These are the best Pentax lenses for macro photography when you want true 1:1 (or greater) magnification, clean color, and comfortable working distance for food, product, nature, and detail-driven portraits—across APS-C and full-frame K-mount bodies—and here’s what to look for as you buy: prioritize maximum magnification (true 1:1 is the baseline; 2:1 if you shoot very small subjects), working distance (longer focal lengths keep lights and skittish insects comfortable), flat field performance (edge-to-edge sharpness for packaging, textiles, coins), APO/low-CA correction around specular highlights, a long, precise manual-focus throw (with a focus limiter for faster AF), internal focusing if you want a non-extending barrel near diffusers, rounded blades for smooth background melt, WR sealing for dew and drizzle, and friendly front threads for polarizers, ring flashes, and diffusers; if you stack focus, pick lenses with repeatable MF and pair them with a rail, and remember Pentax body SR + Pixel Shift can reduce ISO and boost micro-detail on static sets. The modern hero is the HD PENTAX-D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR: 1:1 reproduction, lightweight metal WR build, HD/SP coatings for clean speculars, rounded diaphragm for creamy falloff, Quick-Shift for instant fine-tuning, and a working distance that suits jewelry, watches, and insects on both K-1/K-1 II and K-3 III. For APS-C walk-around and flat-lays, the HD PENTAX-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited offers true 1:1 in a jewel-like, compact barrel—perfect for food, stationery, and tabletop sets—while doubling as a crisp “normal” prime; full-frame shooters who like a shorter macro can add the smc/HD PENTAX-FA 50mm f/2.8 Macro for copy work and tight spaces. When you need more reach or gentler backgrounds, the IRIX 150mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 (K-mount) brings a sturdy, weather-sealed chassis, long focus throw, and creamy compression that flatters butterflies and field botanicals; for extreme close-ups without tubes, the LAOWA 100mm f/2.8 2× Ultra Macro APO (K-mount) delivers up to 2:1 magnification with APO control for color-clean edges on chrome, crystals, and labels. Budget shooters get excellent results from the Samyang/Rokinon 100mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 (K-mount)—fully manual with a smooth, long throw and strong micro-contrast—great for deliberate studio work and focus stacking. Medium-format adaptations expand options: the PENTAX 645 120mm f/4 Macro and select 67-system macros adapt well for generous working distance and elegant rendering on K-1/K-3 bodies. Not strictly “macro” but useful, close-focusing zooms like the HD PENTAX-D FA 28–105mm f/3.5–5.6 ED DC WR cover travel/product days with near-macro detail between hero frames. Practical buyer tips: choose ~100mm for all-around 1:1 with comfortable light placement, 35–50mm for flat-lays/copy and tight restaurant tables, and 150mm when insects are skittish or you want smoother backgrounds; favor APO-corrected designs if you shoot reflective subjects, pick internal-focusing barrels when working under diffusers, and use focus limiters to tame hunting in mixed light—then lean on Pentax SR for handhelds (disable SR on a locked tripod), Pixel Shift for ultra-clean product files, and bracketing/stacking to render 3D subjects edge-to-edge sharp. Whether you’re revealing citrus zest and fabric weave, photographing gemstones at 2:1, or isolating pollinators at dawn, the best Pentax macro lenses combine true macro capability, precise manual control, and weather-ready builds—so your close-ups are sharp, color-true, and retouch-ready straight out of camera.