Asahi Pentax 28mm f3.5 - vintage lens review

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Long time viewers will know that I’ve been slowly putting together a set of Asahi Pentax-m lenses, but I was still lacking something on the wide end, until I managed to get my hands on this 28mm.

The lens is made out of metal, it weights 170g, it is 36 to 40mm long and it has an external diameter of 63mm, with a 49mm front thread.

The iris had 5 blades, the aperture is clicked and it goes from f3.5 to f22 with half steps.

The focusing ring is rubberized, it turns 110 degrees and minimum focusing distance is 30cm.

Flange distance for the Pentax K mount is 45,46mm. 

The focusing ring is smooth but still has enough resistance to not be knocked around, while the aperture needs just a bit more force. The lens feels solid, it is short and lightweight and it doesn’t really throw off the balance of your camera.

Sharpness wide open is great in the center, but it gets softer towards the edges. By f8 there is just a bit of fuzziness in the corners. Chromatic aberration is almost absent and you really need to pixel peep to see any. Colors are pleasant and a bit warm but not too punchy. Specular highlights have harder edges but no artifacts and background don’t feel as busy as other 28mm. Flares and ghosting are very well controlled, just as the other lenses in the series.

You might remember that I used to own a cosina 28mm f2.8 with a Pentax mount and I was very satisfied with the images it produced, so much so that I actually considered adding it to the Asahi set.

Now, looking back to that review and comparing the images, I have to say that the Asahi Pentax is a bit smoother, but the cosina is still a solid alternative, especially to get that wider aperture at a lower price.

Overall, I am quite satisfied with this lens and, sure, I would prefer the 2.8 version, but I have nothing to complain about this one.


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