| Latest Review Posted | SMC Pentax-M 28mm F3.5
First of all, I should say that this lens is not for everyone. If you are looking for a lens which excels in 'normal' areas such as resolution and sharpness, this lens is probably not what you want. In all the standard aspects of lens performance, this lens is solid, but not outstanding.
Instead, the main attraction of this lens is its unique rendering characteristics. Whether it is pleasing to you depends very much on subjective taste. With this note firmly in mind, let's get into the details:
I bought this lens a month ago. I intended it to be my main "wide-normal" lens on the K-5, pairing it with my 21 Limited as my streetscape lenses. My initial observations were:
-Build quality is excellent. It is made completely of metal, just like the other M series lenses. There is no palpable slop or looseness anywhere. The focus ring is as smooth as oiled silk, and well damped. I thought my A 35-105 f/3.5 was well built, but these M series lenses are on another level of quality entirely.
-The lens is very compact, about the same size and weight as a 21 Limited.
-Sharp at all apertures, including wide open. Slight corner softness wide open, disappears by f/4. I have no hesitation at all in using this lens wide open.
-Resolution slightly lower but contrast somewhat higher than the A 50mm f/1.7. This lens cannot compete in resolution with any of the 50mm f/1.4 or f/1.7 lenses, neither can it compete with the Limiteds. But it is good enoug... |
