HD PENTAX-D FA* 85mm f/1.4 SDM AW Lens
The Pentax 85mm f/1.4 SDM AW Silver Edition is a 85mm f/1.4 lens designed for Pentax K mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
HD PENTAX-D FA* 85mm f/1.4 SDM AW Lens
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Lens Overview — Pentax 85mm f/1.4 SDM AW Silver Edition
Key Features — Pentax 85mm f/1.4 SDM AW Silver Edition
85mm f/1.4 Prime Optic: A classic short-telephoto focal length with a wide maximum aperture, well-suited for portraiture, events, and available-light shooting.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover the full 35mm image circle, making it compatible with Pentax full-frame DSLR bodies without any crop factor.
HD Coating Technology: Pentax's HD multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting for cleaner images when shooting toward light sources.
SDM Autofocus Motor: Supersonic Drive Motor enables near-silent, fast autofocus operation suited to both stills and discreet shooting situations.
All-Weather Construction: AW (All-Weather) sealing at multiple points protects the lens against dust and moisture during outdoor use.
Star Series Optical Build: Part of Pentax's flagship Star (*) lens lineup, indicating premium optical glass and construction standards.
Lens Specifications — Pentax 85mm f/1.4 SDM AW Silver Edition
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Studio, Fashion |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 85mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Pentax K |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 82mm |
Description — Pentax 85mm f/1.4 SDM AW Silver Edition
The HD PENTAX-D FA* 85mm f/1.4 SDM AW is a prime lens built exclusively for the Pentax K mount, covering a full-frame image circle and designed for use with DSLR camera systems. Operating at a fixed 85mm focal length within the telephoto range, it delivers a dedicated optical design rather than the compromises often associated with zoom lenses. The maximum aperture of f/1.4 is one of the lens's most significant specifications, enabling photographers to work with more light reaching the sensor.
Autofocus is fully supported alongside manual focus control, providing versatility across different shooting demands. The lens features an 82mm filter thread, which should be noted when planning filter purchases. Weighing 1,255g, it is a hefty optic that demands consideration when thinking about carrying comfort.
It is worth noting that image stabilization is listed as None, so shooters will need to account for this depending on their camera body's capabilities. For Pentax K mount DSLR users seeking a full-frame prime at this focal length and aperture, this lens represents a dedicated option within the Pentax lineup.
Pros — Pentax 85mm f/1.4 SDM AW Silver Edition
- ✓Wide maximum aperture of f/1.4 provides strong performance potential in varied lighting conditions
- ✓Full-frame coverage (lensFormat: Full Frame) makes it suitable for Pentax full-frame DSLR bodies
- ✓Supports both autofocus and manual focus, offering flexibility across different shooting scenarios
Cons — Pentax 85mm f/1.4 SDM AW Silver Edition
- ✗No image stabilization (imageStabilization: None), requiring reliance on body-based stabilization or higher shutter speeds
- ✗At 1,255g, the lens is notably heavy and may cause fatigue during prolonged handheld use
- ✗Large 82mm filter thread size means filters are expensive and less commonly owned
Videos — Pentax 85mm f/1.4 SDM AW Silver Edition
Pentax FA* 85mm f1.4 Lens Overview — Scott J. Waldron 📷 Photography Banzai