Comparison
Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 vs Pentax SMC Pentax 50mm f/1.2
The Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is a 50mm f/1.4 M42 lens made 1964-1971, valued at $80 to $400 used. The Pentax SMC Pentax 50mm f/1.2 is a 50mm f/1.2 Pentax K lens made 1975-1990s, valued at $300 to $800 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 | Pentax SMC Pentax 50mm f/1.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.2 |
| Native mount | M42 | Pentax K |
| Production years | 1964-1971 | 1975-1990s |
| Optical design | 8 elements / 6 groups (early), later 7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss | 7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss |
| Typical used value | $150 | $480 |
| Value range | $80 to $400 | $300 to $800 |
| Adapts to | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount |
What actually differs
- The Pentax SMC Pentax 50mm f/1.2 is 0.4 stops faster: f/1.2 against f/1.4.
- The Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is cheaper. Typical used value is $150 against $480, a gap of $330 (roughly 3.2x). Ranges: $80 to $400 versus $300 to $800.
- Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
- The Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is the older design; production began around 1964 against 1975 for the Pentax SMC Pentax 50mm f/1.2 (1964-1971 versus 1975-1990s).
- They use different mounts, M42 and Pentax K, so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
- Construction differs: 8 elements in 6 groups for the Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4, 7 elements in 6 groups for the Pentax SMC Pentax 50mm f/1.2.
Which one to buy
Choose the Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 for the $330 lower typical price. Choose the Pentax SMC Pentax 50mm f/1.2 for the 0.4 stops of extra speed. Rendering differs too: read the character notes below, because speed and price are the only advantages the catalog data can settle.
Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.