Culture

Pentax announces new 17-70mm f4 lens

Pentax announces new DA 17-70mm f4 AL SDM lens

Matthew Fitzgerald Associate Testing Analyst

Matthew Fitzgerald, a CNET associate editor, has been involved with digital camera technology and the photo industry for more than 15 years. His background includes work as a professional photographer, a technical representative, and a repair technician.

See full bio

Matthew Fitzgerald

June 4, 2008 9:51 a.m. PT

Pentax has announced the release of the Pentax SMC DA 17-70mm f4 AL SDM lens for Pentax digital SLR cameras. First shown at PMA 2008, the 17-70mm lens has a constant aperture of f4 through the entire zoom range, with a working focal length of 26-107mm. It has Pentax's SDM system with built-in supersonic motor for quiet and responsive autofocusing when used on a compatible Pentax DSLR. The lens is compatible with the K20D, K200D, K100D Super, and K10D (with firmware 1.30 or later). When used on other Pentax bodies the focus is automatically switched to manual. Featuring Pentax's Quick-shift Focus System that enables you to switch from auto to manual focus with a turn of the focus ring. It has a minimum focusing distance of 11 inches and weighs in at 17.1 ounces with a length of 3.7 inches. It will be available in July at around $600.