Customer Reviews

Pentax SMCP-A 50mm f/2.0 Lens

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Brand new for $49 shipped, it is impossible to fault this lens for the absolute best bargain KA-mount MF lens. I bought it to use as a short telephoto with my Pentax *ist DS. At 80mm equivalent focal length, it is ideal for portraiture. I already have an SMCP-M 50mm f/1.4, which does work on the DS, albeit only in Manual mode and requires pushing the AE-L to take a exposure meter reading. I wanted an SMCP-A version for outdoor full-length portraits, where auto-exposure would be very helpful. I went with MF because I prefer the metal construction to the all-plastic AF versions. Besides, I like the ability to focus precisely on the model's eyes/nose that MF allows me.

In many ways, this lens is also a good alternative to buying the Pentax 40mm f/2.8 pancake lens. It isn't much longer dimensionally and is a full stop faster. When mounted on a DSLR, the 40mm pancake lens becomes an odd 64mm equivalent - too short for portraiture and too long to be considered "normal" lens.

Kudos to Pentax for still producing the SMCP-A 50mm f/2.

I'm an amateur photographer, so sorry if my technical specs are just babble to you. But this is such a great lens. The only downside is it's manual focus, but that's what you get with an older lens. It has SUCH an amazing DOF. It's perfect for portraits and creates bokeh.

well worth the money!

First, I must note that I picked one of these up off Amazon used for under $100.
At that price-point, it is a no=question purchase. The depth-of-field it gives you is worth every penny.
I have included a sample image (of a robot toy) to show the effect you can expect from this lens.

Being my first fully-manual lens, it took a bit of experimentation to nail the focusing.
Even now I will sometimes have to re-shoot a subject a few times to be sure it is as crisp as possible.
I do not mind though, as the few extra seconds are well worth it.

~Rusty

After only having this product for several hours, I have come to a conclusion about this lens: Simply amazing!

This being my first manual exclusive lens, I was skeptical if it could hold up next to more modern primes. While this lens certainly isn't for someone who has their camera on AF (or unwilling to venture into manual), it produces crisp images with pleasant and creamy bokeh. I was unsure about the "steal a deal" price; at only $60-100, I think anyone would. I was certain it would at least be a cesspool for fungi, a botanist dream! Instead it arrived very well packaged and even more beautiful without. I love the compact, almost pancake-like design. It's light, but sturdy. I feel like I could bring this lens hiking, it's really all-purpose.

The first few photos I took, I was thoroughly impressed. Even with a subject a foot away from the background, the bokeh is perfection! Everything is so sharp, moreso if you use a narrower aperture (f/ 3.2 suffices well). Reading initial (limited) reviews of this lens, many Pentax users turned their noses in the air to this lens. They labeled it soft, unappealing, old. I say, however, if you aren't dependent on automatic, you'll fall for this lens... For the price, you can't beat it! If you cannot justify spending $100 on an amazing lens then, well, you shouldn't have taken up a photography hobby.

Also, for those who are curious, many Canon users are using this lens on a reverse mount for macro. It yields remarkable results! So I venture to say this lens is for everyone.

I cannot wait to get my speedlight on my camera tomorrow and see what else I'm able to create!

Purchase this lens, you won't regret it.

I expected and got what I wanted. I am pleased with the lens for sure. an excellant purchase