SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4

Conclusion

The FA 50mm F1.4 stands in a strange spot in the Pentax line-up. Until 2018, it had to be "the" full frame 50mm from Pentax, with all the expectations that come with such a role. Those shoes were, maybe, too large to be filled. After all, the FA 50mm could be compared with two much more recent lenses on APS-C (the DA 50mm F1.8 and DA* 55mm F1.4) and a number of third-party offerings on full frame, plus the FA 43mm Limited by stretching things a little.

Hoping that the FA 50mm F1.4 can act as a premium prime lens in 2019 is a mistake leading to certain disappointment. However, considering the lens for what it is changes the perspective and gives a more honest evaluation.

The lens is nicely assembled, like almost every Pentax lens in history. the plastic body is light, and does not suggest any cut corners. The aperture and focus rings are the weakest links here. Luckily the former isn't likely to be used by most photographers, and the second is perfectly usable, just narrow and lifeless. The general impression remains that of a quality product.

Like all FA lenses, the 50mm is compatible with every K-mount camera ever made thanks to its aperture ring. The lens uses the older screw-drive AF system which, in this case, produces a low level of noise thanks to the small weight of the lens. It is also fast, a pleasant surprise.

Optical performances are good, for the most part. Center sharpness is generally excellent, and the lens can be used wide open, albeit with lower expectations. Edges and corners consistently lag, but come closer to the center at medium apertures. APS-C users will be advantaged but not much. Sharpness drops quickly when moving away from the center.

Distortion is one of the lens' strong suit, it is kept under good control. Bokeh is another perk: creamy, with smooth transitions, it is particularly pleasing wide open. Contrast is also one of the FA 50mm's strong suit.

Vignetting on APS-C is visible, but not worrisome, wide open, and all but disappears by F2.8. On full frame, the story is different. Vignetting is strong and easily visible at F1.4, and does not stabilize until F4. Luckily it is easy to correct via post-processing.

Flare and ghosting are adequately but imperfectly controlled. In the center the lens doesn't show much in terms of ghosting or decreased contrast. With corner illumination, there are some discreet ghosts, made more obvious on APS-C thanks to the crop. CA, on the other hand, is easily visible at wider apertures. As is the case with sharpness, the APS-C crop doesn't yield much of an advantage: as soon as one moves away from the center, CA becomes visible. It is quite strong at wider apertures, and mostly disappears by F5.6 only.

In summary, the SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4 is a lens with many qualities, and a limited number of flaws. Even after several decades, it is still relevant and can be a useful tool in many photographers' bags.

Pros

• Good build quality in a small format
• Excellent center sharpness at most apertures
• Smooth and creamy bokeh
• Distortion almost absent
• Fast AF,  even with live view
• Low vignetting on APS-C
• Well-controlled flare and ghosting

Cons

• Strong vignetting on full frame
• CA present at wider and medium apertures
• Very soft corners and edges at wider apertures
• Optical performances drop quickly when moving away from the center

Pricing

The FA 50mm F1.4 demands a street price of $296.95 in March 2019.

Rating

Ratings are format-specific. Handling will be influenced by the lens dimensions and weight, in particular for smaller APS-C camera bodies.

APS-C

Full frame

Who is it For

50mm is a versatile focal length. There is no lack of options at or near this value. The FA 50mm F1.4 is well suited for full frame users interested in using a fast and relatively inexpensive lens. APS-C shooters will have to decide if the slightly higher price of the FA is worth it when comparing with the slightly slower aperture of the DA 50mm. Anyone looking for an inexpensive, compact prime with a fast aperture will enjoy using the FA 50mm F1.4.

The Bottom Line

At its current market price. the FA 50mm F1.4 is very well positioned in the Pentax lineup. It is more expensive than the DA 50mm F1.8, but also faster and full frame compatible. It demands a third of the price of the new D FA* 50mm F1.4, a better lens all around, and priced accordingly. It is approximately $200 less than the DA* 55mm F1.4, which is WR, has silent AF and performs better optically, but is also not officially full frame compatible.

Pentax users have long relied on the FA 50mm F1.4 with good success. Understanding its limitations, which are not so dramatic, and appreciating where it shines will grant users a rewarding image taking experience with a lens not yet ready to be retired.

Be sure to check the user reviews or post your own if you already own this lens.