Which focal lengths do Pentax excel at?

LennyBloke · 2014-03-10T12:40:28+0000

A comment in another thread sparked my thoughts for this post, which focal lengths do you think Pentax excels in producing? My collection has always had at least one 35, 85 and 300 - I think these are their 3 consistently excellent focal lengths - obviously some are slightly weaker than others but for me these are their key strengths :) 35mm: The K35/3.5 is incredibly sharp and has a stunning reputation. The A35/2.0 was always with my LX kit. The FA35/2.0 gets many great reviews and a one point was extremely good value for a fast 35. The DA35/2.8 Macro Ltd is probably my best 'all-rounder'. 85mm: The FA*85/1.4 is my favourite portrait lens ever. The A*85/1.4 is regarded as the best portrait lens produced by many. The K85/1.8 still holds it's head high (after 40ish years) with IQ and Bokeh. The M85/2.0 was my favourite portrait lens in the film days (although I'm not so keen on digital). 300mm: The K300 is probably the weakest they produced? Every 300mm since has been absolutely top quality and build - the A&M *'s were an incredible design and quality in their time (and still hold up well today). The F*, FA* and DA* are simply top-notch, and the 2.8 versions are still very sought after. Thanks for indulging my five minutes of nostalgia - what are your thoughts?

Lenses for Pentax CamerasLenses for Pentax Ca...

Add Comment

Offertonhatte... Offertonhatter

1172 posts
17 years
UK

Posted 12/03/2014 - 22:47 Link

DrOrloff wrote:
Nobody else makes a 43mm, a 31mm or 77mm prime quite like Pentax.

Nobody else makes a 43, 31 and 77 but Pentax.....
Sorry, could not resist.

In all seriousness, Pentax do have a profound ability to make a stunning 55mm.

Some Cameras