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SMC Pentax-D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro Review RSS Feed

SMC Pentax-D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro

Sharpness 
 9.5
Aberrations 
 9.2
Bokeh 
 8.5
Autofocus 
 8.4
Handling 
 9.1
Value 
 9.1
Reviews Views Date of last review
39 237,003 Sun July 4, 2021
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Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
97% of reviewers $299.73 9.21
SMC Pentax-D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro

SMC Pentax-D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro
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SMC Pentax-D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro
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SMC Pentax-D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro
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Description:
The SMC Pentax-D FA 50mm F2.8 macro lens features 1:1 macro capabilities. It has the same optics as its FA and F series predecessors.

SMC Pentax-D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro
© www.pentaxforums.com, sharable with attribution
Image Format
Full-frame / 35mm film
Lens Mount
Pentax K
Aperture Ring
Yes (A setting)
Diaphragm
Automatic, 8 blades
Optics
8 elements, 7 groups
Mount Variant
KAF
Check camera compatibility
Max. Aperture
F2.8
Min. Aperture
F32
Focusing
AF (screwdrive)
Quick-shift
Yes
Min. Focus
20 cm
Max. Magnification
1x
Filter Size
49 mm
Internal Focus
No
Field of View (Diag. / Horiz.)

APS-C: 32 ° / 27 °
Full frame: 47 ° / 40 °
Hood
PH-RBC 49mm
Case
S80-80
Lens Cap
Lens Cap F 49mm
Coating
SMC
Weather Sealing
No
Other Features
Focus Clamp
Diam x Length
67.5 x 60 mm (2.7 x 2.4 in.)
Weight
265 g (9.3 oz.)
Production Years
2004 to present (in production)
Pricing
$296 USD current price
Engraved Name
smc PENTAX-D FA 1:2.8 50mm -MACRO-
Product Code
21530
Reviews
User reviews
In-depth review

Features:
Screwdrive AutofocusQuick ShiftAperture RingAutomatic ApertureFull-Frame Support
Purchase: Buy the SMC Pentax-D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro
In-Depth Review: Read our SMC Pentax-D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro in-depth review!
Sample Photos: View Sample Photos
Price History:



Add Review of SMC Pentax-D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro Buy the SMC Pentax-D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro
Author:
Sort Reviews by: Date | Author | Rating | Recommendation | Likes (Descending) Showing Reviews 1-15 of 39
New Member

Registered: October, 2012
Posts: 24

4 users found this helpful
Review Date: November 27, 2012 Not Recommended | Price: $60.00 | Rating: 1 

 
Pros: Light
Cons: Cheap plasticky build, way too short in FL
Sharpness: 2    Aberrations: 4    Bokeh: 3    Autofocus: 6    Handling: 8    Value: 1    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: Pentax K-5   

What a big hoo ha about such an average lens. It's way too short to use as a macro, so it's just an f2.8 prime 50, and it's not sharp either.
Why wouldn't you get the FA 50 or DA 55mm... I got this for $60 and I still don't think it was a good deal.
   
Pentaxian

Registered: May, 2016
Posts: 3,722

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: July 4, 2021 Recommended | Price: $115.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Image quality, Quickshift, Compact
Cons:
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K-1 II   

I'll repeat most of what I said in my review of the F 50/2.8 macro: image quality is, as expected from the same design, very good, except for minor CA. But I prefer this newer lens because it's using quick shift and 49mm filter threads. It's also smaller, though you don't get the added protection of a recessed front element. Build quality is good but not as good as the F, there's tiny bit of wobble when fully extended but no worse than some of my other lenses such as DFA 28-105 and DFA 100 macro.
   
Junior Member

Registered: June, 2013
Posts: 37

4 users found this helpful
Review Date: January 7, 2021 Recommended | Price: $350.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharpness, Bokeh, heft, Focus swing
Cons: Lens cap should be the centre-pinch model
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 9    Handling: 9    Value: 9    New or Used: New    Camera Used: Pentax K1mkii   

On first use, just purchased, the sharpness and colour rendition are amazing. I find the sharpness better than the 43mm FA limited. I am an old school manual focuser, so any autofocus lens feels a bit weak where the looseness of the focus ring is concerned, but this leans is acceptable in this regard.
Im impressed with the sharpness out of the box on the K1mkii. Happy I bought it and it's not really a bad price with the bonus of a nice sharp, relatively fast prime. I don't expect the bokeh to be amazing, if I'm looking for incredible bokeh, I quite honestly defer to vintage, manual focus, fast lenses (particularly German ones like Meyer Optik Goerlitz or Carl Zeiss Jena, with an original Pentax M42 adapter).

The lens cap is difficult to place/remove with the lens shade on. Pentax should supply the older, centre pinch type instead of the edge-pinch that comes with the lens. Just a simple switch with an older lens.

A very happy purchase on the 50mm Macro.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: December, 2017
Posts: 469

3 users found this helpful
Review Date: December 24, 2020 Recommended | Price: $180.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Contrast and very sharp
Cons: plastic feels less solid.
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 7    Autofocus: 7    Handling: 9    Value: 9    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K10d   

Surpringly this lens scores less good than the 50 mm FA macro lens that uses the same lens elements.
It makes clear the relative importance of the rating system.

My reference was the 50 mm A series macro lens.
Sharpness and contrast of the DFA macro lens are considerably better.
The only thing that disappointed me was the AF performance. Slow and erratic, it takes 1-3 attempts to lock in on the desired focus.
Not dramatic to me as I seldom shoot moving objects.

Based on the IQ I recommend this lens although the older MF lenses are still quite good, the DFA lens is better.
   
New Member

Registered: February, 2014
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 20

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: June 29, 2020 Recommended | Price: $180.00 | Rating: N/A 

 
Pros: small, sharp, nice build quality
Cons: 50mm
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 7    Handling: 8    Value: 9    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K-70   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJrXKCEhiuQ
   
Loyal Site Supporter

Registered: October, 2018
Location: Quebec City, Quebec
Posts: 6,493
Review Date: March 8, 2020 Recommended | Price: $260.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Very sharp, light and easy to use.
Cons: None.
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 9    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K1, K3 III   

Lens is sharp wide-open, which is a rare event in itself for any lens. Resolution peaks around f/5.6 - f/8 and declines little by little down to f/16. On a K3 III, you should try to avoid f/22 and f/32, although they are available. The K1 is more tolerant of these very small apertures. As good for normal picture-taking as for close-ups.


K1 image above ... find the Ladybug ...


K3 III image above ... find the Tree ...



   
Veteran Member

Registered: February, 2019
Posts: 2,009

4 users found this helpful
Review Date: December 30, 2019 Recommended | Price: $225.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Exceptional image quality, True 1:1 Macro, Clamp, Build Quality, Aperture ring
Cons: Minimum focusing distance, Bokeh, Front cap
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 8    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: Pentax K-S2   

The DFA 50 Macro is a jewel. It will deliver unmatched image quality, for macro but also for general use as a short telephoto and portrait lens. Every image it produces has this "thing" that fills me with joy. For me, this lens has the highest keepers for non-macro shooting. Yes, it is really -that- good.

When it comes to macro, well of course you will have to deal with extremely shallow depth of field, but this is the case for all macro lens. Beware of the minimum focusing distance of 20cm. Its 20cm -from- the sensor ; in practical reality it will be only at a few cm of the lens front element, so you will be very close to your subject and this might impact lighting (because of shadow of the lens, lens hood, or camera body).

Focusing ring does not turn during autofocus, and quick shift is always available. Unfortunately, it is screw driven (rather noisy, and a bit slow in live view).

It has the clamp switch. Clamp on will greatly increase friction on the focusing ring, but in reality, this completely lock the focus (forcing the focusing ring will not change focusing distance), and will put the lens in MF mode, allowing you to use the "Catch-in Focus" option of your body. This option allows you to fully press the shutter button, focusing by moving the camera closer or farther, and the camera will take the shot only when your subject will be exactly in focus. You cannot do that with the DFA 100 macro WR because it has neither Clamp or AF/MF button.

The hood feels metal (and quality) in your hands, and will be attached to the lens body (NOT the front element). Therefore, the hood will not move while focusing, despite the front element extending quite a lot when focusing close. At maximum magnification, the front element will be at the same level as the hood edge ; the hood is therefore a good indicator of how close you can get from your subject.

The lens itself is pleasing to look at and to feel in your fingers. You really have the feeling to have a professional tool in your hand, and certainly not a plastic toy.

Really, it's an excellent lens. I only have a few drawbacks to note :
- Bokeh could be better ; I could easily notice its hexagonal shape due to its 8 blades. It's a pity.
- Front cap is the same type than the one found on the DA 35 F2.4 : you need to push the buttons on the edge on the cap in order to remove it ; not only is much less practical than the center-pinch cap found most other lenses, but it is very difficult to remove the cap properly when the hood is already mounted. I replaced the original cap with a cheap generic 2 € center-pinch cap to get rid of this issue.
- It is rather difficult to mount or detach the lens from the camera with the hood reversed since the hood is almost as long as the lens itself.
- Minimum focusing distance when doing macro is really short ; you may scare living subject, or shadowing your subject, or bump into your subject with the front element. A longer focal length (and thus longer minimum focusing distance) would have been better in that regard.

Bottom line : if you have doubts, buy this lens. You won't be disappointed.
   
Moderator

Registered: July, 2011
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 1,730

8 users found this helpful
Review Date: April 30, 2019 Recommended | Price: $300.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Quality high contrast macro ability
Cons: nothing major

What a fun, easy lens to use, I felt that my mojo was a little down with many outside issues the last couple of months. This lens provided the spark I needed to really explore my macro vision, the focal length also doubles as a nice 50mm for regular shooting on the K1. I used it on the K3 as well and both cameras delivered images I liked. The hood works well and even when at minimum focus distance, it never gets in the way. Unlike the attachment tube for the AF160FC ring flash, it works well when the combo was on the K3, however it vignettes on the K1, a simple change to the 49mm adapter and all was back to full frame. The colours really pop with photos from this lens and the contrast available from mono conversions is very impressive. I did find a strange zoom effect when shifting the focal point during long exposures that I found fun to play with as well. Focusing can be a little noisy if the camera is being used at closer distances, however this seems to be common with the small dof available on most macro lens. I find switching to manual focus can make for an easier time when getting near 1:1 anyway. The addition of the focus lock switch on the lens is a nice touch as well. Diffraction at very small apertures did not seem too bad and the bonus of some nice starbursts when used as a regular lens was a nice bonus.


dahlia by Gary Wakeling, on Flickr

wet m 2 by Gary Wakeling, on Flickr

star tree by Gary Wakeling, on Flickr

pencils close by Gary Wakeling, on Flickr

that odd zoom effect shifting focus on long exposures

nervous sharpener focus by Gary Wakeling, on Flickr
   
New Member

Registered: October, 2018
Posts: 1
Review Date: April 11, 2019 Recommended | Price: $180.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: IQ, Contrast, Sharp
Cons: Focusing is great but not perfect
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 8    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: Pentax K-70   

It is a very sharp lens. It is amazing value for money. I just love this lens so much.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: July, 2007
Location: North West UK
Posts: 390

4 users found this helpful
Review Date: October 12, 2018 Recommended | Price: $500.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharp! Great control of CA. fairly small, A-ring for Film bodies. snappy AF for a 1:1 macro
Cons: clamp? no focus limiter, not weather sealed (both for reasons above)
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K-1 K-3 K-3II K-70   

I would probably give the lens a 9.5, but as the system only give a 9 or 10, I have to give it a 10 so as to not pull its rating down. It is that good!

Firstly, it is sharp, as you would expect for a macro, but in all honesty it is probably the sharpest lens Pentax make.
Nice and small, with lightness included, you could have it as your day to day nifty with is (surprisingly) snappy AF on the K-1. Aaah the AF. Yep, is is quick for a lens, very quick for a long throw 1:1 macro.
Due to it being an early "digital" designed lens, it still has the Aperture ring, meaning you can still use it on my wonderful film bodies (on the Z-1p it looks sexy BTW)

Of course this has a downside. due to the A-ring, it could not be made weather sealed. But that is no real issue if you have the 100mm macro WR

Focus limiter? Would be nice, but the AF is very quick, almost making it redundant.

Overall though, it is a fine Pentax lens. Mixing old tech (a-ring and screw focus) with modern demands (36MP K-1)

I suggest you get hold of one whilst you can, as I am convinced that Pentax will replace this lens in the next few years with a fully weather sealed KAF4 mount silent focus version meaning it will be bigger, pricier, and will not be useable on older digital bodies and film!

It is a cracker!
   
New Member

Registered: April, 2011
Location: Dorset , UK
Posts: 6

3 users found this helpful
Review Date: August 24, 2018 Recommended | Price: $200.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: sharpness , price , size and weight
Cons: noisy auto focus
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 8    Handling: 9    Value: 9    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K-70   

I have yet to use a bad 50mm macro lens regardless of manufacturer , and this Pentax is no exception !

It is very very sharp with great image quality and showing finest details easily !

I tend to use it from f5.6 to f11 at close distance but even at f2.8 at 1-3 meter distances, ie portraits , this lens is very sharp !

AF is noisy like so many Pentax lenses )-:

Bokeh is fine in my experience, especially at close distances where the background is further away , see attached photo (taken at f8) .

I have become a great fan of 50mm macro lenses over the years as they are smaller and lighter than the tele macros, cheaper too and mostly even better optically as well !!
With some practice and time I am getting close enough for butterfly images as well !

A great lens (-:
   
New Member

Registered: June, 2018
Posts: 1

3 users found this helpful
Review Date: July 23, 2018 Recommended | Price: $500.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharpness
Cons:
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: Pentax K-3 II   

About one year and a half ago, I got this lens following Fenwoodian advice below.

I was looking for something to show the pixel shift "power" and until today, I agree... this lens is perfect for pixel shift users
   
amateur dirt farmer

Registered: December, 2014
Location: probably out in a field somewhere...
Posts: 41,257

5 users found this helpful
Review Date: April 1, 2018 Recommended | Price: $159.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: color rendition, clarity, sharpness, ease of handling
Cons: maximum aperture, autofocus (no limiter)
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 8    Handling: 9    Value: 9    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K-3 and K-50   

my review of the D FA 50mm f2.8 Macro:

Wow - what a lens...

I had been searching for a replacement for my DA50/1.8 - it is very sharp, contrasty, all the things that you read and hear about it, but there's very little character to the lens.... I have other 50/55mm lenses that are loaded with character, but I wanted an autofocus 50 with some soul...

When these came up on clearance at Aden Camera in February, I figured I'd give it a try - I read very little concerning the D FA 50 other than what it is the reviews here, but it didn't seem that anyone was out using one...

I received a new, old stock (roughly from 2006, according to the documentation in the box) lens and away we went.

First, and foremost, this is a true 1:1 macro lens, and has the focus travel to prove it - if you don't mind a slight delay in focus, the focus travel won't bother you (I'm am not offended by it). The barrel does extend, nearly the length of the included hood at the close (1:1) end of its focus travel.

It is a plastic/composite lens, with a deep hood, aperture ring, and a distance/range/macro scale behind a plastic window. It does have quickshift, a metal mount, and is not weather-resistant. It is not a heavy lens, but is decidedly heavier and larger than the DA50/1.8. Mounted on a K-3 or K-50, it is not a significant piece, but doesn't disappear like a pancake Limited, either.

Forget that this is a macro lens, and use it as you would any standard nifty fifty and it will deliver: bokeh, color rendition, clarity, all if it in bags. Being a macro lens, however, you would expect resolution and details beyond the standard 50, however, and this lens will not disappoint.

As far as any negatives, only two come to mind: the focus travel and maximum aperture. Focus travel can be cumbersome, especially in low-light/low-contrast shooting - waiting for the screw-drive to decide on the focus (of course, quickshift or even manual focus negates this issue). Maximum aperture of f2.8 can hamper the lens' ability in low-light, but a corresponding bump in ISO usually mitigates that problem.

but the photos:

beads by Pepperberry Farm, on Flickr

grass tuft in sunrise by Pepperberry Farm, on Flickr

grain silos and crepuscular rays... by Pepperberry Farm, on Flickr

bridal wreath spirea by Pepperberry Farm, on Flickr

on the counter... by Pepperberry Farm, on Flickr

the rest of the album I've shot so far with this lens:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/pepperberryfarm/albums/72157693711520145
   
Junior Member

Registered: January, 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 32
Review Date: April 28, 2017 Recommended | Price: $245.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Image Quality
Cons: Built quality, Autofocus
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 7    Handling: 8    Value: 9    New or Used: New    Camera Used: Pentax K70   

The sharpness is outstanding, Very Good to Good at full aperture, excellent at f/4.0 and above.
What I don't like is the absence of focusing range limiter - the camera, often, search for a long time to focus) and the so-so built quality: focusing ring not tight, 'plastic' feeling.
Quickshift is very convenient.
   
Pentaxian

Registered: April, 2015
Location: USA
Posts: 2,872

13 users found this helpful
Review Date: July 5, 2016 Recommended | Price: $300.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Insanely sharp on K1
Cons: Cheap plastic body and lower quality build
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 8    Handling: 8    Value: 10    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K1   

I've tested over 30 different lenses on my Pentax K1 camera. Many of these lenses are premium quality Zeiss and Voigtlander manual focus lenses.

Of all of the lenses I've used on my K1, this cheap, poorly made, little Pentax macro lens renders the very sharpest image in the pixel shift mode.

This lens on the K1 (with good technique) will render a pixel shifted image file that will absolutely blow your mind when it comes to clarity and sharpness!

UPDATE (October 2016) - After lots more experience with this lens and many others, I have found one other lens that equals the Pentax-D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro when it comes to sharpness - the Zeiss ZF 100mm f/2 (Leitax converted to K mount of course).
Add Review of SMC Pentax-D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro Buy the SMC Pentax-D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro



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