Comments on: Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited User Review

By: Andrew

Andrew — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:34:10 +0000

Okay, so my Pentax dream rig has been finalized (in my head): K7 + 31mm f/1.8 + 77mm f/1.8 + 15mm f/4 and the 35mm f/2.8. Can I justify this setup? Surprisingly, I can. A complete photographic kit should have four types of lenses: normal, tele, wide, and macro. And that’s that.

By: brecklundin

brecklundin — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:03:36 +0000

D’oh!! never even thought of this as my other macro lenses had always seemed to work as if the MFD was measured from the end element not the focal plane…then again, I never bothered to measure. Hmmm, I wonder of my Sigma 180mm was indeed the indicated 18″ or not, sure behaved as if it was especially as the lens itself is 7″ and I know I had to be more than 9″ (allowing 2″ for the lens to focal plane distance) from the subject to get in focus 1:1. Weird, then again nothing surprises me anymore. hahaha…

So, thanks a BUNCH for the quick answer…I have always assumed in the case of a macro the measurement was an exception to the ‘from the focal plane’ rule for MFD. Obviously I was wrong in the assumption. Oops!!

Still I opted for the 35mm macro specifically for product shots rather than general macro use so as you mentioned, the perspective is going to be a lot more realistic. And really getting a couple inches closer, I mean who cares when the MFD is already only 5″ or so…I once reversed a 24-60mm on the end of my 180mm and got the distance down to under 1/2″ for 7.5:1 (180/24 = 7.5)….now THAT was insane, but fun!! hahahaha…

By: Robert

Robert — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:00:42 +0000

brecklundin-
The MFD is where 1:1 magnification is achieved with the DA 35mm Macro. Keep in mind that the focal distance is measured from the film/sensor plane. At MFD the lens extends to almost double its regular length. That ends up putting the MFD to just an inch or so in front of the lens as shown in my images above. Also, I believe that Pentax might have been a bit conservative in the MFD specification, though I did not test it specifically.

Enjoy your new lens. I know you will!

By: brecklundin

brecklundin — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:17:35 +0000

Nice review, especially from a real world use perspective. I love that you looked at it for product shooting. That is the primary reason I ordered this lens. I will certainly give it all the work it can handle.

I do have on question, your setup indicates that one must be closer that the MFD in order to get 1:1 magnification. The published MFD is a 5.47″ (13.9cm). So, how can you have to be so close to focus at 1:1? Every other macro lens I ever used or owned the MFD was also the distance to obtain 1:1 magnification. It’s nothing to do with the 1.5x crop right?

http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1170/cat/45 {mfg specs for lens)

No matter, mine hits the porch at anywhere from 4PM-5PM Monday…can’t wait!! Thanks again for a very impartial set of observations.

By: Robert S. Donovan

Robert S. Donovan — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 02:17:51 +0000

Michal- While the FA 50 f/1.4 is a nice lens, I bought an FA 35mm f/2 AL. It’s a better all around lens for me.

By: Michal

Michal — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:52:26 +0000

So would you trade a SMC-FA 50mm 1.4 to SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8? ;-) I mean you tested them both, what would you do?

By: Robin Parmar

Robin Parmar — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 21:42:55 +0000

Not a bad assessment. I have one that I think will be permanently mounted on my K100D Super in “P” mode, because it provides close to a normal view and a lot of versatility that the whole family can use (auto-focus and auto-aperture, unlike a lot of lenses I use on my K20D). The only downside is that it is impossible to manual focus, especially near infinity. I would also prefer it to be faster (f/2) and wider (28mm). But for the lens it is, it is excellent.

Absolutely the perfect flower lens!

By: Stefan Carey

Stefan Carey — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:19:37 +0000

Inspirational stuff, thanks