New water-resistant lenses from Pentax

DA 18-55mm AL WR

(Credit: Pentax)

Pentax has announced two new entry-level WR (water-resistant) series lenses: the DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR and the DA 50-200mm AL WR. They coincide with the launch of the company's new K-7 dSLR body, which has a dust- and water-resistant lens mount.

Both lenses offer water and dust resistance when used with a complementary water-resistant K series body, such as the K-7 or the K-20. The lenses feature weather-resistant seals for damp and inclement conditions. The DA 18-55mm WR replaces the existing model while adding the water-resistance. The DA 50-200mm WR also replaces the existing model while adding water-resistance and an ED (extra-low dispersion) lens element.

The lenses will be available in July 2009, with the DA 18-55mm WR priced at $199.95, and the DA 50-200mm WR priced at $249.95.

[xZero2007x]

I wouldn't know much about wear and tear from the elements over time since my camera and lenses just recently became a year old. My telephoto did die due to some defect and it's in the working warranty process--kind of doubt it was due to wear and tear from the elements. I wonder if this practical or not. Higher end bodies usually advertise being resistant to the elements more often than lenses do, but I haven't heard any stories of lenses going dead because of the conditions. If a body went bad, it was usually due to extreme circumstances, but even so, most shooters are usually careful and prepare ahead of time for their anticipated shooting conditions...