Table of Contents
Pentax-A SMC 35-80mm f/4-5.6
Summary
The SMC Pentax-A 35–80mm f/4–5.6 is a compact manual-focus zoom lens introduced in 1995 and produced until 2004, designed for the Pentax KA mount. It was essentially a manual-focus counterpart to the autofocus smc Pentax-F 35-80 F4-5.6 lens, sharing the same optical formula and lightweight plastic construction. The lens features 7 elements in 6 groups, a 6-blade automatic diaphragm, and an aperture range from f/4–5.6 to f/22–32. It supports 49mm filters, focuses down to 40cm, and achieves a 0.25× magnification ratio. Weighing just 185g and measuring 65 × 58.2mm, it’s one of the lightest zooms in the A-series lineup, making it a convenient option for travel or casual shooting. Optically, the lens performs modestly, with decent center sharpness throughout the range and noticeable softness in the corners, especially on full-frame sensors. Wide open, images can appear flat or hazy, but stopping down to f/8–f/11 improves contrast and resolution considerably. Chromatic aberration is moderate, and bokeh is uninspiring, often described as busy or harsh. The rotating front element complicates filter use, and the lens lacks internal focusing capabilities. Build quality is basic, with a plastic barrel and focus ring that can feel flimsy, though the lens remains mechanically reliable and easy to handle.
Tech Specs
| Manufacturer | Pentax |
| Series | A Series Zoom |
| Model | SMC |
| Focal Length | 35-80mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4-5.6 |
| Min Aperture | f/22-32 |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Image Circle | - |
| Minimum Focus | 40cm |
| Focus Rotation | ° |
| Iris Blades | 6 |
| Optical Design | 7/6 |
| Squeeze | none |
| Front Diameter | 65mm |
| Filter Thread | 49mm |
| Focus/Zoom Rod | none |
| Native Mount | Pentax K |
| Data Protocol | none |
| Length | 58.2mm |
| Weight | 185g |
| Body Telescope | - |
| Body Material | - |
| Focus Drive | - |
| Iris Drive | - |
| Zoom Drive | - |
History
Country of Origin:
Release Date: 1995
Launch Price:
Design Revisions: