| Author: | | | | | Review Date: July 22, 2007 | Recommended | Price: $600.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Beautiful build, well damped, easy to focus, sharp even wide open, wonderful bokeh, nice portrait lens on digitals | | Cons: | Not a huge fan of the lens cap | |
It's a big ole chunk of glass, but not really that big compared to some other competitors. I switched to Pentax from the Canon system, where I was happily using the 35mm f1.4L, which is a much bigger lens. So far, the 50mm f1.2 is the only Pentax lens I've found that gives the 35L a run for its money.
I don't know if I just got a really good copy of this lens, but mine is really quite sharp wide open. It's helped along by the fact that it's extremely easy to focus because the viewfinder image is so bright. I'm focusing with the regular K10D focus screen, and can get close range portraits bang in focus about 2 in 3 times if the subject isn't moving too much.
Stopped down it's very sharp. I might note a slight softness at f1.2 but it's absolutely gone by f2. I haven't gone beyond f4 really as I'm using it for portraits mainly.
The bokeh is quite interesting. I wouldn't say it's the best I've ever seen, but it's very nice. I might even prefer the 50mm f1.4 M's bokeh which is very smooth and gentle, but the 1.2 has a certain "look" to it, which is an interesting effect without making your eyeballs hurt. On balance, I like the bokeh very much, especially wiiiiide open.
Some may regard this lens as a novelty lens, and only be interested in the very wide aperture, but I think that's missing something. It's a really special lens, and useable in every way.
| | | | | | | Inactive Account Registered: December, 2006 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 27 | | Review Date: January 8, 2007 | Recommended | Price: $600.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Solid construction, excellent damping of focus ring, nice and fast yet still small compared to most any other 50mm f/1.2 lens out there. | | Cons: | Bokeh is a little harsher than I like in certain backlit situations. | |
Exceptional build quality, compact for a 50mm f/1.2 lens, a bit soft at f/1.2 but then what superspeed lens isn't i.e., Canon 50/1.2, Leica 50/1 Noctilux, etc. Stopped down a bit it is a stunning performer. Because of its compact size and overall excellent performance it is a lens you can use as a carry lens on your camera all day and night without the camera strap wearing a channel in your neck and it will be the only 50mm lens you'll need, bright or low light.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: September, 2006 Location: North Idaho Posts: 696
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 8, 2007 | Recommended | Price: $465.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | fast, narrow DOF, auto aperture, fantastic built quality, did I say FAST? | | Cons: | large and heavy for a 50mm, takes time to come to grips with narrow DOF | |
Purchased this lens four months ago from KEH. It is the first lens that I purchased from KEH that I'm not totally satisfied with. It is rated EX, and I expected an almost perfect lens, as they tend to underrate their stock. Optically, the lens is excellent, but cosmetically, it is a little lacking. The white lettering is now yellowish and there is a minor amount of brassing on the aperture ring. All normal for a well-used lens, which this one was obviously used quite a bit.
The lens is manual focus, (more on focusing below), but can be used in all other automatic modes on the latest Pentax dSLR bodies. Images are excellent, and the only reason I don't get stunning images like we see posted often is because of my own lack of technique and talent, not a failing of the equipment.
Unlike my A50/1.4, the A50/1.2 is of all metal construction and focusing is as positive and sure as on the older K and M series lenses. The composite construction of my A50/1.4 results in slight looseness or wobble in the focus ring. The A50/1.2 does not have any of this mechanical slack and inspires confidence when focusing throughout its large rotation throw. It is good that the stop-to-stop distance is so large, because of the extremely narrow depth-of-field, accurate focusing is paramount.
In summary, when you have need for a very narrow DOF with outstanding bokeh, the A50/1.2 gets "two thumbs up". Highly Recommended!
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Update: I was able to acquire a really pristine 50/1.2 from Japan and sold the old one. New one looks brand new. I'm one happy camper! Love this lens.
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