Pentax HD PENTAX-FA 50mm f/1.4 50mm
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
What Buyers Say
Pentax HD PENTAX-FA 50mm f/1.4 50mm
The HD FA 50mm f/1.4 lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, beautiful color rendition, and smooth bokeh. Users appreciate its fast and silent autofocus, solid build quality, and compatibility with both film and digital Pentax bodies. Some mention the need for a firmware update on older cameras and occasional back-focus issues, but overall it's considered a top-tier prime lens.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Beautiful color rendition
- Smooth bokeh
- Fast and silent autofocus
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Firmware update required on older cameras
- Occasional back-focus issues
- Slight magenta cast wide open
- Heavier than some other lenses
- Price may be higher than Pentax direct
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
This Nikon 18-55mm lens is widely praised for its sharpness, light weight, and excellent value for money, especially as a kit lens. Users highlight its vivid colors and quiet autofocus, though some note the plastic build feels fragile and the barrel can wobble at extended focal lengths. Overall, it's considered a fantastic starter lens that outperforms its modest price point.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Lightweight and portable
- Excellent value for money
- Vivid color reproduction
- Quiet autofocus
Cons
- Plastic build feels fragile
- Barrel wobbles at extended focal lengths
- No image stabilization
- Loose tolerances can affect focus
Scores
Specifications
| Pentax HD PENTAX-FA 50mm f/1.4 50mm | Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | prime | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 50 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 55 mm |
| Elements | 7 | 7 |
| Groups | 6 | 5 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Multilayer HD Coating | Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/22 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/1.4 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 8★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Pentax K | Nikon F |
| Format | full-frame★ | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.91 kg | 0.20 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 49 mm | 55 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | pulse stepping motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 450 mm | 55 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 1:6.67★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Pentax HD PENTAX-FA 50mm f/1.4 50mm
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average bokeh (19th percentile)19th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
- Strong macro (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm offers 4.8x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.
