I'm just happy to see reinvigorated interest in Pentax. I"ve used many other systems but never "left" as so many did, or scoffed at the thought of owning one. Have preferred them for many years overall, despite perceived shortcomings.
Many thanks for putting these videos together, and showing Pentax some love. Not many of these kinda Pentax lens videos out there. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the video Lee! F1.7 was the clear winner for me, best contrast and sharpness. I have a 50mm f1.4 M but think I might add a 1.7 after watching your review.
That's the way I felt looking at sample images, the F-series (and FA) 1.7 seemed to be a bit sharper at it's widest aperture than the 1.4, and the F series seemed to be even sharper at the edges than the FA to me. I ordered one, but just watching the video now to see what others think too...hard to find accurate comparisons on a K1. But if I remember, the F and FA were based off the PK-A 50mm f/2.0 which is a good lens in its own right in the right situation. It does get a little soft at 2.0 and 2.8, but not in an unpleasant way.
I've owned the AF f1.7 for several years and have been very pleased with it. Thanks for the comparison, nice to know how sharp it is compared to the other 50s.
Well.. spent more than i wanted but hard to find the pentax 50mm f series lense. I love the style and it works with my other ones. Using it on my K50. Noise doesnt bother me. Great video review.
Pentax M the colors have just that pastell light but still crispy feel, that is not visible in any other 1.4 . Also the color cast in the white is beautifully neutral. Its just more of a clear defined white without magenta yellow or green. For me the color cast is why i absolutely prefer the SMC-M's over the Takumars
Great video Lee. I personally like the MF lens rendering wide open the best. I was blown away at how bad the edges are with the AF 1.4. I was actually thinking of getting that lens but your test has steered me away from it. I will look for an A MF 1.4 or possibly look at the new Rokinon 50 1.4.
I have the F series AF, and the A series MF Pentax 50mm f1.7s. Both were bought new. Used the 1.4 MF in the past. As on Pentax forums, I'm in agreement with the reviewer-users there, I like the f1.7 best. The M series (with no aperture A setting) f1.7 is famous for its sharpness, color, and out of focus smooth renders. The optical configuration for all of these f1.7s is the same, but the aperture diaphram is reversed after the M series. Contrast too is carried to all aperture settings you showed. This makes the f1.7 the best. This increases the aprehension of sharpness as well.
It is generally accepted that Pentax F1.7 lenses of this era (and going back at least to the M-Series) are sharper than the F1.4. The only advantage of the 1.4 is being half a stop faster. That extra bit of aperture costs you in both money and sharpness.
As always I find your videos very educational and informative. This one is clearly most comprehensive. My question is this: What is so crucial in having an ultra silent auto focusing lens? I believe I have very good hearing, so I cannot determine how a lens that makes a barely audible sound can be that intrusive. Please help as this inquiring mindless person wants to know. Many thanks, Tony
thanks for the video! personally i prefer the "SMC Pentax" K-Mount version the best - this seems to be the sweet spot for me - the best of the early era pentax glass without all the scary radiation of the takumar. amazing glass on fuji, but still waiting for pentax to release a real mirrorless camera before i buy another one of their cameras...
You should have compared the Fa 1,4 with the F 1,7 at around f1,7, because I assume that both would have similar sharpness at this aperture! Of course the images are always very soft at the widest aperture. So at f2,8 the three lenses have the same sharpness in my opinion. But you have more possibilities for subject-separation with f 1,4 than with f 1,7.
Could you do a test with the plastic fantastic 50 1.8. I am curious to see if I can make any improvement over it with the 1.4 or 1.7 versions. I do shoot the K3 so that may make a difference. Thanks
well... the Pentax-A 1.4 is by far the most beautiful lens of the 3 and it is a really perfect made jewel (I owned one, so I know...); but the ugly 1.7/50 F is the best - and it is one of the best in the entire market, no matter what brand. For that price it is absolute incredible. ...if only it would not be so ugly...
The 1.4's have the same lens formula and 8 aperture blades instead of six. Just different versions of the same lens. The 1.7 may be sharper, but I like the rendering and bokeh of the 1.4's better.
That's always been my take as well. I've owned all them at one point or another. My favorite is the K50/1.2 but the M50/1.4 is dang near as good and since it's half the size and weight, it's nearly what I always grab.
In my eyes, the manual lens has the best bokeh on the outside photos. The 1.7 is interesting and probably better overall but I won't give up on the manual lens.
Nice test. There is one problem: when I look at the resolution test, i'm almost sure that the upper right corner is better in both 1.4 lenses then the upper left corner - and this one was taken for the zoom comparison.
The tester likely did not use a tape measure to ensure that the camera/lens placement was plano parallel to the shot newsprint newspaper. Had that occurred, all would likely be equal, corner to corner. Likely the lens too was not exactly in the middle view of the newsprint newspaper, to make all else equal. If only done with the eye and spacial-psychological comprehension, it simply will not provide accuracy as to that being viewed, the equaldistance of flat newsprint shot, top to bottom, and side to side, as well as center upon center when changing optics.
Sometimes I wonder if there are different batches of these lenses that were better than the others. The FA50/1.4 surprised me how far behind the 1.7 it was in sharpness. It was supposed to be a higher end lens
I immediately saw that he regretted saying the "battle" line, but it really made me laugh when just as I thought it he addressed it. Great review otherwise, thanks.
As an owner of the f1.7 50mm F series, I can report it has an aperture ring. The lens itself has the same optical formula from M, to A, to F series, likely the FA series as well. Why change a good thing? For mounting, focus advances, and series common configurations.
Fantastic lens. But truth be told, all of these 50s are fantastic. The *55 does get you weather sealing though. Trouble is I reach for the FA43 far more than any of the fiddys... I just love the touch more breathing room it offers.
Your tests on the newspaper/magazine have no value... the sensor isn't parallele to the "chart" ! 😕 Shame, as it diminishes the apreciation of such an interesting comparison
Развлечения
I got so lucky about 5 years ago. At a thrift shop that I rarely go to because it rarely had anything good, was a 50mm "A" 1.2f for only $40!!!!
I'm just happy to see reinvigorated interest in Pentax. I"ve used many other systems but never "left" as so many did, or scoffed at the thought of owning one. Have preferred them for many years overall, despite perceived shortcomings.
Many thanks for putting these videos together, and showing Pentax some love. Not many of these kinda Pentax lens videos out there. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the video Lee! F1.7 was the clear winner for me, best contrast and sharpness. I have a 50mm f1.4 M but think I might add a 1.7 after watching your review.
That's the way I felt looking at sample images, the F-series (and FA) 1.7 seemed to be a bit sharper at it's widest aperture than the 1.4, and the F series seemed to be even sharper at the edges than the FA to me. I ordered one, but just watching the video now to see what others think too...hard to find accurate comparisons on a K1. But if I remember, the F and FA were based off the PK-A 50mm f/2.0 which is a good lens in its own right in the right situation. It does get a little soft at 2.0 and 2.8, but not in an unpleasant way.
Coud be interesting to compare this lenses with the DA 50 1.8.
I am pleased to see Pentax videos on youtube, thanks!
I've owned the AF f1.7 for several years and have been very pleased with it. Thanks for the comparison, nice to know how sharp it is compared to the other 50s.
Your style of videos is growing on me. Keep up the good work. :)
thanks! just try to add lenses types to video description ;)
for me 1.7 is winner and i am proud owner
Well.. spent more than i wanted but hard to find the pentax 50mm f series lense. I love the style and it works with my other ones. Using it on my K50. Noise doesnt bother me. Great video review.
Pentax M the colors have just that pastell light but still crispy feel, that is not visible in any other 1.4 . Also the color cast in the white is beautifully neutral. Its just more of a clear defined white without magenta yellow or green. For me the color cast is why i absolutely prefer the SMC-M's over the Takumars
Great video Lee. I personally like the MF lens rendering wide open the best. I was blown away at how bad the edges are with the AF 1.4. I was actually thinking of getting that lens but your test has steered me away from it. I will look for an A MF 1.4 or possibly look at the new Rokinon 50 1.4.
Thank's Man ! The Best test i have seen ever
Glad you liked it!
Thank you for the VDO. It is very useful.
thx for this video Lee!
I have the F series AF, and the A series MF Pentax 50mm f1.7s. Both were bought new. Used the 1.4 MF in the past. As on Pentax forums, I'm in agreement with the reviewer-users there, I like the f1.7 best. The M series (with no aperture A setting) f1.7 is famous for its sharpness, color, and out of focus smooth renders. The optical configuration for all of these f1.7s is the same, but the aperture diaphram is reversed after the M series. Contrast too is carried to all aperture settings you showed. This makes the f1.7 the best. This increases the aprehension of sharpness as well.
Great educational video. You did a very positive feedback on the 3 lenses . I bought a 50mm 1.4 lens auto focus. Great lens .
It is generally accepted that Pentax F1.7 lenses of this era (and going back at least to the M-Series) are sharper than the F1.4. The only advantage of the 1.4 is being half a stop faster. That extra bit of aperture costs you in both money and sharpness.
Thanks, Lee! I just scored an SF7 with the 50mm 1.7. Can't wait to use it on my K-1!
Hope you enjoy it!
As always I find your videos very educational and informative. This one is clearly most comprehensive. My question is this:
What is so crucial in having an ultra silent auto focusing lens? I believe I have very good hearing, so I cannot determine how a lens that makes a barely audible sound can be that intrusive. Please help as this inquiring mindless person wants to know. Many thanks, Tony
Thanks, really helpfull
Leuke video en de inhoud is ook goed. De leguaan maakt een zelfverzekerde indruk, haha, wordt vast goed verzorgd!
thanks for the video! personally i prefer the "SMC Pentax" K-Mount version the best - this seems to be the sweet spot for me - the best of the early era pentax glass without all the scary radiation of the takumar. amazing glass on fuji, but still waiting for pentax to release a real mirrorless camera before i buy another one of their cameras...
You should have compared the Fa 1,4 with the F 1,7 at around f1,7, because I assume that both would have similar sharpness at this aperture! Of course the images are always very soft at the widest aperture. So at f2,8 the three lenses have the same sharpness in my opinion. But you have more possibilities for subject-separation with f 1,4 than with f 1,7.
thanks Lee
Very interesting v;video! Thanks for sharing!
Good job, bro.
Love pentax
Could you do a test with the plastic fantastic 50 1.8. I am curious to see if I can make any improvement over it with the 1.4 or 1.7 versions. I do shoot the K3 so that may make a difference. Thanks
well... the Pentax-A 1.4 is by far the most beautiful lens of the 3 and it is a really perfect made jewel (I owned one, so I know...); but the ugly 1.7/50 F is the best - and it is one of the best in the entire market, no matter what brand. For that price it is absolute incredible. ...if only it would not be so ugly...
Do you have a disassembly and cleaning guide for the 50mm f/1.4 Pentax-FA AF SMC? I'm trying to figure out where the metal o ring goes in the lens.
Why did you leave out the da 50mm 1.8 ? Will do you a comparison with it ?
the f/1.7 wins the day. BTW, Leo is one of the most nil admirari lizards out there.
50mm f/1.4 Pentax-A SMC and 50mm f/1.4 Pentax -FA SMC have the same optical scheme designed by YASUO TAKAHASHI in 1969
The 1.4's have the same lens formula and 8 aperture blades instead of six. Just different versions of the same lens. The 1.7 may be sharper, but I like the rendering and bokeh of the 1.4's better.
That's always been my take as well. I've owned all them at one point or another. My favorite is the K50/1.2 but the M50/1.4 is dang near as good and since it's half the size and weight, it's nearly what I always grab.
hi. what to prefer for k-70 = 50mm f/1.7 Pentax-F AF SMC or Pentax 50mm DA f/1.8. Thanks
In my eyes, the manual lens has the best bokeh on the outside photos. The 1.7 is interesting and probably better overall but I won't give up on the manual lens.
Nice test. There is one problem: when I look at the resolution test, i'm almost sure that the upper right corner is better in both 1.4 lenses then the upper left corner - and this one was taken for the zoom comparison.
The tester likely did not use a tape measure to ensure that the camera/lens placement was plano parallel to the shot newsprint newspaper. Had that occurred, all would likely be equal, corner to corner. Likely the lens too was not exactly in the middle view of the newsprint newspaper, to make all else equal. If only done with the eye and spacial-psychological comprehension, it simply will not provide accuracy as to that being viewed, the equaldistance of flat newsprint shot, top to bottom, and side to side, as well as center upon center when changing optics.
Clicked like once for the review and twice more for the Bruce Lee shirt 👍
Sometimes I wonder if there are different batches of these lenses that were better than the others. The FA50/1.4 surprised me how far behind the 1.7 it was in sharpness. It was supposed to be a higher end lens
2:42 and I already know which one I want.
Why didn't you include the Pentax 50mm f1.8 SMC DA . Its the one that comes in most kits and is pentax lens made for digital cameras ?
the AF 1.4. is winner for me
Hi,
How do we hnow if a Pentax lense is designed for full frame or APS-C.
Thank you.
Fa is for ff
Da is for apsc
@@francescofasulo7464 DFA is also FF.
I immediately saw that he regretted saying the "battle" line, but it really made me laugh when just as I thought it he addressed it. Great review otherwise, thanks.
So I have the FA 1.7 but it does not look like Lee’s 1.7 ,it has the same body and style as the 1.4? Can someone explain that to me?
axelessforester He's using the "f" version, not the "fa" version.
does the f1.7 have a manual aperture ring?
As an owner of the f1.7 50mm F series, I can report it has an aperture ring. The lens itself has the same optical formula from M, to A, to F series, likely the FA series as well. Why change a good thing? For mounting, focus advances, and series common configurations.
What about the 55 mm da 1.4 it works on full frame
Fantastic lens. But truth be told, all of these 50s are fantastic. The *55 does get you weather sealing though. Trouble is I reach for the FA43 far more than any of the fiddys... I just love the touch more breathing room it offers.
..and the winner is... FA 50 macro :P
My copy, smc auto.focus 1.4, is not sharp wide open
Your tests on the newspaper/magazine have no value... the sensor isn't parallele to the "chart" ! 😕 Shame, as it diminishes the apreciation of such an interesting comparison