Overview

The SMC Pentax 17mm f/4 Fish-eye is a compact, pancake-like lens with solid metal build and smooth focus ring. It includes built-in color filters selected by a dial, a unique feature. Optically, it is soft at f/4 but sharpens from f/5.6 to f/22, with even sharpness across the frame. Color and contrast are very good, though flare is present when shooting into the sun. The exposed front element lacks a filter thread, raising scratch concerns. Best suited for creative wide-angle shooters who enjoy fisheye distortion and manual focus on mirrorless or film cameras.