* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Pentax HD 40mm f/2.8 PENTAX-DA Limited Autofocus APS-C Lens for K-Mount, Black {49}
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$242.00
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KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear, expertly inspected†
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Pentax's 40mm pancake prime, refined with HD coating.
At 15mm long and 80g, the HD DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited disappears into a bag and barely registers on a body. That profile is the point. Pentax built this lens for shooters who want optical quality without the bulk of a conventional prime, and the construction backs it up: 5 elements in 4 groups, a 9-blade rounded aperture diaphragm for smooth out-of-focus rendering, and the HD High Definition multi-layer coating that defines the updated Limited series.
The 49mm filter thread, full-time manual focus override, and included MH-RE49 hood round out a thoughtfully specified package. Autofocus runs off the camera's screw drive, keeping the lens barrel slim. Minimum focus sits at 0.40m, with a distance scale on the barrel for those who prefer to work by reference. The f/2.8 maximum aperture gives you enough light-gathering for indoor work without pushing the lens into larger physical territory.
This is a proven design that holds its place in the Pentax K-mount ecosystem because nothing else in the lineup matches its size-to-quality ratio at this focal length. For a system shooter who values a carry-everywhere prime, it earns its spot.
Who It's For
Street photographers working with Pentax APS-C bodies get a lens that fits in a jacket pocket and draws no attention, with f/2.8 available when light drops. Travel shooters benefit from the 80g weight and 15mm length on long days when every gram adds up. Photographers who shoot in mixed light indoors, such as documentary or event work, will use the full-time manual override to fine-tune focus quietly. Those who shoot at or near 0.40m minimum focus distance for environmental portraits or close detail work get a distance scale to stay consistent across a sequence.
Key Features
- 40mm f/2.8 prime for Pentax APS-C K-mount systems
- 5 elements in 4 groups with HD multi-layer coating
- Ultra-compact 15mm length and 80g weight
- 9-blade rounded aperture diaphragm for smooth bokeh
- 0.40m minimum focus with full-time manual override
- Screw-drive autofocus with distance scale on barrel
- 49mm filter thread, includes MH-RE49 hood
FAQ
- What makes the HD coating different from earlier Pentax Limited lenses?
- The HD High Definition multi-layer coating is part of Pentax's updated Limited series specification. It reduces reflections across the optical path, which improves contrast and color rendition compared to standard coatings.
- How does the screw-drive autofocus perform on modern Pentax bodies?
- Screw-drive AF is camera-powered, so speed depends on your body's AF motor. It's reliable for general work, but faster on newer K-mount bodies with stronger motors. Full-time manual focus override means you can fine-tune focus without switching modes.
- Is 0.40m minimum focus close enough for macro work?
- At 0.13× magnification, this lens is not a macro tool. It handles close detail work and product shots at short distances, but won't give you true macro reproduction. If you need 1:1 magnification, you'll need a dedicated macro lens.
- Why no aperture ring on a Limited edition lens?
- Limited lenses prioritize compactness. Aperture control via the camera body keeps the barrel slim. For a 15mm pancake, that design choice makes sense.
- What's the field of view on a Pentax APS-C body?
- The 40mm focal length delivers a moderately wide perspective on Pentax's crop-sensor K-mount system. The distance scale on the barrel helps with manual focusing if your body supports it.
- Will this lens work with full-frame K-mount cameras?
- No. The HD DA 40mm is designed for APS-C K-mount bodies. It will not cover a full-frame sensor.
- How does the rounded 9-blade aperture affect out-of-focus areas?
- The rounded blade design smooths the bokeh circles at wider apertures. You get less of the stopped-down polygon look and rounder, creamier background separation at f/2.8 and f/4.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 40mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Mount | Pentax KAF |
| Stabilization | No |
| AF System | Yes |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Aperture Notes | Rounded aperture diaphragm |
| Elements | 5 |
| Groups | 4 |
| Special Coatings | High-grade multi-layer HD (High Definition) Coating |
| Minimum Focus | 0.40 m (15.75") |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.13× |
| AF Motor Type | Screw drive from camera |
| Full Time Manual | Yes |
| Distance Scale | Yes |
| DOF Scale | No |
| Aperture Ring | No |
| Diameter | 63 mm (2.48") |
| Length | 15 mm (0.59") |
| Color | Black, Silver |
| Filter Thread | 49 mm |
| Hood Product Code | MH-RE49 |
| Weight | 80 g (0.18 lb) |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Pentax |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 49mm |
| Lens Mount | Pentax KAF2 (SMC-DA, SMC-DFA) |
| Lens Type | Standard / Normal |
| Max Focal Length | 40mm |
| Min Focal Length | 40mm |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent
Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Bargain
Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Ugly
Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
