Name: Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW
Brand: Pentax

Technical Specifications of Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW

Overall score

8.2

Hide

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.

Mount & Format

8.2

Hide

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

telephoto 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 K

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

Full-frame

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

77 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

Optics & Aperture

8.3

Hide

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

70 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

200 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

2.9x

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

34.5 °

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

12.5 °

Focus & Controls

6.8

Hide

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

DC motor

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

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

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

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

Stabilization

4.2

Hide

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

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

Build & Handling

8.7

Hide

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

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

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

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

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

Lab Scores

9.0

Hide

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

Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW vs the average camera lens

Why is Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW better than the average camera lens?

Hide

Teleconverter compatible
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
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
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has focus distance scale
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Distance scale window.
What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Has internal zoom
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has internal zoom, the average camera lens does not. 10% of camera lenses support internal zoom.
Maintains length during zooming.
What it is: A zoom design that changes focal length without extending the outer barrel.
When it matters: When balance on a gimbal or tripod matters and you do not want the lens length to change while zooming.
Importance: LOW
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has internal zoom, the average camera lens does not. 10% of camera lenses support internal zoom.
Has focus limiter switch
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
What it is: A control that restricts the focus range to improve autofocus speed and reduce hunting.
When it matters: When autofocus speed matters and you want to stop the lens from hunting through its full focus range.
Importance: LOW
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
2 more low-dispersion elements
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.4 vs 2
16.7% higher user score
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has a higher user score than the average camera lens (9.44 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 D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has a higher user score than the average camera lens (9.44 vs 8.091).9.44 vs 8.09
Teleconverter compatible
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
2 more low-dispersion elements
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
Has focus distance scale
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Has internal zoom
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has internal zoom, the average camera lens does not. 10% of camera lenses support internal zoom.
Has focus limiter switch
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.

Why is Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW worse than the average camera lens?

Hide

2 fewer aspherical elements
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
0.9 m longer minimum focus distance
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
0.06 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
1,309.6 g heavier
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW is heavier than the average camera lens (1,835 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
Including tripod collar.
111 mm longer lens
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW is longer than the average camera lens (203 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
14.5 mm wider lens barrel
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW is wider than the average camera lens (91.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
1,309.6 g heavier
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW is heavier than the average camera lens (1,835 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
Including tripod collar.
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 D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW is heavier than the average camera lens (1,835 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.1835 g vs 525.4 g
111 mm longer lens
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW is longer than the average camera lens (203 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 D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW is longer than the average camera lens (203 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.203 mm vs 92 mm
0.9 m longer minimum focus distance
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.2 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 D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.1.2 m vs 0.3 m
14.5 mm wider lens barrel
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW is wider than the average camera lens (91.5 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 D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW is wider than the average camera lens (91.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.91.5 mm vs 77 mm
2 fewer aspherical elements
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 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 D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2
3.15x more expensive
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW is more expensive than the average camera lens (£1,670 vs £530).
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW is more expensive than the average camera lens (£1,670 vs £530).£1,670 vs £530
0.06 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x 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 D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.0.13 x vs 0.192 x
18.2% worse value for money
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.21 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 D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.21 vs 7.346).6.21 vs 7.35

Expert reviews

digitalcameraworld.com

09/08/2022

Summary of the review

HD PENTAX-D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AWGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. review

The HD PENTAX-D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW is a premium K-mount telephoto zoom lens designed for full-frame Pentax DSLRs, earning the company's elite "Star" status typically reserved for high-end prime optics. Priced at approximately $1,896.95, it features a highly sophisticated optical path consisting of 19 elements in 16 groups, including four Super-low Dispersion (SD), two Extra-low Dispersion (ED), and two top-grade Super ED elements to combat chromatic aberration. It is equipped with an Aero Bright Coating II and multi-layer HD Coating to minimize ghosting and flare, alongside a swift and quiet Direct Current (DC) autofocus motor featuring full-time manual override through the Quick-Shift Focus System. Performance-wise, the lens delivers pro-grade build quality with extensive weather-sealing and highly impressive sharpness during real-world shooting. However, the lens suffers from notable drawbacks, most prominently its hefty weight of 1,755g, making it heavier than most full-frame DSLR 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom lenses. It completely lacks built-in optical image stabilization; while Pentax DSLRs feature in-body stabilization, this omission misses out on the added stabilization effectiveness offered by competing lens manufacturers. Furthermore, controlled lab testing...

ephotozine.com

18/05/2016

Summary of the review

Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW Review (Full-frame test)

The Pentax HD D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW is a premium telephoto lens noted for its outstanding sharpness across the frame, uniform illumination, and beautiful bokeh. Key features include a fast constant f/2.8 aperture, weather-resistant construction, and advanced optical coatings that effectively reduce flare. ePHOTOzine Conversely, the lens is heavy at 1755g and carries a premium price point. Additionally, edge sharpness can soften at closer focusing distances when shooting wide open, and autofocus speeds, while quick, do not quite match some rival brands.

ephotozine.com

20/04/2015

Summary of the review

Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AWGo to product viewer dialog for this item. Review

The ePHOTOzine review of the Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW lens describes a professional-tier telephoto lens with exceptional, consistent sharpness, robust weather-sealed construction, and effective flare control, performing well on APS-C bodies. Key advantages include the fast f/2.8 constant aperture, effective Aero Bright and HD coatings, and reliable, quiet autofocus with quick-shift manual override. Conversely, the lens is noted for its high price—carrying a significant premium over competing 70-200mm lenses—and its heavy, 1755g weight which may cause fatigue. While the DC autofocus motor is smooth, the review indicates it is not quite as fast as rival professional-level counterparts.

pentaxuser.com

21/04/2015

Summary of the review

HD Pentax-FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW Lens Review

The HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW is a high-performance telephoto zoom lens offering exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and minimal distortion, according to the Pentax User review. It features advanced HD/Aero Bright coatings for superior contrast, alongside a robust 13-seal weather-resistant design. While boasting impressive optical quality, the lens is very heavy (1,755g), making extended handheld use challenging, notes the review. Additionally, the autofocus is smooth but not optimized for the fastest, most erratic action, and edge softness can occur at close-focusing distances.

photodo.com

18/05/2016

Summary of the review

Pentax HD D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW Review

The Pentax HD D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW lens, reviewed on the full-frame K-1, is a high-end "Star" series optic featuring a complex 19-element design with multiple specialized low-dispersion elements for premium image quality. Key advantages include superior resistance to flare via advanced HD and Aero Bright coatings, extensive 13-seal weatherproofing, and smooth bokeh from a 9-blade diaphragm, though the lens is quite heavy and faced significant release delays.

pentaxforums.com

02/03/2022

Summary of the review

HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW Would you like to compare this lens against other Pentax Star series telephoto options like the 150-450mm? Copy

The HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW is reviewed as a premium, professional-grade telephoto zoom featuring exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness, particularly at f/5.6, along with excellent aberration control, Aero Bright Coating II for flare resistance, and robust weather sealing. It features a fast, quiet DC autofocus motor and a redesigned, smooth-rotating tripod collar. Conversely, the lens is noted for its high 1,755-gram weight, making it a heavy option that often requires tripod support, while its complex Quick-Shift focus clutch can feel clunky and the bokeh is occasionally described as busy. Additional considerations include the high price point, inverted zoom/focus ring positions, and a size that necessitates significant physical stamina for handheld shooting.

pentaxforums.com

01/10/2016

Summary of the review

HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW Review

The HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW is recognized as a top-tier professional lens, delivering exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness from maximum aperture and boasting a durable, 13-seal weather-resistant construction. Its advanced optical design, featuring Aerobright II and HD coatings, provides excellent contrast and flare resistance, while the DC motor ensures fast, quiet autofocus with a versatile 1.2-metre minimum focusing distance. Key drawbacks include its significant 1,755-gram weight, making it heavier than many competitors and tiring for extended handheld use. While offering smooth bokeh and robust build quality, the lens lacks in-body optical stabilization and carries a high price point compared to some alternatives, though its performance justifies the premium.

photoklub.com

07/07/2016

Summary of the review

[Review] Pentax D-FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 Lens - PhotoKlub

The HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW is a high-end, weather-sealed (AW) telephoto zoom lens designed for full-frame cameras, though it can also be used on APS-C bodies where it provides a 107-307mm equivalent focal range. Built with an exceptional, all-metal and glass construction, the lens features a complex optical formula with 19 elements in 16 groups, utilizing advanced HD and Aero Bright Coating II technologies to combat optical imperfections. In terms of performance, the review highlights outstanding sharpness that peaks between f/4 and f/13, alongside a very smooth, pleasing bokeh driven by a 9-blade diaphragm. Additionally, chromatic aberrations, flare, and barrel distortions are almost entirely nonexistent, showcasing extreme manufacturing quality. The lens is powered by a quiet and fast "supercharged" DC motor that handles autofocus responsively, and it includes useful physical controls like a focus range limiter and a two-mode Quick-Shift system for seamless manual focus adjustments. Despite its exceptional optical achievements, the lens comes with two significant drawbacks: its heavy weight and high price. Weighing nearly 2kg on its own—and pushing up to 3kg when mounted...

dxomark.fr

Février 2015

Summary of the review

Pentax HD D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW Review

The Pentax HD D FA 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW* is a professional-grade telephoto zoom lens engineered for the Pentax KAF mount system, featuring an impressive optical construction of 19 elements divided into 16 groups. This premium lens offers a constant, fast maximum aperture of f/2.8 across its entire 70-200mm focal range, providing exceptional low-light capabilities and a beautifully shallow depth of field enhanced by a 9-blade circular diaphragm. Key pros highlighted by its technical design include a silent and smooth Direct Current (DC) autofocus motor, a non-extending barrel layout during zooming, a dedicated tripod mount for stability, and a robust, All-Weather (AW) construction. However, DXOMARK's specifications expose clear cons, most notably its significant weight of 1755 grams and a lengthy body measuring 203mm, making it a heavy and bulky choice for handheld photography. Furthermore, the lens completely lacks internal optical stabilization, forcing photographers to rely entirely on the in-body stabilization systems of compatible Pentax DSLR cameras. Finally, launching with a steep indicative price tag of $2,300 USD, it demands a massive premium, cementing its status as an elite investment...

Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW Review | 54 Data compared

Best prices in UK

Best prices in US

Best rankings

Verdict

Technical Specifications of Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW

Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW vs the average camera lens

Why is Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW better than the average camera lens?

Why is Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW worse than the average camera lens?

Graphic comparison of Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW and

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW?

What customers dislike about Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW?

Expert reviews

Best alternatives

Compare Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW with