Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 Review

Image Quality: Flare

Lens flare is a fact of life and it can often show up on your pictures unexpectedly. The Pentax DA* 55mm is designed with an Aero Bright coating on internal elements and offers ultra-high refraction index to reduce ghosting and flare. The lens is also recessed about one inch when it is focused at infinity which also shields the front element. Generally the more elements a lens has the greater the chance of unwanted flare. Flare is generally caused by bright light just outside the image area. The best defense for lens flare is to use those handy lens hoods that are shipped with the lens. The Pentax DA* 55mm includes a lens hood; however we did not use it on this test. For this flare test, we placed the sun just outside the view image and worked to create flare in the image.

Pentax DA*55mm flare sample

Verdict

The DA* 55mm did remarkably well, considering that we were attempting to induce flare. There is visible flaring in the upper right corner, which affects the rest of the picture as well. Truthfully, if we had used the included lens hood, it might have eliminated the flare entirely. The best way to avoid lens flare from ruining your pictures is to remember: that if you have to shield your eyes from a source, then it would be wise to shield the lens as well.


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