PDN - August 2011

Pentax DA* 55mm
f/1.4 SDM
Pentax portrait photographers have a great
go-to lens.

In recent months in these pages, I’ve looked at two stellar portrait lenses: the AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G and the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM, which comes in Sigma, Nikon, and Canon mounts. Since neither of those lenses is compatible with Pentax digital SLRs, I thought I’d round out my portrait photography product coverage by checking out the Pentax DA* 55mm f/1.4 SDM, a pro-level lens introduced a few years ago. (Hopefully, I’ll get to look at an Olympus portrait lens before 2011 is up, though I know of no new ones in the pipeline.)

I tested the DA* 55mm f/1.4 on a Pentax K- 5, the company’s top-of-the-line DSLR, which I reviewed in the March 2011 issue of PDN. As I mentioned in that review, Pentax is seen as something of an underdog in photography circles and with good reason. A few years ago after it survived a messy merger with the Hoya Corporation, there was a rumor its camera division would be sold off. That never happened and it’s a good thing. The company continues to churn out high-quality imaging products including the 16.3-megapixel K5 and 40-megapixel 645D medium-format digital camera.

Add to that array of photographic hits the DA* 55mm f/1.4 SDM, a fantastic piece of portrait glass that should find a place in any serious Pentaxian’s camera bag.

The Pentax 55mm f/1.4 lens is small and light but looks more intimidating with its nearly 2-inch hood attached.

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