[k100d]

no mention of weather sealing that was mentioned in the French Magazine Chasseurs(...)?

[cpopham]

The most interesting parts of that press release aren't being discussed:

Q: Will PENTAX continue to develop DSLR bodies with the older body-based focusing system?

A: Yes. We will continue to develop bodies that support the body based focus system in addition to the SDM system.

Q: Will PENTAX be developing SDM-only lenses from now on?

A: No: Despite the great advantages of our SDM autofocus systems, we will continue to develop both SDM and body-based focus systems. In fact, different types of lenses have different requirements. For example, our unique Limited lenses are often so compact that there is no space for an SDM autofocus motor. Until time and technology present other options, we will continue to develop both types of autofocus systems.

Where are all the doomsayers now?

[CSoars]

They did mention dual AF is being eliminated (a la DA star), and the lenses will be EITHER screw driven or SDM, but no longer both as well.

If this indicates proper ring-drive motors instead of micro-motors, I'm all for it.

[BrendanPK]

What about sealing? It only mentions the front element coating.

[nakey]

KAF3? i thought the SDM equipped cameras were crippled KAF2

Either way, this lens sounds nice, though i'll wait for it to drop in price

That 2.8 on the wide end of the Sigma has come in handy for me at times.
I just wish they would make a 17-70 with a constant 2.8 aperture--THAT, I would pay $500+ for, as I love the 17-70 range.

going OT for a bit, is that even possible? I saw a discussion on another forum, and it came to the conclusion that all F2.8 constant zooms are about 3X max. the DA* 16-50 is slightly higher than 3X, but all those 70-200s, 17/18-50, Sigma's 50-150 and the like, are all around the 3X mark

17-70 is about the 4X mark.

not that i wouldn't want to see it either. 17-70 F2.8? i'm There!

[macbeth]

meh. too many zooms in the normal range imo.

then again, I fell in love with primes 2 months ago

[Fl_Gulfer]

Another lens that leaves us K100D users weeping....

[clawhammer]

To all who say that they can get the 16-50 for near the MSRP of this lens, remember that the MSRP of the 16-50 is still around $1000. you're not comparing apples to apples.

Edit: the 17-70 has 17(!) pieces of glass in it. the old 16-45 had 13, and the sigma and 16-50 have 15. That glass has to add something to the cost.

Assuming this comes down to around 400, I think I'm gonna be getting this lens. The question is just wether I get a 4x5 system first...

[BrendanPK]

Well according to John (C Pentax) it only has a rear mount seal, no official weather sealing other than that.

[creampuff]

I really do want and hope that this lens is a good one. This is the sort of zoom lens focal range that would be very appealing to most users, especially those who would be requiring a lens for holiday shooting purposes. Matched with a tele zoom and a super wide angle and you have a great compact kit for holidays when you need to go light.

I agree 100%. This focal length range is really the most versatile as it covers slightly wider than the traditional 28mm to a nice 105mm tele in 35mm equivalent. If the optical performance is good, I foresee this lens as a volume seller for Pentax because it is ideal for a wide range of subjects and very practical for travel, events or just a one lens solution.

Aside from this, I am keen to find out if it can eventually replace my long serving DA 16-45mm f/4, a fine lens that would have been perfect if it went a little longer beyond 45mm. The other small annoyance is the DA16-45's lens barrel extends at the wide end and looking at the DA17-70, it remains short at the wide end and only extends at the tele end. Also the DA 16-45mm isn't IR friendly with noticeable hot-spots. I'm hoping this new lens will do better.

This lens certainly has a lot to prove, certainly coming head-to head with the Sigma 17-70mm, DA16-45mm and DA* 16-50mm. Personally I've always had a preference for constant f-stop zooms and the benefits of it. A constant f/4 is good enough for me. So it is good to see there are more options available for the Pentax user.

[creampuff]

Another lens that leaves us K100D users weeping....

Never mind, I'll sell you my DA16-45mm...
Seriously, I too had the K100D and when I saw the SDM lenses released, I made the decision to upgrade to a K100D Super because of SDM compatibility.

[christinelandon]

KAF3? i thought the SDM equipped cameras were crippled KAF2.

Remember that an SLR removable-lens mounting system has two major parts: the lens mount and the body mount. The new (KAF3) lens mount will lack the screw-drive AF mechanism of the KAF/KAF2 series mounts. The body mount of the current cameras is the modified ("crippled," i.e., no coupler for the lens aperture lever on older lenses with an aperture ring) KAF2 DSLR version of the earlier film SLR KAF2 body-side mount.

[Roland303]

Looks like a very nice lens. For what it offers, the price seems reasonable (although I'd wait for it to drop below $500) and is definitely a lens that I'd consider buying to replace my DA 16-45.

[F-Stop]

I guess I'm along the same lines as Heather, what's with the F/4 glass Pentax is putting out? Perhaps it's a size issue and while 17-70 is a range I find I'd use the most I can't wait to try this lens out myself.

Considering options for portrait and wedding photography I'm poised to purchase the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 & Tamron 70-200 F2.8 due to the range and faster glass where it's needed. The DA 16-50mm F2.8 & DA 50-135mm F2.8 would have been a consideration but with less than stellar reviews and posts I'm lost what to do.

A DA* 60-250 F2.8 would have been ideal or even 60-200 F2.8. I guess it means more revenue for every other lens company besides PENTAX if this trend keeps up. I honestly haven't tested what's currently available but from what I read I don't want to shell out the money I have and be disappointed. Of course, we still have a nice range of quality prime lenses at least.

Release of new equipment as of late always seems delayed and below expectations in quality or features. Even the local camera store where I bought my K100D said Pentax is always slow off the gate to put anything to the market so the big 2 are always ahead in sales. I can honestly see why he's a Pro Canon dealer and Pentax is 'Special Order'.

[Edvinas]

Announced price of US$599.95 from July 08

Hmm, all I can say is that days when Pentax cameras and lenses were best bang for the buck are over. First we got two bodies priced more than competition, now we have crazy priced consumer level lens...