Production
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Country
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Optical
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Updated
Jul 4, 2026
Chinar Chinar 28mm f2.8
Pentax K · 28mm · f/2.8
Compiled from 1 real reviews · AI-assisted · accuracy-checked · Updated 4 Jul 2026
Overview
The Chinar 28mm f2.8 is a budget third-party wide-angle from the era when numerous Japanese optical houses produced inexpensive lenses under a variety of brand names. The reviews note that it 'feels like a Cosina made lens; neither high end nor junk,' which is consistent with the practice of Cosina and similar contract manufacturers supplying rebadged optics. The Chinar name is closely associated with Chinon-branded products, and a closely related Chinon Auto MC 28mm F2.8 shares the same focal length and specification. No established nicknames or community jargon are evidenced in the reviews. Its appeal is primarily economic: reviewers describe it as cheap, lightweight, and capable of good results once stopped down, making it a practical entry into vintage wide-angle shooting for those on a tight budget. Note that reviewers explicitly state related Chinon 28mm lenses do not compare in rendering or sharpness to the Pentax K or M f3.5 equivalents.
Verdict: The Chinar 28mm f2.8 is a bargain-bin wide-angle for budget-minded vintage shooters and adapter users who want a lightweight, serviceable 28mm and are willing to stop down to f8 and correct color and contrast in post. It won't rival the Pentax 28mm primes in rendering or sharpness, but for the money it can produce good images in the hands of a patient photographer.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Okay at f2.8 and f4 but becomes busy from f5.6 up, with no bokeh fringing noted.
Color
Cool color rendition with slightly low saturation, often needing post-processing correction.
Sharpness wide open
Soft wide open at f2.8, tightens by f4, sweet spot at f8, with soft corners at all apertures.
Contrast
Consistent but low global contrast; micro-contrast unknown.
Community Insights
What people love
- Very cheap and good value for the money, capable of producing good shots
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Sharp enough when stopped down to f8, requiring little sharpening in post
- Simple internal construction that (on related Chinon copies) is easy to service
What people dislike
- Soft wide open at f2.8
- Corners soft at all apertures in at least one test
- Low contrast and cool, slightly desaturated color requiring post-processing correction
- Bokeh becomes busy from f5.6 upward
- Does not match the rendering or sharpness of the Pentax K or M 28mm f3.5 lenses (per Chinon owner)
- Handling can be awkward and critical focus difficult to judge (reviewer used a Nikon-mount copy on adapter)
Pro Tips
- Shoot at f8 for the sharpest results; this is the reported sweet spot
- Use a lens hood to control flare, especially on related Chinon copies where flare without one was reported as severe
- Expect to correct color balance, contrast and saturation in post, but you likely won't need to lean on the sharpening tool when stopped down
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 · ฿1,250 · In stock
Standard · ฿890 · Out of stock
Pentax K Lenses to Canon EOS R Mount Camera Adapter
Standard · Out of stock
Pentax K Lenses to Canon EOS Camera Mount Adapter
Standard · Out of stock
Sources (1)
Web research
The Chinar 28mm f2.8 is a bargain-bin wide-angle for budget-minded vintage shooters and adapter users who want a lightweight, serviceable 28mm and are willing to stop down to f8 and correct color and contrast in post. It won't rival the Pentax 28mm primes in rendering or sharpness, but for the money it can produce good images in the hands of a patient photographer.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/chinon-auto-mc-28mm-f2-8.htmlhttps://www.robertallenkautzphoto.com/chinon/chinar-28mm-f2.8