DA 17-70mm f4 sdm

asdf · 01-05-2009, 04:42 PM

I purchased it today as a walk-around lens. I'll post sample pics eventually and maybe even a video showcasing the sound of the internal motor, if anyone's interested. Summary so far: no more loud bzzt bzzt when auto-focusing; the black finish is similar to the textured finish of the K200D body; I'm too excited to say anything objective right now.

The shot was made with M 50mm F1.7 (at F5.6) on a tripod with the 2s mirror lockup, ISO100, manual white balance.

EDIT: Here are the videos comparing the noise when these two lenses hunt.

EDIT2: I uploaded new and improved videos.

YouTube - PENTAX DA 18-55 II (take 2)
YouTube - PENTAX DA 17-70 F4 SDM [IF] (take 2)
Note also, that 17-70 doesn't extend to focus.

*Ivan Glisin* · 01-05-2009, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by asdf

I'll post sample pics eventually and maybe even a video showcasing the sound of the internal motor, if anyone's interested.

I am interested... :-) And since you have both 17-70 and 18-55 II, I am especially interested in how these two compare at f/5.6 and same focal lengths (say, 24mm and 50mm) in REAL field conditions. (No test charts please! :-)))

asdf · 01-05-2009, 06:44 PM

Originally Posted by Ivan Glisin

I am interested... :-) And since you have both 17-70 and 18-55 II, I am especially interested in how these two compare at f/5.6 and same focal lengths (say, 24mm and 50mm) in REAL field conditions. (No test charts please! :-)))

OK, great. I'll make some outdoor shots, eventually.

soccerjoe5 · 01-05-2009, 08:53 PM

How much were you able to score that lens? I'm thinking of getting one for my all-purpose zoom. I'm considering getting the 16-50 again or this one.

asdf · 01-05-2009, 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by soccerjoe5

How much were you able to score that lens? I'm thinking of getting one for my all-purpose zoom. I'm considering getting the 16-50 again or this one.

Well, using today's CADUSD exchange rate around 550 USD (not including taxes). However, I didn't shop for the best price online. I just went to a local store.

soccerjoe5 · 01-05-2009, 09:32 PM

Ouch! Man that's expensive. I can get a 16-50 for $100 more

I was expecting about 300-400max!

asdf · 01-05-2009, 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by soccerjoe5

Ouch! Man that's expensive. I can get a 16-50 for $100 more I was expecting about 300-400max!

Well, same here, at a different store--although the store with the better deals didn't offer this lens. I was looking for a range bigger than 16-50: here in Canada, I'd freeze my fingers juggling lenses on the go.

soccerjoe5 · 01-05-2009, 09:44 PM

Oh well, I hope it will come down after a while. Thanks

axl · 01-06-2009, 01:54 AM

keep us posted on this one. I'm quite into prime, but I keep my eye on this one as my holiday lens...

EricT · 01-06-2009, 03:12 AM

Originally Posted by Ivan Glisin

I am interested... :-) And since you have both 17-70 and 18-55 II, I am especially interested in how these two compare at f/5.6 and same focal lengths (say, 24mm and 50mm) in REAL field conditions. (No test charts please! :-)))

Congrats on the new toy!
I'm also interested in a comparison with the kit lens. SDM and extended range sure sounds nice, but I'd like to know how the IQ compares.

club.dead · 01-06-2009, 10:36 AM

Such 17-70 with KAF3 doesn't allow autofocus on k200d (KAF2), right?

asdf · 01-06-2009, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by club.dead

Such 17-70 with KAF3 doesn't allow autofocus on k200d (KAF2), right?

It does on mine.

It even works on K10D with a firmware upgrade. In the manual the following cameras are listed as supported: K20D, K200D, K10D (with 1.30 firmware) and K100D Super.

GaryM · 01-06-2009, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by club.dead

Such 17-70 with KAF3 doesn't allow autofocus on k200d (KAF2), right?

K200D (and K20D, K2000, K100D Super, K10D with 1.3 firmware) is KAF3 compatable.

club.dead · 01-06-2009, 12:11 PM

wow! Guys, could you help me with choosing between 17-70 and DA*16-50. I have my k200d with 50mm f1.4 and I do really need some more wide angles and to zoom a bit.

asdf · 01-06-2009, 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by club.dead

wow! Guys, could you help me with choosing between 17-70 and DA*16-50. I have my k200d with 50mm f1.4 and I do really need some more wide angles and to zoom a bit.

Maybe, best help would be to save you from blowing your hard earned money on your hobby.

But seriously...to me, DOF was a concern. See whether, in some cases, you'd really want shallower DOF between 17 and 50 which DA* would give you. As for weather sealing, 17-70 has a rubber ring in the mount and you can put some kind of cover on top of the lens itself in case of snow or rain.