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Pentax 08 Wide Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£420
  • Avg. price in US: ~$500
  • Lens mount: Pentax Q
  • Maximum focal length: 5.9 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 4
  • Optical image stabilization: no
  • Maximum angle of view: 102 °

Pentax 08 Wide review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

6.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

6.4

Technical Score

20.0%

7.4

User score

Good
6.4

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

6.5

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

7.4

Build & Handling

20.0%

5.6

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

Good
7.4

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

8.7

User reviews

30.0%

4.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(67)
amazon
5.0
(4)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(68)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(5)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

Very good
  • 7.1
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.7

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • 5.6
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    9.5

    Lens length

    25.0%

    9.4

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    1.0

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • pentax-08-wide
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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Pentax 08 Wide Zoom is an ultra-compact Q-mount lens featuring a 3.8-5.9mm focal range, providing a 17.5-27mm equivalent on the Q7 body and 21-33mm on the Q/Q10. Weighing just 75g with a length of 38mm, it incorporates 10 elements in 8 groups, including Dual Super Aspherical and Extra-low Dispersion glass to minimize distortion and chromatic aberration. Main characteristics include a variable aperture of f/3.7-4, a built-in leaf shutter for high-speed flash sync, an integrated ND filter, and a 49mm filter thread. Pros include its status as the smallest and lightest ultra-wide zoom available, exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness, and a Quick-Shift focus system for manual fine-tuning. Cons include the lack of optical image stabilization, a relatively small maximum aperture, and a proprietary plastic lens hood that must be purchased separately.

Technical Specifications of Pentax 08 Wide

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

6.5

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

7.4

Build & Handling

20.0%

5.6

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

6.4
Pentax 08 Wide has a technical score of 6.41 points, which is lower than 83.2% of camera lenses.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

8.7

User reviews

30.0%

4.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(67)
amazon
5.0
(4)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(68)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(5)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

7.4
Pentax 08 Wide has a user score of 7.41 points, which is lower than 74.7% of camera lenses.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
4.4
Pentax 08 Wide has a popularity of 4.4 points, which is lower than 62.2% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.6

Overall score

40.0%

8.3

Price

7.1
Pentax 08 Wide has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.1 points, which is lower than 60.5% of products in this category.
Lens type
What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.
When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

wide-angle zoom
Lens mount
What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.
When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Pentax Q
Sensor format coverage
What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.
When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

1/1.7-inch
Filter thread size
What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

49 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

no
Pentax 08 Wide does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
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Minimum focal length
What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.
When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

3.8 mm
Maximum focal length
What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.
When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

5.9 mm
Optical zoom
What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.
When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

1.5x
Maximum angle of view
What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.
When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

102 °
Minimum angle of view
What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.
When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

77 °
Show more
Focus motor
What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.
When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

STM
Minimum focus distance
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.25 m
Pentax 08 Wide focuses as close as 0.25 m, which is closer than 65.6% of camera lenses and equal to 8.1% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.03x
Pentax 08 Wide reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.03x, which is lower than 99.8% of camera lenses and equal to 0.2% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Pentax 08 Wide supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Pentax 08 Wide supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
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Optical image stabilization
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

no
Pentax 08 Wide does not support optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.
When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

?
Weight
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

85 g
Pentax 08 Wide weighs 85 g, which is lighter than 98.8% of camera lenses.
Lens length
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

38 mm
Pentax 08 Wide is 38 mm long, which is shorter than 94.9% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

54 mm
Pentax 08 Wide has a diameter of 54 mm, which is slimmer than 98.7% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

no
Pentax 08 Wide does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.
When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Pentax 08 Wide uses a metal lens mount. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
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DxOMark overall score
What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark sharpness score
What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.
When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark transmission
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark distortion
What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.
When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark vignetting
What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Show more

Pentax 08 Wide vs the average camera lens

  • 440.4 g lighter
    Pentax 08 Wide is lighter than the average camera lens (85 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
    What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
    When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

    Importance: HIGH

    Pentax 08 Wide is lighter than the average camera lens (85 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.85 g vs 525.4 g
  • 54 mm shorter lens
    Pentax 08 Wide is shorter than the average camera lens (38 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
    What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
    When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

    Importance: HIGH

    Pentax 08 Wide is shorter than the average camera lens (38 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.38 mm vs 92 mm
  • 23 mm narrower lens barrel
    Pentax 08 Wide is slimmer than the average camera lens (54 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
    When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Pentax 08 Wide is slimmer than the average camera lens (54 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.54 mm vs 77 mm
  • 1 more aspherical elements
    Pentax 08 Wide has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
    When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Pentax 08 Wide has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.3 vs 2
  • 0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Pentax 08 Wide has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
    When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Pentax 08 Wide has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.25 m vs 0.3 m
  • 1 more aspherical elements
    Pentax 08 Wide has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
  • 0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Pentax 08 Wide has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
  • 440.4 g lighter
    Pentax 08 Wide is lighter than the average camera lens (85 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
  • 54 mm shorter lens
    Pentax 08 Wide is shorter than the average camera lens (38 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • 23 mm narrower lens barrel
    Pentax 08 Wide is slimmer than the average camera lens (54 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.

Total
Optics & Aperture
Focus & Controls
Build & Handling
  • 4 fewer aperture blades
    Pentax 08 Wide has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (5 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
  • No rounded blades
    Pentax 08 Wide does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
  • 1.2 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Pentax 08 Wide has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
  • 0.16 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Pentax 08 Wide has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Pentax 08 Wide does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • Older release date
    Pentax 08 Wide was released earlier than the average camera lens.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Pentax 08 Wide does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
    What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
    When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

    Importance: HIGH

    Pentax 08 Wide does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • 4 fewer aperture blades
    Pentax 08 Wide has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (5 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
    When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.

    Importance: HIGH

    Pentax 08 Wide has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (5 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.5 vs 9
  • No rounded blades
    Pentax 08 Wide does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
    What it is: A blade design that keeps the aperture opening more circular for smoother out-of-focus highlights.
    When it matters: When you care about smoother bokeh and rounder highlight shapes in blurred backgrounds.

    Importance: HIGH

    Pentax 08 Wide does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
  • 1.2 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Pentax 08 Wide has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
    When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.

    Importance: HIGH

    Pentax 08 Wide has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.4 vs 2.8
  • 0.16 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Pentax 08 Wide has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
    What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
    When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Pentax 08 Wide has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.0.03 x vs 0.192 x
  • Older release date
    Pentax 08 Wide was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
    When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.

    Importance: LOW

    Pentax 08 Wide was released earlier than the average camera lens.2013 vs 2016
  • 9.3% lower user score
    Pentax 08 Wide has a lower user score than the average camera lens (7.41 vs 8.091).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
    When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
    Pentax 08 Wide has a lower user score than the average camera lens (7.41 vs 8.091).7.41 vs 8.09
  • 3.2% worse value for money
    Pentax 08 Wide has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (7.12 vs 7.346).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
    When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
    Pentax 08 Wide has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (7.12 vs 7.346).7.12 vs 7.35
Total
Overall
Optics & Aperture
Focus & Controls
Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Pentax 08 Wide and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
67 Reviews
amazon
5.0
4 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
68 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
5 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Pentax 08 Wide?

  • Excellent optical quality with corner-to-corner sharpness and high resolution
  • Exceptionally compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable for travel and street photography
  • Well-controlled distortion and chromatic aberration due to high-quality aspherical and low-dispersion glass elements
  • Fast and quiet autofocus performance with a built-in leaf shutter and ND filter
  • Includes a Quick-Shift Focus system for immediate manual focus override
  • Very flare resistant, even when shooting in backlit conditions

What customers dislike about Pentax 08 Wide?

  • Relatively dim and variable maximum aperture (f/3.7–4.0), which limits low-light performance
  • High price point, often described as the most expensive lens in the Pentax Q system
  • Lens hood is not included and must be purchased separately to maintain contrast in bright light
  • Very low magnification ratio (0.03x), making it unsuitable for close-up or macro photography
  • Manual focus ring can feel thin and slightly loose compared to other lenses
  • Lacks optical image stabilization, relying entirely on camera body IBIS

Expert reviews

P
pentaxforums.com
08/11/2014
Summary of the review
SMC Pentax-Q 08 Wide Zoom 3.8-5.9mm F3.7-4Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. Reviews
S
shige-art.net
24/08/2025
Summary of the review
PENTAX Q 08 WIDE ZOOM (1.5x zoom) - Shige's hobby
P
pentaxforums.com
30/12/2013
Summary of the review
36 exposure review of the Pentax-08 Wide Zoom Lens
D
digitalkamera.de
14/11/2011
Summary of the review
Lab test of the Pentax Q with four lenses
(Translated)Show original

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