Why you should buy a Pentax DSLR and the K-7
Let me start by talking about the word “fanboy” utilized on many forums on the internet but mainly on RiceHigh’s blog. Calling someone a fanboy of any brand is an insult because it implies that someone is so entranced into a particular brand that he or she cannot think clearly. It suggests that one would not even acknowledge that other brands do exist and that other DSLRs may have some more advanced features or image quality.
It is unfortunate that RiceHigh seems to attract his audience with negativism. We have enough bad news in the world we live in; there is no need to create more. All DSLRs manufactured today are marvels of engineering. They are all good although some are more apt to excel in a type of photography or style more than other DSLRs. As an example, it’s a known fact that a Nikon D3X is better than any of the Pentax line for Sport photography as the frame rate per second is very high and the AF system is several notch above the rest…but it cost in the neighborhood of $7,000.00 body only. Canons were the first, I believe, to fully utilize the attributes of the full frame CMOS technology. Olympus has a great rotating LCD monitor that makes me envious, but I personally don’t like the idea of the four third sensors. Sony has…I actually don’t know what they have except for the name and the money. But of course, all of the above statements are my opinion only. I repeat again…All DSLRs manufactured today are marvels of engineering.
So why did I chose Pentax over any of the other brands? After comparing all camera prices versus features, Pentax undeniably is at the top for the best value for the money.
Yes, you have the pixel peepers like RiceHigh that expect an image shot at 3200 ISO, and then cropped to 100%, to have excellent IQ with no noise. It is true that the $5,000.00 DSLRs have less noise at high ISO. Are those ISO 1600 or 3200 shots something that a photographer would use everyday or is it a feature used rarely? You know a tripod will do wonders for night photography and so will a good flash.
That brings me to the ten reasons you should own a Pentax DSLR:
1. Your friends have Pentax DSLRs and that gives you a chance to borrow their lenses.
Compact, magnesium alloy body One of the smallest DSLRs in its class, the K-7’s compact, magnesium alloy body lets you travel light while still maintaining durability and build quality.14.6 megapixels The redesigned 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor offers improved noise control, four channel output for faster image capture and movie capture capabilities. Plus the new sensor offers the ideal combination of resolution and file size, allowing for large (poster size and larger) prints and cropping flexibility. 3 inch LCD The 3 inch LCD with 921,000 dot resolution is perfect for detailed image or movie capture and review and is ideal for the Live View function. Weather, dust and cold resistant The K-7 is weather, dust and cold resistant (to 14° F or -10° C), making it ideal for use in any environment. New PRIME II Image processing engine Fast 5.2 frame-per-second shooting with the powerful new PRIME II Image processing engine, which features fast circuitry and low noise image processing. Ideal for sporting events or any fast-action situation. High top shutter speedA top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec freezes even the fastest action and gives creative control over apertures in well-lit settings. New 77-segment metering system A new 77-segment metering system quickly and accurately determines exposure, even in the most complex and dynamic lighting situations. Live View mode Live View mode, with contrast AF, Face Detection, and optional histogram, grid, and bright/dark area display, allows you to quickly compose your images without having to position your eye against the viewfinder. 100% field-of-view viewfinder A 100% field-of-view viewfinder (with 0.92X magnification) and bright focusing screens are ideal for accurate image composition and focus. HD Movie Capture Widescreen HD Movie Capture features adjustable quality settings and aperture control, as well as Shake Reduction, and an external microphone terminal for recording stereo sound. High resolution playbackHDMI port with selectable output resolution (1080i, 720p, 480p, and auto) offers high resolution playback of images and video on high definition TVs. Multiple exposure settings Multiple exposure settings, including Green, Program, Sv, Tv, Av, TAv, M, Bulb, X-sync, Movie and USER modes, provide extensive creative control over the exposure for photographers of all experience levels. Faster, more responsive AFThe PENTAX 11-point autofocus system features improved focus algorithms over previous-generation K-series DSLR cameras, providing faster, more responsive AF. A dedicated AF-assist lamp further improves autofocus response and accuracy in low light conditions. Shake Reduction system The PENTAX-original Shake Reduction system now compensates for rotational sensor movement, improving the sharpness of your images at the moment of capture. Dust-free image captureThe K-7’s Dust Reduction system, improved over previous K-series cameras, features a piezo-ceramic vibration action to the sensor’s low-pass filter for dust-free image capture. Advanced white balance settingsAdvanced white balance settings include highly customizable white balance fine tuning, color temperature adjustment, and post image capture manual white balance selection for perfect pictures, even in the most difficult lighting. Extended battery lifeNew high capacity battery offers considerably longer life. Ideal for travel photography or video work. Electronic level functionElectronic level function ensures your pictures have level horizons, minimizing post-capture editing. Advanced image capture settingsAdvanced image capture settings, digital filters, and aspect ratio provide outstanding flexibility and creativity while minimizing the need for computer image manipulation. Custom Image modesCustom Image modes with advanced parameter settings including new Key adjustment, allow you to customize your processing mode to your creative style. Dynamic Range settingA Dynamic Range function with highlight and adjustable shadow correction brings out hidden or lost details in both highlights and shadows, even in the most contrasted dynamic lighting. Lens Correction functionA Lens Correction function adjusts for Distortion and Lateral Chromatic Aberrations, allowing you to maximize your image quality for every digital lens.* * Compatible with D FA, DA, DA Limited and DA Star lenses. Distortion correction is not applied to the DA 10-17mm Fisheye lens. Dedicated PC socketDedicated PC socket for studio flash offers convenience for the studio photographer without adding hotshoe adapters. Mirror Lock-up functionA dedicated Mirror Lock-up function eliminates image blur due to mirror movement during long exposures. HDR image capture mode An HDR image capture mode blends three separate image exposures to widen the exposure gamut, bringing out detail in all exposure areas of your images. Creative special effectsAdvanced capture options include multi exposure and interval shooting for creative special effects and time-lapse photography. Composition adjustment featureA composition adjustment feature allows you to make minor adjustments to the composition of your image using the Shake Reduction mechanism, without having to physically move the camera. Ideal for tripod use or macro photography. Embedded copyright featureProgrammable embedded copyright information preserves artistic integrity and image ownership during image capture. Quick-glance overviewRear LCD Status Screen displays exposure and setting information for a quick-glance overview and modification of image parameters. RAW file compatibilityPENTAX RAW or Adobe DNG file selection offers RAW file compatibility with industry standard image editing software. Dedicated RAW buttonA dedicated RAW button allows easy situational switching between RAW and JPG file formats without having to access camera file format menu settings. Custom file name selectionCustom file name selection lets you tailor your image file names to your shooting needs. Unparalleled customizationAdvanced Custom Function settings offer unparalleled customizability, allowing you to adapt the camera to your shooting style, not vice-versa.
Thank you for reading and don’t take offense at my post, If I had the money, I would own one of each DSLR from every company and all of the lenses.
Yvon Bourque
Amazing Pentax K-7 is here – preview
So here we have the K-7, Pentax’s latest enthusiast/semi-pro level DSLR. And a handsome creature it is, too – gone is the K20D’s slightly pudgy utilitarianism, to be replaced by a sleek, pared-down elegance. But it’s not just on the outside that things have changed: although the megapixel count remains the same, just about everything that matters has been replaced, revised or spruced-up.
Its spec isn’t quite what the rumors might have suggested, but it still manages to look an awful lot like the wish-list of most enthusiast photographers (though one based in reality, rather than the increasingly surreal suggestions being churned out by the rumor mill).
The headline changes:
- 720p/1080i HD video recording
- Smaller magnesium/steel alloy body
- Revised viewfinder (less magnified but with greater coverage)
- Updated sensor with four-channel readout
- 3.0″ VGA (920,000 dot) LCD
- New shutter mechanism with 1/8000th shutter speed
- Faster continuous shooting (up to 5.2 fps)
- 77 segment exposure metering sensor
- Revised autofocus algorithms
- AF illumination lamp
- New dust removal system
- HDMI output
And that’s just the big stuff. The implications of some of these changes are almost as significant as their obvious effects – as well as allowing faster frame rates and video, the reworked, four-channel sensor promises to generate less noise than the version used in the K20D. There are also lots of more subtle additions that show just how fundamental a change this camera is from its predecessor.
- New dedicated ISO button
- Distortion and chromatic aberration correction for DA and DFA lenses (also available in RAW conversion)
- Adjustable dynamic range highlight and shadow correction
- Three-shot in-camera HDR capture
- Electronic level indicator
- Composition adjustment (Uses the SR system to reposition the sensor to fine-tune composition)
However you look at it, it’s a well-specified camera.
Key features / what’s new / technology:
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| The K-7 gets a revised version of the 15.1 million pixel sensor (14.6 million effective pixels) used in the K20D. Four-channel readout allows faster output and video. | The K-7 gets a magnesium alloy body, allowing it to become smaller and lighter, while still feeling very well built. |
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| The already good viewfinder in the K20D has been tweaked to offer 100% scene coverage. | The K-7 also gains a new, 77 segment metering sensor. |
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| As with the K20D, the body design includes extensive environmental sealing. | Pentax has also developed “weather resistant” versions of its kit lenses, to make the most of the body’s resilience. |
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| The K-7 becomes the first Pentax DSLR to record movies. There’s a mono mic to add sound. | Or a socket to allow an external microphone to be used, instead. |
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| To boost low-light AF perfromance, the K-7 gets an AF-assist illumination lamp. | The D-LI90 battery has 1860mAh capacity, meaning 13.4Wh, rather than the D-LI50′s 12Wh. The new battery is a completely new shape and is not compatible with older models. |
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| Pentax has considerably refreshed its user interface. The camera we had was not yet complete but we’re hoping it continues the good work done with the K-m/K2000 | A battery grip will be available for the K-7. It includes control dials, preview lever, AEL, green and AF buttons in addition to the shutter button. The D-BG4 takes one D-LI90 or 6 AA batteries. |
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| The in-camera RAW-conversion tool has been updated and now includes the ability to correct chromatic aberration and distortion, to add shadow adjustment and even output as a TIFF | Pentax has also added a multitude of little features, including the ability to embed copyright information into the EXIF of all your shots |
| List price | • $1299.95 (Body only) • £1229 (UK – With 18-55 WR) |
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| Body build* | • Magnesium/steel alloy with steel sub-structure* • Dust and weather resistant seals throughout |
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| Sensor* | • 14.6 million effective pixels • 15.07 million total pixels • 23.4 x 15.6 mm CMOS sensor • RGB Primary Color Filter • 3:2 aspect ratio • 4-channel data read-out* |
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| Shake Reduction | • Sensor-shift system • Max 4 Stops |
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| Dust removal* | • Supersonic vibration • SP coating • Dust removal by shaking low pass filter* • Dust alert mode to help locate dust |
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| Image processor | • PRIME II* | |
| Image sizes (Still)* | • 4672 x 3104 (14.5 MP) • 3936 x 2592 (10.0 MP)* • 3072 x 2048 (6.0 MP)* • 1728 x 1152 (2.2 MP)* |
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| Image formats (Still) |
• JPEG (EXIF 2.21) – Premium/ Best / Better / Good |
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| Image sizes (Movie)* | • 1280 x 720 (16:9 720p) • 1536 x 1024 (3:2 1080i) • 640 x 416 (3:2) |
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| Image format (Movie)* | • Motion JPEG (AVI) | |
| Lens mount | • Pentax KAF2 bayonet mount • Pentax KAF3, KAF2, KAF or KA mount lenses • Pentax K mount lenses with restrictions |
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| FOV crop | 1.5x | |
| Focusing* | • 11-point TTL Phase Difference detection sensor (SAFOX VIII+)* • Center 9-points are sensitive to both horiz and vert. detail • AF working range: -1 to 18 EV (at ISO 100, F1.4 lens) |
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| Focus modes | • AF Single (AF-S) (with focus lock) • AF Continuous (AF-C) • Manual focus |
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| AF point selection | • Select • Center • Auto Area AF |
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| AF assist* | Built-in AF illuminator lamp* | |
| Metering* | • TTL Open Aperture • 77- segment sensor (coupled with lens and AF information)* • Metering range: EV 0 – 22 EV (ISO 100, 50 mm F1.4)* |
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• Multi-segment |
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| AE lock | • Button • Locked for twice the meter operating time or as long as the shutter half-pressed |
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| AE bracketing | • 3 or 5 frames, +/- 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 (1/5 EV steps) • 3 or 5 frames, +/- 0.3, 0.7, 1.0, 1.3, 1.7, 2.0 (1/3 EV steps) |
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| Other bracketing | • White balance • Saturation • Hue • High/Low Key Adjustment • Contrast • Sharpness |
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| Exposure compen. | • +/- 5.0 EV in 1/3 EV steps • +/- 5.0 EV in 1/2 EV steps |
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| Sensitivity |
• Auto (user defined range) |
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| Shutter* | • Vertical-run focal-plane shutter • 30 – 1/8000 sec* • 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps • Flash X-Sync: 1/180 sec • Bulb |
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| Aperture values | • 1/3 or 1/2 EV increments • Actual aperture range depends on lens used • Ability to use lens aperture ring |
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| Preview function | • Live view with magnify option • Depth-of-field Optical (lens stopped down) • Digital (shot taken without saving, previewed on LCD) |
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| White balance* | • Auto • Daylight • Shade • Cloudy • Fluorescent (Daylight Color, Daylight White, Pure White, Warm White*) • Tungsten • Flash • CTE* • Manual • Color temperature (3 memories) – Kelvin or Mired |
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| WB shift | • Blue (-7) To Amber (+7) • Magenta (-7) to Green (+7) |
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| Color space | • sRGB • Adobe RGB |
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| Custom image settings* | • Bright • Natural • Portrait • Landscape • Vibrant • Muted* |
Adjustment for Saturation, Hue, High/Low Key Adjustment*, Contrast, Sharpness.Optional switch to Fine Sharpness and separate Highlight and Shadow contrast adjustment*. |
| • Monochrome | Adjustment for Filter type, Toning, Contrast and Sharpness | |
| Viewfinder* | • Eye-level pentaprism • 100% frame coverage* • Magnification: 0.92x (with 50 mm F1.4 lens at infinity,-1m-1) • Dioptre adjustment: -2.5 to +1.5 dioptre • Natural Bright Matte II focusing screen |
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| Viewfinder info* | • AF points • Focus confirmation dot • Flash ready • Shutter speed • Aperture • E-dial enabled • AE lock • Remaining shots/ISO sensitivity (custom function) • EV compensation • Flash compensation • Manual focus • Shake Reduction • Metering / EV bar |
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• Manual release pop-up |
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| External flash | • Hot shoe with X-contact • X-Sync socket • Designed for Pentax dedicated flashes • Modes: Auto, Red-eye reduction, High-speed sync, Wireless sync |
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| Shooting modes |
• Auto (Green mode) |
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| Drive modes* | • Single • Continuous Hi: 5.2 fps, up to 40 Best JPEG frames, 15 images RAW, 14 DNG* • Continuous Lo: 3.3 fps, JPEG until card is full, 17 images RAW, 17 DNG* • Self-timer: 2 or 12 sec • Remote control: immediate, 3 sec delay • Remote Continuous Shooting* • Exposure Bracketing* • Exposure Bracketing + Self-Timer* • Mirror Lock-Up* • Mirror Lock-Up + Remote Control* |
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| LCD monitor* | • 3.0 ” TFT LCD* • 921,000 dots* • Brightness level adjustment • Color adjustable, 15 steps G-M, 15 steps A-B |
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| Live view | • TTL using imaging sensor • 2x,4x,6x in AF mode or 2x, 4x, 6x, 8x, 10x in MF mode* • Grid view* • Live histogram* • Blinking low-/high-lights* |
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| Instant review | • Off, 1 sec, 3 sec, 5 sec • Histogram on/off |
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| Other features | • Multiple exposure (2 to 9 images, with Auto EV adjust) • Orientation sensor • Status LCD illumination |
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| Playback rotation | • On • Off |
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| Playback features | • Single image, no overlay • Single image, basic overlay • Single image with histogram (brightness or RGB) • Single image with detailed shooting info and histogram • 4 / 9 / 16 image index • Folder view • Image magnification up to 32x* • Optional blinking low-/ high-lights • 2 image compare mode* |
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| Playback retouching* | • RAW to JPEG (with parameters) • Filters: B&W, Sepia, Color, Soft, HDR*. Slim, Brightness |
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| Custom functions* | 37 functions* | |
| Menu languages | • English • French • German • Spanish • Portuguese • Italian • Swedish • Dutch • Russian • Korean • Traditional Chinese • Simplified Chinese • Japanese • Czech • Polish • Danish • Finnish • Hungarian • Turkish |
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| Firmware | User upgradable | |
| Battery grip * | Optional D-BG4* | |
| Connectivity* |
• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed |
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| Storage | • Secure Digital (SD) / Secure Digital HC (SDHC) | |
| Power | • Lithium-Ion D-LI90 rechargeable battery (supplied & charger)* • Optional AC adapter |
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| Dimensions | 131 x 97 x 73 mm (5.1 x 3.8 x 2.9 in)* | |
| Weight | • No battery: 670 g (1.4 lb)* • With battery: 750 g (1.6 lb)* |
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* denotes a change in specification over the Pentax K20D
Top right of camera
On the top right of the camera we have the front dial, which is angled slightly upwards compared to that on the K10D / K20D; the function of the front and rear dials can be set on a per-mode basis via the custom menu. Behind this is the shutter release button, surrounded by the main power switch which also serves a preview function (optical or digital; live view now has its own button on the camera back). Also here is the repositioned exposure compensation button, and the all-new (and very welcome) dedicated ISO button.
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Spot metering In modes with automatic metering, holding this button and turning the command dial sets exposure compensation (-5.0 to +5.0 EV in 0.3 or 0.5 EV steps). In manual mode it biases the meter, rather than making any change to the chosen exposure. This bias is then interpreted as exposure compensation if you switch to other modes, rather than just giving a misleading meter reading. |
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| ISO | Sensitivity In combination with the rear command dial, the ISO button allows you to scroll through the camera’s sensitivity settings from 100 to 6400. |
Live view
The K-7 is the second Pentax to include live view. As with most manufacturers, Pentax’s system seems primarily suited to tripod work, whether that is for studio work or macros (even on this pre-production camera it’s clear than the magnified view is much improved for fine focusing, compared to the K20D). Like many other contemporary DSLRs, the live view offers the ability to use contrast detection AF (CDAF), the system used in most compact cameras that uses the imaging sensor to assess focus. Like many of the recent DLSR implementations of CDAF, the K-7 includes features such as face detection that simply weren’t possible with conventional DSLR phase-detection AF. However, in common with the majority of DSLR CDAF systems, it is unpleasantly slow.
If you want live view for considered composition and focus confirmation then, like the systems currently used by Olympus, Canon and Nikon, the K-7′s implementation is perfectly pleasant. However, if you’re looking for the immediate accessibility and fast live view shooting of a compact camera then you’ll have to look elsewhere. There is still an option use the camera’s phase-detection sensor, though it does mean the camera has to flip its mirror down, focus, then flip the mirror back up again when you hit the shutter button.
Set-up Menu
Custom Image sub-menu
The Custom Image menu, now reached via its own, dedicated button, allows control over the image parameters. Flicking the on/off/preview rocker compensation button takes an image to preview the settings. Rolling the rear dial switches between standard and fine sharpening while turning the front dial shows or hides the highlight and shadow contrast settings.
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| Option | Values / Actions | Notes |
| Custom Image | • Bright • Natural • Portrait • Landscape • Vibrant • Muted • Monochrome |
Selects from one of the preset custom images styles. The default varies depending on the language chosen and will be either ‘Bright’ or ‘Natural.’ |
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Saturation/ |
• 9 steps (Color modes) • Filter effect (Monochrome)  NoneGreenYellowOrangeRedMagentaBlueCyan Infrared color |
Adjusts saturation in color modes. In monochrome mode, the camera varies the amount of information taken from the sensor’s Red, Green and Blue channels in order to mimics the effect of placing different colored filters in front of the lens. |
| Hue/Toning | • 9 steps |
In color modes, ‘Hue’ shifts the hue in color modes. Toning ‘warms’ or ‘cools’ the tint applied to mono images |
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High/Low Key Adj. |
• 9 steps |
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| Contrast | • 9 steps | All modes |
| Contrast Highlight Adj. | • 9 steps | All modes |
| Contrast Shadow Adj. | • 9 steps | All modes |
| Sharpness/Fine Sharpness | • 9 steps | Rear dial switches to fine sharpening mode for representing fine detail. |
You can pre-order from Amazon: Pentax K-7 pre-order
Don’t wait and pre-order now. This is the best camera ever at this price.
Order now – click on the picture above!
Enjoy your experience.
Kamil
Pentax K7 according to Paul Dangcil
There’s been a lot of buzz for the past couple of weeks about a new Pentax body named “K7″ – at least that’s what everyone thinks the name will be. It won’t be an upgrade to a K20D, but rather a new line of semi-pro DSLRs from Pentax. It is said to be much more advanced than a K20D and is a lot more compact. This is quite good news for all of us with heavy lenses.
I was really planning on buying the K20D soon but am now holding out until this summer to see the K7. This whole thing just tickles my fannies! Everyone thought Pentax was doomed but I found it hard to believe since they really had some very good glasses. I doubt anyone can compete with the quality the Pentax Limited lenses produces – yes, not even from the CaNikon crowd. There’s just no beating Pentax when it comes to Prime glasses. And plus, I have always been told that it’s not the camera that makes the picture but the one holding the camera (as evident in my photographs!)
Good on you Pentax! I’m proud to call myself a Pentaxian!
Found at: http://pauldangcil.com/blog/
Please, buy from my affiliates to support this website.
Kamil Wawrzyszko
Which Pentax DSLR should I choose?
Congratulation on choosing a really good brand of cameras – Pentax DSLR. Now you need to decide which Pentax body you want.Let me help you decide.
Have a look at the table below, and then read my thoughts about it.
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Body |
Image Sensor |
Shake |
Dust |
Orien- tation |
Battery 4x AA vs. D-LI50 |
Continuous |
Weight |
In Pro- duction |
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14.6 MP, CMOS, 1.54x |
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D-LI50 |
2.8 |
715 |
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10.2 MP, CCD, 1.53x |
√ |
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D-LI50 |
3 |
710 |
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10.2 MP, CCD, 1.53x |
√ |
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4x AA |
2.8 |
630 |
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6.1 MP, CCD, 1.53x |
√ |
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4x AA |
2.8 |
570 |
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6.1 MP, CCD, 1.53x |
√ |
4x AA |
2.8 |
560 |
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6.1 MP, CCD, 1.53x |
4x AA |
2.8 |
485 |
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10.2 MP, CCD, 1.53x |
√ |
√ |
4x AA |
3.5 |
525 |
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These are the features you need to consider:
1. Image sensor – if your budget is a concern, 6MP is really enough, especially for party snaps. To make use of more mega pixels, you need to have a good lens, anyway, so if you only want the kit lens only (which is a good one; Pentax kit lens is much better than competition), don’t think that 10 MP will make a big difference – it will not. However, if you can afford it, go for 10 MP.
2. Shake reduction – very important. You will want to take a lot of photos in low light (indoors, cloudy day), so extra stability with every lens for free is a real McCoy (built in the camera with all new Pentax DSLR bodies).
3. Orientation sensor – really useful. Saves a lot of time of rotating those photos left and right. With orientation sensor your photo browser will rotate it for you automatically.
4. Continuous shooting – the difference between 2.8 and 3.5 fps is insignificant, so it should not be the main factor while deciding. For sport photography look for cameras with 5-10 fps. Remember, that you can’t use flash in this mode as there is no flash that can charge 3 times a second, so good lighting is required (strong sunshine preferably).
5. Battery - AA batteries are good thing, especially if you run out of power, it’s easy to buy a top up. However, I have not been very happy with rechargeable AA’s performance, which I used with my compact camera. I use Lithium-ion battery with my K10D, and I’m really happy – 300-400 photos with one charge, and flash does not seem to decrease the battery life so much. Also, it charges in around 2 seconds all through the battery cycle. I have bought 2 spares, but I only needed one so far (taking more than 300 photos takes a long enough time to charge the other battery).
Optionally, you can buy a battery grip, which gives you additional battery in a slick looking add on, but also makes your camera look more professional and gives you a second release button, which is useful for vertical shots.
6.Price - as much as you can afford, but it’s better to invest in a better lens as you are likely to buy a new camera after 2-3 years, while lenses last for 5-10 years at least.
Now make your choice!
Enjoy your Pentax experience.
Pentax DA* 55mm SDM f/1.4 images and a short review
I received my new Pentax DA* SDM 55mm lens yesterday. It was my birthday and the FedEx delivery man brought two boxes for me. One was from Flowers.com and one from a camera shop, which we won’t name. I really really wanted to open the camera store box because I was waiting for the lens, but I opened the box with flowers from my wife, who by the way was standing at her desk looking at me. As soon as I opened the box with my lens, I installed it on my K20D and took some pictures of the flowers received. Here is what I shot.
I have to say, that for whatever reason, the lens received had a bit of back focusing problem at the widest aperture and at close proximity of the subjects, in this case the flowers. I checked it more carefully with my Autofocus chart and confirmed the slight backfocusing. Lucky enough, I have the K20D and I fixed that with the custom setting # 35, and it is now perfect. The bokeh is the best I’ve ever seen, better than the legendary FA 50mm f/1.4.
I played with it through the night and analyzed the results closely and came up with this unofficial review:
Pentax is the king of Prime lenses, particularly with the Limited primes, and the FA 50mm f/1.4 and the FA 31mm f/1.8 which are considered some of the best lenses ever. The DA* SDM 55mm will not be a disappointment. It has an angle of view equivalent to an 82.5mm in the 35mm format and reminds me of the SMCP-FA 85mm f/1.4.
This is now the fastest Pentax DA lens at f/1.4. The retail price is currently at $699.00 but as usual, the street price will be less than that shortly. It is weather-resistant and dust-resistant. It is an SDMlens which means it can only be used with the newer DSLRs. SDM only autofocus (manual focus on non-SDM bodies) as there are no mechanical autofocus transmission shaft, only the supersonic motor. The finish is very good, although never as good as the Limited lenses, but it is weather-resistant and dust-resistant.
The lens has nine elements, in eight groups, and has the famous Pentax Super Protect (SP) coating. The lens has nine diaphragm rounded blades which renders great bokeh. The Autofocus seems to be faster than non-SDM lenses, but what’s really impressive is that the autofocus is silent. Apparently, the lens has some color fringing, but they all do and that’s easily fixed in post-processing. It renders true-to-life colors and saturation. I couldn’t see any barrel distortion or pincushion, and the image did not show any vignetting. I suspect the image circle is bigger than what’s necessary for the APS-C sized sensor.
I think this lens will be my all-time favorite.
Yvon Bourque