The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the HD Pentax-D FA 50mm F1.4 SDM AW and the Pentax D-FA 50mm F2.8 Macro for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. HD Pentax-D FA 50mm F1.4 SDM AW is the longer of the two lenses at 106mm. The Pentax D-FA 50mm F2.8 Macro with a length of 60mm, is 46mm shorter. Besides being longer, the HD Pentax-D FA 50mm F1.4 SDM AW also has a larger diameter of 80mm compared to the Pentax D-FA 50mm F2.8 Macro's 68mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Pentax D-FA 50mm F2.8 Macro weighs 265g, 70% (645g) lighter than the HD Pentax-D FA 50mm F1.4 SDM AW's weight of 910g.
Lens Mounts
The HD Pentax-D FA 50mm F1.4 SDM AW has the Pentax KAF3 lens mount whereas the Pentax D-FA 50mm F2.8 Macro has the Pentax KAF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Pentax K-3 III Monochrome, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF3 Mount and Pentax K-3 III Monochrome, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF Mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
50mm but while HD Pentax-D FA 50mm F1.4 SDM AW has the fastest aperture of
F1.4, the Pentax D-FA 50mm F2.8 Macro's widest aperture value is
F2.8.