PENTAX-FA 35mmF2AL

A very popular multi-purpose, wide-angle lens

The development of this lens was based on the smc PENTAX-FA 35mmF2AL — a very popular multi-purpose, wide-angle lens used on film-format SLR cameras — while conducting a thorough review of lens coatings.

The high-grade, multi-layer HD Coating has been applied to the optical elements to produce high-contrast images with edge-to-edge sharpness and free of flare and ghost images; the highly stain-repellent SP Coating has been applied to the front surface to improve the lens’s usability in outdoor locations. The exterior has been totally redesigned to match the design of latest PENTAX K-mount digital SLR models, while its compact, portable body makes it a perfect everyday-use lens.

Features / Specifications

HD Coating to enhance imaging power　

After a thorough review of the lens coatings applied to the popular smc PENTAX-FA35mm F2AL, PENTAX applied the latest HD Coating* to this lens. Compared to conventional multi-layer coatings, this high-performance, multi-layer coating reduces average reflectance and improves light transmittance to deliver extra-clear, high-contrast images free of flare and ghost images, even in demanding lighting conditions such as backlighting. * HD stands for High Definition.

【Backlighting tolerability comparison】

SP Coating

SP coating is a PENTAX-original special coating that provides superior performance in repelling water and oils. It is used on the front surface of the first high-performance lens for effective protection of the lens surface. This coating not only prevents adhesion of dust, water drops, oils, and other substances, but it also makes it easy to wipe off objects that adhere to the lens. 

Comparison of dirt adhesion (oil-based ink) A lens surface treated with SP Coating has a very smooth surface without the adhesion of the oil-based ink.	Comparison of wipe-off (oil-based ink)  A lens surface treated with SP Coating can be wiped clean more easily and completely, even after the ink has dried.

New exterior design to match latest digital SLR models

While retaining the overall size of the original smc PENTAX-FA 35mmF2AL, this lens features a totally new exterior design, similar to that of the latest DA- and D FA-series lenses. This new appearance makes this single-focus lens a perfect partner for latest K-series digital SLR models. Since this lens retains the aperture ring, it also accommodates many of the functions provided by film-format SLR cameras and older K-mount digital SLR models, making it possible to enjoy photography using a greater range of cameras.

Easy-to-use standard lens

When mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body, this lens provides a moderately wide 35mm angle of view with a full-frame model, or a standard 53.5mm angle of view with an APS-C-format model. Since it provides a natural perspective similar to that of the naked eye, it can be used as a multi-purpose standard lens in a wide range of applications, including snapshooting, scenic photography and portraiture. It also features a minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters.

Compact, portable design

Weighing approximately 193 grams and measuring a mere 44.5 millimeters in length, this lens has been designed to be extremely compact and highly portable for carefree photography at any location and on every occasion.

Hybrid aspherical optical elements

The lens incorporates hybrid aspherical optical elements to effectively compensate for various aberrations. Thanks to these elements, it delivers extra-clear, high-contrast images from the minimum focusing distance to infinity, and edge-to-edge sharpness even at open aperture.

【MTF Chart】

Geometric optics MTF (MTF calculated without referencing the effects of light diffraction phenomenon) (at F2.0)

Wave optical MTF (MTF calculated referencing the effects of light diffraction phenomenon) (at F2.0)

 Aperture: F4.0, Shutter speed: 1/500sec, Focal length: 35.0mm, White balance: Shade, ISO sensitivity: 100, Finishing touch/Custom image: Vibrant  Photo by Keita Sasaki

Aperture: F2.8, Shutter speed: 1/500sec, Focal length: 35.0mm, White balance: CTE, ISO sensitivity: 100, Finishing touch/Custom image: Vibrant  Photo by Keita Sasaki

Aperture: F5.6, Shutter speed: 1/80sec, Focal length: 35.0mm, White balance: Daylight, ISO sensitivity: 100, Finishing touch/Custom image: Landscape  Photo by Keita Sasaki

Knowing more about Pentax lenses: Lens glossary ... (Link)

Viewing images, taken with the HD PENTAX-FA35mmF2, following the Hashtag #pentax_fa35 on Instagram