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SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro Review RSS Feed

SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro

Sharpness 
 9.8
Aberrations 
 9.3
Bokeh 
 8.9
Autofocus 
 8.0
Handling 
 9.3
Value 
 9.2
Reviews Views Date of last review
122 490,733 Wed March 2, 2022
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Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
98% of reviewers $458.08 9.50
SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro

SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro
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SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro
supersize

Description:
The Pentax 35mm Limited macro lens is designed for use only with APS-C format Pentax DSLRs.

SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited
© www.pentaxforums.com, sharable with attribution
Image Format
APS-C
Lens Mount
Pentax K
Aperture Ring
No
Diaphragm
Automatic, 9 blades
Optics
9 elements, 8 groups
Mount Variant
KAF
Check camera compatibility
Max. Aperture
F2.8
Min. Aperture
F22
Focusing
AF (screwdrive)
Quick-shift
Yes
Min. Focus
14 cm
Max. Magnification
1x
Filter Size
49 mm
Internal Focus
No
Field of View (Diag. / Horiz.)

APS-C: 45 ° / 38 °
Hood
Built-in, slide out
Case
Soft case Z100
Lens Cap
Dedicated metal push-on
Coating
SMC,SP
Weather Sealing
No
Other Features
Diam x Length
63 x 46.5 mm (2.5 x 1.8 in.)
Weight
215 g (7.6 oz.)
Production Years
2008 to 2013
Engraved Name
smc PENTAX-DA 1:2.8 35mm Macro Limited
Product Code
21730 (black)
Reviews
User reviews
In-depth review
Unofficial Full-Frame Compatibility Tests by Pentax Forums
★☆☆ Usable with reservations at select F-stop/focal length combinations
Show details
Variants

Black and silver

Features:
Screwdrive AutofocusQuick ShiftBuilt-in HoodAutomatic ApertureAPS-C Digital OnlyDiscontinued
Purchase: Buy the SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro
In-Depth Review: Read our SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro in-depth review!
Sample Photos: View Sample Photos
Price History:



Add Review of SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro Buy the SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro
Author:
Sort Reviews by: Date | Author | Rating | Recommendation | Likes (Descending) Showing Reviews 1-15 of 122
New Member

Registered: June, 2014
Location: Sydney
Posts: 15

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: March 2, 2022 Recommended | Price: $350.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharpness, Bokeh, Ease of Handling, Compact, Weather Sealed
Cons: AF system can hunt when trying to lock focus (sometimes), no focus limiter
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 7    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: New   

This is my 'go to' lens and is never off the camera - even when travelling - as I have become used to taking time with my compositions since using (almost exclusively) prime lenses. The lens can hunt occasionally and the screw-drive (?) focus can be noisy, but nothing beats this lens at the price. All of the photos were taken with my with this lens and my K-7 handheld and only minor changes were made to the photos, such as some noise reduction applied to the 'Cartier Cat' shot that was taken in very low light in a side street in Sydney, with practically no ambient light or surrounding illumination. My favourite lens (although I have yet to test my Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f1.4 purchased with a native Pentax mount) !

   
New Member

Registered: August, 2017
Location: Ronneburg
Posts: 1
Review Date: February 15, 2022 Recommended | Price: $300.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Outstanding sharpness,Lightweight and compact,Well built, fast fousing at normal distances; Useful built in hood
Cons: No focus range limiter
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K-3;K-30   

Pentax K-3 / ISO400 / 1/100 sec/ f4.5 / highest resolution




This lens appears to have everything going for it. It's built well, handles well and produces stunningly sharp images from maximum aperture. Given the performance this lens delivers,


value for Money affordable price.
Build quality is excellent image quality also
manual focusing action is smooth
Auto focus is screw-driven but it doesn't matter because the AF is fast enough.
   
Junior Member

Registered: March, 2019
Location: Hengelo
Posts: 32

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: February 28, 2021 Recommended | Price: $225.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: small, versatile, macro, strong built
Cons:
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 8    Handling: 9    Value: 10    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: Pentax K3ii and K5   

When I started improving my lense line-up, I did not think about a 35mm macro. While reading reviews on this forum, I first came along the sigma 70mm macro. This is really an excellent lense but does not suit the need for a nice landscape on the background. Then I bought the 15mm ltd and it is really worth the value but lacking the real macro touch.

This month I saw the 35mm f2.8 ltd on Marktplaats for a reasonable price, I re-read the reviews and decided to go for it! And yes, it is worth every penny (or eurocent as you like it).

The lense is build for endurance. I love the way the lensehood is fitted and the hood can easily be extracted. The lense is lightweight compared to my other macro (the sigma 70mm). And yes, there is more background in the pictures to play with. A new challenge.

I added some photos to my albums:



https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/members/118287-basrietkerk/albums/13943-...ure134524.html
   
New Member

Registered: December, 2019
Posts: 7

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: October 24, 2020 Recommended | Price: $380.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: great image quality, limited feel
Cons: lens cap can fall off easily
Sharpness: 10    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 9    Handling: 10    Value: 9    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K-5, K-S1, K-1   

I have been using this lens as standard focal length on APSC cameras since 2015. I am really impressed with the imaging performance. In my opinion, the colors and contrasts of this lens are really great and definitely better than the DA 35 2.4, which is not a bad lens. When focusing,especially in dark lightning conditions, it can get lost in the macro range. But with some practice this is not a big issue. It can even be used at FF, but only with restrictions.

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Custom User Title

Registered: January, 2016
Location: Alberta
Posts: 6,801

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: October 7, 2020 Recommended | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Characteristic - yet sharp - macro lens
Cons: noisy AF - HD version has rounded blades and better coatings
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 8    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K-70   

This lens combines the character of the Limited series along with the clinical sharpness and build quality of the * series.

I ended up selling my FA 35mm f/2 when I received this lens, since I only shoot APS-C, don't need the extra stoppage, and I shoot a decent amount of macro. No regrets, this lens performs amazingly!

The screw drive is pretty loud, especially if you let it rack through the entire range. But when you quickshift to near the focus and then let AF to the rest, the setup is efficient, quick, and accurate.

Love this lens!
   
Junior Member

Registered: August, 2019
Posts: 25

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: April 16, 2020 Recommended | Rating: N/A 

 
Pros:
Cons:
New or Used: New   

K10D
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6.
   
Forum Member

Registered: November, 2017
Posts: 50

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: December 22, 2019 Recommended | Price: $375.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Extremely sharp, solid
Cons: focus limiter
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 7    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K-3   

I have a lot of Pentax lenses, but this one quickly moved to the top of my list for close work, and especially for product photography (my main business). It's incredibly sharp, and wide enough to provide very nice depth of field (which means I need fewer images in my focus stacks). Sure, it has a wide throw, and a focus limiter would be nice (it does rack a bit on low contrast shots), but I almost always focus manually, so it doesn't matter that much for my work. A solid workhorse, and I simply cannot do my best work without having it in my kit.
   
Site Supporter

Registered: December, 2017
Posts: 286

4 users found this helpful
Review Date: December 17, 2019 Recommended | Price: $480.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharp, Color, 3D pop, close focus
Cons: None
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: Pentax K-1   

Yes, I do use this lens on the K-1 and bought it when I bought the K-1 for native plant macro photos. It is on the K-1 99% of the time. When shooting full frame, I do crop the corners a bit. The 1:1 macro distance from the front of the lens glass is 1 1/8 inch using the full frame size = 35mm focal length. More depth of field using full frame for macros.

I also use it for everyday photos, milky way photos, sunrise photos, etc.
   
Site Supporter

Registered: November, 2019
Posts: 250

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: December 4, 2019 Recommended | Price: $375.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharpness
Cons: None
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 8    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: KP   

Best lens by Pentax
   
Senior Member

Registered: April, 2008
Location: Westbrook, ME, USA
Posts: 288
Review Date: August 21, 2019 Recommended | Price: $250.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Very sharp without being clinical, nice colors out of the lens, great build, nice focus damping, build in hood
Cons: lens cap scratches very easily, long focus throw/hunting
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 6    Handling: 9    Value: 10    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: KP   

With a focus limiter this would be a perfect lens. But life is not perfect!

As it is, it's some of Pentax's finest work. It is very sharp, but avoids the sort of clinically sharp look of some macros. Nice bokeh, nice contrast from the usually good Pentax coatings. The focus damping is the best I've used outside of Takumar era lenses and the overall feel of the lenses build is super premium. The built in hood is sort of addictive to pull out, like cocking a tiny gun.

Autofocus is ok, but really hurt by the long focus throw considering that Pentax cameras like to hunt sometimes. I do NOT recommend using contrast detect AF with this lens, it's a huge pain.

This lens is an incredibly good match with the Pentax KP... I use it to shoot macros handheld with the KP's edge extract focus peaking on manual mode. I wish the lens cap didn't scratch so easily, mine looks like it has been in combat just from, I dunno, being in my empty pocket? Annoying.

Overall I'd say it's in the running for best walkaround prime lens for APS-C pentax. For me it's this or the 70mm.
   
New Member

Registered: April, 2015
Posts: 11
Review Date: July 5, 2019 Recommended | Price: $350.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Very sharp and multipurpose lens.
Cons: VERY noisy
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 1    Handling: 7    Value: 7    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K-30   

Good lens over-all, but a bit too noisy. 35mm f/2.8 is a strange combination as its not the best for portraits, and a bit too close for Macro work. For portraits, the 43mm f/1.9 might be much better, and for macro work several other lenses are more "convenient"; such as, Takumar 50mm f/4 Macro and D-FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro.
   
Senior Member

Registered: December, 2018
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Posts: 113
Review Date: May 21, 2019 Recommended | Price: $200.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Super sharp, compact
Cons: Noisy AF
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 9    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K3-II   

Wow... Difficult to put short but I'll try.

First it's a very sharp lens and also a very nice gp lens to have attached in your camera.
The built in hood is almos like a secret device, very welcome to have. Actually it's a must because almost every other macro of this type has the front element very recessed (like the old SMC 50/4 M).

My previous all pourpose lens was the 40mm DA Limited, but I prefer this 35mm.

The only con I can remeber is the very noisy AF.
   
Forum Member

Registered: June, 2014
Posts: 58
Review Date: June 13, 2018 Recommended | Price: $260.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharp! macro, small, light, great colours & contrast, low aberrations
Cons: No focus limiter
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 7    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K-S1   

I have a 35mm/F2.4 which is the main walkaround lens on my K-S1. It's a great little lens but with some drawbacks: it has long minimum focus distance, not very sharp edges and so-so bokeh. That is why I bought the 35mm/2.8 Macro Ltd. Wow, what an amazing lens, it blows the 35/2.4 out of the water! It is better in every respect, and the 1/2 stop difference is negligible.


This lens is a pixel peeper's nirvana – sharp corner-to-corner from wide open, has excellent contrast, colours, clarity and detail. Aberrations are low wide open and almost non-existent from F4 and up.


The macro capability is great for objects and flowers, obviously not good for live insects. The built-in hood is very convenient. It is heavier than the 35/2.4 but still very light for a macro lens. As all Limited lenses, the build quality is top notch.

The only drawback I can think of: due to long throw, the autofocus can be slow sometimes. A focus limiter would help.

Otherwise perfect lens, highly recommended!
   
Site Supporter

Registered: January, 2011
Location: 5th floor
Posts: 1,605

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: August 12, 2017 Recommended | Price: $495.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Size, built, sharpness, contrast, flexibility, value
Cons: What negatives
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 9    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K-7,3,1   

I don't know about you guys, but when all things - and when I say all thing I say all thing considered, I have been thinking more and more that this very lens could well be the best lens ever made.

I really don't care if it is a re-badge or whatever - it does not matter.

Sharpness is crazy. Reminiscent of Zeiss. If you are not getting the results, check your camera, or have you your lens checked. Although I don't think so, I suppose that is possible (to have a bad copy of this lens). Or neither there is something wrong with you. You should be able to get as sharp a result as anyone with almost any equipment.

Versatility is phenomenal. This can do it all. Not wide enough? Well, shoot pano and stitch them together. You will get amazing results.

Handling and manual focusing are as good as any lenses I have ever tried.

Sure, there are faster lenses at this focal length out there, I just cannot think of any lenses that comes this close to perfection.

AF is a bit to be desired. But this is not necessarily a knock not he lens itself. The screw drive is a old technology that wasn't very good. An update AF version of this lens ought to come out one day soon.

The only thing it is not for is 1:1 macro.

If I were to buy a Pentax APS-C today this is the lens I would get with it, unless of course you want to do 1:1.
   
New Member

Registered: May, 2017
Location: Kiev
Posts: 12

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: May 25, 2017 Not Recommended | Price: $270.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Metal constructive. Small size. Convenient built-in hood. Excellent sharpness. Convenience when used in manual mode.
Cons: Absence of waterproofness and dust protection.
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 8    Handling: 9    Value: 8    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K5   

The lens came to me. He perfectly photographs the subject photo, macro photos. You can shoot landscapes (and glue several photos of the landscape into a single panorama).
But for photographing people's portraits, as well as for reporting shooting, it is better to purchase other lenses. Although this lens can be shot in these genres of photography. But this lens was not created for this. And he does not show himself with the best of the parties. Here for objective shooting it in my opinion is ideal! And, although autofocus is not the fastest and accurate, if you learn to focus in manual mode, the photos will have excellent sharpness, contrast and color reproduction.
And yet, my advice to beginners to use this lens: do not try to maximize the opening of the aperture when shooting. You can miss with sharpness. Due to the fact that there will be too little depth of sharply depicted space.

I recommend this lens! But when I save a message, it automatically appears "no" instead of "yes." I can not fix it. I do not know what it is connected with.







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