| Author: | | New Member Registered: September, 2015 Posts: 17
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 4, 2019 | Not Recommended | Price: $150.00
| Rating: 6 |
| Pros: | Price, weight, image quality | | Cons: | AF, fringing, axial CA, cheap | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 6
Bokeh: 6
Autofocus: 2
Handling: 7
Value: 8
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-r, K5ii
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This was my 1st lens upgrade after DAL 18-55 kit lense. Image quality improvement is noticable and lens was long my favorite. It gives you 1st sense of pro lens after you get a camera. I use it on K-r and shot a few paid jobs with it. It enables better image quality in low light, with it's f2.4 apperture.
It is lightweight and gives very good image quality. Plastic mount never wasa problem. It have that chep press-on back lens cap which I replaced with twist one from eBay. What a difference - but that costed 10% of the lenss
It is great lens until you experience better. Lens have quite pronounced purple fringing (which is easy correctable), but also annoying axial chromatic abberation (which is not correctable). Shooting with shallow DOF on rough/contrasty surfcace at angle it is affected by axial CA. Product shot on rough suirface at strong light will be affected. For normal street or portrait shooting it is not and issue.
Autofocus:
Bad AF reminded me to review this lens, because it enjoys so overstated score regarding AF. It is so unreliable in less than perfect light and it hunts, or just locks out focus, especially on moving people. AF needs really steady target to lock properly. Similar mediocre AF performance can ebe expected from DA 70 mm F2.4 limited, which have even better score regarding AF. Both lenses utterly sucks in low light enviroment in comparison to even cheaper DA 50 mm F1.8 which is my now favorite lense, since it is REALIABLE and give me consistent results - but it have the worst score for AF among the three. It just locks fast accuratelly whether 35/2.4 or 70/2.4 will hunt and fail. It hase the worst AF performence of all lenses I ever had.
It is noticably faster than DAL 18-55, but it is re-fining focus a lot with quite some delay in between - so in the end focus procedure takes longer than on DAL 18-55 and it often fails, where 18-55 or 50-200 just locks in the first attempt correctly. This is no problem for taking pictures of monuments, but for moving people it is. DA50/1.8 surprisingly have no issues at all. It just locks with minimal or no corrections. No several AF presses to focus, no frustration.
Do I reccomend this lens:
DA35/2.4AL is fun lense and can give nice results but AF is of type that brought Pentax bad reputation. If your eyes allow accurate AF or you will use it in LV or AF is not your main concern, this is great lens. But for enyone expecting to have AF at least usable in a live event as late night dance, this lens is not for him.
| | | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: December, 2013 Posts: 796
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 14, 2018 | Not Recommended | Price: $110.00
| Rating: 6 |
| Pros: | Light, cheap, sharp | | Cons: | Slow, bad bokeh, no quick shift, plastic, not WR | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 5
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 7
Value: 9
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: KP, K-30
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This lens has a good image quality even wide open, but the aperture is too slow for a prime lens. It can't produce a decent bokeh. I've got it as a wider alternative to my DA50, but it doesn't work. While it was good for landscapes or buildings, it wasn't good for street portraits or indoor full body portraits. The separation wasn't enough.
My main problem was that I could produce near the same quality with an F2.8 zoom lens. The Tamron 17-50 for example small enough to give an alternative to this lens.
Here are some examples:
 IMG170616_0001 by Benjámin Czétényi, on Flickr
 IMG170617_0004 by Benjámin Czétényi, on Flickr
 IMG170603_0408 by Benjámin Czétényi, on Flickr
 IMG170603_0374 by Benjámin Czétényi, on Flickr
 IMG170603_0411 by Benjámin Czétényi, on Flickr
 IMG170604_0474 by Benjámin Czétényi, on Flickr
| | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2012 Posts: 15
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 20, 2013 | Not Recommended | Price: $200.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | Super sharp, light weight | | Cons: | Back focus !!, Ugly looking, poor contrast | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 7
Autofocus: 2
Handling: 9
Value: 4
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K10D
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All performance is very good.
But...I have the back focus of this lens, and previous comment is same probelm.
So, over all score is 4
And I don't recommend this lens.
Update 27/June/2013 :
My gear is used lens, revise overall score 4 --> 7
What's expectations of the Auto Focus modern lens?
IQ ?
Modern lens , the IQ is not significant diffirent.
Auto focus of pentax is very very lag | | | | | Forum Member Registered: December, 2021 Location: Ancona Posts: 83
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 31, 2022 | Recommended
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | autofocus,bright, small, light, price, very good image quality | | Cons: | the lens hood and the aperture ring are missing,it is not tropicalized, | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: KP
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It is still my only lens with autofocus. It is perfect for everyday use. Lightweight and economical.Paid 100 Euro
| | | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: July, 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,582
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 22, 2022 | Recommended | Price: $87.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Inexpensive , sharp , small. | | Cons: | No aperture Ring , plastic mount. | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 8
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: KS2 , KP
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I don't know exactly why I didn't do this earlier.
Picked this up on an Amazon Prime deal for $87. I wanted small and light.
There is not much to be said that hasnt been said previously by other reviewers.
It is sharp , small , and inexpensive.
I could live out the rest of my life a contented man if it was the only lens I had.
( Thankfully it isnt)
Mine does everything well. From quick portraits , to landscapes.
I have zero complaints even if it cost triple what it did for me.
Definitively has lived up to its name and reputation as the " Plastic Fantastic" !
My overall rating is 8.5 considering everything.
| | | | | New Member Registered: July, 2013 Posts: 2
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: February 7, 2022 | Recommended | Price: $90.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Superb price to performance ratio | | Cons: | Plastic mount, no hood | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 7
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 5
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K70
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Great lens, sharp, compact. Only drawbacks are lack of aperture ring, no hood supplied, and a plastic mount. Optically very good, superb when cost is factored in.
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: October, 2010 Location: Portugal Posts: 30
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: September 18, 2021 | Recommended | Price: $165.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | -Is light, -it takes up little space, -it is cheap, -compatible with 35mm format -focus fast | | Cons: | -Makes noise (little) -no marks on the lens -no quick-shift -no wr | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 9
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K5
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It is a "correct" focal length. 35mm is sufficient for all normal photos. Half-length portraits with a slight blur or sharp landscapes. As they say, it is the 4x4 of the fixed lens.
Pros
-Is light,
-it takes up little space,
-it is cheap,
-compatible with 35mm format
-focus fast
Cons
-Makes noise (little)
-no marks on the lens
-no quick-shift
-no wr
I personally love these low cost lenses   | | | | | New Member Registered: March, 2021 Posts: 8
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 21, 2021 | Recommended | Price: $150.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharp, fast enough and lightweight | | Cons: | Not weather sealed | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 7
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: Pentax K5 iis
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This little plastic fantastic was my first lens with autofocus, and I can say I was not only surprised by how useful it is, but also by the quality of the images I can get from such a cheap lens. I do love some sharp images, and with the K5 iis, this lens delivers in that respect. Strictly speaking of image quality, it won't disappoint. My only gripe is how the lens handles. It's not too bad, but the lack of weather sealing and on-the-go focus adjustments and a decent focus ring are minor annoyances. All in all, I can't complain for the price. Us Pentax users are lucky to have access to this much quality at this price!
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: February, 2017 Posts: 2,030
4 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: September 29, 2020 | Recommended
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Light weight, price, IQ | | Cons: | None | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 7
Autofocus: 7
Handling: 8
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K3, KP
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This is the first DA prime lens I bought for my K3, back in 2016. It is the best value prime lens along with its sister, the DA 50mm f1.8, that you could wish to buy. So, if you are looking for your first prime, look not further than this (or the 50mm).
I also now own the HD DA Ltd. 35mm f2.8 Macro, and since the acquisition of that lens, the DA f2.4 sees rare use. Let me explain why.
Overall I prefer the handling and build quality of the Ltd. - as to be expected considering the price difference. Also, the close focus abilities of the Ltd. suit my shooting better, and despite the DA being marginally sharper at f2.8 than the Ltd. I prefer the "look" that the latter's images produce. However, this is all subjective, and if not for the ownership of the Ltd., I would never feel I would be lacking anything when using the DA.
From f2.8 the DA is plenty sharp enough for any ones needs. Its images are crisp and punchy. There are some handling limitations - no quick shift MF and it does not focus as close as I would like - but for the money you will not find better IQ. In fact you will not find better IQ unless you spend considerably more than several more times its price. The low cost is of course the result of the plastic construction and plastic mount and lack of weather resistance, but due to its size this does make the lens fragile. The plus side of this construction is that it is very light and easy to pack around with you. The AF is relatively noisy, being screw drive, but no worse than other screw drive lenses. I do not find it distracting
In short, if you are wondering whether or not to dip your toe into the waters of prime ownership, there is no better place to start. Small financial outlay means minimal risk should you decide that primes are not for you, and you will not be disappointed with the IQ. The only question you should be asking is "this or the DA 50mm f1.8?"
 | | | | | New Member Registered: December, 2015 Location: Piła Posts: 6
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 11, 2020 | Recommended
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | picture quality, price, handling, overall value | | Cons: | none | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: Pentax K5II
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This is my primary lens since long time. Very useful angle, light and sharp even wide open. With this price is best 35mm for amateur (also advanced). Great also with diorama photo
| | | | | New Member Registered: October, 2016 Posts: 4
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 17, 2020 | Recommended
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | Unbelievably good value for money | | Cons: | doesn't perform as well on the 24mpx sensor (K3) as on lower mpx sensor | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 6
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 8
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-S2, K-3, K-1
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I made a full review in video format at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q54QKPKp3bE but to summarise this lens is outstanding value for money and was excellent on my K-S2 but I didn't feel it was so sharp on the much higher pixel density sensor of the K-3 but was actually better on the K-1 than the K-3 I can only surmise due to the lower pixel density of the sensor.
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: March, 2020 Posts: 44
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 9, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $199.00
| Rating: 6 |
| Pros: | Quick focus, ease of use | | Cons: | None yet | | Sharpness: 5
Aberrations: 6
Bokeh: 6
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 7
Value: 7
New or Used: New
Camera Used: Pentax K-50
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Decent lens for the price, ok value for the money.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: October, 2017 Location: Sale, Cheshire Posts: 247
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 13, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $97.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Very sharp, low CA, fast focussing | | Cons: | Some AF noise, lack of quick shift focus, not WR | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: Pentax K-3
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I initially had a 2nd hand version of this lens, which appeared to have infinity focussing problems (perhaps my calibration technique at the time was a little suspect). This was returned and I bought a new lens, which is excellent. I bought it for stills and video use in low light conditions. Initially, autofocus calibration of +7 was required, after which very sharp from f 2.4, when shooting in RAW and sharpening appropriately. Excellent colour rendition, with fast and accurate autofocus. Very resistant to flare, even without a hood, and generally very low CA. A little noise from the screw autofocus, but I have number of screw autofocus lenses, where the noise does not bother me (and they generally focus quickly on the K-3). If the autofocus speed is good, I am more concerned about the optical performance and handling.
I do have a 50mm SMC Pentax-A 1:1.7 lens, but focusing using the viewfinder focus light is not always spot-on, hence the attraction of the SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.4 AL, which also gives a greater depth of field.
Overall, optically, the SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.4 AL is excellent and amazing value for money.
| | | | | New Member Registered: April, 2015 Posts: 11 | | Review Date: January 12, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $160.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Fast AF; pleasing warm tones for portraits | | Cons: | Bit soft | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 7
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-S2; K-30
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Probably the best value lens in Pentax world. Much better than DA 50mm f/1.8 with respect to AF speed, AF sound, and CA. For good results for portaits use it at f/3.2. Make sure you micro-adjust the AF. For optimum sharpness, use it at f/5.6. Good warm pleasing colour tones for portraits.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: June, 2018 Posts: 131
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 5, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $150.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Cheap, good, the start of my photography journey | | Cons: | busy hexagonal bokeh, but that's all. | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 5
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 7
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K50, K3ii
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Much better than it looks, I took my baby photos with this and began my photography journey in the process. I don't like the bokeh or the focus ring or the lack of a lens hood, but everything else is good. I don't use it much now I have better lenses but I wouldn't part with it.
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