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The SMC Pentax-FA f/1:2.0 35mm AL lens is quickly becoming my "normal" default lens on my dSLR body. For those familiar with the Pentax 50mm lenses (except for the 1.2 version), it is almost the same size. Only about a few millimeters longer to accommodate the included, snap-on hood mount. Construction quality is every bit as good as any FA prime and the optical quality is superior. It has been said that the optics of the FA35 are every bit as good as the FA31 Limited. Perhaps, but the relative prices of each lens makes the FA35 a bargain. The field-of-view, when mounted on a digital is very close to "normal" and is the lens that would be provided as the kit lens if we still lived in the days when they gave you a prime as a kit lens instead of a zoom. When you purchase a new FA35/2, you get a plastic sun hood in the box. It is the snap-on type common to lenses these days. It is a slightly petal shaped hood and snaps in such a way that rarely, if ever, will it accidentally come lose while in the field. You need not worry about losing a hood when you are out and about. The hood will mount in the reverse orientation for storage, and in fact need be before you can remove or replace the lens cap. The hood has the 'normal' Pentax snap-out cover that allows the use of a circular polarizer when the hood is mounted on the lens. The lens itself accommodates the traditional 49mm filter thread and has the FA snap-on lens cap. You can remove the lens hood with the lens cap in position. My only "negative" about this lens is not really a bad characteristic of this particular lens, but of FA lenses in general. That being the ability to manually focus the lens while the camera body is in autofocus mode. The DA lenses have this capability, and is most welcome for us old manual focus type of guys. To manual focus this lens, (or any FA series lens), when the camera is in autofocus mode, you will first have to switch the body from AF to MF. Very, very highly recommended! In fact, if you have any inclination to purchase one of these lenses, do so as soon as economically feasible. Who knows for how much longer FA primes will be available in the marketplace. As of today (early January of 2007) the FA35/2.0 is still available from multiple vendors. Six months from now, they may be as rare as the FA50/1.4 lens. Only rated an 8 because I reserve my 9 and 10 ratings for Limiteds, "*", and other exceptional or outstanding lenses. This one comes close...very close.Read full review
This lens is a lot of good things packed into a small package. 1. It's useful on both film and digital Pentax cameras. 2. At f2.0 it's a very fast lens. 3. I've found the AF to be very fast as well. The color rendering and image quality is outstanding. I'd read a lot about this lens before I bought it and so far the reviews are spot on. Given that Pentax also makes a DA 35 limited macro and a new DA 35, there are definitely choices at this focal length for Pentax shooters. For me, as I am shooting both digital and film, the FA 35 is a great choice and value. This is a keeper.
Pentax SMC FA 35 mm F/2.0 lens of this is my best. Combined with the camera Pentax K-P, make great photos. Aperture 2.0-2.8 turns a beautiful bokeh. The sharp at small apertures. He became my favorite lens on the camera and is 90% of the time taking pictures.Buy it and you'll be happy!
For apsc Pentaxians this is a must have since it is the closest focal lens to an equivalent fast 50mm, and it is the fastest in its category, the build is good and the ergonomics are alright. the hood is just perfect, helpful, secure and good looking overall.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I wanted to have a 50mm in a APS size camera and also that it have a great aperture. This lens covers it all with a good price. The only "bad" part is that it's diaphragm has only 6 blades. Besides that, It's a really nice lens and I recommend it for it's price/quality
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