Pentax SMCP-FA 35mm f/2.0 AL Lens with Case and Hood

by Pentax

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.6 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005ABC9
• Item model number: 22190
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 6, 2001

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Pentax SMCP-FA 35mm f2.0 AL lens comes with a protective case. This 35mm fixed focal length lens has a minimum focus distance of 1.0 feet, which lets you get quite close to your subject. It has a fully automatic diaphragm and a 63 degree angle of view. It can be used with all Pentax SLR cameras, but the AF system only works with a Pentax AF camera. At only 1.8 inches and weighing 6.9 ounces, the lens can be taken with you anywhere.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Superb All-arounder, October 21, 2002

By 

form and function (San Antonio, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pentax SMCP-FA 35mm f/2.0 AL Lens with Case and Hood (Electronics)

This is one sharp, fast prime lens with great color, contrast, and lovely bokeh (character of the out of focus areas).

I find the 35mm focal length to be far more versatile than the 50mm traditionally recommended to beginning photographers. It's wide enough to be useful for scenics, and still long enough for environmental and half length portraits. Pentax's SMCP-FA 35/2 AL is a super example of what the 35mm focal length can offer.

I've been using FA 35/2 for over two years and, despite having added another six primes (all very good, btw) to my 35mm kit, I still expect this lens to have the longest legs of all.

If you prefer the virtues of primes over the convenience of zooms, this is a prime you owe yourself some time with.

Enjoy.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must have" lens for Pentax DSLR, March 31, 2008

By 

6x9 "6x9" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pentax SMCP-FA 35mm f/2.0 AL Lens with Case and Hood (Electronics)

This is my favourite lens to complement my K10D and *ist DS I own. Although this lens is not as versatile as a zoom, the focal distance is just right for a vast majority of scenes. The outstanding image quality (sharpness, contrast & microcontrast, bokeh) and wide aperture make it perfectly suitable for various jobs - like portraits, paysage, nature and available light shots.
I like shooting with prime lenses, and if I have to take only one prime with me, in 80% of cases it is FA 35 f/2.0 AL.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Bargain Gem in Pentax's Lineup, July 24, 2008

By 

J. S. White (Midwest USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pentax SMCP-FA 35mm f/2.0 AL Lens with Case and Hood (Electronics)

While this lens may not be as 'sexy' as many in the Pentax Limited lineup, being from an older design for the 35mm Film cameras, it is still one of the sharpest lenses I've ever owned. This focal length (35mm) is a good approximation for a "normal" lens on the Pentax DSLRs due to the APSC sensors they use and their 1.53 multiplier - makes this one's effective focal length come in right around 53mm as compared with a full-frame sensor or film. It's a great walking around lens that's fast, versatile, and provides a perspective that is similar to that of the naked eye.

When you combine this fast, sharp, contrasty lens with the K20D's shake reduction and low light performance, you have an awesome combo for low-light candids. I've found that I can occasionally get tack-sharp pictures at speeds as slow as 1/8 and 1/4 - often enough, in fact, that it's worth trying the shots.

I just can't say enough good things about this lens - I would recommend it for anyone who likes the speed and contrast of prime lenses, or for any photography student ( being roughly equivalent to the standard 50mm lens that we all had on our K1000s :D ) , or for anyone who wants a versatile lens fast enough for low-light candid shots.