Table of Contents
Pentax SMC 1000mm f/8
Summary
The SMC Pentax 1000mm f/8 is a legendary ultra-telephoto prime introduced in 1975 for the Pentax K-mount, and produced until 1986. It was the longest non-mirror telephoto lens Pentax ever made for 35mm format, designed for extreme-distance photography—from wildlife and surveillance to lunar and terrestrial imaging. With a focal length of 1000mm and a relatively fast f/8 aperture, it was a technical marvel of its time, though it demands serious planning and support to use effectively. Optically, it features a 5-element - 5-group design with Super Multi-Coating (SMC) and a 10-blade manual diaphragm, stopping down to f/45. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 30 meters, offers a 0.036× magnification ratio, and uses rear-mounted 52mm drop-in filters. It lacks a traditional focusing ring—instead, dual side-mounted knobs control a rack-and-pinion focusing mechanism, much like a telescope. It includes front and rear sighting scopes to help locate distant subjects. The lens measures a massive 143 × 738mm, weighs 5.29kg, and was supplied in a dedicated aluminum trunk case with a built-in sliding hood and metal push-on cap.
Tech Specs
| Manufacturer | Pentax |
| Series | K Series Prime |
| Model | SMC |
| Focal Length | 1000mm |
| Max Aperture | f/8 |
| Min Aperture | f/45 |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Image Circle | - |
| Minimum Focus | 3000cm |
| Focus Rotation | ° |
| Iris Blades | 10 |
| Optical Design | 5/5 |
| Squeeze | none |
| Front Diameter | 143mm |
| Filter Thread | 52mm (rear) |
| Focus/Zoom Rod | none |
| Native Mount | Pentax K |
| Data Protocol | none |
| Length | 738mm |
| Weight | 5290g |
| Body Telescope | - |
| Body Material | - |
| Focus Drive | - |
| Iris Drive | - |
| Zoom Drive | - |
History
Country of Origin:
Release Date: 1975
Launch Price:
Design Revisions: