CLeW

The SMC Pentax-A 35–210mm f/3.5–4.5 is a versatile manual-focus zoom lens introduced in 1985, designed for the Pentax KA mount. Covering a broad range from wide-angle to telephoto, it features a constant f/3.5 aperture up to 105mm, transitioning to f/4.5 at 210mm, and stops down to f/22–32. The lens uses a 13-element, 11-group optical design with Super Multi-Coating (SMC) to reduce flare and improve contrast, and includes a 6-blade automatic diaphragm. It supports 58mm filters, focuses down to 1.2 meters, and achieves a 0.2× magnification ratio. Weighing 645g and measuring 75 × 135mm, it’s a substantial lens with a solid metal build and a one-touch push-pull zoom mechanism. Optically, the lens performs well in the mid-range, with good center sharpness from 50–135mm, especially when stopped down to f/8–f/11. At 35mm, distortion and edge softness are noticeable, while at 210mm, resolution drops and chromatic aberration becomes more apparent. Bokeh is pleasant but not creamy, and contrast is generally strong thanks to the SMC coatings. Flare resistance is decent, though a hood is recommended for backlit scenes. The lens’s broad focal range makes it suitable for landscape, portrait, travel, and nature photography, though its size and weight may limit handheld use over long sessions.

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Release Date: 1986
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