No photo available for this lens
Production
1980 – 1988
Country
Japan or Taiwan (both production versions exist)
Optical
4 elements in 4 groups, non-SMC telephoto
Updated
Jul 1, 2026
Pentax (Takumar) Pentax Takumar 135mm f2.5
Pentax K · 135mm · f/2.5
Overview
The Takumar 135mm f/2.5 Bayonet was introduced by Pentax in 1980 and produced until 1988 as a budget-friendly manual-focus telephoto prime for full-frame K-mount film cameras. Despite sharing its name and basic specs with the earlier, more refined SMC Pentax 135/2.5, this Takumar-branded version is optically distinct, built around a simpler 4-element/4-group formula without SMC coating, placing it in a different (lower) performance tier. The reviews note some historical confusion with the earlier M42-screw-mount Takumar 135mm f/2.5, which was celebrated for precise engineering, a classic Pentax colour signature, and beautiful rendering. No established nicknames or community jargon are evidenced in the reviews. Its cult appeal comes from its solid build, pleasing bokeh, strong value, and vintage character that flatters portraits, with 91% of reviewers recommending it despite mixed impressions.
Verdict: The Pentax Takumar 135mm f/2.5 Bayonet is a budget vintage telephoto best suited to portrait shooters and vintage-lens enthusiasts who value solid build, silky manual focus, and pleasing bokeh over clinical sharpness. It rewards those willing to stop down for crispness and to embrace its soft, dreamy wide-open character. It won't match the optical refinement of the SMC Pentax 135/2.5, but at its price it remains a strong value and a characterful choice.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Smooth, pleasing bokeh with rounded specular highlights, especially at closer focusing distances, with no swirl.
Color
Classic Pentax colour signature, with warmth or saturation specifics unknown.
Sharpness wide open
Soft with low contrast wide open at f/2.5 but sharp when stopped down to f/5.6-f/8; Japanese-made versions cited as sharper.
Flare resistance
Non-SMC bayonet version shows noticeable veiling flare in strong backlighting, especially without a hood.
Contrast
Low contrast wide open at f/2.5, improving significantly when stopped down to f/4-f/8.
Community Insights
What people love
- Solid, reassuring build quality with brass-and-alloy construction and pleasing heft
- Smooth, long-throw, perfectly damped manual focus ring that encourages deliberate shooting
- Pleasing bokeh with rounded specular highlights, ideal for portraits and detail work
- Excellent value, averaging around $54 and often considered superior to generic 135mm f/2.8 lenses
- Sharp results when stopped down to f/5.6-f/8
- Gentle wide-open rendering that flatters skin and textures for portraiture
What people dislike
- Soft with low contrast wide open at f/2.5
- Noticeable chromatic aberration and flare, especially without a hood on the non-SMC version
- No 'A' setting on the aperture ring, limiting it to manual or aperture-priority modes
- Variable quality between Japanese and Taiwanese production versions
Pro Tips
- Use the built-in sliding hood or an external hood to control flare and maintain contrast, especially on the non-SMC version
- Stop down to f/5.6-f/8 for maximum sharpness and contrast in landscapes and detail work
- Shoot wide open at f/2.5 for flattering, gentle portrait rendering with smooth bokeh
- Focus closer to maximize the rounded specular highlight bokeh
- Seek out Japanese-made copies (serials beginning with 54) for better sharpness and contrast
- Pair with a mechanical film body or use a suitable adapter on mirrorless for a slow, deliberate shooting experience
Sources (1)
Web-grounded synthesissecondary
The Takumar 135mm f/2.5 Bayonet was introduced by Pentax in 1980 and produced until 1988 as a budget-friendly manual-focus telephoto prime for full-frame K-mount film cameras. Despite sharing its name and basic specs with the earlier, more refined SMC Pentax 135/2.5, this Takumar-branded version is optically distinct, built around a simpler 4-element/4-group formula without SMC coating, placing it in a different (lower) performance tier. The reviews note some historical confusion with the earlier M42-screw-mount Takumar 135mm f/2.5, which was celebrated for precise engineering, a classic Pentax colour signature, and beautiful rendering. No established nicknames or community jargon are evidenced in the reviews. Its cult appeal comes from its solid build, pleasing bokeh, strong value, and vintage character that flatters portraits, with 91% of reviewers recommending it despite mixed impressions.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/Pentax-Takumar-135mm-F2.5-Bayonet-Lens.htmlhttps://dutchthrift.com/blogs/gear/asahi-pentax-takumar-135mm-f-2-5-review-buying-guide