HD PENTAX-FA 50mm F1.4 with High Definition - high performance coating for high contrast and sharp images.

This lens is based on the smc PENTAX-FA 50mmF1.4, which was introduced in 1991 as the standard lens for 35mm SLR cameras.
Due to its large aperture and distinctive image reproduction, which is different from today's lenses for digital cameras, it has become increasingly popular, especially in recent years.
The popularity of this lens, which is one of the best-selling Pentax lenses, prompted us to redesign it. On the one hand, we wanted to preserve the special image reproduction of the classic, on the other hand, we wanted to produce a modern lens that meets the current demands of photography. The result is two lenses, and depending on the photographer's task or creative orientation, he can decide which lens to choose.

The HD PENTAX-FA 50mmF1.4 is equipped with the latest, high-quality, multi-layer HD coating that ensures sharp, high-contrast images right to the edges. And although it has the same focal length and open aperture as the smc PENTAX-FA 50mmF1.4 Classic, the two lenses differ significantly.

Features / Specifications

HD Coating to enhance imaging performance

The lens incorporates the PENTAX-developed, multi-layer HD (High Definition) Coating. Compared with conventional multi-layer coatings, it improves light transmittance while reducing average reflectance in the visible ray spectrum. This means that it can deliver clear, well-defined images with minimal flare and ghost images, even under demanding lighting conditions such as backlighting.

Simulated ghost images in backlight*

smc PENTAX-FA 50mmF1.4	smc PENTAX-FA 50mmF1.4 Classic

* These images are captured at open aperture, and are simulated using the exclusive software.

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.

Distinctive image rendition

Thanks to its large F1.4 open aperture, this lens captures images with a very shallow depth of field. Its eight-blade diaphragm control mechanism produces a soft, natural bokeh (defocus) effect from open aperture to F2.8, and also minimizes the streaking effect of point light sources.

New exterior design

While retaining the dimensions of its base model — the smc PENTAX-FA50mm F1.4 — this lens features a totally new exterior design, similar to that of the latest DA and D FA series lenses. This makes it a perfect match for K-series digital SLR cameras.

Compatibility with older cameras

Thanks to the aperture ring installed on the lens body, and the coupling mechanism with the camera’s motor-driven, in-body AF system, this lens is designed to be fully compatible with older K-mount digital SLR cameras and film-format AF SLR cameras, allowing the photographer to retain all camera functions of these models.

【MTF Chart】

Geometric optics MTF (MTF calculated without referencing the effects of light diffraction phenomenon)

Wave optical MTF (MTF calculated referencing the effects of light diffraction phenomenon)

Since it is impossible to avoid light diffraction phenomenon on the actual lens, wave optical MTF is more realistic. However, geometric MTF is appropriate if you want to compare only the effects of geometric aberration correction on MTF.

Sample Images

Aperture: F2.8, Shutter speed: 1/4000sec, Exposure compensation: 0EV, Focal length: 50mm, White balance: Auto, ISO sensitivity: 400, Finishing touch/Custom image: Bright, Captured by PENTAX K-1 Mark II

Aperture: F2.8, Shutter speed: 1/125sec, Exposure compensation: 0EV, Focal length: 50mm, White balance: Daylight, ISO sensitivity: 100, Finishing touch/Custom image: Bright, Captured by PENTAX K-1 Mark II

Aperture: F2.0, Shutter speed: 1/125sec, Exposure compensation: 0EV, Focal length: 50mm, White balance: Daylight, ISO sensitivity: 100, Finishing touch/Custom image: Bright, Captured by PENTAX K-1 Mark II

Aperture: F5.6, Shutter speed: 1/320sec, Exposure compensation: 0EV, Focal length: 50mm, White balance: Daylight, ISO sensitivity: 100, Finishing touch/Custom image: Bright, Captured by PENTAX K-1 Mark II

Aperture: F5.6, Shutter speed: 1/1250sec, Exposure compensation: 0EV, Focal length: 50mm, White balance: Auto, ISO sensitivity: 200, Finishing touch/Custom image: Bright, Captured by PENTAX K-1 Mark II