Pentax updates one of their most popular focal lengths

Pentax HD FA 50mm F/1.4

The 50mm lens is probably one of the most popular focal lengths among photographers as it can be used for anything from portraits to landscape photography.

Pentax recently announced several exciting products such as a monochrome Pentax K-3 III and the development of new analogue cameras and is today presenting not one but two new compact 50mm lenses designed for full-frame!

The popularity of this lens, which is one of the best-selling Pentax lenses, prompted Pentax to redesign it. One lens that preserves the special image reproduction of the classic lens, and another to produce a modern lens that meets the current requirements in photography - depending on the task or creative orientation of the photographer. Both lenses have the same focal length and aperture but are designed to deliver distinctly different image renditions.

• Pentax HD FA 50mm F/1.4 is a compact and lightweight lens designed with the latest, high-quality, multi-layer HD coating to ensure high-contrast images with edge-to-edge sharpness. The lens produces minimal flare and ghosting, even in challenging lighting conditions such as backlighting. The exterior of the lens design matches the current DA, D FA series lenses.

• Pentax FA SMC 50mm F/1.4 Classic is designed to produce a classic unique image reproduction similar to that of a lens developed 50 years ago. Through deliberate fine-tuning of the lens construction, this lens has been designed to produce a unique visual effect commonly known as "Rainbow Flare" when shooting with an open aperture and strong backlight. If stopped down over F/2, the rainbow flare disappears. The exterior of the lens has a matte black surface and a matte black focus ring. It has no green ring to emphasise the nostalgic look of the lens from the film SLR era.

Both lenses have an optical construction that consists of 7 elements in 6 groups. The diaphragm design of the lenses consists of eight blades, and between F/1.4 and F/2.8 it provides a soft, natural round bokeh while also minimizing the fringing effect of punctual light sources. Both lenses also feature Pentax SP coating that repels water, dust and stains.

Shipping and pricing

Both lenses will start to ship in June 2023

Pentax FA SMC 50mm F/1.4 Classic EUR 519;-

Pentax HD FA 50mm F/1.4 EUR 469;-

For further information, please contact Karsten.rath@focusnordic.com

Key specifications

• Compact design
• Versatile focal length
• Two lenses depending on the task or creative orientation of the photographer.
• Both lenses have Pentax SP coating
• Both lenses produce a soft, natural round bokeh
• 50MM F/1.4 Classic produce a more classic vintage look