Production
1965 – 1975
Country
Japan
Optical
5 elements in 5 groups
Updated
Jul 4, 2026
Pentax (Takumar) Pentax Takumar 200mm f4
M42 screwmount (adaptable to Pentax K) · 200mm · f/4
Compiled from 1 real reviews · AI-assisted · accuracy-checked · Updated 4 Jul 2026
Overview
The Super-Takumar and Super-Multi-Coated (S-M-C) Takumar 200mm f/4 are classic M42 screw-mount telephoto primes produced by Asahi Optical Co. from 1965 to 1975. According to community sources, Asahi Pentax made numerous variations of the 200mm lens over the M42 era, including a faster F3.5 version and the slower, older Tele-Takumar F5.6, with four versions of the M42-mount lens total once the Super-Multi-Coated variants are counted. The Super-Takumar (1965-1971) featured basic single or double coatings, while the S-M-C Takumar (1971-1975) added Pentax's Super Multi-Coating for improved contrast, color fidelity, and flare resistance, plus open-aperture metering support on Spotmatic F, ES, and ES II bodies. No established nicknames are documented in the reviews. Its cult following is grounded in its affordability (averaging around $59), robust all-metal build, excellent optical performance, and easy adaptability to modern mirrorless and DSLR systems thanks to the universal M42 mount. Reviewers consistently recommend it (100% of 44 reviewers), praising it as a compact, affordable alternative to faster f/2.8 telephotos with genuine vintage rendering.
Verdict: The Takumar 200mm f/4 is an affordable, superbly built vintage telephoto for photographers who value excellent center sharpness, smooth bokeh, and natural rendering over outright speed. It's ideal for portraits, nature, and compressed-perspective work, and its universal M42 mount makes it a low-risk, high-reward pick for mirrorless adapters. Choose the single-coated Super-Takumar for muted, monochrome-friendly output, or the S-M-C version for richer color and better flare resistance.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Wonderfully smooth bokeh despite only 6 aperture blades, especially from f/5.6 to f/8, with no bubble or swirl.
Color
Natural rather than vivid colors, lending well to black-and-white conversion, especially on the single-coated Super-Takumar.
Sharpness wide open
Excellent center sharpness, usable wide open at f/4 and peaking at f/8 before diffraction sets in.
Flare resistance
Coatings suppress reflections for high contrast, with the S-M-C version adding improved flare resistance.
Contrast
High contrast, with the S-M-C version offering improved contrast and color fidelity over the earlier version.
Vignetting
Little to no vignetting reported, with good corner performance and minimal falloff.
Community Insights
What people love
- Excellent center sharpness, usable wide open at f/4 and peaking at f/8
- Wonderfully smooth bokeh despite only 6 aperture blades, especially from f/5.6 to f/8
- Robust, all-metal build with a substantial scalloped focus ring, made in Japan
- Outstanding value, averaging around $59 with 100% of reviewers recommending it
- Almost no chromatic aberration, with little to no distortion or vignetting
- Easy adaptability to modern Pentax DSLRs and mirrorless systems (Sony E, Canon RF, Fuji X) via simple M42 adapter
- Natural colors that convert to monochrome easily
What people dislike
- Colors on the single-coated Super-Takumar are less vivid than some hoped for
- Maximum aperture of f/4 is slower than f/2.8 telephoto alternatives
- Hefty 550g weight from all the metal and glass
- Front barrel extends during focusing (though it does not rotate)
Pro Tips
- Stop down to f/8 for the sharpest results without introducing diffraction
- Use the f/5.6 to f/8 range to combine peak sharpness with the smoothest bokeh
- Shoot the single-coated Super-Takumar in black-and-white, since its natural, less-vivid colors convert to monochrome with little modification
- Choose the S-M-C variant if you want more vivid color, higher contrast, and better flare resistance
- Use the dedicated metal hood to maximize contrast; the M42 mount adapts cleanly to Sony E, Canon RF, and Fuji X mirrorless
Compatible Adapters
Real adapters from our shop that fit this lens mount.
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿1,250 · In stock
Standard · ฿890 · Out of stock
Pentax K Lenses to Canon EOS R Mount Camera Adapter
Standard · Out of stock
Pentax K Lenses to Canon EOS Camera Mount Adapter
Standard · Out of stock
Sample Photos
Sources (1)
Web research
The Takumar 200mm f/4 is an affordable, superbly built vintage telephoto for photographers who value excellent center sharpness, smooth bokeh, and natural rendering over outright speed. It's ideal for portraits, nature, and compressed-perspective work, and its universal M42 mount makes it a low-risk, high-reward pick for mirrorless adapters. Choose the single-coated Super-Takumar for muted, monochrome-friendly output, or the S-M-C version for richer color and better flare resistance.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/S-M-C-Super-Takumar-200mm-F4.htmlhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/143331461@N03/albums/72157677493120217