Pentax SMCP-FA 35mm f/3.5 AL medium-format

A sharp, stabilized 35mm prime for Pentax 645 shooters who know exactly what they need. Not a travel lens, not a macro lens, just a really good wide-angle.

What surprised us is how well the aperture and bokeh hold up. The f/3.5 max aperture lands in the 82nd percentile for this type of lens, which is strong for a medium-format wide-angle, and the bokeh sits at the 80th percentile. That's not creamy f/1.4 territory, but it's respectable. The aspherical element helps keep things sharp across the frame. Autofocus is middle of the pack at the 54th percentile, so don't expect lightning-fast acquisition, but it gets there. Stabilization is a nice bonus at the 79th percentile, which helps when you're handholding a 544g lens on a medium-format body.

The Pentax 645 35mm f/3.5 doesn't really compete with the Tamron 28-300mm or Sigma 16-300mm zooms, those are full-frame and APS-C superzooms aimed at completely different buyers. The Nikon NIKKOR 20059 and Sony E 18-135mm are also crop-sensor or full-frame options with more versatility but less medium-format character. If you need one lens that does everything, the Sigma 16-300mm is the obvious choice. But if you're on a Pentax 645 body, none of those mount anyway. The real comparison is against other Pentax 645 primes, and this one holds its own for wide-angle work.

At $1,600 USD, this lens is reasonably priced for medium-format glass, especially with autofocus and stabilization included. It's not cheap, but Pentax 645 shooters know the ecosystem isn't budget-friendly. For the image quality and sharpness you get, it's a fair deal. If you're already invested in Pentax 645, this is a solid pickup.

The Pentax SMCP-FA 645 35mm f/3.5 AL IF is a medium-format wide-angle that quietly does its job without making a fuss. The one thing to know? It's a specialized tool for Pentax 645 shooters who want a 35mm prime with autofocus and an aspherical element, and it delivers sharp, useful images at a price that won't make you wince. But it's not a do-everything lens, and the travel score of 28.7 out of 100 tells you exactly who should leave it at home.

If you're looking for a travel-friendly lens or something with macro capability, this isn't it. Go get a compact zoom or a dedicated macro prime instead. This lens is for Pentax 645 shooters who need a sharp wide-angle and don't mind the size and weight.

Buy it if you shoot Pentax 645 and need a sharp, stabilized 35mm prime with autofocus. Skip it if you want a travel lens or anything with macro capability. This is a purpose-built tool, and for that purpose, it's a winner.