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March 9, 2007 6:51 PM PST

Pentax's Primo Lenses

by Phil Ryan

Pentax's new DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL[IF]SDM

Pentax's new DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL[IF]SDM

(Credit: Pentax)

Pentax has been really busy this last year. First they celebrated the legacy of their K-series cameras with the K100 and K110 dSLRs, then they unleashed the powerful K10D, now they have unveiled a new line of high performance lenses called the smc Pentax-DA* series. The line debuts with two lenses: the DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL[IF]SDM and the DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED[IF]SDM. Pentax won't say what the SDM stands for, but the press release does say that the lenses include a supersonic motor. The samples we saw at the PMA 2007 trade show this week focused quickly and quietly, much like the high-end supersonic-motor-driven lenses we've seen from some other manufacturers.

Much like the water- and dust-resistant K10D, Pentax's new DA* lenses are weather sealed for extra durability. They also include a switch on the lens, to let you quickly toggle between autofocus and manual focus modes.

Pentax plans to begin shipping both lenses this spring. The DA* 16-50mm lens is expected to sell for about $900, while the DA* 50-135mm lens should sell for about $1000.

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Yet they are cheap
by bleech May 10, 2007 6:46 PM PDT
It seems that Pentax is in the downside of the dSLR.
NONSENSE!!!!!!!!

Actually, most of Pentax lenses are very cheap and amazing performers. Thatīs the reason they are regarded as THE BEST lens makers in the world [yep, that includes monsters like Leica, Hasselblad, Schneider, Cosina, Minolta and Zeiss].

Sharpness, bokeh, quality and ghost elimination capabilites are best among lenses.

Yet the equivalent japanese powerhouses are much more expensive.

And...
Pentax is the choice of the quirk freak.
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