| Latest Review Posted | SMC Pentax-DA 70mm F2.4 Limited
Build quality
When I first saw this lens, it looked like jewelry to me. Like a gem. So small, so well crafted. Made out of quality aluminium, it has this pleasing feel of cold metal, focus ring operates very smoothly and „buttery“ also the numbers on the focus scale are carefully engraved (as well as the PENTAX title on the lens cap).
Optical performance
For portraits, sharpness is already very good at 2.4 and it gets superb sharp at 5.6. Even though, my sweet spot is usually between f2.4 and f4.
Bokeh is smooth and pleasing, but to get the best results, you should avoid backgrounds with a lot (!) of contrast, as the bokeh gets a little too „nervous“. But to be honest, I can remember only one photograph where I had this problem.
I haven‘t noticed any problems with aberrations or flare. Of course, you can get some in extreme conditions (just like with any lens), but that is perfectly normal.
Autofocus
On K-r/K-5IIs AF is fast enough for portrait work and for specific situations you can always pre-focus with focus ring, which is a joy to use.
Because AF is driven by screw-drive motor it does make some noise, but again, in specific situations focus ring saves the day again.
Conclusion
More or less this lens shines in all specifications, but that is not the most important thing.
The most important thing (at least for me) about this lens is that, because it is so compact and almost weightless, it is going to be there, when you need it. In that spe... |
