PENTAX Q 08 WIDE ZOOM (1.5x zoom)
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Table of contents
Gallery
The example photos were taken with a Pentax Q7.
Review
1．Overview
The 08 Wide Zoom Lens for the Pentax Q is the final ultra-wide-angle zoom lens designed specifically for the Q.
Its focal length is 3.8-5.9mm, which translates to 21-33mm in 35mm format for the Q and Q10, and 17-27mm for the Q7 and Q-S1.
Since the Pentax Q series does not have a mechanical shutter on the camera itself, the four AF-compatible lenses, including this one, are equipped with a leaf shutter inside the small lens housing.
2．Usability
ペンタックスQ用 08ワイドズームレンズはオーストラリアに赴いた際にQ7に装着して撮影に使用した。
When using this lens, the graininess typical of compact digital cameras can be noticeable at 1:1 magnification, but the image appears to be fine when reduced to about half. Regarding backlighting, even with the hood attached, noticeable ghosting occurs in harsh backlit conditions where the sun is directly in front. Even when used with the Q7, which has a slightly larger sensor than the Q10, there is no corner falloff, making this a reliable lens.
Because the small sensor size results in a fairly short focal length, distortion is noticeable in scenes with straight lines in RAW images, but it is corrected in JPEG images.
The minimum focusing distance is 0.25m across the entire zoom range, which may seem like it could be closer given the actual focal length, but if we assume that the distance from the sensor to the tip of the lens is approximately 0.05m (5cm), you can get as close as 0.2m (20cm) from the tip of the lens, which is sufficient for general photography.
I no longer have this lens, and sold it when the resale price exceeded the purchase price. This lens, which was selling for around ¥30,000 just before it was discontinued, now carries a price tag of around ¥70,000 and ¥100,000 in 2024. While a 17mm focal length in a compact digital camera is certainly rare, a Micro Four Thirds lens with an actual focal length of 8mm (equivalent to about 16mm in 35mm) can be obtained more affordably, even if the camera is slightly larger. Rather than forcing yourself to buy this lens, it might be better to look for another option.
The following options are available for this lens:
- PH-RBF49: Lens hood
- O-LC49: Front lens cap (49mm)
Since there are no photos of the lens housing in my database, the exterior photos are taken from the official PDF.
3．Summary
In conclusion, to sum up the 08 Wide Zoom Lens for Pentax Q is an ultra-wide-angle lens that achieves a maximum angle of 17mm in a compact camera system.
However, as of 2025, even the cheapest models are priced at nearly 100,000 yen, so considering the quality of images that can be captured, it may be better to look for a wide-angle lens for a different system, such as Micro Four Thirds.
Specification
| Items | 01 | 02 | 06 | 08 |
| Focal length(mm) | 8.5 | 5〜15 | 15〜45 | 3.8～5.9 |
| Q10 35mm equivalent focal length | 47 | 27.5〜82.5 | 82.5〜247.5 | 21〜33 |
| Q7 35mm equivalent focal length | 39 | 23〜69 | 69〜207 | 17〜27 |
| Max aperture | 1.9 | 2.8〜4.5 | 2.8 | 3.7〜4 |
| Leaf blade | 5 | ← | ← | ← |
| Lens Construction | 8 elements in 5 groups | 8 elements in 7 groups | 14 elements in 10 groups | 8 elements in 7 groups |
| Min distance(m) | 0.2 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 0.25 |
| Lens length(mm) | 23 | 48 | 56 | 38 |
| Max diameter(mm) | 45.5 | 48.5 | 50 | 54 |
| Filter Size(mm) | 40.5 | ← | ← | 49 |
| Weight(g) | 37 | 96 | 90 | 75 |
| Release date | 2011.8.31 | ← | ← | 2013.12 |
Reference links
- 01 STANDARD PRIME Official page
- 02 STANDARD ZOOM Official page
- 06 TELEPHOTO ZOOM Official page
- 08 WIDE ZOOM Official page
Affiliate link
Update history
- 2025.8.24
- 2024.07.27
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