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Questions & Answers

JOSEPH S : Do you sell the silver version of the Pentax 31mm limited? And why not?ROGER W : As a Pentax and Adorama shopper for several years, I do not recall seeing the FA31mm f/1.8 ever displayed in silver.STEVE F : The silver version on this lens is made in Japan and is an early production version. The more recent versions are black and assembled in Vietnam...I have the black version... Works and functions the same, no issues.ANDREW R : We only offer this model in black at this time.
Kenneth W : Is there any degree of weather resistance to this lens? Pentax usually touts the weather resistance of their products.ROGER W : Although the FA 31 is as fine as a jewel, it is not rated with Pentax WR weather resistance.JOSEPH G : It was not designed for weather resistance. They created this lens back in the film days before weather resistance became their thing. It does have tighter tolerances than their lower cost lenses, but I wouldn't count on that to repel the elements. It is quite a lovely lens, though, one of my favorites.JESSICA W : No, I don't believe there is any weather resistance to this lens. It is an older lens design and is all metal, not plastic like most newer lens models. So I feel it's quite durable and being that it's a fixed focal length there aren't many moving parts to it for rain or debris to get into. That being said I personally am leery of extremely cold temperatures with it and I certainly wouldn't stand out in a rain storm. I'd easily take it to the beach or out in a misty rain but I would cover it when not in use.ROBERT B : Not sure, and it's not here with me, or I'd check. But this lens is the sharpest lens Pentax makes, and ranks right up there with the Leica Summicrons........perhaps the best slr lens ever made. Color renditions are beautiful and true to life.LEROY H : Nope...no weather resistance on this one so shelter it wisely cause it's a great lense.ERIC H : No, this is not weather sealed, does not have quick shift focus, and uses screw drive focus. It is an older design that has not been updated with these new features due to its still impressive image and build quality.YAO R : This lens has a longer history than most weather resistant lenses in Pentax's current lens line. It is NOT claimed to be weather resistant. So we'd better expect it to be non-WR. In my practice, I had few times of using it on my K-3 in a light shower briefly (less than 30 mins) without any issue. But it always concerns me and I think I should have protections next time I have to do so.Denis C : Dear shopper, Yes, the lens in question is totally weather proof. Pentax does not state false statements regarding their products. I have been using Pentax cameras and lenses for nearly fifty years now. and in all kinds of weather. No problems. Use common sense when the bad weather comes, and cover up your equipment as best you can. This particular lens is top quality and extremely well made to ward off any moisture it may come in contact with. I hope this helps you decide on this purchase from a very good store.JUSTIN D : It's not weather sealed. None of the FA lenses are. I live in a humid environment (Houston) and taken it to even more humid places and it's been fine there. As for taking it in the rain...a few drops probably won't hurt it, but it doesn't have the rigorous sealing of other Pentax lenses. This said, the only two problem spots are the mount and the DoF window. Cover those and I think it should be ok. At leasrDAVID C : No, none.
chris w : country of manufacture please?WAYNE H : My copy was manufactured in JapanANATOLY K : Hi, this lens was assembled in Vietnam. As shown by experience of many users in many years, Pentax lenses assembled in Vietnam don't differ from lenses assembled in Japan. AKWILLY C : Probably assembled in Vietnam.

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2020-09-09T17:55:46

Rated 5 out of 5

Lives up to its legendary reputation

Amazing lens. Has become one of my favorites. I bought it because I was constantly wanting a sharper focus, and with my new k1-ii body, I also wanted to take advantage of the full frame. This lens is solid, beautifully sharp, responsive, and focus is quite quick. Absolutely love it.

Emma M.

2014-01-27T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

ONE FANTASTIC PRIME!!!

I met a Leica factory employee who told me this lens was the sharpest ever tested in their labs, every bit the equivalent of Leica glass.........and now I believe him. This lens is sharp throughout the range and the color rendition is superb It is simply the best of all the Pentax primes, all of which are excellent.

ROBERT B.

2013-05-13T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Incredible

Incredibly rich colors, detail and depth. There's an extra degree of subject separation combined with exceptional bokeh which brings your images to life. Very fine build quality, feels great in the hands and is a joy to focus manually. Some CA is possible wide-open, but has never been an issue for me. All three FA Limiteds are aristocrats in the Pentax lineup.

Christian V.

2012-08-26T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Excellent quality

AF is very accurate & very fast, not as loud as some other screw-drive lenses I have used. Manual focus is very smooth. Slight feel and sound of gears, but very well built. Excellent center sharpness from F/1.8 and up. Noticeable vignetting at F/1.8, but Lightroom does a great job with the lens profile and some people like the look. I am surprised at how much light fall off there is on an APS-C, and I wonder how well this lens will perform if Pentax ever produces a 24mm x 36mm body. That is one of the deciding factors in buying this lens. It is considered a full-frame lens. Quality of the lens is excellent. Optically this lens is excellent.

Paul A.

2012-08-19T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Excellent lens, great photos

Love this lens, solid build, very nice bokeh. worthy owning.

Bin Y.

2012-03-31T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Fantastic lens

It is the same super quality as 77 lim. Extremely sharp in the center with wide open aperture. FA 35/2 is much cheaper. But FA 31/1.8 lim has some magic!

Denis P.

2011-12-15T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Classic is never Mainstream

When you see a guy with a Pentax, you know its a photographer, not just another green button snapshot yuppie. The 31mm is the youngest one among the Three Princess, the 43mm, the 77mm, and the 31mm. They are all wonderful. Although the 31mm is not as sharp as the other 2. It is the most used one in daily life.

YUMEN C.

2011-02-07T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Excellent

I use this lens as a walk-around normal, where it provides about a 47mm field of view on a K-5. Everything I'd read about the optical performance is true - it's sharp wide open, even into the corners, and the bokeh is smooth. Three small improvements and it would be perfect: The inner lens barrel wobbles a bit, the focus ring can feel "grindy" (this is normal) and at this price it should be weather sealed.

IVAN P.

2008-07-10T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

The best lens I've ever met.

I've got this lens just for a week, so I haven't too much of experience yet. I'd have liked to have it for a long time and I'm happy to have got it from Adorama more cheaper than it is in Europe. I use this lens for general purpose, it's a great "basic lens" with its 47.5mm equivalent focal length on K10D. It's sharp, has beautiful contrast, real 3D feeling, and some smooth "airy" impression that cannot be compared with anything else. I cannot tell any cons, it's a gorgeous lens, really!

krizsika

2008-06-12T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Beautiful lens, a keeper

Use it mostly to photograph fast-moving kids, and it's pretty good for that. Not quite as sharp as the DA* lenses despite attempts at calibration, but the images are fantastic nonetheless.

Anonymous C.

2008-03-25T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Sharpest lens in my kit!

I have never had a lens that is so sharp. I have a K20D, and the pictures are so sharp that they exceed the resolution of the 14.6 megapixel image! No problem using this lens on a K90D camera with 77MP someday! This lens is a bit pricey, but once you get it - you will never let it go. And if you do, you will lose sleep until you replace it! It is one of the best lenses that you will ever see through. The build quality is very impressive. There is nothing like a metal and glass lens built to high quality standards like this one is. When you get this lens, take several photos and then pixel-pick the images. I bet that you will have a difficult time taking it off and using other lenses. I know because I still have mine on after a week of continual amazement! Buy it! You won't regret it. You will fall in love with it too!

TomInJax

2007-10-25T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Pentax's best? Maybe.

Pentax Limited lenses are superb [...]. They are also priced at less than half of what comparable lenses cost from the competition. I was so pleased with the 77mm limited that I decided to purchase a second one and both of its siblings; the 43mm limited and 31mm limited.BTW, do not confuse the "limited" lenses (77mm/43mm/31mm) quality with that of the not so impressive (by comparison) kit lenses (such as the 50-200mm & 18-55mm; [...]). I have a feeling that with the recent price drops on the limited models (77mm/43mm/31mm) that they might be going away soon. I will probably by my THIRD 77mm. Don't miss out.

Pentax F.

2007-09-26T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Superb performance

Absolutely perfect performance. Excellent sharpness. Fast aperture. My most used lens.

Dave G.

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Pentax 31mm F/1.8 Specifications

General

General

Jump to...
  • Brand

    Pentax

  • MPN

    20290

  • Lens Series

    Pentax FA

  • Color

    Black

  • Lens Type

    Wide Angle

  • Lens Mount

    Pentax K

  • Format Compatibility

    Full Frame

  • Focus Type

    Auto Focus

  • Focusing Technology

    N/A

  • Closest Focus Distance

    12" / 30cm

  • Distance Information

    N/A

  • Built-In Motor

    N/A

  • Focal Length

    31mm

  • Angle Of View

    70 deg.

  • 35mm Equivalent Focal Length

    Not Applicable

  • Coverage

    N/A

  • Minimum Aperture

    f/22

  • Maximum Aperture

    f/1.8

  • Maximum Magnification

    0.17x

  • Lens Coating

    N/A

  • Aspherical Elements

    N/A

  • ED Glass Elements

    N/A

  • Filter Size

    58mm

Construction

Jump to...
  • Lens Elements / Groups

    9 Elements / 7 Groups

  • Diaphragm Blades

    N/A

  • Dimensions

    2.7 x 2.6" (68.5 x 65.0mm)

  • Weight

    12.2oz / 345g

Features

Jump to...
  • Image Stabilization Type

    None

  • Tripod Collar

    Yes

  • Waterproof / Water Resistant

    N/A

  • Dust Resistant

    N/A

  • UPC Code

    027075051157

3 Accessories for Pentax SMCP-FA 31mm f/1.8 AL Wide Angle Auto Focus, Limited Edition Lens - Black

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About Pentax 31mm F/1.8

FEATURED REVIEWS

Sharpest lens in my kit!

By TomInJax

I have never had a lens that is so sharp. I have a K20D, and the pictures are so sharp that they exceed the resolution of the 14.6 megapixel image! No problem using this lens on a K90D camera with 77MP someday! This lens is a bit pricey, but once you get it - you will never let it go. And if you do, you will lose sleep until you replace it! It is one of the best lenses that you will ever see through. The build quality is very impressive. There is nothing like a metal and glass lens ...

View full Review

ONE FANTASTIC PRIME!!!

By ROBERT B.

I met a Leica factory employee who told me this lens was the sharpest ever tested in their labs, every bit the equivalent of Leica glass.........and now I believe him. This lens is sharp throughout the range and the color rendition is superb It is simply the best of all the Pentax primes, all of which are excellent.

The unique PENTAX smc P-FA 31mm f/1.8 Limited lens offers exceptionally high image and a wide-angle perspective. It incorporates a glass-molded aspherical lens element into its 9-element, 7-group optics, and offers sharp, crisp image reproduction, even at the maximum aperture of f/1.8. It features a beautiful aluminum body with metallic silver finish comes equipped with a flower-shaped lens hood.