28mm gives significantly wider field than almost all other shift lenses (usually 35mm) for 35mm cameras. SMC coating controls all but the most brilliant flare, good color rendition. Eleven increments of shifting and 12 axes provide excellent range and control of shift movements. Good resolution in all but extreme shifts. Fixed metal hood protects the large front element. Rugged metal construction.

Large, heavy, expensive. Limited filter possibilities. Quickly loses resolution at extreme shift, plus edge falloff there. Requires experimenting to get to know acceptable limits.

Very high quality traditional lens without aspherical elements, moderately fast at f/3.5, plenty of shift movement in all directions, unusually wide angle at 28mm, has the versatile Pentax K mount but without auto exposure contacts (can be used aperture-priority or metered manual). Fine rectilinear rendition with many correcting elements, and the superior SMC coating. Avoid extreme shifts combined with max aperture, which results in brightness edge falloff and poor resolution toward edges. Out of production, on the used market, but some new product occasionally emerges from a warehouse here and there. Built-in shade, three built-in filters. 77mm filters can be used in front if you're desperate, but will vignette the more extreme shifts.

Customer Service

No warranty service needed. Regional authorized service center provided exceptional service after I dropped the lens on concrete. One built-in filter cracked, otherwise only exterior metal scrapes and dents. High praise for rugged build which protected the lens from butterfingers.

Similar Products Used:

Have used no other shift lenses.