Sharpest reported Pentax lens

Focus ring narrow (especially F version) New is pricy for a 50mm macro.

Actually this review is for the similar F version. This lens has been ranked as Pentax's sharpest lens by independant evaluators, I have no reason to doubt this evaluation. The FA version is likely improved in one important way, the focusing ring is so darn narrow and there is too little friction for good manual focusing.

Customer Service

NA

Similar Products Used:

Most K-mount macros

Stunning image quality. Color, contrast, three dimensionality, TACK SHARP. Heavy construction. Comfortable rubber focusing ring. Works well on AF and MF K-mount Pentaxes. I think it is probably the best "normal" macro out there.

NONE.

One of the top Pentax lenses. SUPERB. Ignore the sour grapes post. Absolutely sharp at all apertures. Also a fantastic walk around normal lens. Fast AF performance on a PZ1p. Great manual focus feel with a handy damping mechanism. If you only want one 50mm prime for AF and MF with macro ability, get this one. You won't regret it.

Customer Service

Never needed for repairs/warranty. Prompt responses for literature requests. The previous reviewer seems like an oddball case.

Similar Products Used:

Pentax FA 50 f1.4, F 100 f2.8, Nikkor Micro 55 f2.8(MF)

Decent gear. Nothing more.

Overpriced; rebate fraud.

The Pentax camera and lense (zx-30 body; 50mm, 2.8 macro)I had purchased months ago came with the promise of two rebates: a $10 rebate for the lense, and $20 for the camera body. I mailed the required materials (proof of purchases from box, my address, retail receipts)in two seperate envelopes and waited for what seemed like forever. Nearly a year later, I've yet to receive a check from either Pentax USA or http://www.wheresmyrebate.com (Pentax uses this website to allow rebate status to be "checked".) For the first few months, my account on wmr.com indicated that my rebate had been "approved". Weeks later, the status changed to "mailed" - in essence, this change in so - called status was nothing less than a blatant lie. As mentioned, I never received a check in the mail or otherwise. Numerous Emails to both Pentax and wmr.com were all ignored, except one. The latter email contained a phone number (Pentax). I called and was told that I wasn't in the system and there was nothing they could do. It seems that any company that handles customer service issues with the willful neglect outlined above would likely abuse customers regardless of the problem: who's to say that your warrantee repair request won't be laughed at as my rebate? I wouldn't trust Pentax, though the zx30 was a decent camera. It certainly wasn't spectacular. The macro lense worked as advertised; most photos were clean within the published minimum focus range (around 7") and mechanically, the glass was sound. Resolution was a notch or two above mediocre throughout the possible range of aperatures, with some general fuzziness evident at and around f2.8 . Those of you looking for an affordable piece (and I'm sure you are) may want to look into the new Zeiss lenses, some of which are incredibly affordable - especially given the stainless pedigree. Nice, used Contax bodies (which all Zeiss glass was designed to mesh with, or vice versa) can be found for less than two hundred dollars. 50mm, 28mm, and 35mm lenses can be had for about $200-300. There are too many other products on the market for me recommend Pentax- and their tendency towards downright fraud- a solid nod.

Customer Service

Downright negligent. Worse than negligent.

Similar Products Used:

Zeiss lenses, Contax bodies.

VERY SHARP! Beautiful optical characteristics.

A tad heavy. Occasionally 'searches' when you do drastic changes in focal distance.

A beautiful lens. Has been ranked as one of the sharpest lenses of all time. It is heavy, but that's not unusual for a macro lens.

I do have one gripe; my fault though. I got this for underwater work with a ZX-7 in underwater housing. The length of the lens changed so much that it really didn't work well with the housing. I went with a 28-70 zoom f4 which worked well.

I should note I am using the F version (not FA) which I believe is optically identical to the FA. I paid $275 in excellent used condition for the lens.

Customer Service

Pentax has excellent service for new lenses.

Similar Products Used:

Pentax 100s, Pentax 200, Tamron 90mm

Good optics, friction control of focusing is useful to provide accurate focusing point.

A bit expensive for a 50mm macro lens

The focusing ring moves smoothly, but a bit slower, anyway, it is common among all non-usm lens especially marco lens.
Good flare control and sharpness which is better than FA100F2.8 version.

Customer Service

No experience

Similar Products Used:

Pentax FA100/2.8, Sigma EX AF105/2.8, Nikon AF200/4Marco

Built like a tank. Great superb optics. goes to 1:1 stepless. Good damping for manual focus. Super sharp

None so far.

Its a great piece of glass. Its worth it every penny.

Customer Service

Never needed

Similar Products Used:

Pentax SMC-M 50/4 macro.