New Pentax Digital SDM Zoom Lenses

By Editor • February 22, 2007

PENTAX-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the first two lenses in the new SMC PENTAX-DA* Series (pronounced PENTAX D.A. STAR SERIES). The SMC PENTAX-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL[IF]SDM wide angle zoom and the SMC PENTAX-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]SDM telephoto zoom feature a tightly sealed, weather-resistant and dust-resistant construction making both a perfect companion for the weather-sealed PENTAX K10D digital SLR.

Both lenses use the PENTAX KAF2 mount, which incorporates additional electrical contacts to drive a built-in supersonic motor used in autofocusing operation. A new SDM system has been incorporated for smoother, quieter autofocusing operation using a built-in supersonic motor. The focus mode is automatically switched to SDM-assisted autofocusing when the lens is mounted on the PENTAX K10D digital SLR camera body¹. When mounted on other PENTAX digital SLR camera bodies, the conventional autofocus mode (camera-mounted motor) is selected.

The lenses also feature the PENTAX original Quick-Shift Focus System for instant switching to manual-focus operation and PENTAX-original SP (Super Protect) coating to repel dust, water and grease.

Both models will be featured along with the entire line of PENTAX digital compact and SLR cameras and lenses in Booth G151 at PMA07 in Las Vegas, Nevada from March 8-11, 2007.

The SMC PENTAX-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL[IF]SDM will ship in the April/May timeframe priced at $899.95 (US MSRP). The SMC PENTAX-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]SDM will ship at the same time for $999.95 (US MSRP).

See all Pentax Lenses at Amazon.com.

¹ The PENTAX K10D firmware must be updated to take advantage of this automatic switching function.