Pentax SMCP-FA 24mm f/2.0 AL IF Lens

First, I have to first make it clear that the scores I give are skewed to the low side, or else every lens gets a 4 or 5 and it becomes difficult to compare. 3 seems low but this is only because the bar is raised very high. Pentax is a competent manufacturer of high-quality optics and their best glass can match or exceed the Zeiss glass that I reviewed. It is just that this particular 24/2.0 does not do so. However, there are several commendable strengths with this lens: its flare resistance is amazing, and wide open at f/2.0 it is pretty good. The colour is intense, but it is like blocks of colour with little discernable gradation. Micro-contrast is lacking - Pentax lenses are, if you allow me to over-generalize a bit, tuned for maximum overall contrast and strong colours.

The construction is fully metal. Focusing action is smooth and comparable to a manual focus lens. The finish is handsome but very easily scratched. At its price, it is already a bargain. We should not have unrealistic expectations in its absolute optical performance.