DA 50/1.8 Will be Marketed Soon

See this latest announcement at the PF.

And here are the disclosed specs:-

• Large maximum aperture for shallow depth of field: F1.8
• 6 lens elements in 5 groups
• Diagonal field of view: 32 degrees
• 7 aperture blades, rounded for a smooth bokeh
• SP coated front element repels dirt and grease and is easy to clean
• Image format: APS-C
• Screwdrive autofocus
• Plastic bayonet
• Not a pancake, but still quite compact with a length of 38.5mm/1.5 inches
• 52mm filter diameter
• Light weight: 122g/4.3 oz

Well, a quick comparison to the old Pentax 50mm F1.7 lenses reveals that it is yet 6 elements in 5 groups, but the size, weight and number of aperture blades are different. The DA50 is actually longer but a bit lighter, owing to the deletion of the aperture ring and mechanism as well as it is a "plastic lens" as designed and meant.

Btw, the old FA 50mm F1.7 lens is quite nice optically and it was sold cheap at around $100 at its time. Let's see what how this trimmed down but "digital optimised" "new" version perform and how much Pentax will ask for! Last but not least, I don't believe that it is a cropped lens, i.e., it should cover 135 Full Frame (as even the 40XS actually is)!


Read Also:-

Pancake "Standard" Prime Shootout: FA 43/1.9 Limited Vs A 50/2

Compatibility of DA Lenses on Full Frame

When the Super Pancake Meets Different Bodies~