If my sample of this lens is representative, then this lens will be a somewhat controversial performer. Here are some characteristics.
It's very very sharp. It is indeed not that sharp wide open but still better than any other lens I've tried at apertures of 1.8 and faster. I did the test at a landscape focused at infinity. Therefore, there might be some focusing errors as I suspect that the lens focuses slightly past the infinity mark. I cranked the focusing ring ever so slightly away from where it stops at the infinity setting. Focusing bracketing is probably a good idea for more thorough testing. The lens sharpens up considerably half a stop from wide-open; at 2.4 yields a sharp image. At 2.8 the results are very very sharp; perhaps the best performance I've seen at this aperture. Its better than both the 43 and 77 Limited at 2.8. It reaches maximum performance from F: 4 to F:8. There might be an increase in quality from F: 4 to F: 8 but it is so small and inconsequential that I'm not sure I see it at all. Theres a small image degradation at F:11. A further one at F:16 and F: 22 but even at F: 22 it is sharp. However, the lens suffers from two "problems": Severe light fall-off at the corners that doesn't really get away until F:4. In fact, this lens has the severest light fall-off I can remember seeing. Its very visible at wider apertures. In addition, it show reduced edge sharpness at apertures wider than F:4. This is also clearly visible; the lens does indeed have a sweet spot in the center in terms of sharpness. I have not tested out the bokeh but I expect it to be excellent. P�l - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
