[pr0digi]

Hi

Is the bundled 18-135mm lens KAF3 or KAF4? I am yet to purchase the body but confused after looking at the bundled lens which is affordable. I read about KAF4 lenses being better in terms of reliability and preventing the aperture lock problem seen in older Pentax cameras. Can you comment on the issue and if K-70 resolves it.

If I plan to buy body and KAF4 lense separately, which one would you suggest?

Thanks!

[Chuck-B&H]

Hello;

Unfortunately Pentax [Ricoh-Imaging] does not designate the lens as either a KAF3 or KAF4 mount model. I asked a floor manager in our store to call a kit up from inventory and he confirmed the lens in the kit he checked had the diaphragm lever which Pentax claims was removed from the KAF3 for the newer F4 version.

[KAF4-Mount] Installed Electromagnetic diaphragm, and eliminated diaphragm lever from KAF3 mount.

I am unaware of an "aperture lock problem" and could not find any service advisories from Pentax concerning it to reference.

According to the link referenced above, "HD" lenses are listed as having the KAF4 mount.

A versatile wide-angle to telephoto zoom for Pentax DSLRs, the HD PENTAX DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR Lens offers a 24.5-130mm-equivalent focal length to benefit working in a wide variety of shooting situations. One extra-low dispersion glass element and three aspherical elements have been incorporated within the optical design to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortion throughout the zoom range and an HD (High-Definition) coating has been applied to maintain light transmission and reduce surface reflections.

The HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR Lens from Pentax is a portrait-length to telephoto zoom lens that provides a 35mm-equivalent focal range of 84.5-460mm. This extensive zoom range is complemented by the inclusion of two extra-low dispersion glass elements, which work to minimize chromatic aberrations and enhance overall image sharpness and clarity. A high-grade multi-layer HD coating has been applied to lens elements to help minimize flare and ghosting for enhanced contrast and, additionally, an SP Protect coating has also been applied to the front lens element to effectively protect it from dirt, oil, and finger prints.


Hope this helps.

Chuck

[Adam]

According to the link referenced above, "HD" lenses are listed as having the KAF4 mount.

The 55-300mm PLM lens is KAF4 (= no aperture linkage, in lens AF), currently all other Pentax DA lenses are either KAF3 (aperture linkage + in lens AF) or KAF2 (aperture linkage + in-lens AF + screwdrive AF) or KAF (aperture linkage + screwdrive AF).
Details: The Evolution of the Pentax K-mount - Articles and Tips | PentaxForums.com

The K-70 is not known to be prone to the aperture failure issue, so this shouldn't be a concern. It is also compatible with both KAF4 and older mounts, so any lens will work!

I second Chuck's recommendation of the 16-85mm lens, but the way. It's a great, versatile choice.

[pr0digi]

thank you guys.
any comments on the bundled lens?

[Adam]

thank you guys.
any comments on the bundled lens?

An in-depth look is here:
Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

I'd recommend starting a new thread if you have any specific questions about it.

[Chuck-B&H]

Hello,

You should check out the very favorable reviews from customers who have purchased the lens on our web site.


Chuck