Pentax SMCP-FA 28-105mm f/3.2-4.5 AL [IF] Standard Auto Focus Zoom Lens with Hood

2009-02-19T19:00:00

This updates my April 2008 review. I think that it is fair to raise the rating to five stars after nearly a year of use, particularly given the excellent price. I find that I am using this lens on my K20D to the exclusion of almost all other lenses because of the consistently high quality of the images, the "just right" focal length range, and this lens's small, lightweight size. It has become my standard lens and I plan to buy a second one to use on my K10D as the normal lens. The first copy that I received from Adorama blurred on the left side due to decentering but the vendor's return service was excellent and the second copy is excellent.

Joseph K.

2008-03-31T21:00:00

This lens is very convenient, light and small. It's a nice complement to the DA 16-45. Sharpness is almost as good as the highly regarded FA 50mm f 1.4 and the DA 16-45mm. Relative to these comparison lenses, the 28-105mm zoom shows a little more softness in 200% and 300% crops, but not in 100% crops. Near the edges of the APS-C frame, you can sometimes see 2-3 pixel wide blue-yellow chromatic aberration but this can be almost completely fixed in RAW with Phothshop. I bought this lens from Adorama and the order was filled and shipped quickly and without hassle at a fair price. This lens is definitely worth getting as a complement to a shorter Pentax zoom and within its focal length and price range is as good as anything available for Pentax. Because it is a full frame lens, it should be usable on 35 mm film and possible future full frame digital Pentax K mount cameras.

Joseph K.

2008-03-05T19:00:00

Great lens on a DSLR - the center of the lens is used and I see no corner softness. I like the range for general shooting. I compared identical images taken with this and my SMC FA 35mm f/2. I was surprised that 100% crops were nearly indistinguishable. IQ impresses me. The lens is light and small, very handy for an all-purpose lens. It's plastic but still well built and it feels solid. The only negative is that it is silver, black ones are impossible to find.

LG

2008-02-23T19:00:00

Though this is my primary lens, I do regret not getting the f/2.8 optics. The focus on this is only about a 30 degree spin on the ring, so the camera isn't able to spin and re-focus small changes. I have to focus on something very close or very far and then back at the subject. I'm looking forward to upgrading to a HSM instead of screw drive on my next workhorse lens.

THOMAS D.

2008-01-20T19:00:00

Produces great images, but I do wish that it was 18-105.

Keyfer

2007-10-30T21:00:00

This has served as my main lens for three years because I think so highly of it. The lens has a great range going from 28 to 105mm and is very small and light weight.

GARY K.

2007-02-04T19:00:00

Very capable lens in all respects.

Boff