Considering the next best Pentax K-mount Lenses to buy, we have taken the time to list out the best options and all you need to know about them here.
So here is our top pick for the Best Pentax K-Mount Lenses
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Best Pentax K-Mount Lenses
Pentax SMC DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM
The lens has the appearance, feel, and behavior of an instrument. The quality of construction is outstanding.
It’s a great outdoor buddy because of its weather-sealed K body. The hood is securely attached and provides additional rain and glare protection.
Because it’s plastic, the hood is a plus in my book. It is easy to transport and may be replaced at a low cost if necessary.
As long as you can get a high enough shutter speed to reduce camera shake, this lens can be used for hand-held photography. There’s a tripod mount ring on the 300mm version.
Only the 200mm had the same quality. I think it’s just the right length and weight to be used as a hand-held tool. Even at high shutter speeds, a monopod can help keep the camera steady when using this lens.
If you have stable hands and calm breezes, you should be able to use this lens hand-held down to the typical 1/200th second minimum shutter speed for this focal length thanks to the f/2.8 bright aperture and the shake mitigation included in the K body.
My particular preference is for the 200mm focal length and the APC sensor size when photographing sports, nature, and outdoor portraiture, whether they be indoor or outside. Near subjects are well-isolated by the short depth of field and pleasingly clean bokeh.
To truly appreciate the camera’s autofocus, you must use it. The internal motor operates in the background, quietly and quickly. When compared to the screw-driven focusing of Pentax’s lower lenses, this is a stunning improvement.
This is excellent in every way. Pixel peepers may find small artifacts or fringing in the open. I haven’t come across anything that I’m not happy with.
Because f/2.8 is sometimes too shallow for me to continuously hit the focus on the desired subject in moving images, I prefer to shoot at f/4 instead of f/2.8. Some scenarios require a 1/4000th shutter speed even in broad sunshine at ISO100 for the K-5. f/4 reduces the shutter speed to a point where it is still fast enough to catch the action.
Invest in this camera lens. It’s up to you. You won’t be able to stop smiling when you use it.
HD Pentax-D FA 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW
Even with the aperture wide open, the HD PENTAX-D FA*50mm F1.4 SDM AW lens delivers remarkable resolving power over the whole image field.
Aero Bright II for an incredibly low reflection and high-grade high-definition (HD) coating are only two of the PENTAX lens coating technologies incorporated into this lens, allowing for exceptionally clear and high-contrast photos without the presence of flare or ghosting.
To photograph in challenging outdoor situations, the lens’s dust- and weather-resistant construction is essential.
For full-frame cameras, the PENTAX K-mount covers the 35mm-format sensor’s picture circle.
It’s Ricoh’s first new lens following a thorough assessment of standards for the Star series’ most expensive lenses.
A wide range of methodologies was investigated by the engineers to reduce aberrations and provide the best possible image quality. If you’re looking for the best possible image quality from your camera, the HD Pentax-D FA*50mm F1.4 SDM AW lens is for you.
As a starting point, below are the most important
High-performance Star-series lens with a huge F1.4 maximum aperture new generation
It is the latest addition to the high-performance Star series, a collection designed to produce clear, high-contrast images with edge-to-edge sharpness while minimizing aberrations.
Due to the lens’ higher resolving power, even with next-generation camera bodies that are technologically more advanced than the ones used in the Star series, it is the outcome of a thorough evaluation of traditional Star series standards.
With a maximum aperture of F1.4, this new Star-series lens is ideal for a wide range of subjects and situations, including portraiture with a softly blurred background (called “bokeh”) and handheld photography in small spaces.
Even with the aperture wide open, it produces stunning images and excels at close-up photography.
Optical technology at the cutting edge
An Aero Bright Coating II created by PENTAX, a nanotechnology-based approach, has been applied to the lens.
Silica aerogel has a consistent porous structure over a regular multi-coating layer, which lowers surface reflections over a wide wavelength range and creates crisp, high-quality images. It is made of this.
HD (high definition) Coating and this sophisticated lens coating reduce the average reflectance in the visible spectrum to less than 50% compared to traditional multi-layer multi-layer coatings.
Even in challenging lighting settings, such as backlighting, the lens successfully suppresses flare and minimizes ghost images.
Because of the lens’s three aspherical glass components and one super-low dispersion glass element, it is capable of producing images with dazzling contrast, great sharpness, and no chromatic aberrations.
When used from infinity to the shortest focus distance of one meter or less, the lens produces sharp, distortion-free images because of the lens’s low focusing distance distortion reduction.
Weather-resistant, dust-proof construction.
All-weather (AW) variant, this lens has a reliable dustproof, weatherproof body with eight unique seals to prevent water and dust from entering the lens inside.
To create a reliable digital photography system that works well even in wet or hazy situations, the PENTAX weather-resistant lens kit must be used in conjunction with a weather-resistant PENTAX digital SLR camera body.
ALSO SEE: Best Wildlife Lens For Nikon D5600
HD Pentax-D FA 24-70mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR
Like many others, this lens piqued my interest after reading a positive review.
Many of the images I enjoy on Flickr were captured using this lens, as well. Only I couldn’t figure out why this lens’s overall rating was so low in this context.
Let’s talk about the actual lens. At first, I thought it was too big and hefty for my taste. But the comparison is the best way to learn. In addition, the new 70-200* star lens will demonstrate just how hefty it is in the hand.
My initial impression of the 24-70 was incorrect, as well. Weight-wise, this lens isn’t too heavy.
You can carry around a 24-70mm lens all day and it’s less of an issue than the Fa100 f2.8 macro. Moreover, the 24-70mm lens’s size is extremely convenient when wearing the K-1 camera. They look stunning when paired together and strike the correct visual balance.
The K-1’s 24-70mm lens range was fantastic! It’s a great all-around lens that’s easy to use. It’s a wonderful fit for the vast majority of my photography lens requirements.
This is a great all-purpose lens. Autofocus is extremely fast and accurate, making it an excellent tool for photographers (on the K-1).
Photographs taken between 24-and 70mm feature stunningly vibrant hues. And there’s a lot of clarity and crispness. Only at 24mm + f 2.8 is the crispness questionable. Changing the focal length to any other results in a high level of sharpness, even when the aperture is wide open.
This lens has a narrow and shallow hood. When worn, it does not extend the length of the lens. The same is true of many other lenses’ deep hoods.
With a focal length of 24-70, the fact that it is waterproof and all-weather is a major plus for me.
Some of the 24-70 reviews I read complained about the bokeh on this film. And I was worried that I wouldn’t enjoy the bokeh of this lens, as well. But it turned out that my worries were unfounded.
Because his bokeh is a delight to photograph! Of course, the bokeh isn’t quite as perfect as that produced by high-end Pentax lenses. Everyone loves the look of bokeh. I’m in! So I gave scores of 24-70 a total of ten. It’s right that he gets it.
This lens has a few minor flaws, but I find them inconsequential. Overall, I had a great time with it! And I recommend this lens to everybody who can use its focal length.
In general, I can state that all of Pentax’s D-fa series lenses are great in terms of quality and picture quality.
Pentax HD D FA 70-210mm f/4 ED SDM WR
On a forum, someone mentioned this lens. It piqued my interest, too. I didn’t expect the lens to be as long as it was. However, the lens was lighter than I expected in terms of weight.
The lens is precisely balanced when used with a camera (such as the K-1). A tandem like this also makes for an easy subject for a photograph. I was awed by the vibrant hues in these images!
This lens also has excellent clarity and detailed definition! Automatic focusing is both quick and precise.
This object’s only unusual characteristic was the need for manual focusing. Because the zoom ring is positioned closer to the front lens than the camera body. And the camera’s body is closer to the fine focusing ring. Quite the contrary is the case.
Compared to other lenses I’ve used, these controls are a lot easier to reach than they used to be.
The new location of the focus ring and the ability to alter the focal length are neither difficult nor inconvenient, in my opinion. It’s more of an odd occurrence in my book.
The focus ring and the lens focal length ring had become second nature to me after just an hour of shooting.
Now I see how much more convenient this set-up is than the controls on my old glasses! It’s a breeze to use this lens’s manual focus on this camera! I had no idea I would enjoy using this lens in manual mode so much.
This lens is a joy to use, and it’s easy to get started. It is a wonderful tool for capturing the beauty of the world around you. The acuity is excellent. The use of focal lengths is practical. I was surprised by how light the weight was.
The length, on the other hand, was significantly longer than I had anticipated. When the hood is pulled up, it extends even more.
Summary: Worth the money! When compared to lenses from other picture systems, this one isn’t prohibitively expensive. Dimensions and weight are likewise comparable to their analogous counterparts.
When compared to other cameras, this lens produces a better image! Wow, that’s great! Becoming laser-like focused in a flash! And even protection from the elements! It’s a fantastic lens for people who require its range of focal lengths!
HD Pentax DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR
The longer I employ this lens, the more unpleasant it becomes for me. For a general-purpose lens, the 16-85mm’s focal length is just right. Smooth and precise zoom and manual focus operations are available. Colors are precise and vibrant, and distortion is nicely managed.
There are three problems with my copy of this highly rated lens, all of which are echoed by other reviewers, as well as numerous forum entries.
There are a few things to keep in mind when utilizing the 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 on your KP. It’s hit or miss; sometimes it’s crystal clear, and other times it’s a jumbled mess.
Second, the images captured by my 16-85 are always noticeably softer on the left side than the right.
This is especially noticeable at the wide end. Decentering. Even in live view, it suffers from an irritating “focus jumping” problem.
Because I work quickly, this lens frequently needs pre- or manual focusing. Using this lens, I’ve been able to capture some truly unforgettable shots. I’ve also thrown away perfectly good images because the lens malfunctioned when I least expected it.
On 24MP bodies, the 16-85 still outperforms the 18-135 despite its flaws. When I used my older K-5iis and its 16MP sensor, I didn’t see as much of a difference. If you purchase this lens, be sure to thoroughly test it to avoid receiving a copy that has problems!
HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW
I’ve owned the FA80-200/2.8 for about a decade, and this update is a worthwhile investment.
Because of the sharpness and brilliant colors provided by IQ, even without post-processing, the resulting photographs are more lively.
In addition, the lens has become pretty heavy; it’s a rather bulky piece of equipment. Its tripod collar is far superior to that of the FA80-200/2.8, having a bigger foot and click stops at more convenient spacing (I believe every 90 degrees).
Compared to the DA* and FA* lenses, the manual focus is smooth and well-dampened.
Compared to the screwdriver, the DC’s autofocus is substantially more confident in its abilities On my DFA70-200, which is very quiet and confident, the screw-drive AF can become stuck and make a series of fine adjustments (along with a series of click noises).
It’s difficult to tell just how big and hefty this lens is just on the given dimensions. I expected it to be larger and heavier than the DA*60-250, but I was pleasantly surprised when I saw how much larger and heavier it is when compared to the FA80-200/2.8.
HD Pentax D FA 15-30mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR
My K-1’s AF SDM worked perfectly in all four of its auto-focus settings, with no stuttering or hunting.
A Focus Pyramid® and the K-1’s fine-tuning focus adjustment were all that was needed to fix the issue, which was then saved to memory.
I found the IQ around the frame to be quite good for a zoom lens between f/5.6 and f/14, which is in line with the focus results from Imatest* testing.
When you zoom in, or when you open it up to f/2.8 from f/5.6, or inversely, the closer you get to f/22, you will begin to perceive the softness in the corners as you get closer.
Using the K-1’s Live View and Peak Focus feature at x16 for critical focusing will be necessary because this lens will largely be used for landscape photography.
AF is fine for most shots, but for those that you only get one chance at (such as a trip to Alaska’s Yukon, a chance to photograph Kodiak Bears chasing salmon in a stream, glaciers up close, humpbacks breaching, Denali on a clear day, native Alaskans in their natural habitat, the Northern Lights and the Milky Way with NO LIGHT POLLUTION in the background, and dozens of other once-in-a-lifetime A total of five RAW and JPEG images will be taken, each with a +/-.7EV x2 bracketing, and uploaded to my 2TB Adobe Cloud Server twice daily.
HD Pentax-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR
Because it’s essentially a K-1 kit lens, I was hesitant to buy it secondhand. However, I planned to use it on my K-70 because of the APS-C crop factor, which transforms it into a standard to moderate telephoto zoom lens.
As I already have an earlier Tamron 28-105 that says it’s a Pentax FA! but isn’t very sharp, I wasn’t sure how useful the zoom range would be on APS-C or how excellent the lens would be.
With almost six months of use, I’ve set my skepticism aside, as I’m quite pleased with what is a reasonable cost lens for the quality you receive.
There are times when I wish it were a little faster than it is, but this has never been a problem for me because I’ve always used it in the slowest setting for landscapes.
However, despite its lack of macro capabilities, the lens has allowed me to photograph small subjects at full zoom without needing a macro lens.
Overall, I’ve been most delighted with the lens’s crispness. It’s not a prime, but it’s a big improvement over the APS-C kit zooms, and it’s a lot better than the stock lens.
The K-70’s sharpness seems to peak at f/9, although it’s not clear why this is the case.
The only green or purple fringing I’ve seen is on a few shots, but it’s not overly bothersome and can be readily fixed in post-processing.
The AF is very quiet, fast, and precise.
The lens’s very stiff zoom is the only thing I’m not a fan of. Perhaps this has to do with how well the weather seal is working? You won’t have to worry about zoom creep when using this lens; in fact, the reverse is true.
There’s no need to worry about the camera expanding if you suspend it from the lens. Like operating an automobile before power steering, the zoom ring demands a firm hand to turn.
Because of the stiffness of the zoom, zoom movement can be jerky and tracking moving things can be difficult. Fortunately, there is sufficient grip to grab onto to do so, so it’s not a significant issue.
Pentax HD FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 ED DC AW
Before purchasing this lens, I pondered for a long time (at the time owning the K-3). HD DA 55-300mm ED WR is a great partner for my HD DA 16-85mm ED DC WR lens, which I carry around with me all the time.
I was looking for a camera with a longer lens for wildlife and a quick focus response for motion images.
I opted to buy the HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW (at Black Friday pricing) to complement the considerably improved AF, dynamic range, and high ISO performance of the K-3iii, which I’d purchased a few months earlier.
I have not been dissatisfied at all. The HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW lens is a fantastic piece of equipment.
Even when the lens is set to its maximum zoom range, the lens quickly locks on to moving things without any hunting.
Focus latches on oncoming cars at motorway speeds with perfect ease and a 100 percent success rate while tracking soaring birds (at all aperture settings).
Sharpness is excellent at f/5.6. All focal lengths and corner-to-corner performance across the frame are comparable to a very good prime lens when you reduce the aperture by a half stop.
At all focal lengths, color rendition and contrast are at the highest Pentax standards, and CA is almost nil in high contrast circumstances.
Focus lock on the short end only has been noted by several commercial reviewers, however, as of now, it appears to be working properly to avoid zoom creep.
Allows for both automatic and manual focus options via lens switch It is possible to customize the buttons around the barrel to operate AF/return to a pre-selected focus position/cancel AF.
I haven’t used these buttons yet because I usually focus on using the camera’s back button and because the lens moves so quickly.
Finally, a top-notch performance with the excellent build quality, to say the least.
Considering the performance, build quality, weather resistance, and good camera/lens ergonomics, this lens’s price is fairly competitive with other manufacturers’ offerings.
Pentax-D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR
For the price, the lens is exceptionally well-made. The lens is capable of producing excellent macro and portrait shots.
It’s the Fa version of this lens that I own. ‘The D-Fa 100mm macro outperforms the Fa 100mm macro in nearly every way when put side-by-side. It’s smaller and lighter than most other options. It’s water-resistant.
A more vivid and contrasted image is captured through photography. This, I believe, is a result of the newer front lens coating technology.
The lens is also heavier in the Fa variant. Then again, it’s also more resilient. There is a lot of metal and glass. D-Fa 100mm hums more than Fa 100mm during operation.
Both of these lenses are mine. However, if I had to pick just one, it would be the D-Fa 100mm macro.
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