HD Pentax-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR Lens Review

HD Pentax-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR Handling and Features

The 28-105mm is very similar in build to many of the APS-C format zooms from Pentax, using high-quality plastics and being finished to a high standard. The zooming ring is wide, with a good grip and a smooth action. The manual focusing ring is much narrower, close to the camera body, and well placed. The action is again smooth, with just the right amount of resistance so that it will not be accidentally turned. There is a well made and solid metal mount. There is a built-in DC motor powering the AF mechanism and it operates very quietly and very quickly.

A clip on lens cap is provided and also an effective bayonet fit petal lens hood. Even with modern lens coatings, it is a good idea to always use a lens hood. It reduces flare and increases image contrast. The lens has the latest HD (High Definition) multi-coating, plus an SP (Super-Protect) coating on the front element to repel water, grease and dirt.

There are eight seals within this WR (Weather Resistant) lens to prevent the ingress of water and dust, so we can continue to shoot in rain and mist, or anywhere where water splashes are likely. There is also the Quick Shift feature that enables a manual tweak of the focus after the AF system has locked on, without the need to operate any switch. This can be particularly useful for macro subjects.

Optical construction is 15 elements in 11 groups. There are two Aspherical elements, one ED (Extra Low Dispersion) and one Anomalous Dispersion glass element. The diaphragm has nine blades, which helps to improve bokeh, the smoothness of the out of focus areas.

Closest focusing distance is a useful 0.5m, a magnification of 0.22x. There is a 62mm filter thread. Finally, the lens weighs 440g, or 463g with the lens hood.

28-105mm on 35mm-format equates to 43-161mm on APS-C, and this lens can, of course, be used on all the previous crop sensor Pentax DSLRs. For older cameras, the AF system needs a K10D (with firmware 1.3) or later, otherwise it will be manual focus only. This means that all Pentax bodies from the last few years will be fully compatible.

Pentax lenses are always very simple in use, there generally being no special switches or mechanisms that have to be considered. This lens is no exception and is basically hassle-free. It focuses snappily, zooming and focusing actions are smooth and even and the lens hood clips cleanly into place without having to fiddle with it. Balance on the K-1 is excellent and the combination is easily manageable in terms of weight and bulk. There are no handling issues.

Add your message