Pentax SMC FA 31mm f/1.8 Limited

The Pentax SMC FA 31mm f/1.8 Limited ($1,299.95 direct) ?is a fast aperture lens that performs as a standard-angle prime when used on a Pentax APS-C D-SLR, as it delivers a 46.5mm equivalent field of view. This lens and the two others in the FA Limited series stand out from other current offerings from Pentax thanks to the presence of a large manual focus ring and all-metal build quality. And because the lens delivers fully manual aperture control, you can use it on any Pentax K-mount SLR camera?film and digital alike.

The lens itself is pretty big and heavy, due to its full-frame design and all-metal build. It measures 2.7 by 2.6 inches (HD) and weighs a hefty 12.2 ounces. The hood is built-in and the included felt-lined metal lens cap slides over it to protect the front element when not in use. It uses 58mm filters and uses an older screw-drive system for autofocus?so the lens is a bit slower and noisier when focusing than newer optics with silent internal focus motors.?

As there isn't a full-frame Pentax D-SLR at this time, the FA 31mm is more aptly compared to standard-angle lenses, even though it can act as a wide-angle lens on a 35mm body. As such, it's a tough sell in the value department. Nikon makes a DX 35mm f/1.8 lens that only covers the APS-C sensor, and although its build quality is not on the same level, it sells for just under $200. Pentax owners may find that the SMC DA 35mm F2.4 AL lens is a better fit?it's one f-stop slower, which means it can capture only half the light as the 31mm, but is priced at a mere $220 and is intended only for use with APS-C digital bodies.

There are a couple of full-frame digital platforms on which you can mount the FA 31mm (and other full-frame Pentax lenses like the FA 43mm Limited ). The easiest is with the yet-to-be-released Leica M camera, which features live view focusing for adapted lenses?you just need to buy a $40 adapter from Amazon?but that camera is set to sell for around $7,000. You can also adapt Pentax glass to Canon EOS bodies, so pairing the 31mm with a full-frame body is an option there, but you'll have to remove the aperture lever from the lens and shave off a sliver of the Canon's mirror?it's not a project for the faint of heart. Both solutions will require you to focus manually.

The lens is priced at a premium, but delivers performance to match. According to?Imatest, even at its widest f/1.8 aperture it scored 1,868 lines per picture height, which is a little bit better than the 1,800 lines required for a sharp image. Stopping down to f/2.8 increased the score to 3,015 lines, and it tops 3,200 lines at f/4, and approaches 3,400 by the time you hit f/5.6. This lens can grab a sharp photo at any aperture setting?so you can freely adjust the aperture to control depth of field without having to sacrifice image quality. It's a much, much better performer than the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM ?lens, a similar lens that is available for Pentax cameras, but doesn't cross the 1,800-line mark until f/4.

The FA 31mm has been on the market long enough that it generally sells for less than its $1,300 list price, but you should still expect to part with around $1,000. If you do make that purchase,?you will be anything but disappointed by the FA 31mm's optical performance?it has rightfully earned a reputation as a top-notch lens. But it suffers due to the lack of a full-frame digital Pentax body, and the screw-drive focus experience seems antiquated compared to newer lenses with focus motors. If you are still shooting film and want the best wide-angle for your Pentax system, the FA 31mm is it?but the majority of folks are now shooting digital, and will likely find that the $220 DA 35mm F2.4 AL to be an easier purchase to justify, even though it isn't viewed with the same level of reverance as the FA 31mm.

More Digital Camera Reviews:
??? Pentax SMC FA 31mm f/1.8 Limited
??? Pentax SMC FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited
??? Pentax K-5 II
??? Pentax K-5 IIs
??? Sony 10-18mm f/4 Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
?? more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ziffdavis/pcmag/~3/F4SFgYE9M3k/0,2817,2406224,00.asp

juliette lewis chelsea handler mitch daniels shirataki noodles john kerry prince fielder state of the union address 2012