Pentax SMC Takumar 55mm f/2.0 Asahi

Takumar 55mm 2.0 SMC Asahi-1

Pentax SMC Takumar 55mm f/2.0 Asahi. If you’re looking to purchase this lens I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. It helps me if you purchase it through one of these links here in this review. When you purchase through these links it financially enables me to devote time to develop this site further. Thanks for the help! -Todd

Takumar 55mm 2.0 SMC Asahi-2

Barrel
Metal

Weight
7.1 oz (200g)

Focus Type
Manual focus

Focus Ring
Rubber on Metal.

Close Focus
1.5 feet (0.45 meters).

Filter Threads
49mm, Metal

Aperture Ring
Metal.

Diaphragm
6 blades stopping down to f/16.

Mount
Metal M42.

Made in
Japan


f/2 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/4 | f/8

 

100% Crop

f/2 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/4 | f/8

 

Corner at f/2

Corner at f/2

Sharpness
f/2 A little soft with ok contrast and a fair bit of chromatic aberration.
f/2.8: Sharper with great contrast and less chromatic aberration.
f/3.5: Sharper yet with almost no chromatic aberration.
f/4: Sharper yet with only a hint of chromatic aberration.
f/8: Very sharp.

Vignetting

There is a fair bit of vignetting at f/2 and almost gone by f/2.8 and f/3.5 is clear.

Bokeh
Amazing blur and perfect for a portrait lens.

f/2

f/2 Bokeh

f/2 100% Crop

f/2 100% Crop

Distortion
A fair amount of Barrel Distortion.

Recommendations

On MF Camera
Optics:          ★ ★ ★
Mechanics:   ★ ★ ★ ★
Ergonomics: ★ ★ ★ ★
Usefulness:  ★ ★ ★
Availability:   ★
Overall:         ★ ★ ★

On AF Camera
Ergonomics:  ★ ★ ★
Overall:          ★ ★ ★
Out of 5

Want a fantastic 55mm lens at f/2 and don’t mind manual focus then this lens is a bargain. I have found 3 different versions which are all optically different and some mechanically different but this is the newest and best version as expected.

The lens is a little soft at f/2 with a fair amount of chromatic aberration. If you don’t mind stopping it down a bit then this lens is very sharp and not too hard to find. The lens is tiny and feels great in the hands, handles really well and is simple to use.

 

Did this review help?
My hopes are to take the time to continue developing this website with more test photo based reviews. If you are ever interested in purchasing this lens or other photography equipment please do so through these links here in this review. I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. This helps support my family and allows me to take more time for the site. The best part is this site is free for you and I link good deals I find!

Sometimes these links will actually give you better deals then typical retail prices! I personally buy from the links I have listed whether looking for new gear or fun old stuff. I can personally attest to their good & safe service from years of experience. Thanks again to you, our readers, for supporting us! -Todd