📸 5 MUST-OWN Lenses For Pentax KP In 2024 [Guide]

Jan 13, 2024 | Buying Guides

Are you ready to replace the kit lens and get the best lenses for Pentax KP because you have squeezed all the fruit from it?

Or do you think that right off the bat, you will be better off by purchasing better optics? In any case, you came to the right place.

I appreciate the seven-fps continuous shooting feature. At last, I like the weather-sealing and in-body five-axis shake reduction.

Upon inspecting Pentax KP, I discovered that its 24 Mpx APS-C CMOS sensor works quite fine with a 27-points autofocus sensor.

lenses for Pentax KP

Do you wonder how much improvement a new set of lenses can provide?

From the start, I noticed how much of a boost KP received when I took some of the finest lenses and paired them with this great camera.

Editor's Choice
Best Runner Up
Best Budget

Pentax-D 24-70mm f/2.8ED Lens

Pentax-D 50mm f/1.4 Lens

Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 Lens

Capture stunning images with superb clarity and versatility using this top-notch, fast-aperture zoom lens.

Experience exceptional image quality and exquisite depth of field control with this exceptional prime lens.

Achieve outstanding image sharpness and artistic effects without breaking the bank with this high-performance lens.

5.0
4.9
4.8
Editor's Choice

Pentax-D 24-70mm f/2.8ED Lens

Capture stunning images with superb clarity and versatility using this top-notch, fast-aperture zoom lens.

5.0
Best Runner Up

Pentax-D 50mm f/1.4 Lens

Experience exceptional image quality and exquisite depth of field control with this exceptional prime lens.

4.9
Best Budget

Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 Lens

Achieve outstanding image sharpness and artistic effects without breaking the bank with this high-performance lens.

4.8
Lasso Brag

Best Prime Lens for Portraits

Pentax-D 50mm f/1.4 Lens

Pentax-D 50mm f/1.4 is an all-weather sealed lens with a dependable dustproof and weather-resistant structure that prevent water and dust intrusion interior.

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Pentax-D FA 50mm f/1.4 is a weather-resistant lens that is also dustproof, with eight sealing points that stop water from entering the lens.

The lens also has a nine-blade round-shaped diaphragm for beautiful bokeh effects. The design of the lens caught my attention immediately.

The build quality is robust, and the lens feels rock-solid, with an excellent grip on the camera.

The f/1.4 is excellent for achieving creamy bokeh and working under low-light conditions. The chromatic aberration is minimal; if you shoot at a narrow aperture, it disappears completely.

The picture quality is outstanding. I have used this prime lens for Pentax KP solely for portrait photography, and I was amazed at how good the images came out.

Details are preserved to the fullest, with superior separations between the subject in focus and the background at f/1.4. I am also content with color rendering because all the colors look nice with an eye-pleasing saturation level.

The only objection is the lens’s price, but since it is a high-end gear, it is worth the investment.

Pros

  • Outstanding image quality
  • Build quality
  • All-weather sealed

Cons

  • Chromatic aberration at maximum aperture

Best Wide-Angle Lens for Landscapes

Pentax 12-24mm f/4 Lens

Pentax DA 12-24mm f/4 is a big, rock-solid lens with a higher price, but also the one that delivers excellent quality and it produces razor sharp images.

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Pentax DA 12-24mm f/4 is a big, rock-solid lens with a higher price and delivers excellent quality.

The focal length of the lens is advantageous. I decided to explore nature a little bit and was amazed by the results. The image quality is outstanding.

This lens’s pictures are razor-sharp with minimal distortion and color fringing at 24 mm. The contrast is relatively high, and the color rendering is consistently good.

The angle of view at 12 mm is fantastic, and I have used it most of the time I have spent with this wide-angle lens for Pentax KP.

From an ergonomic perspective, it is worth saying it feels pretty fitting in the hands. Although it is made primarily out of plastic, it does not feel cheap at all.

Since it is relatively light, it is easy to shoot from your hands, and your back will not hurt if you carry it for extended periods.

Pros

  • Very sharp
  • Contrast is relatively high
  • Color rendering is consistently good

Cons

  • High price

Best All-Around lens for everyday photography

Pentax-D 24-70mm f/2.8ED Lens

Pentax-D FA 24-70mm f/2.8 has a weather-resistant construction with dependable seals that stop water intrusion and it has smooth bokeh effect.

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  • Lens Type: Normal
  • Mounting Type: Pentax KAF
  • Focal Length Range: 24-70mm
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 0.38 meters (1.25 feet)
  • Weight: 1.75 pounds
  • Dimensions: 4.3 x 3.48 x 4.3 inches

Pentax-D FA 24-70mm f/2.8 is a heavy lens with a significant front element. The lens is weather-sealed and operates quite well in the rain.

The craftsmanship of this lens is exceptional; it is designed to be pleasing to the eye with high-quality materials.

Regarding picture quality, all of the images I have taken with this lens appear full of life, with beautifully rendered colors.

Details are preserved nicely, even at the widest aperture. I am yet to notice serious distortion problems. I did see glare issues when I used the lens without a hood, but it was expected from such a big lens.

The focal length of this all-in-one lens for Pentax KP is broad, allowing one to explore different types of photography.

I have used the lens for interior, landscape, and portrait work. In all situations, the lens gave stunning results.

Under low-light conditions, it works exceptionally well at f/2.8. I say it is a bargain for the lens’s performance and affordable price.

Pros

  • Weather-resistant construction
  • Excellent image quality
  • Great low-light performance

Cons

  • Weight

Best Telephoto Lens for Wildlife Photography

Pentax 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6ED Lens

Pentax 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 covers a super-telephoto range while being compact and light enough to mount during long-range shooting sessions.

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Pentax 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 covers a super-telephoto range while compact and light enough to mount during long-range shooting sessions.

The lens features a unique dustproof and weather-resistant structure. From an ergonomic perspective, I particularly liked the four autofocus buttons on the barrel at every 90 degrees. This feature is helpful, no matter if one is shooting vertically or horizontally.

Of course:

The build quality is incredible as well. Since it is an all-weather lens, it is natural for it to be made out of metal with intelligent design solutions.

The sharpness of wide open is quite impressive, and stopped down, it is almost unmatched, at least in the telephoto category.

The bokeh effect is exceptional, and I did not notice severe fringing at the widest aperture. All of the images were tack-sharp across the frame.

The contrast is satisfactory, and the chromatic aberrations are negligible. The lens focuses close to two meters, while the autofocus operates smoothly and precisely.

If you are looking for a telephoto lens that will offer excellent image quality when combined with Pentax KP, then Pentax 50-450mm f/4.5-5.6 lens is a great choice.

Pros

  • Vivid colors
  • Good build quality
  • Wide focal length
  • Performs well in low light

Cons

  • High price

Best Macro Lens for Macro Photography

Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 Lens

Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 macro lens packs a high-grade aluminum construction of the lens barrel, hood, and cap, while the SP coating protects the glass elements.

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Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 macro lens packs a high-grade aluminum construction of the lens barrel, hood, and cap, while the SP coating protects the glass elements.

The lens is equipped with a shift focus system for instant switching between manual and autofocus.

Of course:

This gem from Pentax is quite large and heavy, which may deter some macro photography lovers, but let me assure you that the weight should not discourage you from purchasing.

I did a photo session with stationary objects like flowers and smaller fauna, and the lens beat the competition. The images this lens produces are sharp and contrast from 1:1 to infinity.

Pictures are sharp across the frame, without distortions at the edges. Colors are rendered accurately while the bokeh is excellent, and it will satisfy even portrait photographers.

Since this macro lens is quite versatile due to its focal length and aperture, it can capture decent scenery and portrait photos.

Generally, the autofocus behaves quite OK and responsive, yet I have noticed some lag in images that were not close-ups.

Pros

  • Accurate colors
  • Great build quality
  • Excellent images

Cons

  • Quite large and heavy

Best lenses for Pentax KP – Wrapping Up

Pentax KP is a stylish and modern camera with excellent features that can compete with some high-end cameras.

It was a pleasant experience to test the camera with myriad new lenses. All of the KP owners already know the quality of their cameras.

However:

If you decide to take the notch up, pair your Pentax KP with any of the lenses from the list, and your portfolio will thank you.

You can also read articles on this blog, such as this Pentax K1 Mark II lens or Sony A6400 lens guide.

I hope this Pentax KP lens guide helped you to choose the best lens for the Pentax KP camera in 2024.

If you need further help, feel free to comment below, and I will do my best to help you choose the right lens for your personal needs.

Happy shooting!

Disclaimer: "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases."

Stacy WItten

Stacy WItten

Owner, Writer & Photographer

Stacy Witten, owner and creative force behind LensesPro, delivers expertly crafted content with precision and professional insight. Her extensive background in writing and photography guarantees quality and trust in every review and tutorial.

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