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The Best Pentax SLR Lenses for 2021

Pentax SLRs are beloved by many for their all-weather designs. We've highlighted some of the best lenses we've reviewed available for K-mount cameras.

Jim Fisher
 & Jim Fisher Principal Writer, Cameras

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Related:
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  • Pentax HD DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited
    Macro

    Pentax HD DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Sharp.
      • 1:1 magnification.
      • Compact.
      • Excellent build quality.
      • Built-in hood.
      • No weather sealing.
      • Omits focus limiter function.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Pentax HD DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited lens is as well-built as it is sharp, housing crisp optics in a compact, premium all-metal barrel.

    Specs & Configurations

    35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) N/A mm
    35mm Equivalent (Wide) 52.5
    Dimensions 1.8 by 2.5 inches
    Lens Mount Pentax K
    Stabilization None
    Type Lens
    Weight 7.5
    Get It Now
    Learn More Pentax HD DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited Review Review
  • Pentax HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW
    Low Light

    Pentax HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Very sharp.
      • Minimal distortion.
      • Bright aperture.
      • Speedy autofocus.
      • Weather-sealed design.
      • Bulky.
      • Edges suffer at wider apertures.
      • Noticeable vignette.
      • Pricey.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW costs more than similar lenses for other systems, but it's the best fast-fifty you can get for K-mount cameras.

    Specs & Configurations

    Dimensions 4.2 by 3.2 inches
    Full-Frame Equivalent (Wide) 50
    Mount Pentax K
    Optical Stabilization None
    Weight 2
    Get It Now
    Learn More Pentax HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW Review
  • Pentax SMC FA 43mm F/1.9 Limited Lens
    Low Light

    Pentax SMC FA 43mm F/1.9 Limited Lens

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Sharp.
      • Compact.
      • Wide aperture.
      • Excellent build quality.
      • True standard-angle design.
      • Slow, noisy autofocus.
      • Some barrel distortion.
      • Dim corners at wide apertures.
      • Omits weather sealing.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Pentax SMC FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited is the oldest lens that Pentax still makes, but its performance has withstood the test of time, and it captures the perfect standard-angle field of view on a full-frame camera.

    Specs & Configurations

    35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) N/A mm
    35mm Equivalent (Wide) 43
    Dimensions 2.5 by 1.1 inches
    Lens Mount Pentax K
    Stabilization None
    Type Lens
    Weight 5.5
    Get It Now
    Learn More Pentax SMC FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited Review Review
  • Pentax HD-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR
    Architecture

    Pentax HD-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Quite sharp.
      • Fixed f/2.8 aperture.
      • Integrated hood.
      • Ultra-wide field of view.
      • Strong close focus capability.
      • Weather-sealed design.
      • Barrel distortion at widest angles.
      • Dim corners.
      • Bulky.
      • Omits filter thread.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Pentax HD D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR is a huge lens, but one that covers an ultra-wide field of view with excellent sharpness, even at f/2.8.

    Specs & Configurations

    35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) 30 mm
    35mm Equivalent (Wide) 15
    Dimensions 5.7 by 3.9 inches
    Lens Mount Pentax K
    Optical Zoom 2 x
    Stabilization None
    Type Lens
    Weight 2.3
    Get It Now
    Learn More Pentax HD-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR Review
  • Pentax HD DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited
    Wide Angle

    Pentax HD DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Compact.
      • Built-in hood.
      • Impressively sharp.
      • Minimal distortion.
      • Quick-shift focus system.
      • Excellent build quality.
      • Fairly even illumination.
      • Disappointing edge performance at f/4.
      • Some chromatic aberration.
      • Screw-in lens cap.
      • Not weather sealed.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Pentax HD DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited is an impressively sharp wide-angle lens with minimal distortion.

    Specs & Configurations

    35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) N/A mm
    35mm Equivalent (Wide) 22.5
    Dimensions 1.6 by 2.5 inches
    Lens Mount Pentax K
    Stabilization None
    Type Lens
    Weight 6.7
    Get It Now
    Learn More Pentax HD DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited Review Review
  • Pentax HD DA 70mm F2.4 Limited
    Low Light

    Pentax HD DA 70mm F2.4 Limited

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Very sharp.
      • Minimal distortion.
      • Compact design.
      • Metal construction.
      • Not weather sealed.
      • Hood complicates filter changes.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Pentax HD DA 70mm F2.4 Limited is a sharp, compact lens that's great for portraiture.

    Specs & Configurations

    35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) N/A mm
    35mm Equivalent (Wide) 105
    Dimensions 1.0 by 2.5 inches
    Lens Mount Pentax K
    Stabilization None
    Type Lens
    Weight 4.6
    Get It Now
    Learn More Pentax HD DA 70mm F2.4 Limited Review Review
  • Pentax SMC FA 31mm F/1.8 Limited Lens
    Low Light

    Pentax SMC FA 31mm F/1.8 Limited Lens

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Crisp optics, especially when stopped down.
      • All-metal build quality.
      • Wide aperture.
      • Integrated hood.
      • Mechanical aperture control ring.
      • Excellent manual focus experience.
      • Expensive.
      • Dated screw-drive autofocus system.
      • Dim corners and soft edges at wide apertures.
      • Some barrel distortion.
      • Omits weather-sealing.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Pentax SMC FA 31mm f/1.8 Limited has earned legendary status as a stellar wide-angle lens. Despite its age, it's still a strong performer.

    Specs & Configurations

    35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) N/A mm
    35mm Equivalent (Wide) 31
    Dimensions 2.7 by 2.6 inches
    Lens Mount Pentax K
    Stabilization None
    Type Lens
    Weight 12.2
    Get It Now
    Learn More Pentax SMC FA 31mm f/1.8 Limited Review Review
  • Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
    Macro

    Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Sharp.
      • 4.1x zoom range.
      • 1:2.9 macro magnification.
      • Optical stabilization.
      • Wide aperture.
      • Compact and light.
      • Available for multiple camera systems.
      • Compatibility with Sigma USB dock and mount conversion service.
      • Some distortion.
      • Edge softness at 70mm.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM lens is a solid replacement for the 18-55mm that shipped with your camera, but another Sigma zoom is our Editors' Choice.

    Specs & Configurations

    35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) 105 mm
    35mm Equivalent (Wide) 25.5
    Dimensions 3.1 by 3.2 inches
    Lens Mount Canon EOS
    Lens Mount Nikon F
    Lens Mount Pentax K
    Lens Mount Sigma SA
    Lens Mount Sony A
    Optical Zoom 4.1 x
    Stabilization Optical
    Type Lens
    Weight 1
    Get It Now
    Learn More Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Review Review
  • Pentax HD D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6ED DC WR
    Standard Zoom

    Pentax HD D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6ED DC WR

    3.5 Good

    Pros & Cons

      • Strong center sharpness.
      • Compact.
      • Weather-sealed design.
      • Inexpensive.
      • Full-frame coverage.
      • Some distortion.
      • Weak edge performance.
      • Dim corners.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Pentax HD D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6ED DC WR is a solid full-frame starter zoom, but it makes the compromises you expect from a kit lens.

    Specs & Configurations

    35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) 105 mm
    35mm Equivalent (Wide) 28
    Dimensions 3.4 by 2.9 inches
    Lens Mount Pentax K
    Optical Zoom 3.75 x
    Stabilization None
    Type Lens
    Weight 15.5
    Get It Now
    Learn More Pentax HD D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6ED DC WR Review
The Best Pentax SLR Lenses for 2021

Compare Specs

Select Up To 3Select Up To 2
Your Selections
Pentax HD DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited

Pentax HD DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited

Pentax HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW

Pentax HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW

Pentax SMC FA 43mm F/1.9 Limited Lens

Pentax SMC FA 43mm F/1.9 Limited Lens

Our Pick
Pentax HD DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited
Pentax HD DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited
Pentax HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW
Pentax HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW
Pentax SMC FA 43mm F/1.9 Limited Lens
Pentax SMC FA 43mm F/1.9 Limited Lens
Pentax HD-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR
Pentax HD-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR
Pentax HD DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited
Pentax HD DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited
Pentax HD DA 70mm F2.4 Limited
Pentax HD DA 70mm F2.4 Limited
Pentax SMC FA 31mm F/1.8 Limited Lens
Pentax SMC FA 31mm F/1.8 Limited Lens
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
Pentax HD D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6ED DC WR
Pentax HD D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6ED DC WR
Pentax HD DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited
Pentax HD DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited
Pentax HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW
Pentax HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW
Pentax SMC FA 43mm F/1.9 Limited Lens
Pentax SMC FA 43mm F/1.9 Limited Lens
Rating
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
3.5 Good
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
Best For
Macro
Low Light
Low Light
Architecture
Wide Angle
Low Light
Low Light
Macro
Standard Zoom
Macro
Low Light
Low Light
Weight
7.525.52.36.74.612.2115.57.525.5
Type
LensLensLensLensLensLensLensLensLensLens
Stabilization
NoneNoneNoneNoneNoneNoneOpticalNoneNoneNone
Optical Zoom
2 x4.1 x3.75 x
Optical Stabilization
NoneNone
Mount
Pentax KPentax K
Lens Mount
Pentax KPentax KPentax KPentax KPentax KPentax KNikon F, Pentax K, Sigma SA, Sony A, Canon EOSPentax KPentax KPentax K
Full-Frame Equivalent (Wide)
5050
Dimensions
1.8 by 2.5 inches4.2 by 3.2 inches2.5 by 1.1 inches5.7 by 3.9 inches1.6 by 2.5 inches1.0 by 2.5 inches2.7 by 2.6 inches3.1 by 3.2 inches3.4 by 2.9 inches1.8 by 2.5 inches4.2 by 3.2 inches2.5 by 1.1 inches
35mm Equivalent (Wide)
52.5431522.51053125.52852.543
35mm Equivalent (Telephoto)
N/A mmN/A mm30 mmN/A mmN/A mmN/A mm105 mm105 mmN/A mmN/A mm

Buying Guide: The Best Pentax SLR Lenses for 2021

The Road Less Traveled

It's true that most photographers looking to buy an SLR go with a Canon or a Nikon camera. But, despite their market share, the big two aren't the only game in town. The Pentax brand has been around for a long time, and if you learned photography in the 70s or 80s, you probably picked up the classic manual focus K1000 SLR at some point in time.

In the digital world Pentax SLRs set themselves apart from the competition by concentrating on build quality rather than bells and whistles. Even the budget-friendly K-70 has a glass pentaprism viewfinder and extensive weather sealing—features that are only available in bodies priced over $1,000 if you are shopping for a Canon or Nikon SLR. But the company is a little behind the times in some other areas, including autofocus and video capture.

But if you're more interested in pure photography and not enticed by bells and whistles, a Pentax SLR might make a lot sense. Add in the fact that the company is strong in terms of backward compatibility (those manual focus lenses from the 70s work on modern digital bodies just fine) and builds shake reduction into the body so that every lens is stabilized, and you have an appealing platform.

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Most Pentax SLRs use the APS-C sensor size, the same as you'll find in entry-level models from Nikon and Canon. There is one full-frame model available, the 36MP K-1 Mark II. You can use APS-C lenses with it—we've tested some and found that a few cover the whole sensor and are decent performers—but for best results look for lenses marked as FA or D FA if you shoot with the K-1.

Pentax doesn't have the sheer number of lenses available as you'll get with one of the more popular systems, but the selection is still pretty extensive, and includes an excellent series of compact prime lenses. It's missing some of the more esoteric options, like tilt-shift lenses, autofocusing f/1.2 primes, and really long telephoto glass. Third-party lenses fill some of those gaps, although lens makers like Sigma and Tamron no longer make lenses for Pentax, so you'll have to search for pre-owned options.

If you're in the market for a new SLR body you can peruse the Best SLRs we've tested. And all of the cameras and lenses we've reviewed can be found in our Digital Cameras Product Guide.

About Our Expert

Jim Fisher

Jim Fisher

Principal Writer, Cameras

My Experience

Images, and the devices that capture them, are my focus. I've covered cameras at PCMag for the past 14 years, which has given me a front row seat for the changeover from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras, the smartphone camera revolution, and the emergence of drones for aerial imaging. I have extensive experience with every major mirrorless and SLR system, and am also comfortable using point-and-shoot and action cameras. As a Part 107 Certified drone pilot, I’m licensed to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for commercial and editorial purposes, and am knowledgeable about federal rules and regulations regarding drones.

The Technology I Use

I use all of the major camera systems on a regular basis, swapping between Canon, Fujifilm, L-Mount, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon, and Sony systems. I still find time to use Leica M rangefinders and Pentax SLRs on occasion, too. I keep an iPhone 13 in my pocket for the rare occasions I'm not carrying a camera.

I'm not a brand-specific photographer. For product review photos, I swap between a Canon EOS R5 and a Sony a7R IV. I use Flashpoint and Godox TTL lights and Peak Design tripods, and I most often reach for a Think Tank or Peak Design backpack to carry equipment.

When it comes to computers, I'm an unapologetic Mac person and have been for the past 20 years. I write in Pages and use Numbers for spreadsheets. I currently swap between an Intel i9 MacBook Pro and an Apple Silicon Mac Studio for writing and use a calibrated BenQ 32.5-inch with the Studio for photo and video editing. I rely on a LaCie 6big RAID for media storage. I also keep a PC around for gaming, but please don't tell my Macs about it; they'll get jealous.

I split time between several different software apps depending on the type of editing I'm doing. For Raw image processing, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic is my standard. I pair it with a LoupeDeck CT console to supplement my keyboard and trackpad, and I lean on RNI All Films 5 presets when I want to give an image a film look. I use Apple Final Cut Pro for video editing.

My first digital camera was the Canon PowerShot Elph S200, and my first DSLR was the Pentax *ist DL. I have a soft spot for antique film gear. I still use a 1950 vintage Rolleiflex Automat TLR and love trying mid-century Leica lenses on film and digital alike. I mainly use whatever's in front of me for review for digital snaps, but I pick up either my Leica M Typ 240 or Pentax K-3 III Monochrome when I want to step away from review work. In my downtime, I enjoy bird watching, reading, video games, and both good and bad movies, especially in the sci-fi and horror genres.

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