 In an attempt to make the *ist f1 line of digital SLRs attractive to serious amateurs and prosumers, Pentax has unveiled the new 14mm f/2.8 SMCP-DA AF, a fast, constant-aperture, digital-only ultrawide. Just wide enough for *ist shooters not to feel boxed in by its 21mm (equivalent) angle of view, it promises convenient and relatively distortion-free shooting at a price ($610, street) that Nikon and Canon shooters would pay for used ultrawides.
Hands On: Pentax’s widest DA prime lens is solidly constructed, with an all-metal barrel and lensmount that suggest pro-quality ruggedness. The lens is compact and, at about a pound, not heavy by f/2.8 ultrawide standards. The rubberized focusing ring is nicely grippable, but its turning action drags and emits a faint, scratchy sound. The barrel’s satiny matte-black finish is attractive and seems durable. Its metric focusing scale is white and easily legible (as is the depth-of-field scale), but the blue English scale is hard to read even in good light.
In the lab: SQF results show Excellent sharpness at all apertures and output sizes. We found Slight pincushion distortion (0.30%) in DxO 2.0 analyzer tests, remarkably little for this wide a focal length, especially by historical standards. Light falloff left the corners by f/3.3, also a strong result. At the close-focusing distance of 6.7 inches, magnification reached 1:4.6 (better than Pentax’s published spec), so dramatically wide close-ups are a real possibility.
Conclusion: Both Nikon and Canon offer a 14mm f/2.8 (albeit full-framers), but their lenses street for about $1,400 and $1,800, respectively, and each weighs over a half-pound more than Pentax’s. Optically and physically, the Pentax 14mm is a lens any pro will be proud to use. It’s also affordable or many advanced amateurs, and will probably serve them well for years to come.
Specifications
14mm (14.30mm tested), f/2.8 (f/2.92 tested), 12 elements in 11 groups. Focusing turns 90 degrees clockwise.
• Diagonal view angle: 90 degrees.
• Weight: 1.06 lb.
• Filter size: 77mm.
• Mounts: Pentax AF Digital only.
• Included: Lenshood.
• Street price: $610.
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