Lens · fisheye
SMC Pentax Fish-eye 17mm f/4
Pentax · 1975-1985
Discontinued35mm
Full-frame fisheye with 180-degree diagonal view, from the K series. No front filter thread; four built-in filters (skylight, UV, yellow, orange) and a holder for rear gelatin filters. SMC Pentax Fish-eye 17mm f/4: 11 elements in 7 groups, 6 aperture blades, 0.2m minimum focus, 234g.
- Focal length
- 17mm
- Max aperture
- f/4
- Mount
- Pentax K
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 11 / 7
Known for
- Creative photography
- Real estate
- Extreme wide views
Considerations
- Extreme distortion
- Specialized use
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Sharpness (wide)4, level 4 of 5
Sharpness (stopped)5, level 5 of 5
Contrast4, level 4 of 5
Flare resistance4, level 4 of 5
CA control3, level 3 of 5
Vignetting control3, level 3 of 5
Distortion control1, level 1 of 5
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Common issues
- Check for fungus
- Inspect aperture blades
Buying guide
Check aperture operation, focus smoothness and the condition of the glass and coatings.
Specifications
| Mount | Pentax K |
| Focal Length | 17mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 6 |
| Min Focus | 0.2m |
| Weight | 234g |
Optical design
| Formula | other |
| Elements | 11 |
| Groups | 7 |
| Coating | SMC (Pentax) |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £200 - £350
- Mint
- ~£450
Indicative, no dated source.