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Pentax SMC DA 50 200mm F4 5 6 ED Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£45Lens mount:Pentax KMaximum focal length:200 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):5.6Optical image stabilization:noMaximum angle of view:31.5 °

Pentax SMC DA 50 200mm F4 5 6 ED 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.

4.8

Overall score

Score
4.8/ 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 99% of models
Score components

80%

4.0

Technical score

20%

8.3

User score

â–¼Worse than 99% of camera-lenses
4.0

Technical score

Technical score
4.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

35%

2.2

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.3

Build & Handling

20%

3.8

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

â–¼Worse than 99% of camera-lenses
8.3

User score

User score
8.3/ 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–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

7.6

Number of reviews

Based on 286 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–¼Worse than 52% of camera-lenses
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  • pentax-smc-da-50-200mm-f4-5-6-ed
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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 SMC DA 50 200mm F4 5 6 ED

Technical score
Technical score
4.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

35%

2.2

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.3

Build & Handling

20%

3.8

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

4.0
User score
User score
8.3/ 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–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

7.6

Number of reviews

Based on 286 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.
8.3
Popularity
Popularity
7.6/ 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 54% of models
Popularity:
Pentax SMC DA 50 200mm F4 5 6 ED has a popularity score of 7.6 points, which is higher than 54% of camera lenses.
7.6
Value for money
Value for money
6.4/ 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 73% of models
Score components:

60%

4.8

Overall score

40%

10

Price

6.4
Lens type
telephoto zoom
Lens mount
Pentax K
Sensor format coverage
APS-C
Filter thread size
52 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
50 mm
Maximum focal length
200 mm
Optical zoom
4xx
Maximum angle of view
31.5 °
Minimum angle of view
8.1 °
Show more
Focus motor
screw-drive
Minimum focus distance
1.1 m
Minimum focus distance
1.1 m
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 1.1 m, which is farther than 88.6% of camera lenses and equal to 1.6% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.24xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.24x
â–² Better than 67% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.24x, which is higher than 66.8% of camera lenses and equal to 3.1% 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
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
260 g
Weight
260 g
â–² Better than 79% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 260 g, which is lighter than 78.9% of camera lenses and equal to the weight of 0.4% of camera lenses.
Lens length
79 mm
Lens length
79 mm
â–² Better than 66% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is 79 mm long, which is shorter than 65.8% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.2% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
66.5 mm
Lens diameter
66.5 mm
â–² Better than 80% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 66.5 mm, which is slimmer than 80.1% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.2% 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
?
Show more

Pentax SMC DA 50 200mm F4 5 6 ED vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • 250 g lighter
    Weight
    260 g
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (260 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    260 g vs 510 g
  • 10.5 mm narrower lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    66.5 mm
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is slimmer than the average camera lens (66.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    66.5 mm vs 77 mm
  • 13.25 mm shorter lens
    Lens length
    79 mm
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is shorter than the average camera lens (79 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    79 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 0.05 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.24 x
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.2 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.24 x vs 0.192 x
  • 11.78x cheaper
    Pentax SMC DA 50 200mm F4 5 6 ED is cheaper than the average camera lens (£45 vs £530).
    £45 vs £530
  • 11.78x cheaper
    Pentax SMC DA 50 200mm F4 5 6 ED is cheaper than the average camera lens (£45 vs £530).
    £45 vs £530
  • 0.05 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.24 x
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.2 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.24 x vs 0.192 x
  • 250 g lighter
    Weight
    260 g
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (260 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    260 g vs 510 g
  • 10.5 mm narrower lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    66.5 mm
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is slimmer than the average camera lens (66.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    66.5 mm vs 77 mm
  • 13.25 mm shorter lens
    Lens length
    79 mm
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is shorter than the average camera lens (79 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    79 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    5.6
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    5.6 vs 2.8
  • 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.
  • 3 fewer aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    6
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <7 – >9
    This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (6 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    6 vs 9
  • No rounded blades
    Rounded aperture blades
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    This camera lens does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 87.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
    6 straight blades.
  • 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.
  • 0.8 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    1.1 m
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.1 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    1.1 m vs 0.3 m
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2005
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    February 2005
    2005 vs 2016
  • 1 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    1 vs 2
  • 7.9% worse value for money
    Pentax SMC DA 50 200mm F4 5 6 ED has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.38 vs 6.9).
    6.38 vs 6.89
  • 2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    5.6
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    5.6 vs 2.8
  • 3 fewer aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    6
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <7 – >9
    This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (6 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    6 vs 9
  • No rounded blades
    Rounded aperture blades
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    This camera lens does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 87.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
    6 straight blades.
  • 1 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    1 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.
  • 0.8 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    1.1 m
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.1 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    1.1 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.
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2005
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    February 2005
    2005 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
10/02/2006
Summary of the review
Pentax SMC 50-200mm f/4-5.6 DA ED review.
I
imaging-resource.com
01/12/2005
Summary of the review
Pentax 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED SMC P-DA - Imaging Resource
P
photozone.de
2005
Summary of the review
Pentax SMC-DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED - Review / Test Report(pentaxforums.com) | April 30 2024 | SMC Pentax-DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED Reviews(dpreview.com) |...
W
whatdigitalcamera.com
05/11/2007
Summary of the review
Pentax DA 50-200mm 4-5.6 ED Review - What Digital Camera
P
photoklub.com
07/12/2021
Summary of the review
[Test] DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED WR - PhotoKlub
(Translated)Show original
A
arnaud-dauphin.com
27/06/2024
Summary of the review
Pentax 50-200mm Test: Zoom and Precision in DSLR Photography
(Translated)Show original
H
hwupgrade.it
28/04/2008
Summary of the review
[Official Thread] PENTAX K20D - Kit lens tests and discussion
(Translated)Show original
M
mpb.com
11/05/2024
Summary of the review
Pentax SMC Pentax-DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED - Product Information and Review
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 286 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Pentax SMC DA 50 200mm F4 5 6 ED

  • Extremely compact and lightweight design for a telephoto zoom
  • Excellent value for money, often cited as a highly affordable entry-level option
  • Features a 'Quick-Shift' focus system for instant manual override in AF mode
  • Consistent and accurate autofocus tracking for its class
  • Produces pleasing 'Pentax colors' and sharp center images when stopped down
  • Robust build quality for a budget lens, often including a metal mount

What we don't like about Pentax SMC DA 50 200mm F4 5 6 ED

  • Noticeable drop in sharpness at the extreme 50mm and 200mm focal lengths
  • Noisy screwdriver-type autofocus mechanism compared to modern silent motors
  • Relatively slow maximum aperture (f/4-5.6), making it less ideal for low-light situations
  • Susceptible to chromatic aberration and some corner softness
  • External zoom design is prone to 'zoom creep' and can be harder to seal against dust
  • Long minimum focusing distance (1.1m) limits its use for close-up shots

Verdict

The Pentax SMC DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED is a compact, lightweight telephoto zoom lens designed for APS-C digital SLRs, offering a 35mm equivalent focal range of 75-300mm. Its optical construction includes 11 elements in 10 groups, featuring an extra-low dispersion (ED) glass element to minimize chromatic aberration and an SP (Super Protect) coating to repel dust and water. Key advantages include its portability, smooth Quick-Shift focus system for seamless switching between auto and manual modes, and consistent center sharpness across the zoom range. However, the lens suffers from a relatively small maximum aperture, noisy screwdriver-driven autofocus, and noticeable softness at the edges, particularly at the 50mm and 200mm extremes.

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