The Pentax "Limited" lens line is known for its image quality, solid construction, and small size and weight. The first three lenses in this line were the FA 31/1.8, FA 43/1.9, and FA 77/1.8.

One of Pentax's exclusive Limited series lenses, the lightweight and compact 21mm f/3.2 ($470, street) features all the traits that have made a name for the Limited series: solid all-metal materials, extremely high manufacturing standards, engraved barrel markings, and uncompromising optics.

Pentax smc DA 21mm f/3.2 AL Limited is one of a series of Pentax pancake lenses the company introduced for its digital SLR cameras to fill in the gap that was left after the previous generation of K and M series lenses was discontinued.

Pentax have announced this new, compact prime lens for use on their digital SLR cameras. Slim and lightweight, we take a look at this aluminium-housed optic.

Compact in the extreme; Good resolution across the frame; Good build quality gives confidence in longevity

Some barrel distortion; Some CA when stopped well down; Price

The field of view of the lens, in 35mm equivalent, is that of a 32mm lens, near the classical 35mm focal length often associated with street photography. It can thus be regarded as an evolution of the FA 31mm F1.8 AL Limited.

The Pentax SMC-DA 21mm f/3.2 AL Limited is a very good lens but it is not as special as its longer cousins (specifically the Pentax FA 31mm f/1.8 Limited) nor is this really possible because of the increasing design problems when pushing things towards wide and ultra-wide angles.

As we've already happened to mention before, Pentax is the only company on the market which enlarges very consistently its line-up of fixed-focal lenses designed for small sensors.

significant distortion for such an angle of view; noticeable coma; very high astigmatism; image quality on the edge of the frame near the maximum relative aperture could have been better; a bit too high vignetting

Pentax have announced this new, compact prime lens for use on their digital SLR cameras. Slim and lightweight, we take a look at this aluminium-housed optic.

Compact in the extreme; Good resolution across the frame; Good build quality gives confidence in longevity

Some barrel distortion; Some CA when stopped well down; Price

A very bizarre little gem, this is by far my most-used lens. Everyone else has already covered the aspects of this lens to death (weird hood, small size, etc), so there's no reason for me to re-hash that here.

Size; Metal Construction; Sharpness; Colour Rendering

Finicky Hood; Small Max Aperture

This is a lens I had been considering for use on my K-5 as a moderate wide walkaround for some time. Every time I just about pulled the trigger on it, I would read some so-so review and look at the price and think, no way.