| Author: | | New Member Registered: April, 2020 Posts: 2
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 31, 2021 | Recommended
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Colours, contrast, sharpness, metal build limited quality, small size, 49mm filter size | | Cons: | nothing | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K1
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I donīt have the HD version, but that canīt change the fact: The travel pocket version of an 77mm or 85mm. Itīs working very well on full frame K1 and the wonderful thing is, nobody is expecting a tele lens, it seems so harmless and innocent.
I wanted to sell it after I bought the K1, but before I did, I tried it out on it and found this little sweet beast perfect for both, FF / crop and I fell in love with this small twitter lenses from PENTAX.
Superb bokeh with lights in the background, you donīt need to look for old M42 like Helios for producing light bubbles any more.
Fotos straight out of the cam, taken without lens hood, donīt know how to show them here sharper, K1 in FF modus, no skin modus, f2,4
  | | | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: June, 2010 Posts: 753 | | Review Date: May 2, 2021 | Recommended | Price: $400.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | rendering, small but durable body, manual focusing | | Cons: | hood | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K5IIs, K3II
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Beautifully crafted and designed lens (i prefer minimalistic redesign of HD over the Smc version) that brings into taking photography another type of experience - something tactile, oldschool about it, enjoyment to take photos with it. Even though it is AF lens I often find myself using its manual focusing ring which is pretty good for an AF lens. 70mm is a very nice focal lenght for me, useful for streets, landscapes and portraits. And with Marumi Achromatic close-up lens it is pretty good for detail photos as well.
Optically it is quite sharp from 2.4, yet not brutally sharp - it maintains some pleasant smoothness wide open. Stop down one,two clicks and the lens boosts the clarity quite a bit. That gives you some creative control over the resulting rendering. It resolves nice amount of detail at every F stop, so actually you dont have to worry about F stop and detail is going to be there.
Aberations are very minor, there are some bokeh aberations but hardly noticeable, distortion is not an issue. Sometimes when sunlight directly hits the front lens flare occurs, however using a lenshood takes care of it effectively.
Only downside for me is, that this lens is so compact that it cannot have the in-built hood like FA77. On the other hand the super compact size amazes me and is very discreet for street photography. I had FA77 before but for my needs this one is simply a better lens. A keeper and lens that is quite unique for APS system.
| | | | | New Member Registered: December, 2015 Posts: 1 | | Review Date: July 9, 2018 | Recommended | Price: $200.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | | | Cons: | | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K-3
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If this lens is not the best then I cannot imagine how much better the FA77 is. I got this second hand from someone who quit photography, and it found an exclusive spot on my camera bag. Having a few other lenses I can use in portraiture, nothing comes close to the look and feel this tiny lens produces. I may one day get an FA77 if I get an opportunity, but until then, my HD DA 70 is king.
| | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2013 Location: England Posts: 9
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 20, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $379.38
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Size, weight, build quality, weatherproofing | | Cons: | Lens cap is not very positive, but... | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K3, K5 IIs, *ist (35mm)
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Given my large collection of Pentax glass, I delayed the purchase of this lens a long while, until I was sure it would do what I wanted it to. I wanted to carry it alongside my venerable F 28mm and F 50mm to use on my three cameras of choice, the K3, K5 IIs and *ist (loaded with Ilford film).
It is a joy to use, allowing me to have three bodies in the bag, each one set up and ready to go with a different combination, for landscape/street scenes, detail work and light/shadow photos, for which the 70mm is a nice compromise on length and angle.
I sometimes switch the lenses around, as the K3 excels in focusing quickly, the K5 IIs in producing a well-exposed shot, and the *ist in being so small, quiet and unobtrusive that I can shoot almost anything without being spotted.
When I have the 70mm on the K5 or K3, it is fast, sharp and gives me enough length to pick a face out of a crowd, isolate a detail in a shot or frame 'in camera' instead of having to crop and frame later (which I rarely do as I believe in doing it right first time); when the 70mm is on the *ist it is tiny, fast, as sharp as the naked eye and wide enough to capture a scene without having to move back, but with no detectable distortion even in the corners. It helps that it is silver, as is my *ist, and looks (to the uninitiated) like a toy (or bridge) camera. It is only the motor wind that gives the game away, but by then I have the shot on film.
Some have said that it is "digital" only; I have run 7-8 rolls through the *ist, with the 70mm on the camera for 75-80% of shots, and cannot see any reason why this would be suggested. It has no vignetting at all, at least not with machine prints (where a little of the edge of the image is lost anyway). More recently I have started getting digital scans of my films, and they show no vignetting either.
I paid less than 400 USD (equivalent) for the lens, new, and believe it is the best lens I have ever purchased. It now accompanies me when I am taking (what my wife calls) my 'serious photography' kit out, which is the three cameras mentioned, a DA* 300mm, DA* 60-250mm and the DA Limited 70mm. Again, each camera/lens combination is set up ready to go for a different type of shot (candid street portraits, detail work and landscape) so there is no need to changes lenses outdoors, but the Limited holds its' own in such company, producing shots that I am proud to say I took, even when they are unexciting street scenes and townscapes.
| | | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: November, 2014 Location: Newfoundland Posts: 501
7 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 10, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $493.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharpness, Bokeh, Size, Weight AF Speed, Integrated Hood, Flare Resistance, Colour Rendering | | Cons: | It's not the FA 77 Ltd! | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-5II
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A former army officer - I like to travel light & functional like a Spartan. My light travel kit consists of the K-5II, Joby DSLR wrist strap, HD DA's 21/40/70 carried in a small Domke F-5XB bag. Everything you need to get the job done exceptionally well.
I have been shooting with the HD DA 70 for almost two years. Of the 3 pancakes I own; the 21 is the most used (street & landscape), the 40 is the most versatile and the 70 is the most loved. No other lens I have ever owned produces such amazing portraits or contains as much pixie dust as the HD DA 70. I coach under 18 Football. On the K-5II the HD DA 70 with it's super quick AF and wide aperture is ideal for shooting from the sidelines.
If I could only own two lenses they would be the HD DA 21 and HD DA 70. The 70 is a dynamite piece of glass.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: May, 2016 Posts: 3,725
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 21, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $450.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Small, light, great iq | | Cons: | | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 9
Value: 9
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-3 II
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Do not underestimate how much it matters that this lens weighs 120 grams, it is just a joy to walk around. The only slight downside is that in order to use a filter you need to unscrew the lens hood. I don't mind the focus ring moving at all because I support the camera with my left hand, not the lens, it is a little too small for that. A funny side effect of being so compact is that people, especially on the street, are less weary when they see this lens.
As most people say, image quality is indeed great - objectively and subjectively - and unless you obsessively pixel peep nothing offends except some occasional purple fringes. While this is not the brightest lens out there, portraits look great!
| | | | | New Member Registered: June, 2008 Location: Pune Posts: 2
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 29, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $620.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp, Small, Metal, Fast, Colour rendering, Hood. | | Cons: | None | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-01, K10D
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This is the sharpest lens in my entire lens collection; even sharper than my Tamron 70-200 @ 70mm f/2.8. I have FA50/1.4, M50/1.7, which does not come close to it @ f/2.4, so I can confidently use it wide open. 70mm limited has creamy bokeh and great colour rendering. This is so small that you wont believe until you see the lens. No other manufacturer produces such a small lens, so this gem is unique in term of fast + light + sharp = practical & useful. Pentax engineers must have given extra efforts in producing such perfect lens.
I have brought it for outdoors & studio portrait. This lens is great for capturing stage performance. AF is fast in all light conditions and we can adjust using quick shift. Due to small size it is always in my bag creating new possibilities for travel photography, Landscapes; yes, you wont believe, landscapes are also fantastic, specifically colour rendering, sharpness and contrast.
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: June, 2014 Posts: 62
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: August 21, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $522.22
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp Images,Fast Focus,Great Contrast, Light Wt | | Cons: | None noted yet | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-30
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I have used the lens for 2 weeks. Some portrait work but mostly landscape. I found the lens to focus rapidly with little or no hunting. Photos were exceptionally sharp with great resolution. Contrast is great. Size and weight make it easy to handle. I like the collapsable hood and the fact that it is stored on the lens. The price I paid was exceptionally good with two of these lenses still available on ebay. I would recommend this lens to anyone in need of this focal length.
| | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: October, 2018 Location: Quebec City, Quebec Posts: 6,582
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 30, 2023 | Recommended | Price: $360.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Very sharp @ f/6.3. Small and light. Beautiful metal build. | | Cons: | Disappointing sharpness at wide apertures ... | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 8
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K3 III
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I was hoping for a very sharp lens starting from wide-open. My first results proved to be somewhat disappointing at medium distances as the lens came into its own only starting @ f/6.3. I have used it very little yet and I will post new impressions after I shoot more landscape images. Up to now, it doesn't seem to be much better than my HD DA 55-300 mm f/4-5.8 WR zoom @ 70 mm FL for far-away subjects.
The first picture below was taken at Minimum Focusing Distance (70 cm) and f/6.3 against an early morning sun and looks very sharp and contrasty (never forget that it is SHARP LIGHT that makes the picture sharp, not so much the lens itself). The second image was taken at middle distances and seems a little disappointing, even @ f/5.6. The wide-open image (@ f/2.4) of the Maple tree looked terrible and was deemed unacceptable, according to my preference for even, edge-to-edge sharpness.
Image below taken against the light : Excellent contrast and resistance to flaring and veiling.
Another try at the Maple tree, this time tripod-mounted, set at critical focus with LV and @ f/8 :
A couple more images at middle apertures :
So, it seems f/2.4 is unusable on distant subjects, where f/8 is needed to get very good results.
Sublimely sharp at closer range starting @ f/6.3, being probably optimized for portraiture.
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Another round of pictures of the Sainte Anne River taken in bright light on tripod : . . . .
Not so bad, after all. You must not forget this is a TELEPHOTO and DoF plays a role in the ultimate sensation of overall sharpness. . OPTIMUM APERTURE FOR LANDSCAPE USE : f/8
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Loyal Site Supporter Registered: February, 2015 Location: Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland Posts: 1,789
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: July 2, 2021 | Recommended | Price: $300.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | size and rendering | | Cons: | | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: KP
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This is the lens I use for portraits--though usually of plants--most. Lovely colour rendering. Creamy bokeh.
Whoops...I have the SMC version (green band).
| | | | | New Member Registered: March, 2014 Posts: 2 | | Review Date: September 17, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $500.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Size, contrast, rendering | | Cons: | Some chromatic aberrations till f5.6. | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 9
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K3II
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My favourite Pentax Lens.
    | | | | | Senior Member Registered: June, 2018 Posts: 131
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 5, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $630.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Light, sharp, lovely object | | Cons: | none considering | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 10
Value: 8
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K50, K3ii
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So small and light I can easily pop it into a pocket on the off-chance I'll need it. Very useful bit of reach, good for portraits, minimum focus distance is a bit short for flowers etc. OOF areas are very attractive and the colours are spot on. Not quite sharp at f2.4, very good from f2.8.
 | | | | | Senior Member Registered: September, 2009 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 156
4 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 30, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $249.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Very small, very sharp, very quick | | Cons: | not less than 2.4 | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 9
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K-01
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I have to admit, I was wrong about this lens, as it is a joy to use. So background, I bought this lens to be in my laptop bag - something I carry around without lugging my K-3. I have my K-01, the 40mm HD limited, the 20-40 HD, this lens, and an old FA 100-300 I picked up and fixed years ago. My K-3 kit has an FA* 85, and I got a deal on a 77mm Limited, so my primes in this range are the best of the best. So I expected to be let down by the 70mm DA HD, but here is the thing - it is awesome. For like one quarter the price of my 85mm, it shines, and is such a light lens that it makes video shooting so easy. I actually have not warmed to my 77 Limited, but this 70mm is the one I use the most.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: February, 2017 Posts: 2,032 | | Review Date: July 7, 2019 | Recommended
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Good sharpness colour rendition build quality size | | Cons: | hood | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 7
Handling: 8
Value: 8
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: k3
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I have only had my copy a week, but used it enough to know it is a keeper. This to me is a truly extraordinary lens. Not for its IQ, which is overall excellent and matches my other HD Ltds (15,35 and my personal favourite the 40mm). I do minimal post processing with the HD DA :Ltd lenses they are that good and this 70mm is no exception.
What is exceptional about this lens is its size. It is tiny for short to medium telephoto - smaller than many 35 or 50mm lenses. Which brings me neatly to the only con I can find with the lens - the hood. Because the lens is so small your hand inevitably ends up partly around the hood, which is partially telescopic, the whole arrangement of lens and hood then feels off in some way. Now one could forego using a hood completely, but the front element is relatively large compared to the lens and could easily be marked or damaged. So I feel a hood is a necessity for this lens if only to protect it form harm. The solution is a cheap after market hood and the issue disappears.
Some test shots.....    | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: July, 2009 Location: Mount Joy, PA Posts: 544
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: August 28, 2018 | Recommended | Price: $495.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharpness across the frame, Size/weight, build quality | | Cons: | Unusual hood and cap, some CA wide-open | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 9
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-3 II, K200D
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This lens is a true gem. Very small, very light, looks and feels very well built. Being a pancake lens it is very unobtrusive. A smart choice if you don't want to stick out in a crowd.
Optically it is top-notch. The center is sharp wide-open at f2.4 with the borders and corners not too far behind. If you're pixel-peeping you will see it requires about 1-1.5 stops to get the corners truly crisp. However, since many will be using this as a portrait lens its more than adequately sharp at the widest aperture.
Vignetting is present and you will notice a difference upon stopping down one EV. The good news is that vignetting has a very smooth transition and is easily correctable in post-processing.
The typical chromatic aberrations found on large-aperture lenses can be found, but only when looking very, very closely in the corners. Purple fringing does happen in high-contrast transitions. However, just like the vignetting characteristic, what little fringing and CA that does occur can be fixed quite easily when processing RAW files.
Auto-focusing is quick, but there is the unfortunate downside of the audible screw-drive mechanism. Personally, I don't see this as a real problem. The noise is most obvious when you're focusing from one extreme to the other. If you're merely adjusting focus to the subtle movements of your subject then the noise is a mild chatter. Manual focus gives just the right amount of resistance - something sorely lacking in many other lenses.
Like most users, I have to comment on the hood and cap for this lens. I won't be ultra critical because the pair work exactly as they should. The hood is small and doesn't impede the stealthiness of the overall lens design. It would be nice if the hood attached bayonet-style rather than occupying the filter threads, but it's not a deal breaker. Perhaps the best thing that can be done to improve the hood is give the telescoping end some inner threads that would accommodate a standard pinch cap that can more securely fasten to the lens. The felt lining on the push cap is ok, and I've never worried about the cap falling off in transit. But accidents do happen and a pinch cap would be less likely to get bumped off and lost.
The HD-Pentax DA 70mm 2.4 is a fantastic little lens. I imagine this little wonder is not unlike appreciating a well made watch - mechanically and functionally, it's just all-around great!
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@ f/6.3
@ f/5.6
@ f/8
@ f/8
@ f/6.3
@ f/2.4
@ f/8
@ f/8
f/4
f/8
