| Latest Review Posted | SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F2.8 Macro
https://www.pentaxforums.com/gallery/photo-sample-pentax-fa-50mm-f-2-8-macro-f-8-55243/This is a sharp lens! It is extremely sharp wide open on an APS-C through f/8. As a macro, it works well with both autofocus and manual focus. It also works well as a shorter portrait lens. Center sharpness is about as sharp wide open as it is stopped down, with almost no difference in the corners on an APS-C. I have had almost no issues with CA or PF and the bokeh is reasonable.The only negatives are the noisy autofocus (mid-2000's screw drive technology), the seemingly cheaper build as compared to the older all-metal lens housings (e.g., the M and A), and the occasional hunting. I rated the lens a "7" for the handling due to the hunting and noisy autofocus, and a "10" for sharpness. Occasionally, good copies can be found for very reasonable prices since this lens is not current and macros are off the radar screen for many. It certainly isn't the fastest of the 50mm lenses Pentax made, but it is as sharp or sharper as any wide open and doubles as a macro. |
