HD PENTAX-D FA★85mmF1.4ED SDM AW
A large-aperture, medium-telephoto portrait lens for use with K-mount digital SLR cameras
In developing the new generation of the top-of-the-line Star series, PENTAX conducted an extensive review of its in-house standards, demanding the most satisfying performance even for use with future PENTAX digital SLRs, which are expected to deliver higher image quality and better performance than current models. Developed in pursuit of ideal image quality, this new lens delivers superb imaging power, without relying heavily on the image sensor or image processer. It lets the photographer enjoy the entire picture-taking process by checking the subject in detail and in real time via a sharp, clear image produced by its high-grade optical viewfinder.
In order to assure the exceptional imaging power demanded in the new-generation, high-performance Star series, this new lens incorporates high-grade Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical elements and an aspherical optical element to compensate various aberrations to a minimum — in particular, to effectively minimize axial chromatic aberration to prevent the generation of purple fringing in backlit situations. It also reduces distortion — a serious concern in portrait photography — to nearly zero at a focusing distance of four meters. In addition, PENTAX has developed a new ring-type SDM exclusively for this new lens to realize flawless, high-speed autofocus operation, while adopting an exterior design providing a firm grip to facilitate manual-focus operation. This new lens is designed not only to assure the highest imaging power currently possible, but also to optimize the joy of picture-taking.
Features / Specifications
New-generation, high-performance Star-series lens to deliver ideal image quality
Anticipating the further advancement of SLR camera bodies in the future, PENTAX has designed this lens to deliver extra-clear, high-contrast images with edge-to-edge sharpness by compensating various aberrations to a minimum, while greatly enhancing resolving power — two factors absolutely essential in the next-generation Star series. It provides exceptionally high imaging performance even at open aperture, a beautiful bokeh (defocus) effect and outstanding image rendition at close ranges — all reasons why it produces high-quality, well-defined images. It also boasts an extra-large F1.4 maximum aperture, useful with many different subjects in a range of applications, including portraiture with an effectively defocused background, handheld shooting of indoor scenes and scenic photography. It helps the camera to produce a bright, clear viewfinder image that will inspire the photographer’s creativity and imagination.
State-of-the-art optical technology
This lens incorporates three Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical elements to effectively minimize chromatic aberration, and a glass-molded aspherical optical element to effectively compensate for spherical and comatic aberrations and field curvature to deliver extra-clear, high-contrast images with edge-to-edge sharpness, even at open aperture. It also reduces distortion to nearly zero at a focusing distance of four meters to deliver well-defined, distortion-free images over the entire focusing range, from the minimum focusing distance to infinity. This lens is also treated with high-grade, multi-layer HD* Coating, which reduces average reflectance in the visible ray spectrum to less than 50% of conventional multi-layer coatings, effectively reducing flare and ghost images to a minimum even in demanding lighting conditions such as backlighting.
*HD is the abbreviation of High Definition.
HD Coating to enhance imaging performance
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The lens incorporates the PENTAX-developed, multi-layer HD (High Definition) Coating. Compared with conventional multi-layer coatings, it improves light transmittance while reducing average reflectance in the visible ray spectrum. This means that it can deliver clear, well-defined images with minimal flare and ghost images, even under demanding lighting conditions such as backlighting. |
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Dustproof, weather-resistant construction
Developed as an AW (All Weather) model, this lens features a dependable dustproof, weather-resistant structure with eight special seals to prevent the intrusion of water and dust into the lens interior. When paired with a PENTAX weather-resistant digital SLR camera body, it forms a durable, reliable digital imaging system that performs superbly in demanding shooting settings — even in rain or mist, or at locations prone to water splashes or spray.
SP Coating
SP coating is a PENTAX-original special coating that provides superior performance in repelling water and oils. It is used on the front surface of the first high-performance lens for effective protection of the lens surface. This coating not only prevents adhesion of dust, water drops, oils, and other substances, but it also makes it easy to wipe off objects that adhere to the lens.
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Comparison of dirt adhesion (oil-based ink)
A lens surface treated with SP Coating has a very smooth surface without the adhesion of the oil-based ink.
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Comparison of wipe-off (oil-based ink)
A lens surface treated with SP Coating can be wiped clean more easily and completely, even after the ink has dried.
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Exclusively designed, large ring-type SDM
In order to deliver the highest image quality possible over the entire focusing range — from the minimum focusing distance to infinity — this lens features an exclusively designed, large ring-type SDM to efficiently drive the focusing mechanism, which consists of a larger number of optical elements than ordinary lenses, and is required to shift heavy rear-optical-element groups in unison. Generating a torque approximately 1.3 times that of the unit installed in the HD PENTAX-D FA★ 50mm F1.4 SDM AW, this new SDM assures flawless, high-speed autofocus operation.
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Lens Hood included
In addition to a variety of features, such as our unique multi-coating and the prevention of reflections in the lens barrel, a large special lens hood is included with this PENTAX lens to minimise ghosting and flare that occurs in backlit and other adverse conditions. As such, the lens hood is an integral part of the optical system and should always be used when using the lens. Most PENTAX lenses are designed so that the lens tip does not rotate when zooming and focusing to facilitate the use of circular polarising filters. This is further supported by a small window in the lower part of the aperture to allow the circular polarising filter to be operated.
PENTAX K Mount
The lens mounts for PENTAX interchangeable lenses are based on the bayonet K mount, which has remained unchanged since its inception in 1975. It is a mount unique to PENTAX that features a large aperture combined with superior ease of replacement, accuracy, and toughness. These features are utilized to comfortably incorporate an iris control mechanism, autofocus mechanism, and other functions for enabling nearly complete compatibility with conventional lenses. The PENTAX K Mount keeps its advanced versatility despite differences in camera and lens functions.
Others
1. Nine-blade, round-shaped diaphragm to produce a natural, beautiful bokeh (defocus) effect up to F2.8 aperture: setting, while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources
2. A minimum focusing distance of 40 centimeters, effective in capturing images with a defocus effect
3. Electromagnetic diaphragm control, to provide high-precision exposure control during video shooting
This lens features a KAF4 lens mount compatible with an electromagnetic diaphragm control system. Cameras compatible with this system are K-1 Mark II, K-1, K-3 Mark III, K-3 II, K-3, KP, KF, K-70, K-S2, K-S1 and K-50. For K-1, K-3 II, K-3, K-S2, K-S1 and K-50, the camera’s firmware must be upgraded to the latest version.
If this lens is mounted on a camera without proper firmware upgrade, its diaphragm control mechanism becomes inactive, making it impossible to obtain correct exposure.
4. Quick-Shift Focus system, which allows the user to instantly switch to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the camera’s AF system.
【MTF Chart】
Geometric optics MTF (MTF calculated without referencing the effects of light diffraction phenomenon)
F1.4
F4
F8
Wave optical MTF (MTF calculated referencing the effects of light diffraction phenomenon)
F1.4
| Spatial Frequencies |
S:Sagittal |
M:Meridional |
| 10 lines/mm |
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| 30 lines/mm |
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MTF chart information
MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) is a kind of index used to evaluate lens performance, which represents the extent of subject contrast reproduction as spatial frequency.
The MTF chart here shows the contrast on the vertical axis, and distance from the center of the image on the horizontal axis. For the spatial frequency, 10 lines/mm shows a low frequency, and 30 lines/mm shows a high frequency, resulting in the MTF graph. On the graph, the solid line represents the S direction (sagittal direction and radiation direction) MTF, and the broken line represents the M direction (meridional direction and concentric circular direction) MTF.
In general, a low-frequency MTF is proof of a clear, high-contrast lens, and a high-frequency MTF is proof of a sharp lens with high resolving power.
Sample Images
Aperture: F2, Shutter speed: 1/125sec, Focal length: 85mm, White balance: Daylight, ISO sensitivity: 100, Finishing touch/Custom image: Portrait, Captured by PENTAX K-1 Mark II Photo by Shintaro Shiratori
Aperture: F13, Shutter speed: 1/125sec, Focal length: 85mm, White balance: Daylight, ISO sensitivity: 100, Finishing touch/Custom image: Portrait, Captured by PENTAX K-1 Mark II Photo by Shintaro Shiratori
Aperture: F1.4, Shutter speed: 1/125sec, Focal length: 85mm, White balance: Daylight, ISO sensitivity: 100, Finishing touch/Custom image: Portrait, Captured by PENTAX K-1 Mark II Photo by Shintaro Shiratori
Aperture: F1.4, Shutter speed: 1/640sec, Exposure compensation: +0.3EV, Focal length: 85mm, White balance: Color Temperature Configuration, ISO sensitivity: 200, Finishing touch/Custom image: Bright, Captured by PENTAX K-1 Mark II Photo by Kentaro Fukuda
Aperture: F8, Shutter speed: 1/8sec, Exposure compensation: +0.3EV, Focal length: 85mm, White balance: Cloudy, ISO sensitivity: 100, Finishing touch/Custom image: Vibrant, Captured by PENTAX K-1 Mark II Photo by Kentaro Fukuda
Aperture: F2, Shutter speed: 1/80sec, Exposure compensation: -1.3EV, Focal length: 85mm, White balance: AUTO WB, ISO sensitivity: 400, Finishing touch/Custom image: Natural, Captured by PENTAX K-1 Mark II Photo by Mitsuo Suzuki
Aperture: F1.6, Shutter speed: 1/400sec, Exposure compensation: -1EV, Focal length: 85mm, White balance: AUTO WB, ISO sensitivity: 100, Finishing touch/Custom image: Natural, Captured by PENTAX K-1 Mark II Photo by Mitsuo Suzuki
Aperture: F1.8, Shutter speed: 1/5000sec, Exposure compensation: +0.3EV, Focal length: 85mm, White balance: Daylight, ISO sensitivity: 200, Finishing touch/Custom image: Bright, Captured by PENTAX K-1 Mark II Photo by Kentaro Fukuda
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