Pentax already has a 100mm macro option in its range - the Pentax smc D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro - but this newer version has the advantage of weather resistance.

A large zoom lens upgrade

The Pentax 12-24mm has a big price tag but is compact and lightweight. The big zoom ring facilitates smooth zooming with an even progression from start to finish. The focus ring is equally smooth but has a longer travel than most ultra-wide competitors

The smallest and lightest in the group, the Pentax 18-55mm looks more like a standard 50mm prime lens than a zoom. The filter size is refreshingly small at 52mm, although the lens is reasonably fast at f/3.5-5.6

The Pentax 100mm Macro looks like an old-school lens, with its lockable aperture ring at the back and a huge 'clamp' switch on the side, for locking focus. Autofocus itself is hit and miss, with a noisy motordrive