Pentax today launched the new, high performance smc PENTAX-DA*, interchangeable, zoom lens range.

The PENTAX-DA*16-50mm and smc PENTAX-DA*50-135mm are the first model in the range and boast a supersonic motor, providing the smoothest, quietest auto focusing operation have offered.

Designed exclusively for use with Pentax?s digital SLR cameras, the lenses bring together Pentax?s advanced optical technologies, including aspherical elements and original lens coatings. The weather and dust resistant coating on the new range also provides a completely weather-resistant system when combined with the Pentax K10D.

?Our engineers are rightly proud of their achievements with these new DA* lenses? says Phil Williams, Divisional Head, Imaging Systems at Pentax. ?Each one is testament to Pentax? continuous pursuit of the ultimate image quality in digital photography? Williams continues

Expect to see these lenses available from retailers as of May 2007.

See below for full specifications ?

smc PENTAX-DA * 16-50mm F2.8EDAL[IF]SDM

Lens mount PENTAX KAF2 mount
Lens construction 15 elements in 12 groups
Angle of view 83-31.5° (when used with PENTAX dSLR camera body)
Aperture control Automatic
Minimum aperture F22
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Metering system TTL open-aperture metering
Minimum focusing distance 0.3 m
Filter size 77mm
Maximum magnification 0.21x
Dimensions(d x l) 84mm x 98.5mm (3.3″ x 3.9″)
Weight 565g (19.9oz) w/o hood / 600g ( 21.2 oz) with hood



smc PENTAX-DA * 50-135mm F2.8ED [IF]SDM

Lens mount PENTAX KAF2 mount
Lens construction 18 elements in 14 groups
Angle of view 31.5-11.9°( when used with PENTAX dSLR camera body)
Aperture control Automatic
Minimum aperture F22
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Metering system TTL open-aperture metering
Minimum focusing distance 1.0 m
Filter size 67mm
Maximum magnification 0.17x
Dimensions (d x l) 76.5mm x 136mm(3.0″ x 5.4″)
Weight 685g ( 24.2 oz) w/o hood / 765g ( 27.0 oz) with hood

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