Pentax launches the new, high performance smc PENTAX-DA* (DA* Star), interchangeable, zoom lens range. The PENTAX-DA* 16-50mm and smc PENTAX-DA* 50-135mm are the first models in the range to boast a supersonic motor that delivers smoother, quieter autofocusing operation.

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 PENTAX-DA* range also features a tightly sealed, weather and dust-resistant construction to enhance durability and when used with the Pentax K10D, create a completely weather resistant system that can be used in the most challenging of environments.

"Our engineers are rightly proud of their achievements with these new DA* lenses. Pentax has built an enviable reputation with its * (star) lenses, and these new additions to the range are eagerly anticipated by photo enthusiasts and professionals. Each one is a testament to Pentax' continuous pursuit of the ultimate image quality in digital photography," said Phil Williams, Divisional Head, Imaging Systems at Pentax

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Major Features of the smc PENTAX-DA* 16-50mm F2.8ED AL[IF]SDM Lens

* When mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body, this 3.1x zoom lens covers angles of view from 24.5mm to 76.5mm (in 35mm format). This versatile ultra-wide to medium-telephoto coverage, can be used as a handy standard zoom lens in a wide variety of applications, including landscape, snapshot and portrait.
* Incorporating two ED (extra-low dispersion) elements and three aspherical elements, this versatile zoom lens effectively compensates for chromatic and spherical aberrations.

Specifications

* Lens mount PENTAX KAF2 mount
* Lens construction 15 elements in 12 groups
* Angle of view 83-31.5°( when used with PENTAX Digital SLR 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(diameter x length) 84mm x 98.5mm (3.3 inches x 3.9 inches)
* Weight 565g ( 19.9 oz) without hood /600g ( 21.2 oz) with hood

Major Features of the smc PENTAX-DA* 50-135mm F2.8ED [IF]SDM Lens

When mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body, this 2.7x zoom lens covers angles of view from 76.5mm to 207mm (in 35mm format). Coupled with a large maximum aperture of f/2.8, it is a perfect telephoto zoom lens for applications such as portraiture, featuring beautifully constructed, out-of-focus backgrounds, and sports photography freezing split-second action at high shutter speeds.

• Incorporating three ED (extra-low dispersion) elements, this telephoto zoom lens effectively minimises the chromatic aberrations which would be particularly detrimental to image-forming performance.
• This telephoto zoom lens is treated with PENTAX-original ghostless coating to effectively minimise internal reflections in the optical elements and greatly improve contrast and clarity with backlit subjects.

Specifications

• Lens mount PENTAX KAF2 mount
• Lens construction 18 elements in 14 groups
• Angle of view 31.5-11.9° ( when used with PENTAX Digital SLR 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(diameter x Length) 76.5mm x 136mm(3.0 inches x 5.4 inches)
• Weight 685g ( 24.2 oz) without hood / 765g ( 27.0 oz) with hood

Availablity
These lenses are available from retailers as of May 2007.