We have fairly frequent need to take pictures of small mechanical or electronic details at the lab. A research robot is a one of a kind prototype, and parts tend to break or need to be modified quite often. A good, detailed picture of the part in question helps communication with the manufacturer or supplier. We've used a compact camera, but we've not been happy with the results. So we ordered the Pentax DA 35 f/2.8 macro, and we got it today together with a macro tent.

Here's the first real test shot - a connector (BNC I believe). I've cropped the right edge slightly, pushed up the contrast and applied a bit of sharpening; my normal RAW workflow. On my Flickr account you can check the full-size version.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2018/2358112306_8084aeb43d_b.jpg


My impression of the lens is very, very good. It has the same build and exactly the same feel as the pancakes; all-metal, smooth and precise. The lens cap, too, is the same push-on type, with "PENTAX" embossed in the center.

Focusing is of course a little noisy (it's a screw-drive), and not all that fast - but then, no macro lens is. The front moves forward quite a lot when focusing close; again, normal for a macro. AF focusing is actually amazingly precise even at the very closest focus distance. Manual focus feels very smooth and precise too, though so far I've had little need to use it.

If I didn't already have the 35/2 (and access to the 35/2,8 at the lab), I would very seriously consider picking this one up for myself too.


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Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jannem/
Blog: http://janneinosaka.blogspot.com