Pentax HD FA 50mm f/1.8 vs Pentax HD D FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW
Pentax HD FA 50mm f/1.8 has more in its favour on paper. The HD D FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW gathers more light for low light and background blur; the HD FA 50mm f/1.8 is lighter and cheaper.
Choose the HD FA 50mm f/1.8 for
- less weight (122g vs 910g)
- a lower price (about £199 vs £400)
Choose the HD D FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW for
- a brighter maximum aperture (f/1.4, about 0.7 stops more light)
- weather sealing
| HD FA 50mm f/1.8 | HD D FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Pentax | Pentax |
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.4 |
| Weight | 122 g | 910 g |
| Stabilisation | No | No |
| Weather sealing | No | Yes |
| Filter size | 49mm | 72mm |
| Made for | Full frame | Full frame |
| New price | £199 | £1,099 |
| Used at MPB (Pentax K) | None listed | £389–£419 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pentax HD FA 50mm f/1.8 better than the Pentax HD D FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW?
The HD FA 50mm f/1.8 offers less weight (122g vs 910g), a lower price (about £199 vs £400); the HD D FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW offers a brighter maximum aperture (f/1.4, about 0.7 stops more light), weather sealing.
Which is better value, the HD FA 50mm f/1.8 or the HD D FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW?
On Pentax K, the Pentax HD FA 50mm f/1.8 costs about £199 against about £400 for the Pentax HD D FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW (MPB used where listed, otherwise new; checked 5 November 2026).
Is f/1.4 worth it over f/1.8?
f/1.4 gathers about 0.7 stops more light, which helps indoors, at night and for background blur. If you mostly shoot in good light, the slower lens is usually lighter and cheaper.
Do both lenses fit the same cameras?
Both are available for Pentax K.