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Reviews (1)
15 December 2012
The best mid-range zoom lens made for Pentax DSLR cameras, period.
1 of 1 found this helpful I used to own this lens, along with a K-7, and a K20D, until they fell victim to someone who felt that they deserved them more than I did. I will spare you all the details. All I will say is this: Protect your camera equipment! That being said, the lens was the best mid-range telephoto lens I have used in over 40 years of taking pictures, 35 of them with Pentax SLR cameras. I don't worry much about what a computer can see, but my eye can't. And all the things this lens could see were sharp to my eye. even at f2.8, which was what I used mostly, as I used it for low light situations. And considering the fact that this is a zoom, it needed very little light to do it, even without the benefit of the magnificent K-5. (How I wish I could have paired them up!) But, back to the lens. I was very impressed with the build quality, and the fact that the lens really IS sealed. It has no need of openings, because, if my memory serves me, it doesn't change size, like almost every other zoom lens out there. It has large, differently ribbed rubber focus and zoom rings with just the right resistance. As with all Pentax DA* lenses, I could switch from auto to manual focus by simply moving the focus ring. That is very handy. It also has a single switch to turn off auto focus until you want it back. All in all, I believe that this is the best mid-range telephoto zoom lens made for Pentax digital SLR cameras, period. The only drawback I can see, is that like all DA* lens Pentax makes, it is not compatible with full frame, or film cameras. If not for that, it would be the perfect mid-range lens. I can't wait until I can buy another one.