Not compatible with "full-frame" (35mm size) cameras
The Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Lens is designed to be extremely compact and lightweight, compared to conventional macro lenses. Designed specifically for digital SLR cameras, this lens provides one-to-one magnification in a normal focal length. It provides a focal view equivalent to 52.5mm in 35mm format.
The 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited's elements have been treated with Pentax's acclaimed Super-Multi-Coating for maximum light transmission, sharp definition, and high contrast, while minimizing flare and ghost imaging. In addition, SP coating is used on the exterior element to protect the lens against water and grease. The high-grade aluminum construction of the lens barrel, hood and cap ensure maximum durability.
Note! Not compatible with "full-frame" (35mm size) cameras
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
35 mm Comparable APS-C Focal Length: 53.5 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.8 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Pentax K |
| Format Compatibility | Pentax Digital (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 44° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 5.4" (13.72 cm) |
| Magnification | 1x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:1 |
| Groups/Elements | 8/9 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 49 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.5 x 1.8" (6.35 x 4.57 cm) |
| Weight | 7.6 oz (215 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
A Future Legend
I have used Pentax equipment for 30 years. When I heard that they were coming out with a 35mm Macro Limited for their digital sensor cameras I wondered who would ever buy this lens.<...Read complete review
I have used Pentax equipment for 30 years. When I heard that they were coming out with a 35mm Macro Limited for their digital sensor cameras I wondered who would ever buy this lens.
However, the more I thought about it the more I was intrigued with the potential uses for this lens. Yes, it could be used for 1:1 macro, but to me the practicality for such utilization is not all that practrical...though it is doable. It is in the natural close focusing ability of the lens and its superior performance and optics that make it such a versitile lens.
The image field is flat and without distortions. Color is richly intense with outstanding saturation and excellent contrast. CA's do not appear to be present and certainly are not field relevent. The all metal barrel is impeccably built and modest in size. AF is exceptionally fast and accurate even without a limiter. Manual focus is true and the focusing ring is perfectly dampened. The pictures from this lens are among the finest I have ever seen produced from any lens by any manufacturer.
Owning all the FA and DA Limiteds, I have to rank this as perhaps the best lens in the Limted series so far. I do believe that this will be one of the lenses that becomes a legend in its own time. Absolutely first rate manufacturing.
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Most Liked Negative Review
poor
I got a bad one ... but then the last 5 pentax lenses I have purchased have been sub standard. [...] It would not focus on anything past about 10 inches away...Read complete review
I got a bad one ... but then the last 5 pentax lenses I have purchased have been sub standard. [...] It would not focus on anything past about 10 inches away (manual or Auto) and when on auto focus it ran from one end to the other with a horrible grinding noise. After a closer look I saw weird marks on the focusing ring. Pentax needs to re hire their quality control people at their Viet Namese lens factory. [...] I have made the switch from Pentax to Nikon and couldnt be happier with my new d7000 and a 50 1.8 that works like a dream.
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Reviewed by 40 customers
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
About 2 years ago I sold all of my Canon equipment and put the cash in the stock market. Getting back in, I have switched to the Pentax world and this lens is one of the key elements of that transition. I have been very impressed with the speed and clarity of my indoor photos - primarily family and friends in close settings. It is great for outdoor shots where the goal is to try and 'take it all in', which is very difficult along the Wasatch Front here in Utah. As a non-pro photographer this lens is everything I could want in a lens. I would be hard pressed to imagine how a lens like this could be improved for professional use.
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
I use the Pentax Macro lens for photographing food for publishing on a blog. It allows me to get up close with a precise focus that makes the food appetizing and eye-catching. I can't really criticize this lens. So far in my experience, it's excellent.
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
This pentax 35mm macro produces sharp images and clear, crisp colors. Well constructed and has not disappointed in my macro photography.
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
Great lens which doubles as a "normal" lens and a macro lens. Unless you are a total macro enthusiast looking for bugs this lens is enough. Otherwise go for the 100. This lens is great for walk around and occasional flower closeup or other detail. It is sharp!
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
Great lens, solid, fast, sharp.
Not just for macro use, you can use it for daily event.
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
Excellent build quality and color. It feels solid and the pictures are very sharp. Got it for only a week. A great, lightweight, inconspicuous and versatile walk-around lens, really like it, especially the macro capability.
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
I purchased for use as a macro lens with general purpose landscape and portrait applications. I was also looking for a durable walk around lens with superior image quality. As expected the image quality is top notch and the look and feel of this Pentax limited is outstanding (I even like the slip on metal lens cap!). Have been very pleased with its macro capability and also appears very fine for general landscape applications. As I'd read in reviews prior to purchase the auto focus is relatively slow, although the manual override can help... it is slow to find the target meaning fast moving objects mid view are more difficult to capture. So will still suit most of what I wanted (and what it promised) but maybe not quite the perfect walk about lens
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
I love this lens so much!! Nothing to say but just good. But it and you will not regret!
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
I've been using this lens for months now and It puts out every time. This lens is beautifully sharp and focuses almost as close as you could possibly want. I bought this lens for myself because of it's close focus and fast Aperture. Possibly my favorite lens in my bag!
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
I got a bad one ... but then the last 5 pentax lenses I have purchased have been sub standard. [...] It would not focus on anything past about 10 inches away (manual or Auto) and when on auto focus it ran from one end to the other with a horrible grinding noise. After a closer look I saw weird marks on the focusing ring. Pentax needs to re hire their quality control people at their Viet Namese lens factory. [...] I have made the switch from Pentax to Nikon and couldnt be happier with my new d7000 and a 50 1.8 that works like a dream.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
Best all around lens of the DA Ltd series, with a normal (50mm) perspective, and macro. For landscape and portraits, the lens throw is smaller than you would expect with a macro, so auto focusing is fast. The total lens throw is about 180 deg, but most of this is down at the macro end of the focus. It's a good 1 sec to auto focus from one end to the other, and it occasionally hunts for focus on a K-x.
The built in lens hood is very nice. Get a regular 49mm squeeze lens cap - it's more secure than the supplied slip on lens cap.
The lens is very sharp, right up there with the DA 40 and DA 70. Superb construction. The lens hood might be plastic, but the rest of the lens is a solid chunk of metal and glass.
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
This lens is excellent at what it is designed to do.. take macro and portrait (up close) shots. It is not designed for landscape and its autofocus is not very accurate for landscape shots. Overall I have had a lot of difficulty in getting landscapes into focus well... but you can always use manual focus if you have the time... I think this lens is really a gem though... it is a perfect walk around lens that allows you to take amazing macro shots and decent landscape shots...
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
This is a 5/5 for what it is.... A short macro that does up close portraits well... while the focal length is not ideal for portraits the close focus makes for wonderful artistic shots... there is no doubt that this lens does up close well... it does have resolution difficulty at distance and is not ideal for landscapes... but overall amazing lens!
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
Well built metal construction.
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
fantastic build quality and excellent colour rendition
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
Purchased as normal lens as I wanted a quality piece of glass in this focal length. In this case it works as expected. However, the macro function is way better than I expected. Quality is what you pay for and get. I rarely give anything a perfect score as nothing is perfect. In this case the focus mechanism is old school.
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
Amateur Photographer for 20 years. I really like this lens. It feels solid, the focus ring is easy to find and moves smoothly. Produces very sharp pictures. The 35mm focal length is good for taking general indoor pictures as well as close macro work. I had a ball with this lens taking pictures at Christmas & New Years parties.
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
Another great Pentax lens following in the smaller footprint prime line. The broad use, crispness and response of this unit puts it at the top of my Pentax lineup. The Macro capability is a huge benefit added to the focal length makes it a regular in the travil kit. It is capable of beautiful images.
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
I read about this lens and now believe every good word said about it. The color is astounding. No complaints. More than worth every dollar.
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
I bought this lens on the basis of reviews I read of it. It matches all my fairly high expectations of it. Whatever Pentax has done to make this lens capture colors the way it does, they should do every time to all their lenses. It is stunningly sensational. Worth every penny. Thank you Pentax!
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