After a short spring-to-summer release delay, you can now get your hands on the new HD PENTAX-D FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW Lens from Ricoh Imaging. First announced at the 2017 Photo Plus Expo, this highly anticipated Star series flagship lens promised a large aperture for greater light transmission and the ability to withstand a variety of shooting and weather conditions. Does it live up to the hype? The proof is in the picture.
Constructed with 15 elements in 9 groups and a full aperture range from f/1.4 to f/16, the lens optics provide a clear, bright image. When using any aperture setting up to f/2.8, the lens's 9-blade, rounded diaphragm produces soft, natural bokeh that will delight a photographer's eye and make your portraits pop. To prevent flare and visible ray spectrum reflectance or even image ghosting, which can occur in complex lighting situations, a nanotech Aero Bright Coating II has been applied to the lens, as well as multiple layers of the already effective high-grade HD coating.
In addition to its K-mount (KAF4) compatibility, the 50mm can also be used with Pentax APS-C format DSLR cameras, where it provides the equivalent of a 76.5mm focal length. Ricoh has even updated the minimum focus distance to 1.3' (40cm), which is 12% closer than the legacy Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 lens, making it a great choice for sharp, dramatic close-ups.
At first glance, the 50mm has a noticeably larger barrel than previous Pentax 50mm smc lenses and weighs about 2 lb, but within that barrel is where the real differences lie. The AW means the lens is an All Weather model and sports eight specially designed seals to keep the lens waterproof and dustproof. But that's not the only protection on this lens. The front glass is coated with a Super Protect (SP) coating that repels grease and water, to keep fingerprints and raindrops out of your images. Also updated is the Pentax ultrasonic ring-type motor SDM (Supersonic Drive Motor), which generates nearly twice the torque of a conventional lens motor and makes shifting the heavy rear lens elements as smooth as butter and silent as a smile.
On the outside, the lens sports a Quick-Shift system that allows you to switch from auto to manual focus when you need more control during a shoot. Pentax also provides front center-pinch and rear lens caps, a tulip-shaped lens hood to block unwanted light and protect the glass, and a sturdy case to store and protect everything. With the wider, brighter aperture and new control and weather-protection features, pairing this 50mm with a weatherproof AW Pentax SLR is a gift to all-weather photography.
Do the lens features and pricing meet your expectations? How will you use this lens and its all-weather design? Let us know in the Comments section, below.
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