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Comparison

Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 vs Pentax SMC Pentax 50mm f/1.2

The Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 is a 50mm f/1.4 Olympus OM lens made 1972-1980s, valued at $70 to $280 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

Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 and Pentax SMC Pentax 50mm f/1.2 specifications compared
SpecificationOlympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4Pentax SMC Pentax 50mm f/1.2
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/1.2
Native mountOlympus OMPentax K
Production years1972-1980s1975-1990s
Optical design7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss
Typical used value$130$480
Value range$70 to $280$300 to $800
Adapts toSony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mountSony 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 Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 is cheaper. Typical used value is $130 against $480, a gap of $350 (roughly 3.7x). Ranges: $70 to $280 versus $300 to $800.
  • Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
  • The Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 is the older design; production began around 1972 against 1975 for the Pentax SMC Pentax 50mm f/1.2 (1972-1980s versus 1975-1990s).
  • They use different mounts, Olympus OM and Pentax K, so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
  • Both use 7 elements in 6 groups.

Which one to buy

Choose the Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 for the $350 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.

Full reference pages

Mount references: Olympus OM and Pentax K