Pentax K-3 Mark III In-depth Review

By PF Staff in Review Announcements on Oct 26, 2021

Prior to its debut in March 2021, the Pentax K-3 Mark III (also written K-3 III) was without a doubt the most anticipated Pentax camera since the full-frame K-1.  With an ISO range of up to 1.6 million, 12 FPS burst shooting, 101 autofocus points, and 4K video support, the Pentax K-3 III is also the most technologically capable Pentax to date and a worthy new APS-C flagship DSLR offering.

And yet, these top-tier specifications are not really what makes the K-3 III stand out.  This is a DSLR launched during a time when mirrorless camera have become the industry standard.  With this in mind, Pentax engineers focused on less technical aspects such as the optical viewfinder, handling, and simplified shooting with manual lenses to truly showcase what makes Pentax cameras special.  To that end, for instance, the K-3 III's viewfinder boasts 1.05x magnification (the largest in any APS-C camera), which puts the size of the viewfinder on par with that of a full-frame DSLR.

It also turns out that at $1999, the Pentax K-3 III is also the most expensive APS-C model to date.  Do the K-3 III's performance and character justify its pricetag?  Is it worth updating from an older model or worth considering this camera (and DSLRs in general) over mirrorless?  We put the K-3 III through its paces in our in-depth review to find out! 

Continue to the in-depth review of the Pentax K-3 III

Comparative Review: HD vs SMC Pentax FA Limited Lenses

By bdery in Review Announcements on Jun 20, 2021

We are excited to present our comparative review of the new HD Pentax FA Limited lenses: refreshed versions of the three SMC FA Limited lenses (31mm F1.8, 43mm F1.9, and 77mm F1.8) that have been around for two decades. Even today, this trio (sometimes called the "Three Princesses" or "Three Amigos") is considered among the best lenses available for the K-mount.

In 2021, Pentax released an updated version of the three FA Limited lenses. The update involves newer coatings, the use of curved aperture blades, and minimal cosmetic changes.

Revisiting a classic comes with a certain level of risk. The three FA Limited are popular in a large part because of their unique rendering (sometimes called "pixie dust" by users). In this review, we perform a detailed comparison of all the parameters likely to be influenced by the updates to the lenses.

Read on to see the detailed comparison of the SMC and HD FA Limited lenses!

Want to win one of the new HD FA Limiteds?  To celebrate their launch, we we are giving away your choice of one of these lenses.  Enter the giveaway here (ends July 31, 2021)!

Fernweh Backpack (from Wandrd) Review Posted

By bdery in Review Announcements on May 12, 2021

Today we are taking a look at a recently released large size hiking backpack for photographers, the Fernweh backpack from Wandrd.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/wandrd-fernweh-hiking-backpack-review/introduction.html

Available in two colors, with two different body shape options, the Fernweh is an extremely versatile and comfortable backpack, well suited for backpackers and hikers who want to carry a large amount of equipment in addition to their photography gear.

Read our review to find out more about this full-featured camera backpack!

Irix 45mm F1.4 Review Posted

By bdery in Review Announcements on Mar 23, 2021

Today we are happy to present our in-depth review of the Irix 45mm F1.4 lens!

Launched in 2020, this fast aperture, normal lens features a rugged, weather-sealed body, automatic aperture coupling, manual focus with adjustable friction and a focus lock.

The focal length makes the Irix a logical competitor to the Pentax 43mm F1.9 Limited, while its size and specifications bring it more in line with the D FA* 50mm F1.4.

How does the Irix compare with these lenses, and with other modern 50mm lenses available on K-mount? Read our review to find out!

Moment Rugged Camera Sling Bag Review Posted

By bdery in Review Announcements on Mar 5, 2021

Today we are taking a look at a recently released bag from Moment, the Rugged Camera Sling.

Available in two versions (6 and 10 liters), this sling offers a surprising number of features for such a small package. Thanks to the use of technical fabrics, well-placed magnets, and deliberate design choices, this bags strikes an interesting balance between minimalist and full-featured.

Read our review to find out more about this camera sling!