Pentax continues to commit to its K-mount lens lineup with the announcement of the new 50mm f/1.4.
Breaking down the official name of the Pentax HD FA 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW, this full-frame lens features HD coatings to reduce ghosting and flare, an SDM ultrasonic autofocus motor, and is weather resistant. Additionally, the new 50mm utilizes Aero Bright II coatings in tandem with the HD coatings, and there’s an SP coating on the front lens element to help repel dust and water.
Inside, the 50mm f/1.4 is constructed of 15 elements in 9 groups, with 1 aspherical element. There are nine rounded aperture blades, and the f-stop range for this lens is f/1.4 to f/16. Minimum focusing distance is 1.3 feet. The front threading takes 72mm filters. It is weather sealed for protection against the elements. In all, the lens weighs 2.1 pounds with the lens hood on.
With the release of the 50mm f/1.4 lens, Pentax’s roadmap for the future of K-mount full-frame lenses indicate that we may next be seeing a 70-200mm f/4 coming in spring of 2019. Other lenses currently in development include an 85mm f/1.4, a zoomable fisheye, two wide-angles, and a telephoto zoom.
The Pentax HD FA 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW lens is priced at $1,196.95 with preorders being taken now. Lenses will begin shipping on July 20.
