| Author: | | New Member Registered: December, 2020 Posts: 1 | | Review Date: December 12, 2023 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 4 |
| Pros: | Small | | Cons: | Optical quality | | Sharpness: 4
Aberrations: 4
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 7
Value: 4
Camera Used: Pentax program-a pentax mx
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I have used this lens several times... it has always been sold as a quality lens without ever being one (perhaps the previous model was better) the edges fade into the worst mediocrity. I bought a replica just to make me stop wanting to use it even if it was linked to happy episodes, for those who have Pentax a Vivitar Komine or a Rikenon or even a Pentax A is better.
| | | | | | | New Member Registered: March, 2021 Posts: 2 | | Review Date: April 4, 2021 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Cheap, sharp enough, very well built, fast, Adaptall mount, compact | | Cons: | Some CA wide open, flare | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 8
Value: 7
Camera Used: Pentax K-50
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This lens was bought by my father in the '80s and then he then gave it to me.
I immediatly fell in love with the Adaptall mount and now I have a good collection of Adaptall lenses.
This lens gets a lot of use. Perspective is wide for 35mm and standard for APS-C, so it's actually pretty useful in both worlds.
It's super compact and not too heavy (although it's all metal and glass construction), so I can carry this little lens pretty much everywhere.
It feels nice and solid. All metal construction, except the aperture ring (which is a bit of a shame...).
Focus ring is very smooth. The filter thread is a little bit recessed so it prevents focussing to infinity when you have a bigger diameter filter or hood screwed in.
IQ is actually pretty good for the current price you can get this lens for. Wide open is quite fast for a wide angle of that era, but it lacks a bit of sharpness and there's some CA. Already stopped down to f/4 is excellent.
It requires a hood in order to improve contrast and prevent flare.
Overall it's a nice little lens, value it's only a 7 because there're better alternatives for the same price... but still, I highly recommend this one!
Here's an example shot, wide open at f/2.5
 | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: July, 2020 Posts: 513 | | Review Date: February 28, 2021 | Recommended | Price: $27.85
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharp, lovely colour rendition on KS-1, cheap, tactile and pleasant to use. Useful minimal focus distance. | | Cons: | Flare without hood. | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 5
Handling: 10
Value: 10
Camera Used: KS-1
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What a truly pleasant surprise. I was after my first wide angle lens to help with architecture shots and urban environments. Having been buoyed by another Tamron adaptall 2 lens, I decided to snap a copy up.
What a gem! I've found there is few situations I can't manage a good shot from this lens. It's sharp, has good colour reproduction and works well in low light at low ISO hand held.
There is as others mention flare issues, and I will look to get a hood to see if this helps, however this can be desirable.
The size is a nice compromise on substantial, yet compact form. The focus ring and aperture ring feel positive, with seemingly half clicks on aperture possible. Built from kryptonite, I'm a clumsy person and sure this lens will survive a drop or two!
Pics attached; give it a try, you may find it rapidly becomes a favourite.
 | | | | | New Member Registered: June, 2019 Posts: 1 | | Review Date: June 19, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $44.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | Feels nice to use. Bokeh looks nice. | | Cons: | Does flare often. | | Sharpness: 7
Aberrations: 7
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 8
Value: 6
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It's an okay lens to me but it just isn't one of my favorites to use.
| | | | | | | Site Supporter Registered: May, 2015 Location: Hampshire Posts: 892
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: September 21, 2018 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | It is an adaptall | | Cons: | Not much at all. | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 7
Bokeh: 7
Handling: 10
Value: 10
Camera Used: K-5
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I have not given a cost for this lens because I bought it with a Canon FD breechlock adapter which may have put other buyers off. Not a problem when you have a PKA adapter to be able to put on. Tamron did a good thing with the adaptall mounts.
It cost $8 at todays exchange rate!
It is not a great lens, some green fringing can become apparent at wider apertures but in the main they are absent to the naked eye.
It is reasonably sharp from F5.6-F11, peaking perhaps around F10. Not so sharp as to be pleasing at wider apertures but images are not unpleasing.
In bright sunlight wider apertures exhibit some glow (or whatever it is called) from some subjects that reduces the lens to needing a pretty long hood (I used a telephoto hood with a 49-62mm step up ring) to reduce the effect.
I quite like this lens, having an "A" setting is great, the focus ring feels like it is a precision instrument. Better than my Sigma 28mm mini-wide version 1 with no "A" available.
| | | | | amateur dirt farmer Registered: December, 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Posts: 41,676
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: September 7, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $65.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | build quality, sharpness, compact | | Cons: | lens coatings not quite up to today's standards | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 9
Value: 9
Camera Used: K-3, K-50
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my review of the Tamron Adaptall-2 02B (28mm f2.5), after using it for the August 2016 Single In Challenge:
after shooting for the first eight days with my DA21 Ltd and determining that there is a focus problem with that lens, I switched to the 02B. I have to say that I have been pleasantly surprised. To be honest, I swapped lenses with a bit of dread - going from the DA21 to the 02B would certainly result a dull, lackluster month.
I couldn't have been more wrong. While the 02B is not a replacement for a DA21, it can certainly pull its own weight. To begin, it is an Adaptall-2 lens and as such, you must acquire an Adaptall-2 adapter. I use only P/KA adapters on these lenses so I essentially have an 'A' lens and not muck about with green-button-metering. I have three Adaptall-2's that can utilize the 'AE' setting on the lens and all three have dedicated adapters - it only makes sense to me.
my copy was purchased as a 'used' copy from the Marketplace here on PF for $65.00, which is on the high side of what I would normally pay for a bog-standard, manual focus 28mm lens - but I was pleasantly surprised at the shape of the lens when I received it: I cannot tell that it had ever been used. All the markings are intact, with Tamron's scheme of white/turquoise/red giving the lens a distinctive look. Additionally, the glass is clean and unmarked - essentially, this appears to me as a new lens.
anyway - the build of the lens is roughly equivalent to a tank; where the SMC A 28mm lenses can seem rather dainty, this lens has a larger barrel and focus ring, while retaining a 49mm filter ring (which I use for a metal hood). It has an all-metal build and has a tactile feel to it that is quite pleasurable to use - a well-damped focus ring rounds out the exceptional build quality.
with the f2.5 aperture (I read both 2.5 and 2.4 on my K-3, all the way up to f22), this lens is quick enough to be able to shoot in failing light without having to add too much ISO to the mix. it produces warm, accurate colors and is quite sharp once you are above f4 and beyond. it has an MFD of about 7 inches, so it is easy to get closer to your subject - it is not, however, a macro lens.
on the downside: it's coatings are not up to par with modern lenses; it will ghost/flare/lose contrast in strong light if care is not taken.... that's it for the downside - I was so surprised by the performance of this 28mm lens, I've stopped looking for an SMC 28mm - I simply don't need one.
if you don't mind the entire Adaptall issue, this is a worthy manual-focus 28mm lens to consider.... I like it better than the Sigma Mini-Wide II that I Singled with a few months ago, and I thought that was not a bad lens at all - now I am considering selling that Sigma...
some of my favorite shots with the 02B:
 sunflower and sky by Pepperberry Farm, on Flickr
 dew on mulberry leaves by Pepperberry Farm, on Flickr
 against a rippled sky... by Pepperberry Farm, on Flickr
 hayfield at sunset by Pepperberry Farm, on Flickr
and my flickr album of this lens:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pepperberryfarm/albums/72157667294828642/with/28243182554/ | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: January, 2012 Posts: 1,972 | | Review Date: May 8, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $65.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharp, small and compact, fast, rendering, flare resistance | | Cons: | corners weak untill f4-5.6 - but that's normal really | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 9
Camera Used: K-01, K10D
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Firstly I can confirm what others have mentioned - the rendering of this lens is fairly warm. I actually happen to like it, but even if I didn't - this is easy to rectify in the post-processing anyway.
Lens is sharp and let me tell you this - central sharpness is really good right from the start. Edges and corners catching up soon, maybe past f4 - by f8 , where you would care for corners and edges it all is pretty much the same.
Bokeh wise it is nice, smooth and pleasant to eye - especially in closely focused shots.
Good flare resistance - the front element is so small that this lens barely flares !
I love the fact that it is a P-KA lens with my P/KA adapter ! this is so great, I wish some of my Smc-m primes could do just that 
Handling is great, good, metal and rubber built quality with little plastic used. Pretty much a sleeper lens, considering how much they go for. I have also a whole range of other 28mm lenses, and although my SMC-F and Kiron 28mm are both better when stopped down, I wouldn't necessary say they are better lenses. The rendering of this Tamron is somehow unique, warm, amazing for Autumn colours. If you really don't have any 28mm prime by now - this one that is good to start with ! Of course the overall price will higher because of the mount, but this lens is worth it. I especially like it in low light, where it really delivers. My Kiron 28mm f2.0 is faster by tiny bit and offers equal sharpness from wide open in centre, but gets less love because it is a PK lens - convenience sometime prevails.
I paid £45 for it with case and PK adapter, which tends to go for a tenner - so the price paid should actually be little bit less.
Strong 8.5 - so 9 for me , since there are no 8.5's :P
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: November, 2012 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 671 | | Review Date: September 11, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $80.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Nice center sharpness, well built, easy throw | | Cons: | Some may not like the more warmer hue of the photos | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 7
Handling: 10
Value: 8
Camera Used: Pentax K-01
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The lens is well built with a mostly metal build. This is not as sharp as the K 28mm f3.5 lens in the corners but in the center is very sharp. Can be a little soft until f4. The rendering is more a natural warming look rather than the Pentax pop. If you like a rugged lens with the ability to shoot in lower light than the M 28 f2.8 then here's an option.
 | | | | | Junior Member Registered: January, 2013 Location: Texas Posts: 32 | | Review Date: February 8, 2013 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Price, center sharpness, build quality | | Cons: | Yellowish color rendition | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 10
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This lense is very well build. Compared to a Pentax M28/2.8, at full aperture, full frame, the Tamron is slightly sharper in the middle and slightly less sharp in the corners; near-identical at f4.0 and above.
One thing I didn't like (with films; easy to correct digitally): a yellowish color rendition.
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: June, 2012 Posts: 80 | | Review Date: September 9, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $60.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | VERY sharp center, easy MF | | Cons: | Corners quite soft even on crop sensor | | Sharpness: 7
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 7
Handling: 8
Value: 7
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Not a bad lens and center-frame sharpness is impressive but toward the edges it gets quite soft and smeary. The edges clean up toward 5.6 and 8 but never reach the edge sharpness of a Rikenon or even Toyo 28!
PF is pretty well controlled by f4! CA is good by 5.6 except at the edges.
Bokeh is decent wide open but quickly takes on a rounded saw tooth pattern. Odd.
Needs a hood with that front element being right out there.
You can get a better 28, cheaper. I was hoping for a bit more but I did get the great PKA adapter with it! | | | | | Pentaxian Registered: April, 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Posts: 18,076 | | Review Date: April 18, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $35.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | Build quality, sharp enough, fast enough | | Cons: | None really for the price/quality ratio ... maybe bokeh, muted colors, hood clearance | | Sharpness: 7
Aberrations: 7
Bokeh: 7
Handling: 8
Value: 8
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Bonjour,
Maybe I was expecting a bit too much from this lens ... quite frankly I was slightly disappointed with this acquisition. I purchased it off a French e-bay equivalent with its original case plus a PK/M AD-2 mount included ... but, the front element has a series of micro scratches towards an edge, a bit too much dust ... and the PK/M mount was missing an internal screw, thus it had some "play" between the two half sections. (The price quoted does not include a reasonable deduction for the PK/M mount)
I complained to the seller about these problems, and then realized after his responses that it was not worth pursuing any further ... lesson learned. Eventually I disassembled this mount (mine resembles the photo above) and added the missing screw (taken from an Olympus AD-2 mount), thus solving that problem. OTOH, the scratches are forever ... but have not seen anything significant on a photo yet ... and keeping fingers crossed.
Overall, this lens performs well, but I guess that I cannot get past my initial problems with it. I do not have a lot to add which has not been already covered by the previous reviews. Very solid build quality, good smooth throw (with nice feel rubber ring focus grip), flare does not seem to be a major issue (but I always shoot with a rubber hood and rarely into direct light) ... colors are too cold for my tastes and the bokeh is only OK for me ... Much more fun to use with a PK/A mount and if you like, looks "kinda retro-cool" on the K-5.
As an aside, I have to use a 49mm filter with a rubber hood on this lens. Without the additional length added by the filter's width and using my rubber hood alone, one cannot focus beyond 1.5m ... the barrel recedes too much into the focus ring and (without a filter) will be blocked by my hood . Maybe I need to find an original Tamron hood (?) ...
I going to rate at a conservative "7" for the moment, and I will upgrade if necessary after running this lens through a bit more photos and different uses ... especially some better "close" focus tests, low light, etc. I also just acquired a Super-Tak 28/3.5 (M42) and a Soligor 28/2.8 (T4), so a "shoot off" might be interesting to do ...
Allez et bon courage, John le Frog | | | | | New Member Registered: September, 2010 Location: Milano Posts: 9
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 11, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $79.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | good build quality, quite good performances | | Cons: | often affected by flares | | Sharpness: 7
Aberrations: 7
Bokeh: 7
Handling: 8
Value: 8
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Quite portable lens, but i don't use this focal length it very much on APS-C. It returns very neutral (natural?) colors ,but I prefer the Pentax ones. I like the solid-metal build quality and the sharpness is not so bad for a wideangle.
some pics:
http://giulionic.altervista.org/blog/?tag=28mm | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: January, 2011 Location: Minahasa, North Celebes (Sulawesi) Posts: 586 | | Review Date: March 29, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $75.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp. Lightweight yet solidly built. Capable on lowlight. Flare resistance is very good | | Cons: | Industrial design, not as 'arty' as Pentax's. Less vibrant color than the SMC's, but it means a more 'natural' color. | |
I had the SMC M 35/2.8 and it's a great lens. However, I needed a wider lens, also a better lowlight performer. Sadly, the K/M/A 28mm F2 is way over my budget, so I settled with this one. I bought this lens in a almost unused condition, paired with a K/M adaptall mount, complete with it's original case for $75. It's worth the price I paid, thats for sure.
Colors are a bit less vibrant then Pentax's, but this also means a more natural taste, and it's not really a con. On sharpness, still on a par with a few Pentax's I already tested. I also like the soft, kinda paint-like, soft bokeh this lens produce. Build quality is great, feels like this lens can take quite a beating. Focus ring is quite pleasant to play with, generous amount of DOF making focusing is a breeze. It seems not to have as much as a focus turn as my M 35/2.8, but for me this translates to a more easier focusing. This lens is a reliable performer in lowlight. I used to boost ISO to 800 or more to get decent picture with my M 35/2.8, but with this lens I played at 400 and the results are pleasing. I also tried to shoot facing the sun and amazed to this lens ability to tackle flare, it's maybe even better than SMC's.
I missed the more aesthetic, artistic design of Pentax lenses, though. This lens, like many other Adaptall lenses, clearly is really made more as a tool, not a work of art. But hey, I want to take good pictures, not to put my gears in a display at an art gallery
Here's a few shots:
Wide Open
F4 - Extreme cropped
Around F5 - F8
If you're looking for a reasonably priced, good performer, get one of these.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: February, 2010 Location: Stockholm Posts: 634 | | Review Date: December 18, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $30.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharp, lightweight, 15cm close focus, easy to manually focus, cheap, great colors and bokeh is very nice. | | Cons: | No Autofokus? | |
Been wanting to test this one for a while even though reviews hasnt been great.
Found one that looked to be in great condition and bought it not expecting anything great or even good.
First shots was of my cat drinking and everyshot I took came out great. It is not often that happens so I was very pleased. The lens is very easy to focus with and I could get as close as 15cm which was great fun.
Im guessing some of the reviewers has bad copys and I was lucky to get a good one.
I would like to give it a 10 but thats reserved for a spectacular lens that has what this one has + autofokus, bells and a fake beard.
Here is a shot.
Taken in a hurry wide open with a diffused flash pointing up.
Not the sharpest and slightly dark perhaps but good enough to prove my point I think. I havnt edited it at all except crop and I did clean up the sink....
Adding sharpness in Lightroom can make this incredibly sharp without artifacts. Im amazed! And glad I finally bought it
Heres a 100% Crop
 | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: July, 2009 Location: 14er Country Posts: 323 | | Review Date: September 23, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $25.00
| Rating: 6 |
| Pros: | Cheap and OK optically | | Cons: | There are better options | |
I picked this up off of everybody's favorite auction site one day as a temporary fill in for my M 28mm f3.5 that was having some issues.
All in all, it's just kind of an OK lens. It won't ruin pictures, but it doesn't really do anything special with them, either. It's sharp enough, the bokeh is OK, the colors are somewhat muted as the previous poster mentioned.
If you need a cheap 28mm option, this and a KM mount will work. If you've got a little spare cash, you can do a lot better.
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