Pentax K-3 II Review

Recommended Lenses

A high-resolution camera like the K-3 II should be used with sharp, high-performance lenses.  Below are some of our recommendations specifically for the K-3 II from among Pentax and third-party lenses that are currently available.  Learn more about each lens in the linked in-depth reviews.

Pentax K-3 II with 16-85mm

• Everyday walkaround: DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6
  This recently-launched zoom features a convenient focal length range and impressive image quality, along with weather sealing.  The good high-ISO performance of the K-3 II lets you get away with the somewhat slow aperture range.
  
  
• Wide aperture walkaround: DA* 16-50mm F2.8, or Sigma/Tamron 17-50mm F2.8
  For many users, one of these three lenses will be the go-to for everyday shoots where image quality is key.  The Pentax lens features weather sealing, whereas the Sigma and Tamron pull ahead in certain areas when it comes to optics.
   
• Wide zoom: DA 12-24mm F4, or Sigma/Tamron variants
  It's hard to go wrong with the Pentax 12-24mm for wide-angle shooting.  Corresponding Sigma and Tamron lenses (either 12-24mm or 10-24mm) are more affordable alternatives.
  
  
• Wide prime: Samyang 16mm F2, or DA 15mm F4 Limited
  With its wide aperture and sharp optics, the Samyang 16mm F2 (manual focus) is perfect for astrophotography and low-light wide-angle shooting.  The DA 15mm F4 is slower but more compact, AF-enabled, and also excellent optically.
  
  
• Standard prime: Sigma 35mm F1.4, or DA 35mm F2.8 Macro
  The Sigma 35mm F1.4 ranks among the sharpest 35mm lenses ever made.  This particular lens has very pleasing bokeh and it thus also perfect for wider portraits on APS-C.  It is quite bulky, however, as it is designed to cover the full frame image circle.  The DA 35mm F2.8 Macro would be a more compact alternative, again at the expense of aperture speed.
  
  
• Portrait lens: DA* 55mm F1.4
  This is a classic portrait lens with a focal length designed for APS-C cameras.
  
  
• Macro: D FA 100mm F2.8 WR
  The D FA 100mm macro is among the sharpest lenses in the current Pentax lineup.  It offers 1:1 magnification, weather sealing, and a compact form factor.  If you plan to use close-up accessories, consider getting the older non-WR version of this lens, or the D FA 50mm macro.
  
  
• Telephoto zoom: DA* 60-250mm F4
  Users of other camera systems should be jealous of this lens.  It offers a long zoom range with prime-like image quality.  While it's a stop slower than a classic 70-200mm F2.8, it's easy to hand-hold and makes up for it with the longer zoom range and performance.
  
  
• Telephoto prime: DA* 300mm F4
  The DA* 300mm delivers corner-to-corner sharpness, has a tripod mount, and works perfectly with the DA 1.4x teleconverter for even longer reach. It is also good for hand-holding.
  
  
• Super telephoto zoom: D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6
  This lens makes no compromises when it comes to image quality, but it is rather heavy, so we mainly recommend it for tripod shooting.  It features speedy AF; this combined with the zoom range makes it a good choice for action shots. (see sample photos on the following page)
  
  
• Super telephoto prime: Sigma 500mm F4.5
  The Sigma 500mm delivers if you're in need of a fast super-telephoto prime.  In terms of handling, we've found it to be superior to the Pentax DA 560mm.  In-depth comparison coming soon.

You can of course see what else is out there in the Pentax lens database, and don't miss our other in-depth lens reviews.

If you would like further lens advice, don't hesitate to post in our Pentax lens forum.