OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
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Pentax HD DA 40mm F 2 8 Limited Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£400Lens mount:Pentax KMaximum focal length:40 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):2.8Optical image stabilization:noMaximum angle of view:39 °

Pentax HD DA 40mm F 2 8 Limited 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.

6.7

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 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–¼ Worse than 55% of models
Score components

80%

6.2

Technical score

20%

8.8

User score

â–¼Worse than 55% of camera-lenses
6.2

Technical score

Technical score
6.2/ 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–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components

35%

7.6

Optics & Aperture

24%

7.2

Build & Handling

20%

4.5

Focus & Controls

10%

8.3

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

â–¼Worse than 61% of camera-lenses
8.8

User score

User score
8.8/ 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 70% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

7.9

Number of reviews

Based on 320 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 70% of camera-lenses
  • pentax-hd-da-40mm-f-2-8-limited
pentax-hd-da-40mm-f-2-8-limited

Best prices

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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 HD DA 40mm F 2 8 Limited

Technical score
Technical score
6.2/ 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–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components:

35%

7.6

Optics & Aperture

24%

7.2

Build & Handling

20%

4.5

Focus & Controls

10%

8.3

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

6.2
User score
User score
8.8/ 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 70% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

7.9

Number of reviews

Based on 320 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.
8.8
Popularity
Popularity
7.9/ 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 59% of models
Popularity:
Pentax HD DA 40mm F 2 8 Limited has a popularity score of 7.9 points, which is higher than 58.8% of camera lenses.
7.9
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 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–² Better than 65% of models
Score components:

60%

6.7

Overall score

40%

8.4

Price

7.2
Lens type
prime
Lens mount
Pentax K
Sensor format coverage
APS-C
Filter thread size
49 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
no
Teleconverter compatibility
no
â–¼ Worse than 15% of models
This camera lens does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Show more
Minimum focal length
40 mm
Maximum focal length
40 mm
Optical zoom
N/A
Maximum angle of view
39 °
Minimum angle of view
39 °
Show more
Focus motor
screw-drive
Minimum focus distance
0.4 m
Minimum focus distance
0.4 m
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 0.4 m, which is farther than 60.5% of camera lenses and equal to 2.9% 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
no
Internal focusing
no
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
This camera lens does not support internal focusing. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Barrel extends during 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
98 g
Weight
98 g
★ Better than 97% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 98 g, which is lighter than 97% of camera lenses and equal to the weight of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Lens length
15 mm
Lens length
15 mm
★ Better than 100% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is 15 mm long, which is shorter than 99.7% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
63 mm
Lens diameter
63 mm
â–² Better than 87% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 63 mm, which is slimmer than 87.3% of camera lenses and equal to that of 2.1% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This camera lens does not support weather sealing. 50.3% 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
0.8 EV
DxOMark vignetting
0.8 EV
â–² Better than 83% of models
Market range: <0.7 EV – >1.9 EV
This camera lens has DxOMark vignetting of 0.8 EV, which is lower than that of 83.2% of camera lenses and equal to that of 5% of camera lenses.
Show more

Pentax HD DA 40mm F 2 8 Limited vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • 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.
  • 412 g lighter
    Weight
    98 g
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (98 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    98 g vs 510 g
  • 77.25 mm shorter lens
    Lens length
    15 mm
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is shorter than the average camera lens (15 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    15 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 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.
  • 14 mm narrower lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    63 mm
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is slimmer than the average camera lens (63 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    63 mm vs 77 mm
  • 0.4 EV less vignetting
    DxOMark vignetting
    0.800 EV
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <0.7 EV – >1.9 EV
    This camera lens has less vignetting than the average camera lens (0.8 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.
    0.800 EV vs 1.2 EV
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 412 g lighter
    Weight
    98 g
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (98 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    98 g vs 510 g
  • 77.25 mm shorter lens
    Lens length
    15 mm
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is shorter than the average camera lens (15 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    15 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 14 mm narrower lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    63 mm
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is slimmer than the average camera lens (63 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    63 mm vs 77 mm
  • 0.4 EV less vignetting
    DxOMark vignetting
    0.800 EV
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <0.7 EV – >1.9 EV
    This camera lens has less vignetting than the average camera lens (0.8 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.
    0.800 EV vs 1.2 EV
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • No internal focusing
    Internal focusing
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    This camera lens does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
    Barrel extends during focusing.
  • 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
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    0 vs 2
  • Fixed lens hood
    Reversible lens hood
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    This camera lens does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 81.4% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
  • 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
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2013
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    2013 vs 2016
  • 0.1 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.4 m
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.4 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.4 m vs 0.3 m
  • 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
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    0 vs 2
  • No internal focusing
    Internal focusing
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    This camera lens does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
    Barrel extends during focusing.
  • 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
  • 0.1 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.4 m
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.4 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.4 m vs 0.3 m
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • Fixed lens hood
    Reversible lens hood
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    This camera lens does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 81.4% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2013
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    2013 vs 2016

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
06/11/2013
Summary of the review
HD Pentax-DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited Lens Review | ePHOTOzine (pentaxforums.com) | November 13, 2013 | HD Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited Review | PentaxForums
P
pentaxuser.com
11/11/2013
Summary of the review
HD Pentax-DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited Lens Review | PentaxUser
D
dxomark.com
02/01/2014
Summary of the review
Pentax HD DA 40mm f2.8 Limited lens review: Compelling choice - DXOMARK
U
uk.pcmag.com
19/09/2016
Summary of the review
Pentax HD DA 40mm F2.8 Limited Review | PCMag UK (imaging-resource.com) | October 14, 2013 | HD Pentax-DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited Lens Review | Imaging Res...
P
pcmag.com
19/09/2016
Summary of the review
Pentax HD DA 40mm F2.8 Limited Review - PCMag
P
pentaxforums.com
02/12/2023
Summary of the review
HD Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited Reviews - DA Prime Lenses PCMag UK
P
photoklub.com
13/11/2017
Summary of the review
Review: Pentax HD DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited
(Translated)Show original
D
dxomark.fr
Date de test non spécifiée
Summary of the review
Pentax HD DA 40mm f2.8 Limited lens review - DXOMARK
(Translated)Show original
P
photoklub.com
13/11/2017
Summary of the review
[Test] Pentax HD DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited
(Translated)Show original
P
pentax.eu
01/08/2013
Summary of the review
HD PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited - Product Information
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 320 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Pentax HD DA 40mm F 2 8 Limited

  • Extremely compact 'pancake' design (only 15mm thick)
  • Excellent sharpness even at maximum aperture (f/2.8)
  • High-quality metal construction and solid build
  • Fast and accurate autofocus performance
  • Improved HD coating reduces flare and ghosting
  • Rounded aperture blades provide pleasant, smooth bokeh
  • Highly portable for travel and street photography

What we don't like about Pentax HD DA 40mm F 2 8 Limited

  • Tiny screw-on lens cap is difficult to handle and easy to lose
  • Focus ring is very narrow and rotates during autofocus
  • Noticeable axial color aberrations (fringing) when shooting wide open
  • No internal focusing motor (uses camera's screw-drive, which can be noisy)
  • Edge sharpness lags slightly behind center sharpness at wider apertures
  • 40mm focal length (60mm equivalent) can feel like an awkward 'middle ground' for some users

Verdict

The Pentax HD DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited is an ultra-slim 'pancake' prime lens designed for APS-C sensors, offering a 61mm equivalent focal length and a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture. It features a high-grade multi-layer HD coating to reduce flare, a rounded 9-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh, and a Quick-Shift Focus System for instant manual override. Its main strengths are its incredibly compact 15mm length, robust aluminum construction, and superb edge-to-edge sharpness. However, it lacks an internal autofocus motor, resulting in audible screw-drive noise, and does not feature weather sealing.

Compare Pentax HD DA 40mm F 2 8 Limited with other products in the Camera lenses category

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