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Pentax K Lens Options
A wide variety of lenses can be used on the Pentax K3, but perhaps the most visually appealing lenses are the Pentax-DA HD Limited series, available in black or silver. The appeal doesn’t stop at looks; Pentax has made a decision to use modest-speed apertures, which keeps the weight down and the optical performance up.
A large number of other Pentax-DA lenses are available over a wide range of focal lengths. Older Pentax D FA and FA lenses (designed for film cameras) can also be used.
Lens nomenclature
Pentax lens nomenclature is confusing at best. Here is a primer on Pentax lenses:
- Pentax-DA lenses are designed for Pentax digital APS-C DSLR cameras.
- Pentax DA Limited lenses are designed for Pentax digital APS-C DSLR cameras and feature high-grade aluminum build quality.
- Pentax DA HD Limited lenses are designed for Pentax digital APS-C DSLR cameras and feature high-grade aluminum build quality along with high-grade lens coatings and 9-blade diaphragms. They are a step up from the DA Limited equivalents, but are otherwise the same optically.
- Pentax DA* lenses (note that '*') are designed for Pentax digital APS-C DSLR cameras, and are high-grade weather and dust-sealed lenses.
- Pentax D FA lenses are designed for Pentax digital cameras, but cover a full frame sensor and so can also be used on film cameras.
- Pentax FA lenses were designed for film cameras, but can be used on Pentax digital cameras.
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Diglloyd DAP is DSLR-oriented, but also contains workflow and other topics. Much of the focus is on Canon and Nikon but also Pentax and Pentax medium format.
Special emphasis is placed on lens evaluation, focusing on Canon and Nikon and Sigma lenses, but with a few others like Rokinon/Samyang.
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- Aperture series from wide open through stopped down, showing the full range of lens performance and bokeh.
- Optical quality analysis of field curvature, focus shift, sharpness, flare, distortion, and performance in the field.
Want a preview? Click on any page below to see an excerpt as well as extensive blog coverage, for example on Nikon or on Canon or on Pentax.