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

Avg. price:~£1,670Lens mount:Pentax KMaximum focal length:200 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):2.8Optical image stabilization:noMaximum angle of view:34.5 °

Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW Review: Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Camera lenses category and whether it is worth buying.

7.4

Overall score

Score
7.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components

80%

7.0

Technical score

20%

9.1

User score

â–²Better than 75% of camera-lenses
7.0

Technical score

Technical score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 67% of models
Score components

35%

8.0

Optics & Aperture

24%

7.3

Build & Handling

20%

6.6

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

8.2

Mount & Format

â–²Better than 67% of camera-lenses
9.1

User score

User score
9.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 81% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

8.8

Number of reviews

Based on 613 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–²Better than 81% of camera-lenses
  • pentax-d-fa-70-200mm-f2-8ed-dc-aw
  • pentax-d-fa-70-200mm-f2-8ed-dc-aw
  • pentax-d-fa-70-200mm-f2-8ed-dc-aw
pentax-d-fa-70-200mm-f2-8ed-dc-aw
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pentax-d-fa-70-200mm-f2-8ed-dc-aw

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of camera lens Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW

Technical score
Technical score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 67% of models
Score components:

35%

8.0

Optics & Aperture

24%

7.3

Build & Handling

20%

6.6

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

8.2

Mount & Format

7.0
User score
User score
9.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 81% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

8.8

Number of reviews

Based on 613 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
9.1
Popularity
Popularity
8.8/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Popularity:
Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has a popularity score of 8.8 points, which is higher than 75.2% of camera lenses.
8.8
Value for money
Value for money
5.7/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components:

60%

7.4

Overall score

40%

1.7

Price

5.7
Lens type
telephoto zoom
Lens mount
Pentax K
Sensor format coverage
Full-frame
Filter thread size
77 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
yes
Teleconverter compatibility
yes
â–² Better than 85% of models
This camera lens supports teleconverters. 15.2% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Show more
Minimum focal length
70 mm
Maximum focal length
200 mm
Optical zoom
2.9xx
Maximum angle of view
34.5 °
Minimum angle of view
12.5 °
Show more
Focus motor
DC motor
Minimum focus distance
1.2 m
Minimum focus distance
1.2 m
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 1.2 m, which is farther than 90.4% of camera lenses and equal to 0.8% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.13xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.13x
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.13x, which is lower than 75.8% of camera lenses and equal to 5.5% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
yes
Full-time manual focus
yes
â–² Better than 32% of models
This camera lens supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
yes
Internal focusing
yes
â–² Better than 16% of models
This camera lens supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
Optical image stabilization
no
â–¼ Worse than 29% of models
This camera lens does not support optical image stabilization. 29.1% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
N/A
Weight
1,835 g
Weight
1,835 g
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 1,835 g, which is heavier than 94.5% of camera lenses and equal to the weight of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Including tripod collar.
Lens length
203 mm
Lens length
203 mm
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is 203 mm long, which is longer than 91.8% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.3% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
91.5 mm
Lens diameter
91.5 mm
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 91.5 mm, which is wider than 87.1% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.2% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
yes
Weather sealing (splashproof)
yes
â–² Better than 50% of models
This camera lens supports weather sealing. 50.2% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
yes
Metal mount
yes
â–² Better than 6% of models
This camera lens uses a metal lens mount. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
?
DxOMark sharpness score
?
DxOMark transmission
?
DxOMark distortion
?
DxOMark vignetting
?
Show more

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

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Teleconverter compatibility
    yes
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    This camera lens supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • Has fluorine coating
    Fluorine coating
    yes
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This camera lens has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 32.6% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
    Distance scale window.
  • Has internal zoom
    Internal zoom
    yes
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    This camera lens has internal zoom, the average camera lens does not. 10.1% of camera lenses support internal zoom.
    Maintains length during zooming.
  • Has focus limiter switch
    Focus limiter switch
    yes
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This camera lens 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
    Low-dispersion elements
    4
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    4 vs 2
  • 8.5% higher user score
    User score
    9.1/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW
    the average camera lens
    Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has a higher user score than the average camera lens (9.07 vs 8.360).
    9.07 vs 8.36
  • 8.5% higher user score
    User score
    9.1/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW
    the average camera lens
    Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW has a higher user score than the average camera lens (9.07 vs 8.360).
    9.07 vs 8.36
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Teleconverter compatibility
    yes
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    This camera lens supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • 2 more low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    4
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    4 vs 2
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
    Distance scale window.
  • Has internal zoom
    Internal zoom
    yes
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    This camera lens has internal zoom, the average camera lens does not. 10.1% of camera lenses support internal zoom.
    Maintains length during zooming.
  • Has focus limiter switch
    Focus limiter switch
    yes
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This camera lens has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
  • Has fluorine coating
    Fluorine coating
    yes
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This camera lens has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 32.6% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
  • 1,325 g heavier
    Weight
    1,835 g
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (1835 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    Including tripod collar.
    1,835 g vs 510 g
  • 110.75 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    203 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (203 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    203 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    0 vs 2
  • 0.9 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    1.2 m
    â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens 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
    Lens diameter
    91.5 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens 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
  • 0.06 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.13 x
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.13 x vs 0.192 x
  • 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).
    £1,670 vs £530
  • 20.8% 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 (5.7 vs 6.9).
    5.7 vs 6.89
  • 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).
    £1,670 vs £530
  • 20.8% 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 (5.7 vs 6.9).
    5.7 vs 6.89
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    0 vs 2
  • 0.9 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    1.2 m
    â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens 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
  • 0.06 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.13 x
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.13 x vs 0.192 x
  • 1,325 g heavier
    Weight
    1,835 g
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (1835 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    Including tripod collar.
    1,835 g vs 510 g
  • 110.75 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    203 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (203 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    203 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 14.5 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    91.5 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens 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
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2015
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    2015 vs 2016

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

D
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
E
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)
E
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
P
pentaxuser.com
21/04/2015
Summary of the review
HD Pentax-FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW Lens Review
P
photodo.com
18/05/2016
Summary of the review
Pentax HD D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW Review
P
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
P
pentaxforums.com
01/10/2016
Summary of the review
HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW Review
P
photoklub.com
07/07/2016
Summary of the review
[Review] Pentax D-FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 Lens - PhotoKlub
(Translated)Show original
D
dxomark.fr
01/02/2015
Summary of the review
Pentax HD D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW Review
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 613 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

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

  • Excellent center sharpness even at the maximum f/2.8 aperture
  • Professional-grade 'built like a tank' metal construction with weather and dust resistance (AW)
  • Superb optical quality with impressive control over chromatic aberration and flare
  • Versatile autofocus modes (QFS/A, QFS/M) and full-time manual focus override
  • Pleasant bokeh achieved via a 9-blade rounded aperture diaphragm
  • Silent DC motor for quiet focusing operation
  • Convenient features like a built-in tripod mount and a hood with a filter-access window

What we don't like about Pentax D FA 70 200mm F2 8 ED DC AW

  • Significant weight (approx. 1755g) and large physical size make it tiring for long handheld use
  • High price point compared to third-party alternatives like Tamron
  • Autofocus speed, while silent, is often cited as slower than competitors from other brands
  • Noticeable focus breathing at the 200mm end
  • Edge sharpness can be relatively soft at f/2.8, requiring stopping down for corner-to-corner clarity
  • Low maximum magnification ratio (0.13x), making it unsuitable for close-up photography

Verdict

The Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW is a high-performance, weather-sealed Star-series telephoto zoom lens engineered for full-frame and APS-C K-mount DSLRs. Its optical structure features 19 elements in 16 groups, including extra-low dispersion (ED) glass and rounded 9-blade diaphragm, delivering a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, a minimum focusing distance of 1.2 metres, and advanced Aero Bright and HD coatings to prevent flare and ghosting. Main pros include exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness, beautiful natural bokeh, a Quick-Shift Focus System with three focus modes, a focus range limiter, and a robust, dustproof 13-seal weather-resistant build driven by a smooth, quiet internal DC motor. However, its notable cons include a heavy and bulky design weighing approximately 1,755 grams, a high premium price point, and reports of noticeable focus breathing at closer distances.

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