Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 1:1 Macro Limited On Flowers

2009-06-08
I have been using my 35mm limited mostly for product shots. It is smaller than any other of my macro lens and it is easy to carry it along with other lens, hence It has become my go-to macro lens for product shot.

Last week, I came to try it on flower going from 1:2 to 1:1 close up distance. I am very happy with the performance. It is quite easy to use. When it got close to 1:1 scale, I have to use manual focus. I did the test shots not in the best lighting and I expect the lens to perform better when I manage to shoot again with better lighting. It missed the quick shift focus as in the DA* lens but manual focusing is very capable with this lens


pentax da 35mm f/2.8 1:1 macro limited test shot on flower


pentax da 35mm f/2.8 1:1 macro limited test shot on flower

pentax da 35mm f/2.8 1:1 macro limited test shot on flower

Impressions & Notes:
  • Lens has beautiful color and contrast
  • I see better sharpness with 77mm limited but I have no complaint for the 35mm.
  • Close up from 1:2 to 1:1 is quite easy to make on this lens
  • Manual focus missed AF/MF switch as in DA* lens but manual focusing is found pleasant in the 35mm. It is about half turn in the focusing ring.
  • Quick shift focus is allowed in overriding the AF when manual focus ring is turned
  • One big gripe that I have on 35mm limited is the lens cap. When I have a filter mounted, the lens cap no longer fit tightly with the lens
  • I was initially not aware of the presence of a lens hood. One has to pull the lens hood from the side.
  • This is a great lens to be used for product shots, close up and perhaps street shooting
  • I see a great number of samples using it for documentary work and black and white photos. I will use this lens for street shooting and hopefully find the time to use it for b&w pictures.

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4 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Manual focus missed the quick shift" - am I missing something? This lens does 'quick focus' manual AF override just fine (at least my sample does). It's one of the most useful features of all DA Limited lenses.

Hin Man said...

I may be getting it all wrong for the manual override. I will check back and make the correction. I like the design in the DA* 50-135mm better than the DA limited lens, where you can do the override along with a AF/MF switch on the lens so that the half-pressing don't engage the AF.

Thanks for the comment and correction.

Hin Man said...

I was wrong about the quick shift focus. I get mixed up with the FA 77mm limited lens where quick shift is not allowed. Thank you for the correction.

Anonymous said...

"I like the design in the DA* 50-135mm better than the DA limited lens, where you can do the override along with a AF/MF switch on the lens so that the half-pressing don't engage the AF. "

Of course, that's why I've decoupled AF from the shutter release (via custom function) and in rare occasions I need AF, I just press the AF button (on K10D) or the OK button (on istDs) on the back of the camera (AF on demand I guess). OTOH I like design of the DA* 50-135 too, but I like build quality of my Limiteds (35 & 70 so far) even better. :-)

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Welcome to Hin's Photo Corner, this is my learning blog on photography, blogging and advertising. And I hope you enjoy your visit. For contact, please comment in blog post or email me directly hintheman at gmail.com.

 

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