Macro with D-FA 50mm f/2.8

iPod Shuffle, originally uploaded by wesleywsm.

This is probably one of the sharpest lens in the Pentax lineup. A dedicated macro lens, it offers 1:1 magnification. Used on a K100D, this test shot of the iPod shuffle was taken with window (diffused) lighting at my workroom. Depth of field is very shallow at f/2.8 but the bokeh is nice and smooth.

It's actually quite useable as a standard lens at 50mm (75mm field of view), however, I would really recommend it to be used for portraiture unless one deliberately wants to capture all the blemish and imperfection on the subject's face. Yeah, it's that sharp!

Nevertheless, it's great for landscape and street shots. The MTF rating and test reveals it rivals the sharpest Leica 50mm f/2.0 Summicron (check Photodo.com for Leica test, photozone.de for Pentax).

For me, I may see it fit for my panoramic landscaping shots where edge to edge sharpness is very much preferred.

For the street price of about RM1,350 in Malaysia, it's highly recommended if the close working distance suits your need. Otherwise, check out the D-FA 100mm f/2.8 macro.