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Pentax smc DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited vs Pentax HD DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited

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Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L

Wideangle Prime | Pentax KAF

Pentax smc DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited
CHECK PRICE
BUY from B&H PHOTO
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Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L

Wideangle Prime | Pentax KAF

HD Pentax DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited
CHECK PRICE
BUY from B&H PHOTO

Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L vs Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing the Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L for the KAF Mount and the Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L for the KAF Mount, two Wideangle Prime lenses by Pentax. Both lenses have the same focal length and max apertures of 21mm and F3.2 so they are very comparable in this regard.

We will start by looking briefly at the main specs of these two lenses, and in the next section, we will start analyzing them in more detail and listing the pros and cons of each lens.

Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L Key Specs

  • 21mm Focal Range
  • F3.2 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 49mm
  • Max Format: APS-C / DX
  • Pentax KAF Mount
  • Weight: 140g.
  • Diameter: 63mm
  • Length: 25mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.2m
  • Max Magnification: 0.17x

Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L Key Specs

  • 21mm Focal Range
  • F3.2 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 49mm
  • Max Format: APS-C / DX
  • Pentax KAF Mount
  • Weight: 134g.
  • Diameter: 63mm
  • Length: 25mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.2m
  • Max Magnification: 0.17x

What type of photography are the Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L and Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L and the Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L
Bird/WildlifePoorPoor
SportsPoorPoor
PortraitAverageAverage
TravelAverageAverage
StreetExcellentExcellent
WeddingAverageAverage
Walk AroundAverageAverage
VloggingGoodGood
LandscapeVery GoodVery Good
MacroPoorPoor

Size and Weight Comparison

The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L weighs 134g, 4% (6g) lighter than the Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L's weight of 140g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Wideangle Prime Lenses in Pentax KAF Mount for size comparison purposes.

Wideangle Prime Lenses in Pentax KAF Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Pentax smc FA 31mm F1.8 AL Limited Lens Pentax FA 31mm F1.8 L
69mm
65mm 345g Amazon B&H Photo
HD Pentax-FA 31mm F1.8 Limited Lens HD Pentax-FA 31mm F1.8 Ltd
69mm
65mm 341g Amazon B&H Photo
Samyang 20mm F1.8 ED AS UMC Lens Samyang 20mm F1.8
88mm
83mm 497g Amazon B&H Photo
HD Pentax DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited Lens Pentax 15mm F4 ED AL L
40mm
63mm 189g Amazon B&H Photo
Voigtlander 20mm F3.5 Color Skopar SL II Lens Voigtlander 20mm F3.5 SL II
29mm
63mm 205g Amazon B&H Photo
Samyang 35mm F1.4 AS UMC Lens Samyang 35mm F1.4
112mm
63mm 660g Amazon B&H Photo
Carl Zeiss Distagon T 228 Lens Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/28
93mm
64mm 520g Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 14mm F2.8 ED IF Lens Pentax 14mm F2.8 ED
69mm
84mm 420g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both the Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L and the Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L has the same Pentax KAF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Pentax KAF lenses are Pentax KF, Pentax K-3 III and Pentax KP.

Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L is also available in Pentax KAF mount.

Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L is also available in Pentax KAF mount.

Focal Range

Both lenses have the same focal range of 21mm and the fastest aperture of F3.2.

Reasons to choose Pentax smc DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited over HD Pentax DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited

Reasons to choose HD Pentax DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited over Pentax smc DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited

Weight 134g vs 140g 6g lighter
Common Weaknesses of Pentax smc DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited and HD Pentax DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization
Weather Sealing No vs No not safe under rain and dust


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L vs Pentax 21mm F3.2 AL L Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Pentax Pentax
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Wideangle Prime Wideangle Prime
Lens Mount Pentax KAF Pentax KAF
Max Format APS-C / DX APS-C / DX
Focal Range 21mm 21mm
Image Stabilization No No
Colour Black Black, Silver
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F3.2 F3.2
Min Aperture F22.0 F22.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 7 7
Optics
Optical Elements 8 8
Optical Groups 5 5
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.2m 0.2m
Max Magnification 0.17X 0.17X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Screw drive from camera Screw drive from camera
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method - -
Distance Scale - Yes
DoF Scale - Yes
Distance Scale - Yes
Focus Distance Limiter No No
Physical Specs
Weight 140g 134g
Diameter 63mm 63mm
Length 25mm 25mm
Weather Sealing No No
Filter Thread 49mm 49mm
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code - MH-RBB43
Tripod Collar No No
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