Pentax SMC DA* 55mm f/1.4 SDM Prime Standard Lens w/ Case for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras

by Pentax

• The smc PENTAX DA Star 55mm F1.4 SDM is a prime standard lens that is ideal for portrait, still-life, or low light photography.
• Its fast F1.4 aperture offers outstanding depth of field control, and its rounded diaphragm blades create a more circular aperture for smooth, beautiful bokeh at large aperture settings.
• Adding the PENTAX Aero Bright coating on internal lens elements offers ultra high refraction index for improved light transmission with minimal ghosting and flaring
• The tightly sealed, weather-resistant and dust-resistant construction enhances durability for use in both rainy and dusty conditions, making the DA Star 55mm F1.4 SDM lens a perfect companion for the weather-resistant PENTAX DSLR bodies.
• The PENTAX-original Quick-Shift Focus System allows instant switching from autofocus to manual focus operation.

Product Details

• Item Weight: 13.3 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001GAPHRE
• Item model number: 55mm
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 22, 2008

Product Description

Amazon.com

Boasting such features as super-low-dispersion optical elements, extra-low-dispersion (ED) optical elements, and Pentax original lens coatings, the Pentax DA* 55mm f/1.4 lens delivers crisp high-contrast images even at the edges. The lens is outfitted with a water- and dust-resistant seal for reliable operation in inclement conditions, along with a Pentax Quick-Shift Focus system that allows you to instantly switch between auto and manual focus. The objective lens surface, meanwhile, is treated with Pentax original (Super Protect) SP coating, a special fluorine compound that's applied through a vapor-deposition process to create a surface that effectively repels dust, water, and grease. The combination of special lens coatings, ideal curvature, and superior positioning of optical elements optimizes a host of digital imaging characteristics while effectively minimizing flare and ghosting. Other features include an Aero Bright coating for maximum light transmission, rounded diaphragm blades that create a more circular aperture, a fast f/1.4 aperture for outstanding depth-of-field control, and a 1.48-foot minimum focusing distance. An ideal lens for portraits, still life, or low-light photography, this Pentax 55mm lens carries a one-year warranty.

Specifications

• Focal length: 55mm
• Maximum aperture: f/1.4
• Minimum aperture: f/22
• Lens construction: 9 elements in 8 groups
• Angle of view: 28.6 degrees (with Pentax DSLR)
• Number of diaphragm blades: 9 (rounded)
• Minimum focusing distance: 1.48 feet
• Maximum magnification: 0.173x
• Filter diameter: 58mm
• Diaphragm control: Fully automatic
• Hood: PH-RBH
• Mount: Pentax
• Objective cap: O-LC58
• Case: S90-100
• Dimensions: 2.8 inches in diameter and 2.6 inches long
• Weight: 13.2 ounces
• Warranty: 1 year

Product Description

The smc PENTAX DA Star 55mm F1.4 SDM is a prime standard lens that is ideal for portrait, still-life, or low light photography. Its fast F1.4 aperture offers outstanding depth of field control, and its rounded diaphragm blades create a more circular aperture for smooth, beautiful bokeh at large aperture settings. Adding the PENTAX Aero Bright coating on internal lens elements offers ultra high refraction index for improved light transmission with minimal ghosting and flaring The tightly sealed, weather-resistant and dust-resistant construction enhances durability for use in both rainy and dusty conditions, making the DA Star 55mm F1.4 SDM lens a perfect companion for the weather-resistant PENTAX DSLR bodies. The PENTAX-original Quick-Shift Focus System allows instant switching from autofocus to manual focus operation. The PENTAX-original SP (Super Protect) coating repels dust, water and grease to keep your lens clean and your image quality at its peak. ring. The SDM focus system incorporated in this lens results in a smoother, quieter autofocusing operation using a built-in supersonic motor. The focal length is equivalent to 84.5mm in the 35mm format. Developed specifically for PENTAX digital SLR cameras.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Pentax 55mm Prime August 10, 2010

By Nathan

Amazon Verified Purchase

I am a pro-amateur photographer and this is the first prime lens I've ever purchased. I currently own an all-Pentax system, including a K200D body with all the other SMC DA* lenses except the 200mm. My intention in buying the 55mm was to have a razor-sharp lens for candid and formal portrait photography. I've shot close to a hundred pictures with this wonderful lens over the course of the past couple of weeks, and it's ability to capture images in low light is awesome at f/1.4, but not quite as sharp as when set to f/2.0. It has marvelously creamy bokeh in the low f-stop range, including a truly magical ability to capture shading and colors not perceived by the human eye. Although I really love this lens, it probably gets a little less time on my camera than others, due to the fact that I still like the flexibility of zooms (the SMC DA* 50-135mm being a magnificent example!)

I highly recommend this for anyone wanting to experience the minimalist pleasures of a prime lens. That is, if you're willing to shell out for the SMC DA's amazingly quiet motor and superior build quality as compared with it's less glamorous brother, the 50mm f/1.4. Believe me, after trying both, the SMC DA* is worth the expense, and it capably delivers absolutely gorgeous image quality in the right hands. Five stars all the way, and kudos to Pentax.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Portrait Lens February 8, 2011

By V. Waldron

The DA *55 is the sharpest lens that I have shot and that is saying a lot. I have used a variety of lenses, including the limited lens from Pentax, as well as the DA *zooms and the FA 50 f1.4.

This lens is designed to be a portrait lens and to take the place of the FA *85mm f1.4 lens. It is designed, as are all of the DA * lenses, with an in lens motor and with weather sealing. There is no aperture ring. Construction feels solid. This is a fairly heavy lens, compared to the DA limiteds and the FA 50mm f1.4.

The image quality is excellent. Very sharp from f2 on and reasonably sharp at f1.4. This is a significant difference from the FA 50, which I always felt was relatively soft up till about f2.8. Bokeh is a little busy wide open, but seems to get very nice from f2 on. Out of focus highlights are all circular, with no hexagons or octagons. Lens is very flare resistant, with or with out the lens hood.

Auto focus is the biggest weakness of this lens. It has a very long focus throw and often takes awhile to get where it is going. I don't mind it in portrait situations, but certainly this is not a lens that would work well for sporting events.

The weather sealing works well. I have used the lens in a variety of out doors situations, most recently skiing without any problems.

The Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 Lens is a very nice lens, smaller, lighter and quite a bit cheaper. However I would recommend the DA *55 over it for those who want (a) to be able to shoot f1.4 without losing a lot of sharpness, (b) for those who need quieter auto focus than screw drive allows, and (c) for those who need weather sealing.

Edit: Just a little up date. I have been using this lens for a year and a half and love it even more than when I first acquired it. Its sweet spot is f2 to f2.8. SDM has not been an issue. Focal length is just perfect for portraiture on APS-C. After this length of time, I would give it six stars if I could!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars So quiet!! June 3, 2010

By C. Fine

Amazon Verified Purchase

I was blown away by how incredibly quiet the motor of this lens is. Of course, I am a Pentax fan and love their products. This one is no exception. The depth of field range is outstanding. Finally, a lens that will allow me to explore the endless possibilities of depth of field. There is an incredible difference between the standard 5.6 f-stop commonly offered on a standard lens and 1.4 that this lens offers. Well worth the price.