Pentax (Takumar) Pentax Takumar 80-200mm f4 Heritage

Overview

The Takumar 80-200mm f/4.5 Bayonet is a non-SMC coated version of the second-generation Pentax-M 80-200mm zoom, produced from 1984 to 1987 for the Pentax K mount. It was also marketed under the CPC Phase 2 branding. Positioned as a rugged, affordable telephoto zoom, it employs a one-touch (push-pull) zoom design and a 12-element, 9-group optical formula. Reviewers describe it as a reliable, well-built workhorse; one long-time owner recounts picking it up in college and using it for newspaper and mission-trip photography, praising its rugged construction and reliable performance. It carries no established nicknames or community jargon, and its cult following, if any, is modest and rooted in its dependable handling and strong bokeh rather than mythologized rendering. The broader Takumar line is celebrated for warm tones, natural contrast, and characterful rendering, though this specific bayonet-mount zoom lacks the SMC multicoating of the more famous M42 Takumars.

Verdict: The Takumar 80-200mm f/4.5 Bayonet is a rugged, reliable telephoto zoom best suited to photographers who value dependable build quality and pleasing bokeh over cutting-edge coatings. As an affordable non-SMC alternative in the Pentax K lineup, it appeals to budget-conscious vintage shooters and those seeking a durable manual-focus telephoto for portraits and general work.

Optical Character

Bokeh

Highly praised bokeh (community score 8.5, one reviewer 10/10) supported by the 8-blade diaphragm.

Sharpness wide open

Rated well overall at 8.3 community average, with one reviewer scoring sharpness a 9.

Community Insights

What people love

Rugged, solid construction that holds up to demanding real-world use such as newspaper and mission-trip photography
Reliable, dependable performance appreciated by long-term owners
Excellent bokeh, earning top marks (up to 10/10) from reviewers
Strong handling, with a community handling score of 9.0 and a one-touch push-pull zoom design
Perfect focusing scores (10/10 community average) reflecting smooth manual focus operation

What people dislike

One reviewer noted it cost too much when purchased new
Value scores are more modest (7.5 average), suggesting it is not universally seen as a bargain
Lacks SMC multicoating found on more celebrated Takumar lenses

Pro Tips

Use the built-in hood to help mitigate flare, since this version lacks SMC multicoating
Leverage its strong bokeh for portraits and telephoto subject isolation
Adapt easily to modern mirrorless bodies via the Pentax K mount, using manual focus and aperture control
Minimum focus is 120 cm, so plan for telephoto working distance rather than close-ups

Sources (1)

Web-grounded synthesissecondary

The Takumar 80-200mm f/4.5 Bayonet is a non-SMC coated version of the second-generation Pentax-M 80-200mm zoom, produced from 1984 to 1987 for the Pentax K mount. It was also marketed under the CPC Phase 2 branding. Positioned as a rugged, affordable telephoto zoom, it employs a one-touch (push-pull) zoom design and a 12-element, 9-group optical formula. Reviewers describe it as a reliable, well-built workhorse; one long-time owner recounts picking it up in college and using it for newspaper and mission-trip photography, praising its rugged construction and reliable performance. It carries no established nicknames or community jargon, and its cult following, if any, is modest and rooted in its dependable handling and strong bokeh rather than mythologized rendering. The broader Takumar line is celebrated for warm tones, natural contrast, and characterful rendering, though this specific bayonet-mount zoom lacks the SMC multicoating of the more famous M42 Takumars.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/Pentax-Takumar-80-200mm-F4.5-Bayonet-Zoom-Lens.htmlhttps://www.petervis.com/Cameras/asahi-pentax-takumar-lenses/asahi-pentax-takumar-lenses.html