Pentax 200mm f/5.6 Tele-Takumar Preset Lens
The Pentax 200mm f/5.6 is a 200mm f/5.6 lens designed for M42 Screw Mount mount cameras. Used copies start from $67.32 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Pentax 200mm f/5.6 Tele-Takumar Preset Lens
Used Pentax 200mm f/5.6 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Pentax 200mm f/5.6
Key Features — Pentax 200mm f/5.6
200mm Prime Telephoto: Fixed 200mm focal length delivers a dedicated telephoto perspective without the optical compromises of a zoom design.
M42 Screw Mount: Universal screw mount is widely adaptable to modern mirrorless and SLR systems via readily available third-party adapters.
Full Frame Coverage: Image circle covers full frame sensors, so the lens can be used on both full frame and crop sensor cameras without vignetting.
Preset Aperture Design: Aperture is set manually via a dedicated preset ring, a classic mechanical approach that requires stopping down before each exposure.
f/5.6 Maximum Aperture: Moderate maximum aperture keeps the lens compact and lightweight while still enabling background separation at 200mm.
Fully Manual Operation: Both focus and aperture are entirely manual, suited to photographers who prefer deliberate, hands-on control over the shooting process.
Lens Specifications — Pentax 200mm f/5.6
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Wildlife, Portrait |
| Lens Type | Telephoto |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 200mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/5.6 |
| Camera System | SLR |
| Lens Mount | M42 Screw Mount |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 58mm |
Description — Pentax 200mm f/5.6
The Pentax 200mm f/5.6 Tele-Takumar is a prime telephoto lens with a fixed 200mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/5.6, built on the classic M42 screw mount for use with SLR cameras. It covers a full frame image circle, making it suitable for use on full frame and smaller sensor bodies alike. Weighing 400g, it is manageable in the hand for a dedicated telephoto prime.
The 58mm filter thread opens up a broad range of widely available filter options. As a manual focus, preset aperture lens, it offers a fully hands-on shooting experience — aperture is controlled via a preset mechanism requiring manual stop-down before each exposure. There is no image stabilization and no autofocus, placing full control in the hands of the photographer.
Its M42 mount makes it adaptable to many modern camera systems through third-party adapters, giving this vintage optic continued relevance for today's photographers.
Pros — Pentax 200mm f/5.6
- ✓Full frame coverage ensures no crop-related vignetting on larger sensor bodies
- ✓Fixed 200mm focal length provides a dedicated telephoto perspective with no compromise
- ✓58mm filter thread is a common, widely available size for easy filter pairing
Cons — Pentax 200mm f/5.6
- ✗Maximum aperture of f/5.6 limits light-gathering capability compared to faster telephoto primes
- ✗No autofocus — manual focus only, which may limit fast-action shooting
- ✗Preset aperture mechanism requires manual stop-down before each shot, slowing workflow
Videos — Pentax 200mm f/5.6
Pentax prime lenses - a guide to great vintage and modern lenses, from Takumar to today's D FAs — Simon's utak
Frequently Asked Questions — Pentax 200mm f/5.6
What camera mount does this lens use?+
The Tele-Takumar uses an M42 screw mount, a universal thread mount used on many vintage SLR cameras. With widely available M42 adapters, it can also be used on a variety of modern mirrorless and DSLR bodies.
Does this lens work on full frame cameras?+
Yes. The lens has a full frame image circle, so it will cover a full frame sensor without vignetting. It is also compatible with smaller sensor cameras.
Is autofocus available on this lens?+
No. This is a fully manual focus lens with no autofocus capability. Focusing must be done by hand using the focus ring.
What is a preset lens and how does the aperture work?+
A preset lens uses a manual aperture mechanism where the photographer sets the desired aperture on a preset ring and then stops down to that aperture using a separate ring before shooting. It requires a two-step process compared to automatic diaphragm lenses.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The Tele-Takumar accepts 58mm filters, a common thread size that is easy to find in most camera accessory ranges.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No, this lens has no image stabilization. At 200mm, a stable shooting platform or higher shutter speed is recommended for sharp handheld images.