5+ Best Vintage Pentax Lenses | Unrivaled Guide 2023

One of the advantages of choosing a Vintage Pentax SLR is undoubtedly the compatibility of the camera body with all the lenses produced over the years by the parent company.

Pentax in fact adopts the same bayonet mount (K-Mount) as always, with the exception of the old lenses with screw mount (M42), however compatible via an adapter.

Compatibility is made more interesting by the presence of the stabilizer inside the camera body, which in fact makes any optics stabilized, even vintage, and by the presence of some features that make the use of old optics much easier than expected (for example the famous green button that helps in exposure).

But how to choose a vintage lens? What are the models with the best value for money, and what are the abbreviations to take into account?

Best Vintage Pentax Lenses

If your camera lens is dusty, is it not a high-quality lens?

Today we are talking about vintage portrait lenses. Modern equipment makes it easier for photographers to take great pictures. However, they can lack the creative elements and feel of vintage lenses.

While there are many filters and edits that can give a vintage feel to modern images, the best way to achieve vintage-style images is to use vintage lenses.

Best Vintage Pentax Lenses | Comparison Table 2023

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Best Vintage Pentax Lenses | 2023 Products Overview

Product Overview:

The Asahi Pentax Super Takumar 50mm F/1.4 Prime Lens is a high-quality and versatile lens that is perfect for photographers of all skill levels. This lens is designed for use with M42 screw-mount cameras and adapters and is known for its legendary Takumar quality. The lens has a maximum focal length of 50mm and a minimum focal length of 50mm, making it a normal lens.

This lens has been fully CLA’ed and UV de-yellowed, ensuring that it provides ultra-bright rendition and ultimate performance. It comes with the original caps, including a metal front cap, and has been professionally serviced to ensure it is in top working condition.

The lens is in near-mint condition, with only a small amount of brassing on some of its high points. It also comes with both caps, including a front cap that is not original to this lens.

It’s important to note that this lens is designed for use in the US and that outlets and voltage differ internationally. So, this product may require an adapter or converter for use in your destination. Please check compatibility before purchasing. Overall, the Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f1.4 prime lens is a great choice for photographers looking for a high-quality and versatile lens that can adapt to most modern SLR, DSLR, and mirrorless formats.

Product Overview:

The Pentax HD DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens is a high-quality and versatile telephoto zoom lens that is perfect for photographers of all skill levels. This lens is designed for use with Pentax KAF mountings and is known for its high-quality optics and compact design.

The lens has a maximum focal length of 300mm and a short minimum focusing distance of 095 meters, making it ideal for capturing stunning close-up images of details that would be typically out of reach when using a standard lens.

One of the key features of this lens is that it is Pentax's first K mount with an electromagnetic diaphragm control system for quiet sound operation during movie recording. Additionally, it has a rear focus system and PLM (pulse motor), a direct drive lead screw system for quiet zoom, and a high-speed AF.

The lens also has a weather-resistant construction, ED lens elements for brilliant sharpness and saturated colors, and an HD coating to optimize light transmittance and minimize reflection.

The lens also has a Quick Shift Focus System that allows you to instantly change the AF mode to MF by twisting the focus ring. It also has an SP (Super Protect) Coating applied to the front surface of the lens to effectively repel water and grease, and a rounded diaphragm to produce a beautiful bokeh.

It's important to note that this lens is designed for use in the US and that outlets and voltage differ internationally. So, this product may require an adapter or converter for use at your destination. Please check compatibility before purchasing.

Product Overview:

The Pentax D FA F2.8ED SDM WR 15-30mm f/2.8 Ultra-Wide Angle Zoom Lens is a high-quality and versatile lens that is perfect for photographers of all skill levels. This lens is designed for use with Pentax KAF mountings and is known for its wide-angle capabilities and advanced technology. The lens has a maximum focal length of 30mm, and an angle of view between 111-72° when attached to PENTAX 35mm full-frame SLR cameras, and 86-50° when attached to PENTAX APS-C DSLR cameras.

One of the key features of this lens is that it is equipped with the SDM (Supersonic Direct Drive Motor), which provides discreet in-lens auto-focus motor operation for quick, smooth, and quiet performance. Additionally, it has been treated with state-of-the-art HD technology, a high-grade, multi-layer coating, which allows the user to capture crisp, high-contrast images free of flare and ghosting, even under demanding lighting conditions.

The lens also has ED (Extra Low Dispersion) glass lens elements that deliver clear, high-resolution imagery with outstanding edge-to-edge sharpness throughout the entire zoom range.

The lens is also designed with weather resistance in mind, featuring eight specially designed seals to prevent the intrusion of water. It also features Quick Shift, and a minimum focusing distance of just 28cm, which allows it to capture subjects with a well-defined sense of depth. It's important to note that this lens is designed for use in the US and that outlets and voltage differ internationally. So, this product may require an adapter or converter for use in your destination. Please check compatibility before purchasing.

Product Overview:

The SMC Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4 is a high-quality and versatile normal lens that is perfect for photographers of all skill levels. This lens is designed for use with Pentax KAF mountings and is known for its compact design and fast aperture. The lens has a maximum focal length of 50mm and an angle of view of 47 degrees, making it ideal for capturing stunning images of a wide range of subjects.

One of the key features of this lens is its extremely large f/1.4 aperture, which allows for extra-fast shutter speeds and wonderful depth of field control. Additionally, it has a focal length equivalent to 75mm when used on a Pentax Digital SLR camera body (1.5x crop factor), which provides a versatile range of focal lengths. The lens also has Pentax Super Multi-coating, which helps to reduce light loss, resulting in high-quality images.

This lens is also compatible with all Pentax film and digital SLR cameras, and at only 1.5 inches and 7.8 ounces, it is lightweight and easy to carry. It also features a fixed 50mm focal length, fully automatic diaphragm, and lens construction of 6 elements in 5 groups. With extra-low dispersion glass and original lens coatings, this lens is superior in contrast, clarity, and edge-to-edge sharpness.

Product Overview:

The Pentax HD DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens is a high-quality and versatile telephoto zoom lens that is perfect for photographers of all skill levels. This lens is designed for use with Pentax KAF mountings and is known for its ability to get close up on details that would be typically out of reach when using a standard lens.

The lens has a maximum focal length of 300mm and a short minimum focusing distance of 095 meters.

One of the key features of this lens is its electromagnetic diaphragm control system, which allows for a quiet sound operation during movie recording. It also features a rear focus system and PLM (pulse motor) which makes focusing on this lens much faster than its predecessor, making it ideal for capturing wildlife or sport.

Additionally, it has ED lens elements that provide brilliant sharpness and saturated colors and an HD coating that optimizes light transmittance and minimizes reflection.

The lens is also designed with weather resistance in mind, featuring eight specially designed seals to prevent the intrusion of water. Additionally, it features Quick Shift Focus System which allows the user to instantly change the AF mode to MF by twisting the focus ring. It also has an SP (Super Protect) Coating applied to the front surface of the lens to effectively repel water and grease.

It's important to note that this lens is designed for use in the US, and that outlets and voltage differ internationally. So, this product may require an adapter or converter for use at your destination. Please check compatibility before purchasing.

How To Choose The Best Vintage Pentax Lenses | Ultimate Guide

2023

The easiest series to find online

M Series: These are totally manual lenses, therefore without any automatism. They generally have a good build, and all come with an aperture ring.

They are usually found at rather low prices. All models manufactured after 1971 by Pentax are treated with an SMC (super multi-coated) anti-reflective lens coating.

Serie A: Lenses that allow you to keep all the automatisms of your reflex camera (time control and aperture for example), except the autofocus. They generally have a good build, and all have an aperture ring with an “A” (auto) position.
Prices are quite low, except for some highly sought-after models. All models manufactured after 1971 by Pentax are treated with an SMC (super multi-coated) anti-reflective lens coating.

F Series: Lenses belonging to the first generation of autofocus, allow you to maintain all the automatisms of the reflex and are equipped with an aperture ring with position “A”. The autofocus is not super fast and in some cases, it is quite noisy. Constructively speaking, these are fairly robust lenses, but apparently more uncomfortable and awkward than the previous series. The prices are logically higher than the counterparts without autofocus.

FA Series: Lenses equipped with second-generation autofocus, similar to the Fs, vary slightly in construction (I find them slightly more robust) and in external appearance. Autofocus is often quite noisy, but it still depends on the model under consideration. From a constructive point of view, I point out the fact that in the lenses of this series tested the conformation of the focus ring makes, from my point of view, manual focus quite uncomfortable.

Note that some FA series lenses are still in production.

The acronyms adopted by Pentax

• SMC = Super Multi-Coating indicates lenses equipped with the homonymous anti-reflective coating on lenses.
• * = with the asterisk (indicating the “star” series) Pentax indicates the optics of a particular value.
• AL = optics with aspherical lenses.
• SDM = optics with ultrasonic motor.
• IF = Internal Focus (focusing is done by moving the lens inside the lens).
• ED = use of Extra (Low) Dispersion glasses to reduce chromatic aberrations.
• WR = use of lens design (Weather Resistant) which protects the lens from rain and humidity.

What is missing?

In this post, I have deliberately omitted to talk about the DA and D-FA series lenses, as they are lenses designed for use on digital SLRs, and therefore are not to be considered vintage.

The Vintage that I recommend spending little

Especially with the recent presentation of the new Pentax Full-Frame, it could be a good idea, especially for those starting out or on a tight budget, to buy some vintage lenses, which allow you to save while still having excellent quality and still covering the full-frame.

Unfortunately, I have not personally tried all the lenses produced by Pentax (indeed .. to be honest, I have tried very few), but among those, I have tried, I can certainly recommend some, that I find perfect lenses for quality/price ratio.

An economical and quality 50mm

The Pentax SMC-A 50mm f 1.7 is an excellent lens, which is used for around 55-60 euros, the construction is very solid, and the focus (manual only) is pleasant thanks to the very wide and comfortable ring. Since it is equipped with an aperture ring it can be used upside down to obtain macro photos and has excellent sharpness already at full aperture.

For those who want to save money, there is the M version, which is totally manual, or the f 2 version (which, however, I have never tried).

For those wishing to spend a little more, there is the f 1.4 version which is described by all as excellent but has a much higher cost.

A vintage tele-zoom

Another lens that left me extremely satisfied with the value for money is the Pentax 70-210, available both in version A (about 70/80 euros at the time of writing) and FA (about 100/120 euros). It is a zoom with excellent sharpness, which compares well (and in my opinion wins) with the various modern economic zooms, such as the Tamron 70-300 or the Sigma 70-300.

It should be noted that in the FA model, the autofocus (which is quite slow) is very noisy.
However, in my opinion, it is a best buy.

FAQs

Are Vintage Lenses Worth It?

Vintage lenses can be worth it for certain photographers and situations. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Unique look: Vintage lenses often have a distinct character that can give your photos a unique look. Many vintage lenses produce a softer, more dreamy, or more contrasty image than modern lenses. This can be especially appealing for certain types of photography, such as portraiture, fashion, or artistic photography.
2. Affordable price: Vintage lenses can be much cheaper than their modern counterparts, especially if they're not highly sought after or in popular mounts. This can be a great option for photographers on a budget who still want to experiment with different types of lenses.
3. Manual focus: Many vintage lenses are manual focus only, which can be challenging but also rewarding. Some photographers prefer manual focus because it allows them to have more control over the focus point and depth of field.
4. Compatibility: Vintage lenses may not be compatible with all modern camera bodies without adapters, and even with adapters, some features may not work, such as autofocus or electronic aperture control. Make sure you do your research before purchasing a vintage lens to ensure it will work with your camera.

In summary, vintage lenses can be worth it for photographers who value a unique look, affordability, and manual focus and are willing to work with adapters to ensure compatibility with their cameras. However, if you prioritize the latest technology and automatic features, then vintage lenses may not be the best choice for you.

What Is The Best Vintage 50mm Lens?

Why Are Vintage Lenses Better?

Whether vintage lenses are "better" than modern lenses is subjective and depends on your personal preferences and needs. However, there are a few characteristics of vintage lenses that some photographers may find appealing:

Build quality: Many vintage lenses were built to last, with metal construction and sturdy mechanics. Some photographers prefer the tactile feel of vintage lenses and appreciate their durability.

Unique character: Vintage lenses often have a distinct character that can give your photos a unique look. Many vintage lenses produce a softer, more dreamy, or more contrasty image than modern lenses. This can be especially appealing for certain types of photography, such as portraiture, fashion, or artistic photography.

Manual focus: Many vintage lenses are manual focus only, which can be challenging but also rewarding. Some photographers prefer manual focus because it allows them to have more control over the focus point and depth of field.

Affordable price: Vintage lenses can be much cheaper than their modern counterparts, especially if they're not highly sought after or in popular mounts. This can be a great option for photographers on a budget who still want to experiment with different types of lenses.

It's important to note that vintage lenses may not be compatible with all modern camera bodies without adapters, and even with adapters, some features may not work, such as autofocus or electronic aperture control. Additionally, modern lenses often have advanced features, such as image stabilization or weather sealing, that may be important for certain types of photography.

Do Vintage Lenses Make A Difference?

Yes, vintage lenses can make a difference in terms of the look and feel of the photos they produce. Vintage lenses often have unique characteristics and quirks that give photos a distinctive aesthetic that can be difficult or impossible to replicate with modern lenses.

Some common traits of vintage lenses include:

1. Softness and character: Vintage lenses often produce a softer, more "dreamy" look that can be desirable for certain types of photography, such as portraits or still life.
2. Flare and bokeh: Vintage lenses may have more pronounced lens flare and bokeh (the out-of-focus areas in a photo) than modern lenses. This can give photos a unique, almost ethereal quality.
3. Color rendition: Vintage lenses may have a different color rendition than modern lenses, which can result in a distinct look and feel.

However, it's important to note that vintage lenses also have their drawbacks. They may not be as sharp or as fast as modern lenses, and they may not be compatible with certain camera systems or features.

Ultimately, whether or not vintage lenses make a difference depends on the photographer's personal preferences and the specific look they are trying to achieve. Some photographers swear by vintage lenses and use them exclusively, while others prefer the precision and consistency of modern lenses.

What To Look For When Buying Vintage Lenses?

When buying vintage lenses, there are several things to consider to ensure that you get a lens that works well and is worth the investment:

1. Compatibility: Make sure the lens is compatible with your camera body. Some vintage lenses may require an adapter to work with modern camera bodies. Check the lens mount and make sure it matches your camera mount or adapter.
2. Condition: Inspect the lens carefully for scratches, fungus, haze, or other damage. Look through the lens and check for any issues with the aperture or focus mechanism. Also, make sure the lens rings move smoothly without any stiffness.
3. Cleanliness: Check for any dust or dirt inside the lens. A few specks of dust are normal and usually won't affect image quality, but too much dust or dirt can be a problem. Also, check the front and rear elements for any scratches or cleaning marks.
4. Aperture Blades: Check the aperture blades by opening and closing them several times. Make sure they move smoothly and don't stick. Also, check the aperture for any oil on the blades, which can cause them to stick or affect image quality.
5. Image Quality: If possible, take a few test shots with the lens to check its image quality. Look for sharpness, contrast, color accuracy, and any signs of distortion or vignetting. Also, check for any flare or ghosting, which can be common with vintage lenses.
6. Brand and Model: Some vintage lenses are highly sought after and may have better build quality, optics, or resale value. Do some research on the brand and model before purchasing to make sure you're getting a quality lens.

Overall, buying a vintage lens can be a great way to experiment with different types of lenses and get a unique look for your photos, but it's important to do your research and carefully inspect the lens before making a purchase.

Are Vintage Lenses Sharp?

What Lens Is Most Realistic?

When it comes to photography and videography, the choice of lens depends on the desired outcome and the context of the scene being captured. There is no single lens that can be considered the most realistic in all situations.

However, in general, lenses that have a focal length that is similar to the human eye (around 50mm for a full-frame camera) are often considered to produce images that look the most natural and realistic. This is because they provide a field of view that is similar to what we see with our own eyes, which can make the resulting image feel more immersive and familiar.

However, it's important to note that realism in photography is not just about the choice of lens. Other factors such as lighting, composition, and post-processing also play a significant role in creating a realistic and lifelike image. Ultimately, the choice of the lens should be made based on the desired aesthetic and creative vision of the photographer or videographer.

Do Professionals Use 50mm Lens?

Yes, many professional photographers use a 50mm lens. It is a versatile lens that can be used for a wide range of photography genres, including portraiture, street photography, documentary, and even landscape photography. The 50mm lens is often praised for its ability to produce sharp, high-quality images with a natural-looking perspective.

In addition, the 50mm lens is relatively lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around for extended periods of time. It's also relatively affordable compared to other professional-grade lenses, making it a popular choice for photographers on a budget or those who want to keep their gear kit minimal.

Of course, professional photographers also use a wide variety of other lenses depending on their specific needs and the type of photography they are shooting. But the 50mm lens remains a popular and reliable choice for many professionals.

Is 50mm Lens Better Than 85mm?

Whether a 50mm lens is better than an 85mm lens depends on the context of the photography and the desired outcome.

A 50mm lens is considered a "normal" lens, which produces images with a perspective that is similar to what the human eye sees. It is a versatile lens that is useful for a wide range of photography genres, including portraits, landscapes, street photography, and more. It is also relatively lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods.

An 85mm lens, on the other hand, is considered a "medium telephoto" lens, which produces images with a narrower field of view and a shallower depth of field. This makes it well-suited for portrait photography, as it can help to isolate the subject and create a soft, creamy bokeh in the background.

In general, if you are shooting portraits and want a lens that can produce a shallower depth of field and a more pronounced bokeh effect, an 85mm lens may be a better choice. However, if you need a more versatile lens that can be used for a wider range of photography genres, a 50mm lens may be a better choice. Ultimately, the choice of the lens should be based on the specific needs and creative vision of the photographer.

Which Age Is Best For Lenses?

Which Colour Of Lens Is Best?

The choice of lens color depends on the intended use and personal preference. Different lens colors have different properties that make them suitable for different lighting conditions and activities.

Here are some common lens colors and their properties:

1. Grey: Grey lenses are neutral and do not affect color perception. They are ideal for bright light conditions and can reduce glare while maintaining true color perception.
2. Brown: Brown lenses enhance color contrast and are great for partly cloudy to sunny conditions. They are often used for outdoor sports such as fishing, golf, and tennis.
3. Yellow/Orange: Yellow and orange lenses increase contrast in low-light conditions, making them ideal for activities such as shooting, hunting, and skiing.
4. Rose/Pink: Rose and pink lenses are great for variable light conditions. They enhance contrast and depth perception, making them ideal for activities such as cycling, running, and hiking.
5. Clear: Clear lenses are suitable for low-light conditions and offer protection against wind and debris. They are often used for indoor sports and cycling.

Ultimately, the best lens color for you will depend on your personal preference and the specific activity or lighting conditions you will be using them in. It's also important to consider the lens material and any additional coatings or features, such as polarizing filters or anti-reflective coatings, which can affect performance and image quality.

Which Lens Is Best In Quality?

There are many high-quality lenses available on the market, and the choice of the best lens in terms of quality depends on several factors, including the intended use and personal preference.

In general, high-end lenses from established manufacturers such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Zeiss are known for their superior quality and performance. These lenses are typically made with high-quality materials, precision engineering, and advanced optical design, resulting in sharp, clear, and distortion-free images.

Prime lenses, which have a fixed focal length, are often favored by professionals for their sharpness and low distortion. However, high-end zoom lenses can also provide exceptional quality and versatility, with features such as image stabilization and weather sealing.

Additionally, lenses with wide apertures, such as f/1.4 or f/1.8, can provide excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for creative effects.

Ultimately, the best lens in terms of quality will depend on your specific needs and budget. It's important to do your research, read reviews, and try out lenses before making a purchase to ensure that you are getting the best quality for your money.

Do Vintage Lenses Have Autofocus?

Vintage lenses typically do not have autofocus capabilities. Autofocus technology became widely available in the late 1980s, and many vintage lenses were produced before that time.

Instead of autofocus, vintage lenses require manual focus, which means that the photographer needs to adjust the focus ring on the lens to achieve sharp focus. While this can take some practice, manual focus can provide a level of control and precision that is difficult to achieve with autofocus.

Additionally, many vintage lenses have unique optical characteristics and rendering styles that can give images a distinctive and artistic look. These lenses are often prized by photographers for their quality, and some photographers may even adapt them to modern camera systems to take advantage of their unique properties.

It's worth noting that there are some modern lenses that have been designed to replicate the look and feel of vintage lenses, with manual focus and distinctive optical qualities. These lenses may also be compatible with autofocus systems in some cases.

What’s Better Gradient Or Classic Lens?

Are Darker Lenses Better?

Darker lenses are not necessarily better than lighter lenses. The choice of lens darkness depends on the intended use and personal preference.

Darker lenses, such as those with a gray or green tint, are ideal for bright light conditions, as they can reduce glare and provide more comfortable vision. They are often used for outdoor activities such as driving, cycling, and fishing.

Lighter lenses, such as those with a yellow or orange tint, are better suited for low-light conditions. They can enhance contrast and depth perception, making them ideal for activities such as skiing, shooting, and hunting.

It's also worth noting that lens darkness is not the only factor to consider when choosing a lens. Other factors, such as the quality of the lens material and any additional coatings or features, can also affect performance and image quality. For example, lenses with anti-reflective coatings can reduce glare and improve contrast, while polarized lenses can reduce reflected light and provide clearer vision in bright conditions.

Ultimately, the best lens darkness for you will depend on your personal preference and the specific activity or lighting conditions you will be using them in. It's a good idea to try different lenses and see which one provides the best combination of comfort, clarity, and protection for your needs.