SMC Pentax-DA 70mm f/2.4 Limited Lens

SMC Pentax-DA 70mm f/2.4 Limited: Handling

We have here a beautiful jewel of a lens, with clearly very superior finish and construction. In terms of handling, it fits cleanly and firmly onto the camera body and is instantly ready for use after the push on cap is removed. The built in extending lens hood is, as mentioned, detachable, but for most purposes can be considered an integral part of the lens.

Focusing is smooth and fast on the K-5 and the added advantage of Quick Shift is available. After AF has locked on, the focusing ring can be adjusted to tweak the final focus position. In this test, this never proved to be necessary but it can be a very useful feature. Manual focus is nicely damped and although a different feel to the classic manual focus lenses it is functionally perfectly satisfactory.

The 70mm focal length is perfect for portraits and during this test I was able to try this out extensively on a couple of photoshoots. This is always a personal choice, but when using film I preffered to use 100mm lenses, so this is as close to the same thing as it gets.

Short telephoto lenses are also very useful for picking out details in general photography and, coupled with such a compact size, this may well be an outstanding lens for general travel.

Those who enjoy fine engineering will also appreciate this lens, but it takes pictures as well and its handling is spot on.

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