Its zoom range covers wide-to-moderate tele, and its constant f/4 aperture is sort of fast. But optical performance at the 35mm focal length is excellent, with no vignetting at all.
A DA* lens, the 16–50mm is pro-level and fast, with extra weather and dust resistance. The SDM system provides for smoother and quieter AF. SQF tested Excellent at all focal lengths.
Originally made for use on film cameras and still in the Pentax lineup, this fast, normal prime scales up to a 75mm on Pentax DSLRs. Best maximum magnification ratio, 1:6, of the 50mm f/1.4 lenses we recently tested.
We love this unique pancake lens. It’s so darn cute and thin. Tough, too—even the lenscap has all-metal construction. Best of all? Performance! Who knew a lens this small could produce images this sharp?
A 100mm equivalent, this remarkably light and compact lens offers rapid if less-than-silent autofocus, Slight barrel distortion (0.14%), no detectable light falloff. Maximum magnification: 1:1.6.
Unusual for a kit lens, this 82.5–450mm equivalent has Excellent image quality, even at 300mm. But AF is loud and slow—Pentax must add its supersonic drive motor (SDM) to this lens for it to be a competitor.
The superlative optical performance and solid build quality of this zoom earn it Pentax's DA* designation—you can call it star billing. But it’s f/2.8-heavy, and f/2.8-pricey—considering that it’s an f/4.
A pro’s full-framer, it justifies its price with a fast constant aperture, ultra-wide angle of view, and incredible distortion control. Only its weight and lack of filter drawer dampen our enthusiasm.
