	#1
Gerard_Dirks Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: St. Gallen Posts: 149	*Confused ?!? SMC Pentax-DA 55mm F1.4 SDM - declared as FF by Yvon Bourque** Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Hello In his eBook about the K-1 Mr. Yvon Bourque declared that the SMC Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM is FF compatible on the K-1 In Chapter 4 you can read; The Image circle is compatible with Full Frame sensor I am a little bit confused about this statement! What is true? Gérard

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03-23-2019, 03:11 PM	#3
Sluggo Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ames, Iowa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 774	Originally posted by Gerard_Dirks What is true? This page is worth a read: Full Frame Coverage of DA Lenses: Comprehensive Test It's a question of whether the output of a lens fully covers the sensor without significant distortions (like vignetting or color aberrations). In this case, it almost does, except at the widest apertures there is just a little bit of vignetting. When you are shooting portraits -- a common job of the DA*55 -- some vignetting is not always a bad thing; so in practice most users feel the lens is useful on full frame. Pentax won't call it officially compatible though.

03-23-2019, 03:56 PM	#4
pakinjapan Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,041	Yes it can be used on a FF body. You might want to get an off brand shorter hood. some even compare it with the new DA*50 which it perform pretty well. SLRCLUB, ??? ???? ?? ???? That page is one of the reason I buy it.

03-23-2019, 04:06 PM	#5
aurele Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Paris, France Photos: Albums Posts: 3,217	it is. works flawlessly on the K1.

03-23-2019, 04:35 PM	#6
sbh Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Black Forest, Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 852	It's a very fine lens with beautyful and unique image character. Unmatched by any other lens (except the Fat Fifty), neither star nor ltd lenses. It works on the K-1. The only shortcomings on ff I noticed are slightly softer corners obviously, and also noticeable vignetting when focussing at closer distances like 2m (6 ft) or less. I've tested it against a white wall. Other than that, I see no reason not to use it in ff.

03-23-2019, 04:39 PM - 1 Like	#7
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	I'm going to guess it vignettes less than the FA50 f1.4 and the FA31 Limited.

03-23-2019, 05:21 PM - 3 Likes	#8
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	Strictly speaking, it's not *100%* FF compatible. At some focal distances and apertures, a tiny "physical" vignette (i.e. black corners with no recoverable detail) may occur. That is why Pentax have not declared it officially as a FF lens, like they have for the DA200, DA300 and DA560. But as clackers and aurele have already stated, image quality is good to the corners and generally speaking, "optical" vignetting (completely correctable in post-processing) is negligible. It is a very useful and enjoyable lens on the K-1. There is an album full of images HERE if you're interested.

03-24-2019, 03:20 AM	#9
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,215	On the K-1 the lens will be able to use Lens-Correction features (distortion correction etc) when used in crop mode only, not in FF. But with a lens of this focal length and quality I would say that is irrelevant.

03-24-2019, 04:23 AM	#10
Gerard_Dirks Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: St. Gallen Posts: 149 Original Poster	THX a lot for all the response I uses Pentax since 1975 and what I always love was the (light-weight) of their body. I have very much old glass and still use it. Also an SMC Pentax-A 1.4/50mm. I loved my Super A & LX an never could find a friendship to the film-area body. I owned a Z-1p and I really used it maybe for only 50 films The K-1 is a heavyweight compared to my K-3 & K-5 bodies and I refuse to add another 750gr more for an new HD D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW. If the new has 1.2 it would the weight be OK, but not for an 1.4 Therefore I look to both the SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4 oder the SMC Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM. The first is very compact and tiny, 1.4/55mm some more impressive and still a lightweight compared to the newest 1.4/50mm Which Lenshood will be the best to fit on the 1.4/55mm & K-1 and will not cause vignettering? I don't want a rubber one! Will this fit Sensei 58mm Screw-on Tulip Lens Hood LHSC-58 B&H Photo Video Gérard

03-24-2019, 04:33 AM	#11
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	When I got my first K-1 I tested my DA*55 with hood on and hood off. It made minimal difference.

03-24-2019, 04:40 AM	#12
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by Gerard_Dirks Hello In his eBook about the K-1 Mr. Yvon Bourque declared that the SMC Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM is FF compatible on the K-1 In Chapter 4 you can read; The Image circle is compatible with Full Frame sensor I am a little bit confused about this statement! What is true? Gérard Absolutely true, I have third party lens hood on mine. Virtually no vignetting even at ƒ1.4. And great lens on a K-1 as well for those who want better than average quality at less cost and weight than a 50 1.4.

03-25-2019, 02:49 PM	#13
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,986	Originally posted by Gerard_Dirks Hello In his eBook about the K-1 Mr. Yvon Bourque declared that the SMC Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM is FF compatible on the K-1 In Chapter 4 you can read; The Image circle is compatible with Full Frame sensor I am a little bit confused about this statement! What is true? Gérard After I had been using my K1 for long enough that I knew that I wouldn’t be going back to APS-C ever, I had a hard look at whether or not to keep the DA* 55mm. One of the things I did was check it for vignetting and I noted that wide open down to around f/2.8 there was slight falloff, but nothing too major. However, it was there, and it was too great for Pentax to be able to call it a full frame lens. My biggest beef with it was I found the bokeh to be a little odd. Anyway, I sold the thing and did find myself regretting that I had as even with its faults it was still better than the FA 50/1.4. After the D FA* 50mm was released I stopped missing it.

05-06-2019, 05:11 AM - 1 Like	#14
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,362	See here: Modern Fast 50mm Shootout - Review Announcements \| PentaxForums.com While not perfect, it's fully FF compatible, and a valid solution for a high-quality WR and AF 550-ish lens.

05-14-2019, 03:10 PM	#15
pid Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 567	Originally posted by Gerard_Dirks THX a lot for all the response I uses Pentax since 1975 and what I always love was the (light-weight) of their body. I have very much old glass and still use it. Also an SMC Pentax-A 1.4/50mm. I loved my Super A & LX an never could find a friendship to the film-area body. I owned a Z-1p and I really used it maybe for only 50 films The K-1 is a heavyweight compared to my K-3 & K-5 bodies and I refuse to add another 750gr more for an new HD D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW. If the new has 1.2 it would the weight be OK, but not for an 1.4 Therefore I look to both the SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4 oder the SMC Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM. The first is very compact and tiny, 1.4/55mm some more impressive and still a lightweight compared to the newest 1.4/50mm Which Lenshood will be the best to fit on the 1.4/55mm & K-1 and will not cause vignettering? I don't want a rubber one! Will this fit Sensei 58mm Screw-on Tulip Lens Hood LHSC-58 B&H Photo Video Gérard I use a ventilated lens hood like this one: 58mm ventilated lens hood With this hood you can use your original lens cap!