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Pentax D HD FA 645 35mm F3 5 AL IF Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,580Lens mount:Pentax 645Maximum focal length:35 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):3.5Optical image stabilization:noMaximum angle of view:90 °

Pentax D HD FA 645 35mm F3 5 AL IF Review: Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Camera lenses category and whether it is worth buying.

6.1

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
Score components

80%

6.1

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 76% of camera-lenses
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Score components

35%

7.3

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.4

Build & Handling

20%

5.7

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

â–¼Worse than 64% of camera-lenses
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £1,580

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of camera lens Pentax D HD FA 645 35mm F3 5 AL IF

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Score components:

35%

7.3

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.4

Build & Handling

20%

5.7

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

6.1
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Pentax D HD FA 645 35mm F3 5 AL IF has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 91.7% of camera lenses.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components:

60%

6.1

Overall score

40%

2.2

Price

4.9
Lens type
prime
Lens mount
Pentax 645
Sensor format coverage
Medium format
Filter thread size
82 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
no
Teleconverter compatibility
no
â–¼ Worse than 15% of models
This camera lens does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Show more
Minimum focal length
35 mm
Maximum focal length
35 mm
Optical zoom
N/A
Maximum angle of view
90 °
Minimum angle of view
76 °
Show more
Focus motor
screw-drive
Minimum focus distance
0.3 m
Minimum focus distance
0.3 m
â–² Better than 48% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 0.3 m, which is closer than 48.3% of camera lenses and equal to 7.9% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.25xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.25x
â–² Better than 70% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.25x, which is higher than 70% of camera lenses and equal to 4.5% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
no
Full-time manual focus
no
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
yes
Internal focusing
yes
â–² Better than 16% of models
This camera lens supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
Optical image stabilization
no
â–¼ Worse than 29% of models
This camera lens does not support optical image stabilization. 29.1% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
N/A
Weight
610 g
Weight
610 g
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 610 g, which is heavier than 60.6% of camera lenses and equal to the weight of 0.5% of camera lenses.
Lens length
90 mm
Lens length
90 mm
â–² Better than 52% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is 90 mm long, which is shorter than 52.2% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.6% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
88 mm
Lens diameter
88 mm
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 88 mm, which is wider than 79.9% of camera lenses and equal to that of 1.7% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This camera lens does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
yes
Metal mount
yes
â–² Better than 6% of models
This camera lens uses a metal lens mount. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
?
DxOMark sharpness score
?
DxOMark transmission
?
DxOMark distortion
?
DxOMark vignetting
?
Show more

Pentax D HD FA 645 35mm F3 5 AL IF vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • Has fluorine coating
    Fluorine coating
    yes
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This camera lens has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 32.6% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
  • Has aperture ring
    Aperture ring
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This camera lens has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.3% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 0.06 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.25 x
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.25 x vs 0.192 x
  • Has aperture ring
    Aperture ring
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This camera lens has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.3% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 0.06 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.25 x
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.25 x vs 0.192 x
  • Has fluorine coating
    Fluorine coating
    yes
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This camera lens has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 32.6% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • No full-time manual focus
    Full-time manual focus
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • 0.7 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    3.5
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/3.5 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    3.5 vs 2.8
  • Fixed lens hood
    Reversible lens hood
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    This camera lens does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 81.4% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
  • 11 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    88 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (88 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    88 mm vs 77 mm
  • 1 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    1 vs 2
  • 100 g heavier
    Weight
    610 g
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (610 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    610 g vs 510 g
  • 7.29x less popular
    Pentax D HD FA 645 35mm F3 5 AL IF is less popular than the average camera lens (1 vs 7.3).
    1 vs 7.29
  • 7.29x less popular
    Pentax D HD FA 645 35mm F3 5 AL IF is less popular than the average camera lens (1 vs 7.3).
    1 vs 7.29
  • 39.4% worse value for money
    Pentax D HD FA 645 35mm F3 5 AL IF has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (4.94 vs 6.9).
    4.94 vs 6.89
  • 2.98x more expensive
    Pentax D HD FA 645 35mm F3 5 AL IF is more expensive than the average camera lens (£1,580 vs £530).
    £1,580 vs £530
  • 4.5% lower user score
    User score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
    When it matters
    When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Pentax D HD FA 645 35mm F3 5 AL IF
    the average camera lens
    Pentax D HD FA 645 35mm F3 5 AL IF has a lower user score than the average camera lens (8.00 vs 8.360).
    8 vs 8.36
  • 0.7 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    3.5
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/3.5 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    3.5 vs 2.8
  • 1 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    1 vs 2
  • No full-time manual focus
    Full-time manual focus
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • Fixed lens hood
    Reversible lens hood
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    This camera lens does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 81.4% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
  • 11 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    88 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (88 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    88 mm vs 77 mm
  • 100 g heavier
    Weight
    610 g
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (610 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    610 g vs 510 g
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2015
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    December 2015
    2015 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

P
pcmag.com
29/04/2016
Summary of the review
Pentax HD D FA 645 35mm F3.5Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review
P
pentaxforums.com
01/07/2018
Summary of the review
HD Pentax-D FA 645 35mm F3.5 AL [IF] Reviews PCMag
U
uk.pcmag.com
29/04/2016
Summary of the review
Pentax HD D FA 645 35mm F3.5 Review - PCMag UK
F
fotoristretto.ch
08/01/2016
Summary of the review
HD PENTAX-D FA 645 35mm F3,5 AL (IF) – Teil 1
(Translated)Show original
G
galerie-photo.com
10/05/2026
Summary of the review
Pentax 645D Review (Wide-Angle Lenses Section)
(Translated)Show original
N
nadir.it
18/08/2003
Summary of the review
PENTAX 645 NADIR TEST (system and 35mm lens analysis)
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What we like about Pentax D HD FA 645 35mm F3 5 AL IF

  • Excellent sharpness from center to edge, even at f/3.5
  • High-grade HD coating effectively minimizes flare and ghosting
  • Fast and quiet internal focusing mechanism
  • Relatively compact and lightweight for a medium format lens
  • Includes a lens hood with a polarizer filter window for easy adjustment
  • Solid build quality with a metal mount and weather-resistant seals

What we don't like about Pentax D HD FA 645 35mm F3 5 AL IF

  • Visible barrel distortion (approximately 2.3%), especially in architectural shots
  • Noticeable corner darkening (vignetting) at wider apertures
  • Higher price point compared to full-frame equivalents
  • Pronounced field curvature that may affect specific landscape or shift use cases
  • Resolution drops significantly at very narrow apertures like f/22 and f/32 due to diffraction

Verdict

The HD Pentax-D FA 645 35mm f/3.5 AL (IF) is a wide-angle prime lens designed for medium-format digital systems, offering a 27.5mm equivalent focal length in 35mm terms. It features a high-grade HD coating to minimize flare, extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, and hybrid aspherical elements to ensure edge-to-edge sharpness and suppressed chromatic aberration. Key pros include its weather-resistant construction, a rounded nine-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh, and an internal focusing mechanism that maintains lens length during operation. However, common cons include the lack of built-in image stabilisation and a relatively modest f/3.5 maximum aperture compared to smaller format equivalents.

Compare Pentax D HD FA 645 35mm F3 5 AL IF with other products in the Camera lenses category

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Graphic comparison of Pentax D HD FA 645 35mm F3 5 AL IF and other products in the Camera lenses category

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