I personally tested over 20 different lenses for this Pentax K1000 lenses guide, and I have discovered some very important stuff.

So I do advise you to stay with me and read till conclusion, but if you are in a hurry and just want a quick answer, here are my results:

Now, as far as Pentax K1000 camera is concered, some of you might wonder is it worth having or investing in this camera in 2024?

Well, let me answer on that question in a couple of sentances.

Is it worth owning Pentax K1000 camera in 2024?

#2 Best Runner-Up: The Must-Have Prime Lens for Pentax K1000

• Lens Type: Normal
• Mounting Type: Pentax KAF
• Focal Length Range: 50mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.45m
• Weight: 0.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 2 x 2.25 x 2.25 inches

Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 is an excellent portrait lens. I have noticed that the manual diaphragm works well, with great optics and coating.

I liked the idea of pure metal optics, and it is one of those lenses. Autofocus is not a necessity, and the lens is living proof of it.

Furthermore:

Since the aperture is solid, you will be able to capture beautiful portraits even at blue hour.

The image quality is great, with sharp details and no vignetting at the edges. On the other hand, I noticed that some details get lost at lower apertures.

When shooting portraits, photographers should pay attention to a pentagon-shaped bokeh which isn’t irritating but is visible.

#3 Best Budget: The Top Wide-Angle Lens for Pentax K1000

• Lens Type: Prime lens
• Mounting Type: Pentax K
• Focal Length Range: 28mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.3m
• Weight: 0.4 pounds
• Dimensions: 6.6 x 3.7 x 2.8 inches

Pentax 28mm f/2.8 is a sharp, versatile lens that has aged like wine. It is the lens without zooming and autofocus, which means you will have to do leg work.

Moreover, it means that you will need to compose and think through your shots carefully and focus on each frame manually. One of the things that make the optics the best Pentax K-1000 lens is the affordability.

Although many wouldn’t consider a 28mm for wide-angles, the option is much cheaper compared to the competition.

During the test:

I noticed that only the lens I’m describing didn’t suffer from chromatic aberrations or other optical shortcomings. Other lenses were either significantly more expensive or produces image defects.

The aperture is solid, with enough light coming in. I didn’t have special difficulties with low-light situations, but I wasn’t thrilled either. Design-wise, the lens is durable and sturdy.

• Lens Type: Telephoto
• Mounting Type: Pentax K-mount
• Focal Length Range: 100-300mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 1.4m
• Weight: 1.05 pounds
• Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.4 x 3.6 inches

Pentax 100-300mm f/4.7-5.8 sets the minimum focus distance of 4.9 feet with the 24.5-8.2 degree angle of view. It also features a fully automatic diaphragm.

The lens is one of the lightest 300mm lenses I have encountered. It comes to the expense of not being of a robust design. It also lacks a lens hood.

Other than that:

I only have words of praise for the lens. It is by far the best Pentax K1000 lens for telephotography, for several reasons.

The images come out extremely sharp all across the frame, with barely visible vignetting. Moreover, the contrast is beautiful, with superb color reproduction.

The focusing works fairly well, too. The lens doesn’t hunt for focus, although it focuses all over from the scratch. However, once you lock the focus, the pictures are beautiful in every regard.

• Lens Type: Macro
• Mounting Type: Pentax K-mount
• Focal Length Range: 100mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.45 m
• Weight: 1.05 pounds
• Dimensions: 6.85 x 4.41 x 3.31 inches

Pentax M 100mm f/4 is an extraordinarily sharp macro lens with a somewhat limiting aperture. Due to the age and discontinuity of the existing lenses, most of these macros suffer from balsam separation in the front doublet.

One could try to separate it and re-align it, although it takes special equipment and knowledge. If you manage to get one of the intact lenses, you will get solid macro optics.

It is one of the best Pentax lenses for close-up photography. I must object to the limiting aperture which can give hard time during the late hours, especially if you don’t like tripods.

On the other side of the coin:

The focal length is great for both macro and portrait work.

The general image quality is great, provided that you find a lens without a defect. The colors are solid, although too neutral for my taste, and the sharpness is on point.

The lens is quite light and affordable, so overall it is a good bargain if you are into vintage technology.

• Lens Type: Telephoto
• Mounting Type: Pentax KAF
• Focal Length Range: 55-300mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.95 m
• Weight: 1 pound
• Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 3.01 inches

The HD DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 is straight up perfect for capturing those far-off subjects like wildlife and sports.

And let me tell you, this lens is built to last with some high-quality materials and advanced coatings that reduce flare and ghosting while enhancing color accuracy.

Plus:

With an aperture range of f/4.5 to f/6.3, you can get some sick shots in low-light situations and play around with some shallow depth of field effects when shooting at longer focal lengths.

So if you’re looking for a versatile and quality lens, the Pentax HD DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 is where it’s at!

Find Your Perfect Pentax K1000 Lens: Where to Buy

We will also expand a bit about the best places to buy these lenses. You will probably be able to decide which way to believe is best suited for your situation. Here it is:

Convenience Meets Quality: The Best Places to Buy Pentax K1000 Lenses Online

Shopping online is a convenient way to find many options at different prices. Here are three reputable retailers:

Amazon: It offers new and used Pentax K1000 lenses from various sellers, with detailed product descriptions and reviews.

B&H Photo Video: Specializes in photography equipment and offers a broad selection of Pentax K1000 lenses, including vintage and rare models.

Adorama: Affordable lenses in good condition, with various options from standard to wide-angle and telephoto lenses.

Make sure to buy from reputable retailers like the three I suggested to ensure high-quality products. Read product descriptions and reviews carefully, and compare prices before purchasing.

Hands-On Shopping: Where to Find Pentax K1000 Lenses In-Store

If you prefer seeing and touching the lens before purchasing, buying it in-store might be your best option. Here are two options that are also good choices for buying lenses.

Best Buy: You can purchase Pentax K1000 lenses both online and in-store.

Independent camera stores: Check out your local area for camera stores that sell Pentax K1000 lenses. They usually have more options available, plus the staff is more knowledgeable.

Maximizing Your Pentax K1000 Experience: Practical Advice for Photographers 

The Pentax K1000 is a classic camera that continues to be celebrated for its robustness and simplicity. To truly get the most out of this timeless piece of equipment, consider the following tips and advice:

• Understand the Basics:
  Start by mastering the manual controls of your K1000. Being a fully manual camera, it offers complete control over exposure settings, such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO (via film choice). Practice using these settings in different lighting conditions to develop an intuition for the correct exposures.

• Focus on Composition:
  Without autofocus, you’ll need to hone your manual focusing skills. Spend time practicing focusing quickly and accurately. This can be a great way to improve the overall composition of your shots, as it forces you to be more deliberate about what is in focus and what is not.

• Experiment with Film:
  Different films can dramatically alter the look of your photos. Experiment with a variety of film types, including color negatives, black and white, and slide films, to find the aesthetic that speaks to your creative vision.

• Maintain Your Equipment:
  The K1000 is mechanical, making it durable but not immune to wear and tear. Clean your lenses regularly, store your camera in a dry place, and have it serviced periodically to keep it in good working order.

• Learn from the Masters:
  Study the work of photographers who predominantly shot with film. Understanding their techniques and approaches to composition, lighting, and subject matter can provide valuable insights that you can apply to your own photography.

• Join a Community:
  Connect with other K1000 enthusiasts and film photography groups, either online or in person. Sharing experiences and knowledge can help you learn new techniques and keep the passion for film photography alive.

By embracing these practices, you’ll not only enjoy using your Pentax K1000 but also improve your skills as a photographer, capturing images that have the timeless quality this camera is known for.

The Ultimate Lens FAQ: Pentax K1000 Edition

What lenses can I use with Pentax K1000?

The Pentax K1000 is compatible with a wide range of lenses due to its K-mount system. Any Pentax K-mount lens can be used, including the SMC Pentax K, M, A, F, FA and FAJ lenses. Additionally, third-party lenses for the K-mount, like those from Sigma, Tamron, and Zeiss, can also be used. However, please keep in mind that some modern K-mount lenses may not be fully compatible due to lack of aperture ring.

What size lens is a Pentax K1000?

The Pentax K1000 doesn’t have a specific lens size as the size depends on the lens being used. However, the K1000 originally came with a 50mm f/2 lens. The thread size for the lens (often used for filters) is 49mm. It’s important to note that lenses with different focal lengths and thread sizes can be used due to the camera’s K-mount system.

Can you change lenses on the Pentax K1000?

Yes, you can change lenses on the Pentax K1000. The camera features a K-mount, which is a bayonet-style lens mount standard from Pentax. This mount allows for a wide range of lenses to be used, providing great flexibility for photographers.

Can I use modern lenses on my Pentax K1000?

While the K-mount allows for a wide range of lenses to be used, some modern K-mount lenses might not be fully compatible if they lack an aperture ring. It’s always wise to check the specifics of the lens compatibility before purchase.

What are the best third-party lenses for the Pentax K1000?

There are numerous high-quality third-party lenses available for the K-mount system. Some well-regarded options include lenses from Sigma, Tamron, and Zeiss. As always, ensure the third-party lens you choose includes an aperture ring for complete compatibility with the Pentax K1000.

The Final Say: Our Recommendations for Pentax K1000 Lenses

Getting the high-quality Pentax K1000 lens can be a challenging task due to a variety of reasons.

The marketplace is not saturated with proper optics for vintage cameras, but you could manage.

If you are thinking about which is the best lens for Pentax K1000, feel free to pick any from the list, and you will not regret it.

Hopefully this guide helped you make the right decision and choose the right lens for your Pentax K1000.

Make sure to read other guides on our website such as Pentax K70 lens guide and Pentax k3 ii lenses.

 Happy shooting!

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• Pentax K1000 Lenses
• Pentax K-3 Lenses
• Pentax K-3 II Lenses
• Pentax KP Lenses
• Pentax K-1 Mark II Lenses
• Pentax K-70 Lenses
• Pentax Q Lenses