5 Pentax 50mm Lenses Tested; The Ultimate Pentax 50mm Lens Comparison Review. 

I wish all lens reviews on youtube were made like this. So chill and so refreshing.. just nice. Also the Takumars are just outstanding lenses.

Super Takumar 55mm 1.8 on my Spotmatic which I have had since the 1980s, Better lens than any of my other lenses.

Massive PENTAX 50mm comparison, I've watched it multiple times, thank you for taking the time to do this video. I'm halfway there, I have the SMC PENTAX-M 50mm f/2 and i love it for the same reasons you do, however, am actively looking for a pristine f/1.2 copy, I've realized I just can't live without it, the luminosity, smoothness and creaminess it produces is amazing and very pleasing.

I wish everyone with vintage olypmus, canon, nikon, etc collections would do vidoes like this. Super helpful. Thank you

Can't thank you enough for the hard work and time you put in to these videos, by far the best out there. I was blown away on how great the Pentax-M 50mm f2 performed against the Taks. I have all of them and must say I was neglecting the Pentax, I will not make that mistake again.

Excellent comparison video ! A few years ago, I performed a similar comparison between two 50mm Takumar f/1.4 lenses (7-element and 8-element), two Nikon 50mm lenses (f/1.4 and f/1.8), and two Fuji 50mm f/1.4 lenses (EBC and non-EBC). All six lenses produced excellent images. However the Takumar 8-element was my personal favorite.

Thanks for your comparison of the lenses. Got a Pentax K1 and lots of vintage lenses and it’s so nice to go out and shoot with them

I've been using the M 50 f1.7 for the last 15odd years, absolutly killer all rounder lens, that can be had for £30! Love it!

Outstanding review; impressive. Also, the music was spot on and appropriate. Reason for watching your video, during a shoot with my K1000 (I shoot film) my 50mm f/1.7 stopped focusing at six feet. Early in the shoot it was working properly all was good. BAM! as though the focus ring hit a brick wall at six feet. On that shoot as backup I brought two 50mm f/2; they saved the day. Thus today on the web I was looking for another lens leaning to the f/1.4 came across your video. Your video helped me realize how good the 50mm f/2.0 is. Though we all have a love for fast lens, and bragging rights they bring, for me it is not a need.

Wonderful review. Couldn't agree more with your findings. I thought the SMC f1.4 and the M f2 must have been made from the same glass, the contrast and colour rendition was almost identical. Hard to believe that I got this 'kit' lens with my Pentax MV in 1981, it was excellent for all my holiday photos and slides. Great kit at the time, what a bargain. And still able to use it on my K200 and K70.

The 50mm f1.2 is my dream lens, as soon as I can spare the cash I've gotta grab one!

The Super Takumar lenses all have lens coatings. The SMC's had improved multcoating which Pentax made a bit of a thing about in their advertising at the time. The f2 is a very underated lens.

Thank you. One of the best lens comparison tests I have ever watched.

Big thanks, for all the work you put in to doing all these comparisons.

Hi, I just discovered your videos, and I just love them. I bought my Pentax K2 in 1975 along with a K 55 1.8 and they're still with me, and my Pentax MF lens family has grown quite a bit. I have tried to move away from those lenses but they've got me hooked and I use them on my Sony cameras (preferably on my A7sII). Many thanks for your time and effort.

I have the 1.2 and uncoated 55mm auto. They both are bokeh monsters and the 55 auto is dreamlike. The highlight rolloff on the 1.2 is also legendary. I'm still searching for something more...everyday, but not so sterile as a modern nifty. These two have quite a bit of character.

Thank you for great review. Of legacy 50 ish lenses I have Super Tak 1.4, Super Tak 55 1.8 and M 1.7. Among them my hands go often to 1.8. I just like the overall image it produces. I have also Auto Chinon MCM 55 f1.7 Macro. That is a real gem. That lens is my favorite 50 mm lens. But, the only modern 50 mm lens I have is a Sigma f2.8 Macro. So, I don't compare the Chinon with modern lenses.

This is an excellent lens review and test. Nice breakdown of all the lenses pluses and minuses. I have several of these lenses you mentioned myself. I have the Asahi Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4, the Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8, and two copies of the Pentax M 50mm f/1.7. All in fine condition.

I just came from the video comparing the Takumar 35's, and I'll make the same comment here that I made on that one. I have six 50/55 mm Takumars, the two macros 1:1 and 1:2, an SMC Tak 50 f1.4, and one each of the 55 1.8, the 2, and the 2.2. The 1.8 is a Super Tak and the other two are auto-Taks. If you appreciate Takumar lenses and can find them, I highly recommend that you check out the rendering produced by the auto-Taks. It's really quite special. It seems the lack of coatings produces less contrasty lenses which translates to an extended range of tonality. Contrast deepens blacks and whites and increases the apparent sharpness, but something is lost thereby the subtle rendering of colors and transitions.

Man I love your passion for PENTAX ..... Fred

Wonderful to finally get definitive information about some great lenses

I've Got the SMC M 1.4 and 1.7 and both are solid performers. The only problem I have had with any of my pentax lenses is the barrel on the 1.4 vibrated loose after 30 years. I just used one of the gum rubber lenses tools to get the front retainer ring off and there were two small philips screws to tighten and then I never looked back ... still going strong some 40 years later. I like the 1.7 because it's a lot smaller and has really nice sharpness so unless I'm shooting low light or stuff where I really want to isolate the background I reach for the 1.7 most of the time. Great video dude. thanks

Would like to have seen you include one of the earlier uncoated, ten bladed, 46mm filtered 55s, just as good as these later models in their own unique way ✅

Best understated knowledgeable comparison-felt compelled for the first time to subscribe!

Great video. The side by side comparisons were useful. I have the Super Takumar and looking to add other 50mm or 55mm lenses to my vintage lens collection.

Awesome, I just bought the f2. cant wait till it gets here.

i personally have the M42 mount version of the SMC Takumar 50 1.4, 7 elements, radioactive back element. I really like this lens, super small and nice to use manual focus and the aperture ring, only the aperture ring(s) on the Helios 44-2 lenses are nicer to handle. But i have to say - i barely use it wide open, its mostly used between F2 and F5.6, sometimes at F8-F11, but thats rare. At 1.4 its only usable for portraits in low light without light or flash or sometimes since it gives a nice look at 1.4 if sharpness or contrast isnt needed.

Thanks for your hard work on this excellent set of comparisons. I happen to also have almost the same set but also the SMC Pentax-M 50mm F4 Macro and learned more about them from your video.

I've got the 8 blade SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4 and its an amazing lens, it's the one I almost always have with me all the time. It's super sharp and has a rich and beautiful quality about it. Other 50's I have; the super takumar f1.4, the pentax's 1.2, 1.4, and the f/2. I also have that same 55mm you have too. Great lens and fun to use!

great video! I just bought the 50mm 1.2 for less than $100 now waiting on my pentax/sony adapter !

I have the Super Takumar 50 1.4, 55 1.8, 55 2, Auto Takumar 55 2(10 blades) & SMC Macro Takumar - I've tried to get the 8 element 50 1.4 a few times but it's a unicorn. My 55 2 might actually be SMC m42 but it's particularly nice(got it with a 35 3.5, 135 3.5 & body) looking unused but they almost all look new or lightly used except the Auto and even that one functions perfectly. I really like the bokeh from the Auto but the Macro is OUTSTANDING.

Thanks for this fine comparison. I have the Super-Takumar 50 mm f/1.4 and I am very happy with it. I have found it gives great images with both film and digital SLRs.

wow! superb video! Love the way you talk and handle this video. never boring, just pure good information. really interesting choices at the end there, but you seem to have a really balanced reflection on why you picked what you did. mostly shocked that none of the 1.4s were in the top 2. When I got into manual lenses for my a7 a few years ago my conclusion was to get the smc 1.4 50mm and it has worked like a charm. I got bit by the bug so now I restore and collect various lenses in the hopes finding new favorites. as of yet, I have not tried a better manual 50mm. some might be a bit sharper, and the bokeh can be really cool, but if I were to go out with only one lens it would still be the smc 1.4. It is just that superb in build and smoothness of operation. I have now placed a bid on a smc 1.2 and tomorrow I will hopefully get it. fingers crossed! I shoot very often at dusk and in the night so I could really use all the light possible. Thank you for making this video!

I recently picked up a mint SMC Pentax version for video work, a dream marriage!

If I had to pick a favorite I would be in trouble! Very informative, thanks!

Radioactive 55 f2 is probably my favorite Takumar.

Imagine all the crazy things that were seen through the crime scene lens!

Thank you for the review of these lenses. Great work!

As most others have said.... AWESOME honest video comparison! Love your format, your attitude/demeanor and your reasoning behind your input. I have the f2 copy and the 55 1.8 copy and love them both. The f2, especially for as cheap as you can get them (I paid $16 for my almost ""Excellent" copy!) is an awesome little performer that produces beautiful images! Thanks again! You got a new subscriber tonight! :)

Really enjoyable and super informative. Splendid gear talk is much appreciated.

Pentax SMC 1.4 for the win (well for me since I own one hehe)

I have a pristine condition Pentax K SMC 50mm f1.2 like yours and it's awesome. I have just purchased the Pentax A SMC 50mm f1.2. These are my favourite Pentax lenses

Thanks for the comparison. I happened to pick up a SMC Takumar 55/1.7 for $17 in 2007 and it was one of the best lens purchases I've made (yes, I value it better than the Leica M 90/2 APO.) I bought a 2nd copy soon thereafter that was cosmetically better. The SMC 55/1.7 didn't seem "too sharp" on the 8 mp Canon I had at the time. Need to compare it against the Pentax K 50/1.2 on the new to me A7R3 soon!

Just picked up a 50mm f/2. Thanks for the comparison ✌️

Absolutely brilliant review! thank you so much

Great video as always. Ever considered making a comparative video of 28mm pentax lenses? It would be very great and useful in my opinion, considering that there are many ones, and many of them with different optical designs. Tak 28 3.5, SMC K 28 F2, SMC K 28 3.5, SMC M 28 F2, SMC M 28 2.8 (i think there are two different versions of this one), SMC M 28 3.5, and so on.

I have the Pentax-M f2, f1.7, and f1.4. Would love to get the 1.2 one day. My favorite is the 1.7 for general use, and the 1.4 for portrait/people. Maybe my copy is imperfect, but I see a definite step down in sharpness for the f2. And how different the 1.7 and 1.4 from each other. The 1.7 is sharpest wide open and with both at 1.7, but around f8 the 1.4 is sharpest. The 1.7 I love because the sharpness remains high across the aperture range, and I prefer its look for most things. Portrait, however is much better with the 1.4. It is interesting how each lens has very different characters. I have and use the Canon FD 1.2 but as much as I love the Canon, I prefer that Pentax character.

Thanks for your great review. It confirms what I already experienced after testing tons of standard lenses: 90% of them perform pretty similar under normal circumstances. Of course the faster lenses have better subject separation. There are exceptions though. I remember seeing a fast vintage lens test including the Summilux 50/1.4. It blew the other lenses (canon, nikkor etc) out of the water, wide open at least.

I’ve always loved the SMC M 50mm f1.7 and the 55mm f1.8 Super Takumar. I have a Canon FD 55mm f1.2 and its really HEAVY!

Thanks very much for this. I sold off my Pentax lenses except the 1.2 - couldn't bare to let that one go... It's just an artmaker.

Thanks for a great comparison. From a Price comparison to buy, the 1.2 appears to be much more expensive. I have the 1.4 SMC. As an inexperienced photographer looking at the photo comparisons with the different lenses I could not not see that much difference.They all looked like good clear photo's.I guess from an experienced photographers eye one knows what they looking for.I would be happy with all or any of them for Manuel use on a modern camera using an adaptor.

Great video! Thank you for this information. It help´s me to find MY Pentax 50mm: an f2.0. Thank´s again and best regards from germany!!

Interesting. I think, overall, I like the SMC Pentax 50mm f1.4, but the Pentax M 50mm f2 performs really well.

How wonderful. I enjoyed this a lot.

Have a well-used all-black MESuper that's come + SMC Pentax-A 50/f2 .. pretty ordinary. Waiting on slightly faster M-series 50/f1.7 .. almost went for 50-M/f1.4 till I saw haze inside it .. what a shame. I've seen a 50M/f1.2 in an early 80s catalogue .. night shooting huh? That's a consideration. Will keep an eye out 4 that or a clean 1.4. Want 2 build around decent std lens. Btw; real nice presentation .. it is all about the pictures👌

Now there is the Pentax 50mm 1.4 full frame lens, hope to see a video on it

Your evaluation is stellar. I hope you are still doing them. If not, you have done enough. Just picked up the Super Tak for $30 and when it arrived, the glass and body is excellent+. It was only dust on the lens which I'm sure scared people away.

This was fun and easy going. I just shouldn't be watching this on my meza meza rez Samsung J700. An 8 blade SMC is arriving in two days...I think your later models don't emit the big R, do they...Music was well chosen. Amusing to heae you mention weight as a factor. I know those Sonys are small and light. On a Fuji T-2 a Pentax 50mm being heavy just isn't. I did pick up a Pentagon 135mm 2.8 15 blade. The weight on those is hilarious.

That SMC Pentax 1.4 looks like the obvious choice to me. Though I can see reasons to pick a couple of the other lenses if needing a specific look.

Great! Very informative and helpful video. Many thanks!

I have the SMC 50mm f1.7 and the 1.2 makes me drool.

I got all those lenses too. I really don't have a preference but I don't really use the 1.2 when the 1.4 does close enough.

i have the smc p-m 2.0 and its extreme sharp @ f8 on aps-c, very good native contrast/color saturation

I like the 50 M f2 but they all look great ! To me it looks the sharpest wide open...

Thanks for taking the time to do this comprehensive comparison, thats a lot of work. To my eye the 50mm SMC 1.4 looks the best all-rounder, though youtube might not be the best platform to judge this. I use the Super-Tak 1.8 on a 550d. I'd like a SMC 1.2 but can't justify the current price trends compared to new lenses with modern features.

I use 50mm 1.4 absolutely amazing lens

Thank you I have the Takumar 50mm 1.4 , Pentax 50mm 2.0 , Pentax 50mm1.8 and the Pentax Pentax 55mm 1.8 all great lenses my favourite is the Takumar 50mm 1.4 least favorite is the Pentax 50mm 2.0 I have Pentax DSLR cameras two 6.1 megapixel CCD sensor and two 24 megapixel CMOS sensor

The Macro Takumar 50mm f4 is, in my opinion, the best of the 50mm bunch all round. Despite being f4, the image quality is outstanding, even better than my 50/1.4 8 element. If ever you get the opportunity to buy the preset Macro Takumar, do not hesitate. You will not be disappointed. It has only 4 elements.

Super video! I like this style - a lot of pictures and not so much speaking :).

The K 50mm f/1.2 is a interesting lens. Stopped down, it is really sharp. Wide open, if the lighting is right you get a pleasant thin layer of in focus on your subject. If the subject and lighting are harsh (wide open), you get nasty fringing and ghosting. Again, stopping down correct this. At least this is true on my copy.

My favorite of all of them was the 55mm f1.8

Well done, very professional.

Great video. Thanks. Great lenses. I have both those Tak's (prefer the 55mm) plus also the SMC m50mm (f1.7 and f1.4 versions). Have you used the m 50mm f1.4? Would love your thoughts.

10 years and these lenses will become archaeological discoveries. Save what you can save!

I got a SMC 50mm 1.4, I wanted to see b2b with the 1.2, the difference is quite big... but I feel like the 1.2 must be harder to have a sharp focus point, but the bokeh is stunning

This was a great comparison vid! thnx for doing this

Great review.

The Auto Takumar 55mm f2 is awesome.

Woah you sound a lot like Sean Penn haha, great comparison man. Thanks!

I purchased some of them. They are nice.But I am worried about some radio active lenses which have a thorium oxide glass element.

Thank you for a very interesting and informative review.

Thanks for this super in-depth video. I have a Super-Takumar 50 1.4, but it has fungus :(. So, I might pick up another 50mm Pentax.

Great Work! Much appreciated!!!

I seem to be drawn to the f2 more often than not

a true pentax lover

F 1:2 👍🏼 my best. And 1:1.2 for evenings

thank you for making this video

after using afew pentax 50s i keep 2， the 501.2 as u said the bokeh is irreplaceable， the onther is a 50 2.8 macro，easily sharp across the board and 0。5 magnifaction，my daily lens now

what a great video! love Pentax lenses.. can the 1.2 compete with Canon's 1.2 50mm?

Great test. Thank you so much

F 1.4 for me is the true winner here.

Cool review with cool examples. I have 3 of 5 and every each is great. :)

I did a similar comparison between 3 of these that I own myself. I found the the 50mm f2.0 to be fairly miserable overall. I have a 55mm f1.8 in a K-mount, and it's by far the sharpest lens of the bunch, while the 50mm f1.4 Pentax-M is predictably the best performer at open aperture.

The Super-Tak is single coated. It pre-dates multicoating.

Great work! Thank you.

I got a pristine copy too of the 50mm F/1.2

great video, thanks!

Thank you SO much for making this video. There is a plethora of infor and this is game changing. Can you please do one for 35mm, and 20/24/28mm? :)

Excellent video review!

Thank a lot!! I was wondering if the extra money for the takumar 50 uncoated was worth the price... I think I wont buy it. Thank you a lot!