Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens USA

  • Price: $539.95
  • B&H # PE3528MDA
  • Mfr# 21730

Product Highlights

  • For Pentax Digital SLRs
  • 1:1 Magnification

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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

SP Coating
SP (Super Protective) coating made of a special fluoride compound has been applied to the front surface of the new lens through the use of a unique evaporation process. As a result, the lens offers excellent water- and oil-repellant performance and makes for easier cleaning should the lens be accidentally smeared with fingerprints or cosmetics.
Close focus capability of 5.5" (13.9cm).
Quick-shift Focus System for instant switching from auto focus to manual focus.
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®

by PowerReviews
Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens
 
4.8

(based on 40 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (36)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (3)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

97%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Lightweight (32)
  • Easy to use (28)
  • Durable (27)
  • Reliable (27)
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (4)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Macro photography (32)
    • Everyday (24)
    • Travel (20)
    • Portraits (14)
    • Landscape photography (13)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Enthusiast (30), Semi-professional (5), Casual user (3)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (22), Yes (3)

    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.

    VS

    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.

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 40 customers

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    (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Fabulous Lens

    By Jim

    from Utah

    About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Durable
    • Easy To Use
    • Fast 28 F stop
    • Lightweight
    • Quick Focus
    • Reliable

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Everyday use
      • Home
      • Landscape Photography
      • Macro Photography
      • Portraits

      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.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Great lens for food photography

      By Riki of Three Squares

      from Los Angeles, CA

      About Me Getting Started

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Easy To Use
      • Reliable

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Macro Photography
        • Studio

        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.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        good macro lens

        By nanadoo

        from marion, va

        About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Durable
        • Easy To Use
        • Lightweight
        • Reliable

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Macro Photography

          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.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

          (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Worth it!

          By Benster

          from Orange County, CA

          About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Easy To Use
          • Lightweight
          • Reliable
          • Sharp

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Everyday use
            • Landscape Photography
            • Macro Photography
            • Traveling
            • Walk around

            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!

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

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            5.0

            SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series

            By alanjoke

            from Kansas City, MO

            About Me Casual user

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

              Cons

                Best Uses

                  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.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Better than I expected

                  By Pentax Lover

                  from Stillwater, OK

                  About Me Casual user

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Durable
                  • Easy To Use
                  • Lightweight
                  • Reliable

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Everyday use
                    • Macro Photography
                    • Portraits
                    • Traveling

                    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.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    4.0

                    Great lens with some limits

                    By dnab

                    from Wollongong, Australia

                    About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Durable
                    • Easy To Use
                    • Lightweight
                    • Quality build
                    • Sharp image

                    Cons

                    • Slowish autofocus

                    Best Uses

                    • Everyday use
                    • Home
                    • Landscape Photography
                    • Macro Photography
                    • Portraits
                    • Studio
                    • Traveling

                    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

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

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                    (0 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series

                    By Brett

                    from Boise, ID

                    About Me Casual user

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                          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!

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                           
                          5.0

                          Fantastic Lens!

                          By Chris Brinzo

                          from Chicago, IL

                          About Me Semi-Professional

                          Verified Reviewer

                          Pros

                          • Easy To Use
                          • Fast
                          • Lightweight
                          • Reliable

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Everyday use
                            • Macro Photography
                            • Portraits

                            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!

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                            (1 of 17 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            1.0

                            poor

                            By New Nikon Fan

                            from Northern Arizona

                            About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • None

                            Cons

                            • Not Durable
                            • Not Functional
                            • Poor Design

                            Best Uses

                            • Paper Weight

                            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.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            5.0

                            Sharp

                            By Leadfoot

                            from Oregon, USA

                            About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Excellent build quality
                            • Very sharp

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Landscape Photography
                              • Macro Photography
                              • Traveling

                              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.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

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                              (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              5.0

                              Excellent lens with limitations

                              By thehiker

                              from sacramento

                              About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Durable
                              • Easy To Use
                              • Lightweight
                              • Reliable
                              • versatile

                              Cons

                              • Doesn't do landscape well

                              Best Uses

                              • Everyday use
                              • Home
                              • Macro Photography
                              • Portraits
                              • Studio
                              • Traveling

                              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...

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • Yes

                              Share this review

                              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              5.0

                              Very Sharp... but not for landscapes

                              By C the traveler

                              from Sacramento, CA

                              About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                              Verified Reviewer

                              Pros

                              • Easy To Use
                              • Lightweight
                              • Reliable

                              Cons

                              • Not great at landscapes

                              Best Uses

                              • Macro Photography
                              • Portraits

                              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!

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • Yes

                              Share this review

                              (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              5.0

                              Solid

                              By Peter

                              from LA

                              About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Durable
                              • Lightweight

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Macro Photography

                                Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:

                                Well built metal construction.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Share this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                Pentax DA 35mm f2.8 macro limited lens

                                By ashaiflex1

                                from Gold Coast Australia

                                About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Durable
                                • Easy To Use
                                • Lightweight
                                • Reliable

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Everyday use
                                  • Home
                                  • Landscape Photography
                                  • Portraits
                                  • Studio
                                  • Traveling

                                  Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens:

                                  fantastic build quality and excellent colour rendition

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                   
                                  4.0

                                  Great Optics

                                  By Mickstar

                                  from Sparks, NV

                                  About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Durable
                                  • Opitics
                                  • Reliable

                                  Cons

                                  • Cap fits only lens hood

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Everyday use
                                  • Macro Photography

                                  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.

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Exceptional Lens

                                  By Ken the Cook

                                  from Northern VA

                                  About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Durable
                                  • Easy To Use
                                  • Lightweight

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                    • Indoor
                                    • Macro Photography

                                    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.

                                    • Was this a gift?:
                                    • Yes

                                    Share this review

                                     
                                    5.0

                                    Great Multi Use Lens

                                    By JoeP

                                    from Ambler PA

                                    About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                                    Verified Buyer

                                    Pros

                                    • Durable
                                    • Easy To Use
                                    • Lightweight
                                    • Reliable

                                    Cons

                                    • None

                                    Best Uses

                                    • Everyday use
                                    • Landscape Photography
                                    • Macro Photography
                                    • Traveling

                                    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.

                                    • Was this a gift?:
                                    • No

                                    Share this review

                                     
                                    5.0

                                    Wow.

                                    By MFR

                                    from Kansas

                                    About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                                    Pros

                                    • Durable
                                    • Easy To Use
                                    • Lightweight
                                    • Reliable

                                    Cons

                                      Best Uses

                                      • Everyday use
                                      • Home
                                      • Landscape Photography
                                      • Macro Photography
                                      • Portraits
                                      • Studio
                                      • Traveling

                                      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.

                                      • Was this a gift?:
                                      • No

                                      Share this review

                                       
                                      5.0

                                      Sensational Lens

                                      By MFR

                                      from Lawrence, KS

                                      About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      Pros

                                      • Easy To Use
                                      • Lightweight
                                      • Reliable

                                      Cons

                                        Best Uses

                                        • Macro Photography
                                        • Studio
                                        • Traveling

                                        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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                                        • No

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                                        What's in the Box

                                        Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus Lens
                                        • Dedicated Front & Rear Lens Caps
                                        • Soft Lens Case
                                        • 1-Year Warranty
                                         
                                         
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