Despite its compact, highly portable design, this high-performance telephoto zoom lens covers the image circle of 35mm-format full-frame digital SLR cameras. Since it is designed to be compact and lightweight with a weather-resistant  construction, it delivers outstanding imaging performance in a wide variety of applications. With the addition of the high-grade, multi-layer HD Coating to the optics, the overall lens coating performance has been optimized. The result is that it delivers sharp, high-contrast images, while minimizing flare and ghost images in backlit situations.

Versatile Telephoto Shooting Supported by Excellent Portability

Despite its outstanding portability, assured by a compact, lightweight body measuring 175 millimeters in length and weighing 819 grams (859 grams with a lens hood), this zoom lens delivers exceptional imaging performance over the entire zoom range. Coupled with a weather-resistant construction which prevents intrusion of water into the lens barrel, it performs superbly in all types of active outdoor photography.

When mounted on an APS-C-format camera, its focal length range is extended to the equivalent of 107mm to 322mm in the 35mm format. Its outstanding portability makes outdoor photography simpler, more effortless and more enjoyable. When coupled with the HD PENTAX-DA AF REAR CONVERTER 1.4X AW, you can further extend the focal length range to cover a wider range of subjects.

Image captured with PENTAX K-1 Mark II

Image captured with PENTAX KP using AF Rear Converter 1.4X

Tele-Macro Shooting Made Easy by Excellent Close-Range Imaging Performance

Thanks to a minimum focusing distance of 0.95 meters and a maximum magnification of 0.32 times, the HD PENTAX-D FA 70-210mm F4ED SDM WR can be used as a telephoto macro lens to expand your freedom of expression. In addition, the lens barrel is designed to be extension-free during autofocusing and zooming operations to keep the overall dimensions intact. When mounted on an APS-C-format camera, the maximum magnification is increased to approximately 0.48 times in the 35mm format. Since it allows you to capture close-up images nearly at half life-size (0.50 times), it will greatly expand the creative freedom of tele-macro photography.

Image captured with PENTAX K-1 Mark II

Image captured with PENTAX K-1 Mark II

Image captured with PENTAX KP

Optical Construction Designed to Optimize Maximum Magnification

Although their F numbers at open aperture vary, both this lens and the HD PENTAX-D FA★ 70-200mmED DC AW have a similar focal-length range.

The HD PENTAX-D FA★ 70-200mmED DC AW retains the uniform aperture of F2.8 over the entire zoom range to deliver the exceptional image quality characteristic of Star-series lenses, because PENTAX placed priority on imaging performance over magnification in close-range photography. That’s why the middle optical-element group, rather than the large, heavier front optical-element group, is used for focusing operations. By using the middle optical-element group for focusing, this lens provides a broader angle of view for a given focusing distance in close-range photography. Because of this, its maximum magnification is limited to 0.13 times.

On the other hand, the HD PENTAX-D FA 70-210mmED SDM WR has a smaller lens barrel diameter by setting the maximum aperture to F4, while using the front optical-element group for focusing operations. By using the front optical-element group for focusing, this lens provides a narrower angle of view for a given focusing distance in close-range photography. It also benefits from a shorter minimum focusing distance of 0.95 meters. Thanks to these two factors, its maximum magnification is increased to 0.32 times.