SMC Pentax AF Zoom 2.8 35-70mm

mnseawa · 06-04-2010, 05:15 PM

anyone have an opinion of this lens? is it good or just a curiosity?

this is the early AF lens (pre F?) that includes the large housing under the lens for AA (i think) batteries to power the zoom.

**kiwi_jono** · 06-04-2010, 06:03 PM

It certainly is an unusual lense. Looking in the lense review section there are 4 reviews of it:
Pentax Lens Review Database - SMC Pentax-AF 35-70mm F2.8 Lens Reviews

Seems like it is good optically and fast for a zoom although fairly heavy.

mz-3 · 06-04-2010, 07:39 PM

The zoom range is not very good. 35mm is not wide enough.

Adam · 06-04-2010, 07:49 PM

The biggest downside is that it doesn't support AF on any body other than the ME F. Sure makes for a great collector's item, though! I'm on the lookout for one...

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)

PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

**ChrisPlatt** · 06-04-2010, 07:58 PM

A 35-70mm zoom is a nice "walkaround" lens for film bodies.
The f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout is a very nice feature.
I wish Pentax had offered a manual focus version of this lens.

Chris

Joey561 · 06-06-2010, 02:55 PM

I have one of those in perfect condition for sale! I inherited it from my grandfathers collection.

DigitalGal · 07-21-2011, 01:50 PM

I have it and I love it! The image quality is great and it is very ergonomic to hold and operate (although might seem to be bulky and heavy)..

I got it quite cheap on ebay a few years ago after I tried it in local cameras repair shop.. The guy still didn't sell it, but the price from 80eur has grown to 150eur within 2 years.. on ebay it was not more than 40usd shipping included to Italy.. I can share some images, if someone is interested to see them..

Nick Siebers · 07-21-2011, 08:14 PM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

A 35-70mm zoom is a nice "walkaround" lens for film bodies.
The f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout is a very nice feature.
I wish Pentax had offered a manual focus version of this lens.

Chris

There was an M 35-70 2.8-3.5 zoom. I had one for a while, very nice IQ, and fast too.

06-04-2010, 05:15 PM	#1
mnseawa New Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: seattle Posts: 23	SMC Pentax AF Zoom 2.8 35-70mm anyone have an opinion of this lens? is it good or just a curiosity? this is the early AF lens (pre F?) that includes the large housing under the lens for AA (i think) batteries to power the zoom.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: SMC Pentax-F zoom 35-70mm 3.5-4.5	jbevans	Sold Items	0	11-25-2009 04:06 PM
For Sale - Sold: Pentax SMC-F 35-70mm f/3.5-4.5 Macro Zoom Lens	wallyb	Sold Items	3	10-14-2009 02:16 PM
For Sale - Sold: SMC Pentax-A Zoom 1:3.5-4.5 • 35-70mm	Snarkomatic 2000	Sold Items	3	07-22-2009 04:42 PM
For Sale - Sold: SMC Pentax M 35-70mm f2.8-3.5 Zoom Lens	Youngster	Sold Items	0	04-11-2009 06:28 PM

06-04-2010, 06:03 PM	#2
kiwi_jono Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,437	It certainly is an unusual lense. Looking in the lense review section there are 4 reviews of it: Pentax Lens Review Database - SMC Pentax-AF 35-70mm F2.8 Lens Reviews Seems like it is good optically and fast for a zoom although fairly heavy.

06-04-2010, 07:39 PM	#3
mz-3 Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 152	The zoom range is not very good. 35mm is not wide enough.

06-04-2010, 07:49 PM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	The biggest downside is that it doesn't support AF on any body other than the ME F. Sure makes for a great collector's item, though! I'm on the lookout for one... Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

06-04-2010, 07:58 PM	#5
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,696	A 35-70mm zoom is a nice "walkaround" lens for film bodies. The f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout is a very nice feature. I wish Pentax had offered a manual focus version of this lens. Chris

06-06-2010, 02:55 PM	#6
Joey561 New Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: West Palm Beach, FL US Posts: 1	I have one of those in perfect condition for sale! I inherited it from my grandfathers collection.

07-21-2011, 01:50 PM	#7
DigitalGal New Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Milano, Italy Photos: Gallery Posts: 11	I have it and I love it! The image quality is great and it is very ergonomic to hold and operate (although might seem to be bulky and heavy).. I got it quite cheap on ebay a few years ago after I tried it in local cameras repair shop.. The guy still didn't sell it, but the price from 80eur has grown to 150eur within 2 years.. on ebay it was not more than 40usd shipping included to Italy.. I can share some images, if someone is interested to see them..

07-21-2011, 08:14 PM	#8
Nick Siebers Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Madison, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,165	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt A 35-70mm zoom is a nice "walkaround" lens for film bodies. The f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout is a very nice feature. I wish Pentax had offered a manual focus version of this lens. Chris There was an M 35-70 2.8-3.5 zoom. I had one for a while, very nice IQ, and fast too.