Quick answer
A premium full-frame 50mm f/1.4 from Pentax's Star series. It has SDM autofocus, an all-weather build and weighs about 910 g.
Pros
- f/1.4 aperture
- SDM autofocus
- All-weather build
- Pentax HD coating
Cons
- Heavy at about 910 g
- Large for a 50mm
Verdict
A premium normal lens for Pentax full frame, especially for outdoor shooters.
About this lens
A 50mm f/1.4 fast standard prime lens, the Pentax HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW is designed for Pentax K mount bodies. The natural field of view suits street, documentary and everyday photography.
Pentax HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW specifications
- Brand
- Pentax
- Mount
- Pentax K
- Focal length
- 50mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/1.4
- Lens type
- Prime
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.4 m
- Filter thread
- 72 mm
- Weight
- 910 g
- Length
- 106 mm
- Diameter
- 80 mm
Specification source: wikidata.org
What can you shoot with the Pentax HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW?
- Portraits
- Low-light work
- Weather-exposed shooting
Its very wide maximum aperture suits low light and shallow depth of field with strong background blur.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 50mm | 39.6° | 46.8° |
| APS-C | 1.5x | 75mm | 27° | 32.2° |
Frequently asked questions
What does the star in D FA* mean?
It marks Pentax's Star series, its top-line professional lenses.
What filter size does it use?
It uses a 72mm thread. If your other lenses use a different size, step-up rings let you share filters.
How close can it focus?
Minimum focus is 0.4 m. That works for detail shots and small subjects, though it is not a dedicated macro unless stated.
Alternatives for Pentax K from other brands
All Pentax K lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.