# The Pentax 77mm 1.8 Limited Lens in 2026

*May 19, 2025 — Kasper Bergholt*

The Pentax 77mm f/1.8 lens, the brainchild of Japanese lens designer Jun Hirakawa, stands out with its unusual focal length of 77mm and f-stop value of 1.8.

These specifications diverge from more traditional choices like 50mm, 80mm, or 85mm, and apertures such as f/1.4 or f/2.0, clearly showing Hirakawa’s unique approach.

Interestingly, the 77mm, launched in 1999, is a full-frame compatible lens long before Pentax introduced their first full-frame digital camera, the Pentax K1, in April 2016.

For more than a decade, the 77mm f/1.8 was my go-to lens on the Pentax K5.

For a while, it was my only lens and proved surprisingly versatile, even some it wasn’t specifically designed for. For example, I successfully used it for ‘pseudo’ macro photography of food and wine, despite its 70-centimeter minimum focusing distance, and for capturing the ambiance in restaurant settings.

![1st generation Pentax 77mm 1.8 limited lens.](<https://bergholt.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pentax-77mm-1.8-filter-1024x681.jpg>)

*1st generation Pentax 77mm 1.8 limited lens.*

## The Greatest Pentax Lens of All Time?

Some objects just feel right the moment you touch them, and the 77mm f/1.8 is one of them. Once mounted on the camera, it feels like a natural extension of your body, almost disappearing, allowing you to focus purely on your creative intent.

Used 77mm f/1.8 lenses can be found at reasonable prices.”

To my knowledge, all versions of the 77mm 1.8 have been produced in Japan.

In 2024, I made a significant change, moving from my Pentax K5 to a[*Nikon D3*](<https://bergholt.net/nikon>). Even so, I know I’ll still grab the Pentax 77mm f/1.8 now and again.

## Shooting with a Pentax K10D & Pentax K1

In October 2024, I started using Pentax equipment again. Eager to experience and experiment with CCD sensors, I picked up a cheap*[Pentax K10D](<https://bergholt.net/10d>)*on eBay.

My latest acquisition is a Pentax SMCA 50mm f/1.2 lens, which is reportedly Pentax’s fastest lens to date (even faster than the 77mm).

![Pentax K1 mark I with 77mm 1.8 lens mounted](<https://bergholt.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pentax-k1-681x1024.jpg>)

*Pentax K1 mark I with 77mm 1.8 lens mounted*

## Specifications

*Brand: Pentax
Designer: Jun Hirokawa
Current producer: Ricoh
Country of origin/production: Japan
Launch year: 1999*
*Aperture: 1.8*
*Filter diameter: 49mm*
*Max diameter: 64mm*
*Mount: Pentax KAF*
*Color: Black or silver*
*Auto focus: yes*
*Manual focus: yes*
*Number of groups: 6*
*Number of blades: 9*
*Weight: 270 grams*
*Full-frame coverage: yes
Weather-sealed construction: no*