OVERALL
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REVIEWS
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Pentax D HD FA 70 210mm F 4 ED SDM WR Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£970Lens mount:Pentax KMaximum focal length:210 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):4Optical image stabilization:noMaximum angle of view:34.5 °

Pentax D HD FA 70 210mm F 4 ED SDM WR 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.

7.2

Overall score

Score
7.2/ 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 67% of models
Score components

80%

6.8

Technical score

20%

9.1

User score

â–²Better than 67% of camera-lenses
6.8

Technical score

Technical score
6.8/ 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 60% of models
Score components

35%

6.6

Optics & Aperture

24%

8.6

Build & Handling

20%

6.4

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

8.2

Mount & Format

â–²Better than 60% 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 597 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
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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 HD FA 70 210mm F 4 ED SDM WR

Technical score
Technical score
6.8/ 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 60% of models
Score components:

35%

6.6

Optics & Aperture

24%

8.6

Build & Handling

20%

6.4

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

8.2

Mount & Format

6.8
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 597 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 HD FA 70 210mm F 4 ED SDM WR 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
6.7/ 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 61% of models
Score components:

60%

7.2

Overall score

40%

5.4

Price

6.7
Lens type
telephoto zoom
Lens mount
Pentax K
Sensor format coverage
Full-frame
Filter thread size
67 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
210 mm
Optical zoom
3xx
Maximum angle of view
34.5 °
Minimum angle of view
11.8 °
Show more
Focus motor
SDM
Minimum focus distance
0.95 m
Minimum focus distance
0.95 m
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 0.95 m, which is farther than 85.3% of camera lenses and equal to 0.9% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.32xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.32x
â–² Better than 84% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.32x, which is higher than 84.3% of camera lenses and equal to 1% 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
859 g
Weight
859 g
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 859 g, which is heavier than 78.3% of camera lenses.
Lens length
175 mm
Lens length
175 mm
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is 175 mm long, which is longer than 88.5% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
78.5 mm
Lens diameter
78.5 mm
â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 78.5 mm, which is wider than 55% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.6% 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 HD FA 70 210mm F 4 ED SDM WR 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 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.
  • 0.13 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.32 x
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.32 x vs 0.192 x
  • 1 more low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    3
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    3 vs 2
  • Newer release date
    Release date
    2020
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released more recently than the average camera lens.
    February 2020
    2020 vs 2016
  • 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 HD FA 70 210mm F 4 ED SDM WR
    the average camera lens
    Pentax D HD FA 70 210mm F 4 ED SDM WR 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 HD FA 70 210mm F 4 ED SDM WR
    the average camera lens
    Pentax D HD FA 70 210mm F 4 ED SDM WR 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.
  • 1 more low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    3
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    3 vs 2
  • 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.
  • 0.13 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.32 x
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.32 x vs 0.192 x
  • 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.
  • Newer release date
    Release date
    2020
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released more recently than the average camera lens.
    February 2020
    2020 vs 2016
  • 1.2 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    4
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens 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
  • 82.75 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    175 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (175 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    175 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 349 g heavier
    Weight
    859 g
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (859 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    859 g vs 510 g
  • 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
  • 0.65 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.95 m
    â–¼ Worse than 85% 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 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.95 m vs 0.3 m
  • 83% more expensive
    Pentax D HD FA 70 210mm F 4 ED SDM WR is more expensive than the average camera lens (£970 vs £530).
    £970 vs £530
  • 1.5 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    78.5 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (78.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    78.5 mm vs 77 mm
  • 83% more expensive
    Pentax D HD FA 70 210mm F 4 ED SDM WR is more expensive than the average camera lens (£970 vs £530).
    £970 vs £530
  • 1.2 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    4
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens 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
  • 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
  • 0.65 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.95 m
    â–¼ Worse than 85% 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 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.95 m vs 0.3 m
  • 349 g heavier
    Weight
    859 g
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (859 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    859 g vs 510 g
  • 82.75 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    175 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (175 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    175 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 1.5 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    78.5 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (78.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    78.5 mm vs 77 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

E
ephotozine.com
25/03/2020
Summary of the review
Pentax HD D FA 70-210mm f/4 ED SDM WR Review(pentaxforums.com) | February 20, 2020 | HD Pentax-D FA 70-210mm F4 ED SDM WR Review
P
pentaxuser.com
25/03/2020
Summary of the review
HD Pentax-D FA 70-210mm f/4 ED SDM WR Lens Review
P
pentaxforums.com
07/04/2020
Summary of the review
HD Pentax-D FA 70-210mm F4 ED SDM WR Review
E
ephotozine.com
03/04/2020
Summary of the review
Pentax HD D FA 70-210mm f/4 ED SDM WR Review - Performance
R
reichenbaecher-fotografie.de
13/02/2020
Summary of the review
Short Review: HD PENTAX-D FA 70-210mm F4 ED SDM WR
(Translated)Show original
L
lenaick.wordpress.com
24/02/2020
Summary of the review
Review of the HD PENTAX-D FA 70-210 mm f/4 ED SDM WR - Photo Passion
(Translated)Show original
S
shoot.be
25/03/2020
Summary of the review
Pentax-D FA 70-210mm F4: New telephoto zoom lens tested
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 597 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 HD FA 70 210mm F 4 ED SDM WR

  • Excellent center sharpness across the zoom range
  • Lightweight and compact design compared to f/2.8 alternatives
  • Effective weather-resistant construction
  • Internal zoom mechanism prevents lens extension and dust intake
  • High magnification ratio (0.32x) for close-up shots
  • Smooth and pleasing bokeh quality
  • Strong flare and ghosting control due to HD coating

What we don't like about Pentax D HD FA 70 210mm F 4 ED SDM WR

  • Edges can be soft, particularly at the 210mm long end
  • Autofocus can hunt or experience jitters during continuous tracking
  • SDM motor is quiet but not as fast as Pentax PLM lenses
  • Higher price point compared to the similar Tamron model it is based on
  • Reports of front/back focusing requiring initial calibration
  • Extensive use of plastic in the external construction

Verdict

The Pentax HD D FA 70-210mm f/4 ED SDM WR is a compact, full-frame telephoto zoom lens featuring a constant f/4 maximum aperture, a 9-blade circular diaphragm, and a weather-resistant (WR) construction. Its optical design consists of 20 elements in 14 groups, including three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements and two anomalous dispersion elements to reduce chromatic aberration and enhance edge-to-edge sharpness. Key advantages include its lightweight 819g build, a fast and quiet Supersonic Direct-drive Motor (SDM), and a class-leading minimum focus distance of 0.95m with a 0.32x maximum magnification. However, some users note potential cons such as slightly softer performance at the 210mm long end, the absence of an included tripod collar or lens pouch, and a build that utilizes more plastic than higher-tier professional alternatives.

Compare Pentax D HD FA 70 210mm F 4 ED SDM WR with other products in the Camera lenses category

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