CLeW

The SMC Pentax-A* 645 600mm f/5.6 ED [IF] is a monumental manual-focus super-telephoto lens introduced in the late 1980s for the Pentax 645 medium format system. It was the longest native lens ever made for the 645 lineup and part of the elite A★ (A-Star) series, known for its optical ambition and mechanical precision. With a 35mm equivalent focal length of approximately 472mm, it was designed for wildlife, sports, and distant landscape photography—where reach, clarity, and control are paramount. Optically, it features a 12-element - 11-group design, including three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements to minimize chromatic aberration. The lens uses internal focusing (IF), an 8-blade automatic diaphragm, and stops down to f/45. It focuses as close as 5 meters, delivering a 0.16× magnification ratio. The lens accepts 49mm drop-in filters at the rear and includes a two-stage built-in hood, a rotating tripod collar, and a carrying handle for field use. It measures 156 × 353mm and weighs a formidable 4.8kg, making it strictly a tripod-only lens. It lacks autofocus, weather sealing, or quick-shift focus, but includes an “A” setting on the aperture ring for full automation on compatible bodies.

Country of Origin:
Release Date:
Launch Price:
Design Revisions: