Pentax SMCP-FA 645 35mm f/3.5 AL [IF]

Truly stunning medium format ultrawide lens. Mine tests sharper than the Schneider 28mm PC I had (before selling it shortly after making the comparison). Supremely well corrected with superb edge and corner performance. Best aperture by far is f11. Not to be confused with the earlier manual focus, this was entirely redesigned for Pentax' autofocus body. Among the best wide lenses I've ever used - and I think by now I've used just about every one of the world's best WA lenses! Relatively light in weight but reassuringly well put together.

Higher resolution than most 35mm wides Ultra low distortion (especially for focal length) Positive and smooth manual focusing (AF not tested) Superb performance with Canon digital bodies via adaptor

Not cheap, but excellent value. Close focusing distance of 4ft could be improved

Schneider 28PC, Zeiss 28mm f2.8, Zeiss Biogon 21mm G Series, Nikon 28mm f2.8 AIS, Zeiss 21mm f2.8, Mamiya 43mm, Bronica 40mm, Sigma 15-30mm, Canon 90mm TS, Schneider 72m XL (LF).

Not needed

I've used this lens on a regualer basis for about 14 months. To be honest I've never used it in AF mode as I mostly use it for landscapes, but I did have the manual focus version. This one is sharper stops down to f32 and has addressed the lens hood problem, great bayonet mount scalloped hood allows access to pol. filter. I'm using it more than I thought I would, have had one image published to poster size and it held up well.

Sharp Stops down to f32 Lenshood design Size (compare the comp)

82mm filter size

Pentax 35mm MF,

Have not used