Production
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Country
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Optical
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Updated
Jul 1, 2026
Focal Focal 28mm f2.8
M42 · 28mm · f/2.8
Compiled from 1 real reviews · AI-assisted · accuracy-checked · Updated 1 Jul 2026
Overview
Focal was a house brand of lenses sold through Kmart stores. As the reviewer notes, they were consumer-grade lenses manufactured by several different third-party makers, meaning quality and optical formulas varied between batches. The Focal 28mm f2.8 is one such budget wide-angle prime aimed at cost-conscious buyers rather than professionals. Despite the humble origins, the sample described is built entirely of metal, feels solid, and has a well-dampened focus ring—qualities that some vintage shooters appreciate today. It carries no established community nicknames or jargon, and its appeal is largely that of an inexpensive, all-metal vintage curiosity rather than a cult classic.
Verdict: The Focal 28mm f2.8 is a budget, Kmart-branded consumer wide angle with an appealing all-metal build and smooth focus, but modest optics—soft wide open, muddy colors, and heavy flare. It's best suited to vintage-lens tinkerers who value mechanical charm and low cost over optical excellence.
Optical Character
Color
Colors described as a bit muddy.
Sharpness wide open
A little soft wide open at f2.8; improves stopped down to f5.6.
Flare resistance
Flare is very noticeable and prominent wide open.
Contrast
Contrast reported as good despite softness wide open.
Community Insights
What people love
- All-metal build that feels solid and durable
- Well-dampened, smooth focus action
- Good contrast for an inexpensive consumer lens
What people dislike
- Softness wide open at f2.8
- Muddy color rendering
- Very noticeable flare
Pro Tips
- Stop down to f5.6 or beyond for noticeably better sharpness than wide open
- Control your light sources or shade the lens to manage its prominent flare
- Expect muddy colors and correct them in post if needed
Compatible Adapters
Real adapters from our shop that fit this lens mount.
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿1,250 · In stock
Standard · ฿890 · Out of stock
Standard · ฿890 · Out of stock
Sample Photos
openverse · Credit: peptic_ulcer · License: CC BY-SA
openverse · Credit: look from far away · License: CC BY
openverse · Credit: peptic_ulcer · License: CC BY-SA
openverse · Credit: look from far away · License: CC BY
openverse · Credit: peptic_ulcer · License: CC BY-SA
openverse · Credit: look from far away · License: CC BY
Sources (1)
Web research
The Focal 28mm f2.8 is a budget, Kmart-branded consumer wide angle with an appealing all-metal build and smooth focus, but modest optics—soft wide open, muddy colors, and heavy flare. It's best suited to vintage-lens tinkerers who value mechanical charm and low cost over optical excellence.
https://www.robertallenkautzphoto.com/focal28mmf2-8