Pentax SMC DA 35mm F2 8 Macro Limited Review | 54 Data compared

The Pentax SMC DA 35mm f/2.8 Limited Macro is a premium, hand-assembled APS-C format lens that delivers a 52.5mm full-frame equivalent field of view, functioning effectively as a standard macro lens. Reviewer Klaus Schroiff highlights several key pros, including its superb, all-metal build quality, tight physical tolerances, and a very smooth, slightly damped manual focus ring. Mechanically, it features a highly practical Quick-Shift Focus System for instantaneous manual overrides, a fast autofocus speed on bodies like the K10D, and a specialized SP (Super Protective) fluoride coating on the front element to repel water and fingerprints. Optically, it consists of 9 elements in 8 groups with 9 aperture blades, enabling a true 1:1 maximum magnification ratio at its minimum focusing distance of 0.139 meters. Conversely, the review notes distinct cons regarding its physical and acoustic performance. Because the lens lacks an internal autofocus motor and relies entirely on a slotted drive screw operated by the camera body, autofocus operation generates a moderate degree of noise. Additionally, the lens barrel extends significantly forward when moving toward its closest focusing distances. This substantial...

The Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Edition lens offers a premium, high-quality build that delivers exceptional performance. It stands out for its old-fashioned design, featuring a solid metal construction that feels reassuringly hefty, a proper depth-of-field window, and a precise manual-focusing movement. A major strength is its true 1:1 reproduction ratio, allowing for excellent close-up photography at a minimum focusing distance of just 13.9cm. In terms of sharpness, the lens earns a perfect features score and achieves an impressive peak center resolution of 0.46 cycles/pixel when stopped down to f/5.6. However, the lens does have a few drawbacks that potential buyers should consider. The most notable downside is the wide gap in sharpness between the middle of the picture and the outer edges. While the center of the image remains incredibly sharp, the edges lag behind significantly, and they only start to look consistent and even across the frame after stopping down to f/11. Additionally, some users might find the maximum aperture of f/2.8 to be somewhat limiting compared to other prime lenses. Despite these edge resolution and aperture...

The Photo Review review of the SMC Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 Limited macro lens highlights a hand-assembled, compact lens for APS-C cameras that offers 1:1 magnification and a versatile 52.5mm equivalent focal length. It delivers excellent center sharpness wide open, minimal vignetting, and top-tier build quality at an attractive price point. Conversely, the lens shows drawbacks in its choppy bokeh for subjects beyond 1.5 meters, its unsuitability for landscape photography, and a lack of a focus limiter switch, which causes focus hunting. Despite these limitations, it is praised for close-up and general-purpose performance.

The SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro is described by users as a premium, versatile "do-it-all" prime lens, featuring exceptional corner-to-corner sharpness, high contrast, and a robust all-metal build with a built-in hood. It functions effectively as both a standard walkaround lens and a true 1:1 macro, noted for vibrant color rendering. Conversely, the lens is noted for having a slow, noisy screw-drive autofocus that frequently hunts in low light, compounded by the lack of a focus limiter. Other drawbacks include a very short working distance at maximum magnification and lack of weather sealing.